e10vk
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Commission File number 1-6659
AQUA AMERICA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Pennsylvania
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23-1702594 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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762 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
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19010-3489 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code:
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(610) 527-8000 |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Name of each exchange on |
Title of each class |
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which registered |
Common stock, par value $.50 per share
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New York Stock Exchange, Inc. |
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Philadelphia Stock Exchange Inc. |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or
a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule
12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act).
Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the
registrant as of June 30, 2006:
$2,973,777,262
For purposes of determining this amount only, registrant has defined affiliates as including
(a) the executive officers named in Part I of this 10-K report, (b) all directors of
registrant, and (c) each shareholder that has informed registrant by June 30, 2006, that it
has sole or shared voting power of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock of registrant.
The
number of shares outstanding of the registrants common stock as
of February 9, 2007:
132,344,394
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1) Portions of registrants 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders have been incorporated by
reference into Parts I and II of this Form 10-K.
(2) Portions of the Proxy Statement, relative to the May 24, 2007 annual meeting of
shareholders of registrant, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year
covered by this Form 10-K Report, have been incorporated by reference into Part III of this
Form 10-K.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (10-K), or incorporated by reference into
this 10-K, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that 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, that 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 believes, expects, anticipates, plans, future, potential, probably,
predictions, continue or the negative of such terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements in this 10-K, or incorporated by reference into this 10-K, include, but are not limited
to, statements regarding:
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projected capital expenditures and related funding requirements; |
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developments, trends and consolidation in the water and wastewater utility industries; |
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dividend payment projections; |
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opportunities for future acquisitions, the success of pending acquisitions and the
impact of future acquisitions; |
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the capacity of our water supplies, water facilities and wastewater facilities; |
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the impact of geographic diversity on our exposure to unusual weather; |
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our capability to pursue timely rate increase requests; |
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our authority to carry on our business without unduly burdensome restrictions; |
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our ability to obtain fair market value for condemned assets; |
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the impact of fines and penalties; |
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the development of new services and technologies by us or our competitors; |
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the availability of qualified personnel; |
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the condition of our assets; |
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the impact of legal proceedings; |
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general economic conditions; |
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acquisition-related costs and synergies; and |
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the forward-looking statements contained under the heading Forward-Looking
Statements in the section entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis from the
portion of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders incorporated by reference herein and
made a part hereof. |
Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:
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changes in general economic, business and financial market conditions; |
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changes in government regulations and policies, including environmental and public
utility regulations and policies; |
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changes in environmental conditions, including those that result in water use restrictions; |
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abnormal weather conditions; |
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changes in, or unanticipated, capital requirements; |
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changes in our credit rating or the market price of our common stock; |
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our ability to integrate businesses, technologies or services which we may acquire; |
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our ability to manage the expansion of our business; |
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the extent to which we are able to develop and market new and improved services; |
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the effect of the loss of major customers; |
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our ability to retain the services of key personnel and to hire qualified personnel
as we expand; |
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labor disputes; |
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increasing difficulties in obtaining insurance and increased cost of insurance; |
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cost overruns relating to improvements or the expansion of our operations; |
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increases in the costs of goods and services; |
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civil disturbance or terroristic threats or acts; and |
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changes in accounting policies. |
Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
You should read this 10-K and the documents that we incorporate by reference into this 10-K
completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different
from what we expect. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only
as of the date of this 10-K. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information
under the federal securities laws, we are not obligated, and assume no obligation, to update these
forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. For further
information or other factors which could affect our financial results and such forward-looking
statements, see Risk Factors. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these
cautionary statements.
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PART I
Item 1. Business
The Company
Aqua America, Inc. (referred to as Aqua America, we or us) is the holding company for
regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services to what we estimate to be approximately
2.8 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, New York,
Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, Missouri and South Carolina. Our largest operating subsidiary,
Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., accounted for approximately 55% of our operating revenues for 2006 and as
of December 31, 2006, provided water or wastewater services to approximately one-half of the total
number of people we serve, and is located in the suburban areas north and west of the City of
Philadelphia and in 23 other counties in Pennsylvania. Our other subsidiaries provide similar
services in 12 other states. In addition, we provide water and wastewater services through
operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties, and septage
hauling services, close to our utility companies service territories.
The following table reports our operating revenues by principal state for the year ended December
31, 2006:
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Operating |
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Operating |
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Revenues |
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Revenues |
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(000's) |
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(%) |
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Pennsylvania |
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$ |
291,580 |
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54.7 |
% |
Texas |
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46,293 |
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8.7 |
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Ohio |
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39,670 |
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7.4 |
% |
Illinois |
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37,792 |
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7.1 |
% |
North Carolina |
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32,140 |
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6.0 |
% |
New Jersey |
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23,879 |
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4.5 |
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Florida |
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16,756 |
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3.1 |
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Indiana |
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16,640 |
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3.1 |
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Virginia |
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10,347 |
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1.9 |
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Maine |
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9,798 |
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1.8 |
% |
Other states |
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1,398 |
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0.4 |
% |
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Regulated segment
total |
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526,293 |
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98.7 |
% |
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Other |
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7,198 |
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Consolidated |
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$ |
533,491 |
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The following table summarizes our operating revenues, by utility customer class, for the year
ended December 31, 2006:
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Operating |
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Operating |
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Revenues |
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Revenues |
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(000's) |
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(%) |
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Residential water |
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$ |
317,770 |
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59.6 |
% |
Commercial water |
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76,076 |
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14.3 |
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Fire protection |
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23,831 |
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4.5 |
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Industrial water |
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18,752 |
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3.5 |
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Other water |
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27,432 |
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5.1 |
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Water |
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463,861 |
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87.0 |
% |
Wastewater |
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48,907 |
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9.2 |
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Other |
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13,525 |
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2.5 |
% |
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Regulated segment total |
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526,293 |
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98.7 |
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Other |
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7,198 |
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1.3 |
% |
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Consolidated |
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$ |
533,491 |
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100.0 |
% |
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Our utility customer base is diversified among residential, commercial, fire protection,
industrial, other water, wastewater customers and certain operating contracts that are integral and
closely associated with the utility operations. Residential customers make up the largest
component of our utility customer base, with these customers representing 69% of our water
revenues. Substantially all of our water customers are metered, which allows us to measure and
bill for our customers water consumption. Water consumption per customer is affected by local
weather conditions during the year, especially during the late spring and summer in our northern
U.S. service territories. In general, during these seasons, an extended period of dry weather
increases consumption, while above average rainfall decreases consumption. Also, an increase in
the average temperature generally causes an increase in water consumption. On occasion, abnormally
dry weather in our service areas can result in governmental authorities declaring drought warnings
and water use restrictions in the affected areas, which could reduce water consumption. See Water
Supplies, Water Facilities and Wastewater Facilities for a discussion of water use restrictions
that may impact water consumption during abnormally dry weather. The geographic diversity of our
utility customer base reduces our exposure to extreme or unusual weather conditions in any one area
of our service territory.
Our growth in revenues over the past three years is primarily a result of increases in our utility
customer base and in water and wastewater rates. The majority of the increase in utility customer
base is due to customers added through acquisitions. During the three-year period of 2000 through
2002, our utility customer base increased at an annual compound rate of 3.3%. The utility customer
growth rate in 2003 was 23.8%, and reflects the additional customers obtained in the AquaSource
acquisition on July 31, 2003. In 2004, the utility customer growth rate was 11.5% and reflects the
additional customers added through the Heater and Florida Water Services acquisitions. In 2005,
the utility customer growth rate was 3.5%. In 2006, the utility customer growth rate was 7.2%,
including 44,792 customers associated with the New York Water Service Corporation acquisition which
was completed on January 1, 2007. Overall, for the five-year period of 2002 through 2006, our
utility customer base increased at an annual compound rate of 9.6% including the customers
associated with the New York Water Service Corporation acquisition which was completed on January
1, 2007.
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Acquisitions and Water Sale Agreements
With approximately 53,000 community water systems in the U.S. (84% of which serve less than 3,300
customers), the water industry is the most fragmented of the major utility industries (telephone,
natural gas, electric, water and wastewater). The nations water systems range in size from large
municipally-owned systems, such as the New York City water system that serves approximately 9
million people, to small systems, where a few customers share a common well. In the states where
we operate, we believe there are approximately 22,000 public water systems of widely-varying size,
with the majority of the population being served by government-owned water systems.
Although not as fragmented as the water industry, the wastewater industry in the U.S. also presents
opportunities for consolidation. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA)
most recent survey of publicly-owned (government-owned) wastewater treatment facilities in 2000,
there are approximately 16,000 such facilities in the nation serving approximately 72% of the U.S.
population. The remaining population represents individual homeowners with their own treatment
facilities; for example, community on-lot disposal systems and septic tank systems. The vast
majority of wastewater facilities are government-owned rather than privately-owned. The EPA survey
also indicated that there are approximately 6,800 wastewater facilities in operation or planned in
the 13 states where we operate. In 2006 and 2005, we acquired six businesses providing on-site
septic tank pumping and other wastewater-related services. These businesses presently serve
customers in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Maryland, and accounted for
$5,424,000 of our operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Because of the fragmented nature of the water and wastewater utility industries, we believe that
there are many potential water and wastewater system acquisition candidates throughout the United
States. We believe the factors driving consolidation of these systems are:
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the benefits of economies of scale; |
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increasingly stringent environmental regulations; |
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the need for capital investment; and |
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the need for technological and managerial expertise. |
We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our utility operations through acquisitions or
other growth ventures. During the five-year period ended December 31, 2006, we completed 131
acquisitions or other growth ventures, including the New York Water Service Corporation
acquisition.
We believe that acquisitions will continue to be an important source of growth for us. We intend
to continue to pursue acquisitions of municipally-owned and investor-owned water and wastewater
systems that provide services in areas adjacent to our existing service territories or in new
service areas. We engage in continuing activities with respect to potential acquisitions,
including calling on prospective sellers, performing analyses and investigations of acquisition
candidates, making preliminary acquisition proposals and negotiating the terms of potential
acquisitions.
Water Supplies, Water Facilities and Wastewater Facilities
Our water utility operations obtain their water supplies from surface water sources such as
reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, in addition to obtaining water from wells and
purchasing water from other water suppliers. Less than 10% of our water sales are purchased from
other suppliers. It is our policy to obtain and maintain the permits necessary to obtain the water
we distribute. Our supplies by principal service area are as follows:
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Pennsylvania The principal supply of water is surface water from streams, rivers and reservoirs. Wells and
interconnections with adjacent municipal authorities supplement these surface supplies. There are 11 surface water
treatment plants. |
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Ohio Water supply is obtained for customers in Lake County from Lake Erie. Customers in Mahoning County obtain
their water from man-made lakes and the Ashtabula division is supplied by purchased water obtained through an
interconnection with an adjacent water utility. Water supply is obtained for customers in Stark, Williams, Richland
and Summit counties from wells. In Trumbull County, customers are served from surface water sources, including an
interconnection from our Pennsylvania division. |
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North Carolina Water supply in approximately 700 non-contiguous divisions is obtained principally from wells, with
several divisions purchasing water from neighboring municipalities. |
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Illinois Water supply is obtained for customers in Kankakee County from the Kankakee River and satellite wells,
while customers in Vermilion County are supplied from Lake Vermilion and groundwater sources. In Will, Lee, Boone,
Lake and Knox counties, our customers are served from wells. In some areas, water supply is supplemented with
purchased water obtained through interconnections with adjacent water utilities. |
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Texas Water supply in 295 non-contiguous water systems is obtained principally from wells, supplemented in some
cases by purchased water from adjacent water systems. |
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Florida Water supply in the majority of the 70 non-contiguous divisions is obtained principally from wells,
supplemented in some cases by purchased water from adjacent water systems. |
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New Jersey Water supply is obtained principally from wells and the supply is supplemented with purchased water
obtained through interconnections with adjacent water systems. |
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New York Water supply for five systems is obtained from wells. |
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Indiana Water supply in three water systems is obtained principally from wells. |
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Virginia Water supply in 127 non-contiguous divisions is obtained from wells, one divisions supply is from surface
water, and four divisions supplement their supply with purchased water from a nearby water system. |
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Maine Eleven non-contiguous water systems obtain their water supply as follows: six systems use groundwater, four
systems use surface water and one system purchases water from a neighboring municipal district. |
We believe that the capacities of our sources of supply, and our water treatment, pumping and
distribution facilities are generally sufficient to meet the present requirements of our customers
under normal conditions. We plan system improvements and additions to capacity in response to
changing regulatory standards, changing patterns of consumption and increased demand from a growing
number of customers. The various state public utility commissions have generally recognized the
operating and capital costs associated with these improvements in setting water rates.
On occasion, drought warnings and water use restrictions are issued by governmental authorities for
portions of our service territories in response to extended periods of dry weather conditions. The
timing and duration of the warnings and restrictions can have an impact on our water revenues and
net income. In general, water consumption in the summer months is affected by drought warnings and
restrictions to a higher degree because nonessential and recreational use of water is at its
highest during the summer months. At other times of the year, warnings and restrictions generally
have less of an effect on water consumption.
In 2006, portions of central and northern Texas experienced severe drought conditions. This
necessitated the imposition of water use restrictions on approximately a dozen of our water systems
in Texas, and at times required supplemental water to be trucked into a small number of systems in
the Fort Worth area. In other parts of the state, dry weather increased water sales.
We believe that our wastewater treatment facilities are generally adequate to meet the present
requirements of our customers. In addition, we own several sewer collection systems where the
wastewater is treated at a municipally-owned facility. Capital funds are included in our capital
plans to address inflow and infiltration in the collection systems, wet weather flows at our lift
stations and treatment plants, and other conditions and requirements that can affect compliance.
Changes in regulatory requirements may be reflected in revised permit limits and conditions when
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are renewed,
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typically on a
five-year cycle. Capital improvements are planned and budgeted to meet anticipated changes in regulations and needs for
increased capacity related to projected growth. The various state public utility commissions have
generally recognized the operating and capital costs associated with these improvements in setting
wastewater rates for current customers and capacity charges for new customers.
Economic Regulation
Most of our water and wastewater utility operations are subject to regulation by their respective
state regulatory commissions, which have broad administrative power and authority to regulate rates
and charges, determine franchise areas and conditions of service, approve acquisitions and
authorize the issuance of securities. The regulatory commissions also establish uniform systems of
accounts and approve the terms of contracts with affiliates and customers, business combinations
with other utility systems, loans and other financings, and the franchise areas that we serve. A
small number of our operations are subject to rate regulation by county or city governments. The
profitability of our utility operations is influenced to a great extent by the timeliness and
adequacy of rate allowances we are granted by the respective regulatory commissions or authorities
in the various states in which we operate.
Accordingly, we maintain a rate case management capability to provide that the tariffs of our
utility operations reflect, to the extent practicable, the timely recovery of increases in costs of
operations, capital, taxes, energy, materials and compliance with environmental regulations. We
file rate increase requests to recover the capital investments that we make in improving or
replacing our facilities and to recover expenses. In the states in which we operate, we are
subject to economic regulation by the following state regulatory commissions:
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State |
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Regulatory Commission |
Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission |
Ohio
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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio |
North Carolina
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North Carolina Utilities Commission |
Illinois
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Illinois Commerce Commission |
Texas
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality |
New Jersey
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New Jersey Board of Public Utilities |
Florida
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Florida Public Service Commission |
Indiana
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Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission |
Virginia
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Virginia State Corporation Commission |
Maine
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Maine Public Utilities Commission |
Missouri
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Missouri Public Service Commission |
New York
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New York Public Service Commission |
South Carolina
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South Carolina Public Service Commission |
All of the states in which we acquired operations in 2004 and 2003 permit some form of consolidated
rates in varying degrees, but none currently permits us to fully consolidate rate filings
state-wide. Between August 2003 and December 2006, we have filed rate filings for over 121
operating divisions. Due to the length of time since the last rate increase for some acquired
systems and the large amount of capital improvements relative to the number of customers in some
smaller systems, the proposed rate increase in some of these systems may be substantial. While
each of these rate filings will proceed through the applicable regulatory process, we can provide
no assurance that the rate increases will be granted in a timely or sufficient manner to cover the
investments and expenses for which we initially sought the rate increases. Further, there remain
20 divisions within these acquired operations where we have not yet filed a rate request.
Six states in which we operate permit water utilities, and in two states wastewater utilities, to
add a surcharge to their water or wastewater bills to offset the additional depreciation and
capital costs associated with certain capital expenditures related to replacing and rehabilitating
infrastructure systems. Prior to these surcharge mechanisms being approved, water and wastewater
utilities absorbed all of the depreciation and capital costs of these projects between base rate
increases without the benefit of additional revenues. The
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gap between the time that a capital project is completed and the recovery of its costs in rates is
known as regulatory lag. The infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge mechanism is intended to
substantially reduce regulatory lag, which often acted as a disincentive to water and wastewater
utilities to rehabilitate their infrastructure. In addition, our subsidiaries in certain states
use a surcharge or credit on their bill to reflect changes in certain costs, such as changes in
state tax rates, other taxes and purchased water, until such time as the costs are incorporated
into base rates.
Currently, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Indiana and Missouri allow for the use of
infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges. These mechanisms typically adjust periodically based on
additional qualified capital expenditures completed or anticipated in a future period. The
infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge is capped at a percentage of base rates, generally at 5% to
9% of base rates, and is reset to zero when new base rates that reflect the costs of those
additions become effective or when a utilitys earnings exceed a regulatory benchmark.
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges provided revenues of $7,873,000 in 2006, $10,186,000 in
2005 and $7,817,000 in 2004.
In general, we believe that Aqua America, Inc. and its subsidiaries have valid authority, free from
unduly burdensome restrictions, to enable us to carry on our business as presently conducted in the
franchised or contracted areas we now serve. The rights to provide water or wastewater service to
a particular franchised service territory are generally non-exclusive, although the applicable
regulatory commissions usually allow only one regulated utility to provide service to a given area.
In some instances, another water utility provides service to a separate area within the same
political subdivision served by one of our subsidiaries.
In the states where our subsidiaries operate, it is possible that portions of our subsidiaries
operations could be acquired by municipal governments by one or more of the following methods:
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eminent domain; |
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the right of purchase given or reserved by a municipality or
political subdivision when the original franchise was granted; and |
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the right of purchase given or reserved under the law of the state
in which the subsidiary was incorporated or from which it received
its permit. |
The price to be paid upon such an acquisition by the municipal government is usually determined in
accordance with applicable law governing the taking of lands and other property under eminent
domain. In other instances, the price may be negotiated, fixed by appraisers selected by the
parties or computed in accordance with a formula prescribed in the law of the state or in the
particular franchise or charter. We believe that our operating subsidiaries will be entitled to
fair market value for any assets that are condemned, and we believe the fair market value will be
in excess of the book value for such assets.
In December 2004, as a result of the settlement of a condemnation action, our Ohio operating
subsidiary sold its water utility assets within the municipal boundaries of the City of Geneva in
Ashtabula County, Ohio for net proceeds of approximately $4,716,000, which was in excess of the
book value for these assets. The sale resulted in the recognition in 2004 of a pre-tax gain on the
sale of these assets, net of expenses, of $2,342,000. We continue to operate this water system for
the City of Geneva under a multi-year operating contract that expires in December 2008. These
water utility assets represented less than 1% of Aqua Americas total assets, and the total number
of customers included in the water system sold represented less than 1% of our total customer base.
The increase in earnings associated with reinvesting the sales proceeds and the operating income
generated by the operating contract have offset the loss of this water systems historic
contribution to income.
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana has authorized the acquisition, by eminent domain or otherwise, of
a portion of the utility assets of one of the operating subsidiaries that we acquired in connection
with the AquaSource acquisition in 2003. We have challenged whether the City is following the
correct legal procedures in connection with the Citys attempted condemnation and we have
challenged the Citys valuation of this portion of our system. The portion of the system under
consideration represents
approximately 1% of our total customer base. While we continue to discuss this matter with
officials from the City of Fort Wayne, we continue to legally protect our interests in this
proceeding.
9
A sanitary district in Illinois and a city in Texas have also indicated interest in the
acquisition, by eminent domain or otherwise, of all or a portion of the utility assets of two of
our operations. Together, the systems represent approximately 3,000 customers or less than 0.5% of
our total customer base. We believe that our operating subsidiaries are entitled to fair market
value for these assets.
Despite the sales and possible condemnations referred to above, our strategy continues to be to
acquire additional water and wastewater systems, maintain our existing systems, and actively oppose
efforts by municipal governments to acquire any of our operations, particularly for less than the
fair market value of our operations or where the municipal government seeks to acquire more than it
is entitled to under the applicable law or agreement.
Environmental, Health and Safety Regulation
Provision of water and wastewater services is subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking
Water Act, the Clean Water Act and related state laws, and under federal and state regulations
issued under these laws. These laws and regulations establish criteria and standards for drinking
water and for wastewater discharges. In addition, we are subject to federal and state laws and
other regulations relating to solid waste disposal, dam safety and other operations. Capital
expenditures and operating costs required as a result of water quality standards and environmental
requirements have been traditionally recognized by state public utility commissions as appropriate
for inclusion in establishing rates.
Environmental compliance issues remain at various water and wastewater facilities associated with
acquired systems, including facilities acquired in connection with the AquaSource acquisition
completed in 2003, the Heater and Florida Water Service acquisitions completed in 2004 and the
acquisitions of small utilities in Northeastern Pennsylvania over the past several years. We
believe that the capital expenditures required to address these compliance issues have been
budgeted in our capital program and represent less than 10% of our expected total capital
expenditures over the next five years. We are parties to agreements with regulatory agencies in
Texas, Florida, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina under which we have committed to make certain
improvements for environmental compliance. These agreements are intended to provide the regulators
with assurance that problems covered by these agreements will be addressed, and the agreements
generally provide protection to us from fines, penalties and other actions while corrective
measures are being implemented. We are actively working directly with state environmental
officials to implement or amend these agreements as necessary.
Safe Drinking Water Act The Safe Drinking Water Act establishes criteria and procedures
for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop national quality standards for drinking
water. Regulations issued pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act and its amendments set standards
on the amount of certain microbial and chemical contaminants and radionuclides allowable in
drinking water. Current requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act are not expected to have a
material impact on our operations or financial condition as we have made and are making investments
to meet existing water quality standards. We may, in the future, be required to change our method
of treating drinking water at certain sources of supply if additional regulations become effective.
The EPAs issuance of a rule regulating radon in tap water has been postponed repeatedly since
originally proposed in 1991. Limits for radon in tap water, if promulgated, would probably become
effective 4 or 5 years after promulgation. The most likely scenario is that the rule might contain
two standards and states would be encouraged to adopt Multi-Media Mitigation radon reduction
programs to achieve cost-effective reductions in indoor air radon levels to qualify for the higher
drinking water standard. Under this scenario, a small percentage of our wells, primarily in North
Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia could require treatment, and the total cost of compliance could
approximate $5,000,000 over a five year period. The likelihood of other scenarios developing in
the near term is remote, and it is not possible at this time to estimate the costs of compliance.
10
The Safe Drinking Water Act provides for the regulation of radionuclides other than radon, such as
radium and uranium. The Radionuclides Rule that became effective in 2003 left unchanged the
existing standards for gross alpha and radium, but changed the monitoring protocol. The rule also
added a maximum contaminant level for uranium. Under the new testing protocols, some of our
smaller groundwater facilities have exceeded one or more of the radionuclide standards and require
treatment by January 2008. Treatment processes have already been installed at 27 facilities, and
approximately 17 additional facilities will require the installation of a treatment process,
replacement or modification of a well, or other remedy. In most cases where remedies are yet to be
implemented, other wells supplying the systems are in compliance, and the wells that exceed a
maximum contaminant level have either been temporarily taken out of service or their use has been
minimized. The future capital cost of compliance is expected to be less than $5,000,000. The
impact of the rulemaking is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or
financial condition.
In order to remove or inactivate microbial organisms, rules were issued by the EPA to improve
disinfection and filtration of potable water and reduce consumers exposure to disinfectants and
by-products of the disinfection process. In the future, we may be required to install filtration
or other treatment, for one currently unfiltered surface water supply. The cost of this treatment,
should it be required, is not expected to exceed $6,000,000. Certain small groundwater systems
could be reclassified as being influenced by surface water. This may require additional treatment
or the development of replacement sources of supply over time, the cost for which is not expected
to exceed a total of $1,000,000. In addition, four systems in Florida and potentially eight
systems in North Carolina have levels of disinfection by-products above the current maximum
contaminant level requiring a compliance response which possibly will change the type of treatment.
At least one-half of these systems purchase water from an adjacent supplier, and the resolution of
the problem may depend upon supplier co-operation. Treatment modifications, if necessary, may
require capital costs of approximately $1,500,000 over the next two years.
The EPA promulgated the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and a Stage 2
Disinfection/Disinfection By-product Rule in January 2006. These rules will result in additional
one-time special monitoring costs of approximately $600,000 over a four-year period from 2007 to
2011. Monitoring began for our larger systems in September 2006. The results of the monitoring
might require modification of treatment, including capital improvements, in year 2008 and beyond.
It is not possible at this time to reasonably project the potential impact on the capital budget,
if any, from these rules, but the effect is not expected to have a material impact on our results
of operations or financial condition.
A rule lowering the limit on arsenic was promulgated in 2001 by the EPA and became effective in
January 2006, with a provision for further time extensions for small systems. One well system in
Pennsylvania was equipped with a treatment system in 2004, and one small system in Maine was
equipped with a treatment system in 2005. An existing treatment system has been replaced at one
system in Ohio, and possibly two very small systems in Texas will be treated in 2007 or 2008. One
system in North Carolina will require a treatment system at a back-up well that is currently
unused. The cost of these remaining capital improvements to fully achieve compliance with this
regulation is not expected to exceed $500,000.
Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act regulates discharges from drinking water and
wastewater treatment facilities into lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. It is our policy to
obtain and maintain all required permits and approvals for the discharges from our water and
wastewater facilities, and to comply with all conditions of those permits and other regulatory
requirements. A program is in place to monitor facilities for compliance with permitting,
monitoring and reporting for wastewater discharges. From time to time, discharge violations may
occur which may result in fines. We are also parties to compliance agreements with regulatory
agencies in several states where we operate while improvements are being made to address wastewater
discharge compliance issues. These fines and penalties, if any, are not expected to have a
material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. The required costs
to comply with the agreements previously cited are included in our capital program, are not
expected to be significant, and are expected to be recoverable in rates.
11
Recent changes in wastewater regulations in the state of Missouri will require improvements at
certain of the 52 small wastewater systems we operate in that state. We presently estimate the
cost of these improvements to be approximately $1,500,000 over the next three years.
Solid Waste Disposal The handling and disposal of residuals and solid waste generated
from water and wastewater treatment facilities is governed by federal and state laws and
regulations. A program is in place to monitor our facilities for compliance with regulatory
requirements, and we are not aware of any significant environmental remediation costs necessary
from our handling and disposal of waste material from our water and wastewater operations.
However, we do anticipate capital expenditures, that have been included within our five-year
capital budget, related to the expansion and/or replacement of some of our current waste disposal
facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio, to support our large surface water treatment facilities in
these states.
Dam Safety Our subsidiaries own seventeen major dams that are subject to the requirements
of the Federal and state regulations related to dam safety. All major dams undergo an annual
engineering inspection. We believe that all seventeen dams are structurally sound and
well-maintained.
We continue to study our dams to determine what improvements may be needed as a result of the
adoption of revised formulas in Pennsylvania, by the Department of Environmental Protection, and in
Ohio, by the Department of Natural Resources, for determining the magnitude of a probable maximum
flood. Studies of our dams identified two dams in Pennsylvania and three dams in Ohio that require
capital improvements, which have been included in our capital budget, of approximately $17,500,000
in the aggregate during the four year period 2007 to 2010. Construction began in 2005 on one of
these dams in Ohio, and one dam upgrade in Pennsylvania began in 2006 with $1,800,000 of capital
expenditures incurred to date. Design is underway for improvements to the other dams.
Safety Standards Our facilities and operations may be subject to inspections by
representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from time to time. We
maintain safety policies and procedures to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administrations rules and regulations, but violations may occur from time to time, which may
result in fines and penalties, which are not expected to be material. We endeavor to correct such
violations promptly after they are brought to our attention.
Security
In light of concerns regarding security in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we
have increased security measures at our facilities. These increased security measures were not made
in response to any specific threat. We are in contact with federal, state and local authorities and
industry trade associations regarding information on possible threats and security measures for
water utility operations. The cost of the increased security measures, including capital
expenditures, is expected to be recoverable in water rates and is not expected to have a material
impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
12
Employee Relations
As of December 31, 2006, we employed a total of 1,540 full-time employees. Our subsidiaries are
parties to 11 agreements with labor unions covering 451 employees that expire at various times
between August 2007 and December 2009. The employees in our New Jersey operation voted to be
represented by a union. There are 33 employees in the bargaining unit in New Jersey and
negotiations with that union have been on-going since mid-2005. The employees represented by this
union continue to work under their existing terms of employment while negotiations continue with
the union.
Available Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You may read and copy any document we file with the
SEC at the SECs public reference room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. You may also
obtain our SEC filings from the SECs Web site at www.sec.gov.
Our Internet Web site address is www.aquaamerica.com. We make available free of charge through our
Web sites Investor Relations page all of our filings with the SEC, including our annual report
on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information.
These reports and information are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material
is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Our Board of Directors has various committees including an audit committee, an executive
compensation and employee benefits committee and a corporate governance committee. Each of these
committees has a formal charter. We also have Corporate Governance Guidelines and a Code of
Ethical Business Conduct. Copies of these charters, guidelines and codes, and any waivers or
amendments to such codes which are applicable to our executive officers, senior financial officers
or directors, can be obtained free of charge from our Web site, www.aquaamerica.com. The
references to our Web site and the SECs Web site are intended to be inactive textual references
only, and the contents of those Web sites are not incorporated by reference herein.
In addition, you may request a copy of the foregoing filings, charters, guidelines and codes, and
any waivers or amendments to such codes which are applicable to our executive officers, senior
financial officers or directors, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address
or telephone number:
Investor Relations Department
Aqua America, Inc.
762 W. Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-3489
Telephone: 610-527-8000
13
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information included or incorporated by reference in this 10-K, the
following factors should be considered in evaluating our business and future prospects. Any of the
following risks, either alone or taken together, could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial position or results of operations. If one or more of these or other risks or
uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual
results may vary materially from what we projected. There may be additional risks about which we do
not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial which could also impair our business
or financial position.
Our business requires significant capital expenditures and the rates we charge our customers are
subject to regulation. If we are unable to obtain sufficient capital on reasonable terms or obtain
government approval of our requests for rate increases, or if approved rate increases are untimely
or inadequate to cover our capital investments and to recover expenses, our profitability may
suffer.
The water utility business is capital intensive. In addition to the capital required to fund our
growth through acquisition strategy, on an annual basis, we spend significant sums for additions to
or replacement of property, plant and equipment. Our ability to maintain and meet our financial
objectives is dependent upon the availability of adequate capital and the recovery of our capital
investments through the rates we charge our customers. There is no guarantee that we will be able
to obtain sufficient capital in the future on reasonable terms and conditions for expansion,
construction and maintenance. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient capital, our
expansion efforts could be curtailed, which may affect our growth and may affect our future results
of operations. The rates we charge our customers are subject to approval by the public utility
commissions or similar regulatory bodies in the states in which we operate. We file rate increase
requests, from time to time, to recover our investments in utility plant and expenses. Once a rate
increase petition is filed with a public utility commission, the ensuing administrative and hearing
process may be lengthy and costly. The timing of our rate increase requests are therefore partially
dependent upon the estimated cost of the administrative process in relation to the investments and
expenses that we hope to recover through the rate increase to the extent approved. We can provide
no assurances that any future rate increase request will be approved by the appropriate state
public utility commission; and, if approved, we cannot guarantee that these rate increases will be
granted in a timely or sufficient manner to cover the investments and expenses for which we
initially sought the rate increase.
Federal and state environmental laws and regulations impose substantial compliance requirements on
our operations. Our operating costs could be significantly increased in order to comply with new or
stricter regulatory standards imposed by federal and state environmental agencies.
Our water and wastewater services are governed by various federal and state environmental
protection and health and safety laws and regulations, including the federal Safe Drinking Water
Act, the Clean Water Act and similar state laws, and federal and state regulations issued under
these laws by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state environmental regulatory
agencies. These laws and regulations establish, among other things, criteria and standards for
drinking water and for discharges into the waters of the United States and states. Pursuant to
these laws, we are required to obtain various environmental permits from environmental regulatory
agencies for our operations. We cannot assure you that we have been or will be at all times in
total compliance with these laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with
these laws, regulations or permits, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.
Environmental laws and regulations are complex and change frequently. These laws, and the
enforcement thereof, have tended to become more stringent over time. While we have budgeted for
future capital and operating expenditures to maintain compliance with these laws and our permits,
it is possible that new or stricter standards could be imposed that will raise our operating costs.
Although these costs may
be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the various state public
utility commissions or similar regulatory bodies that govern our business would approve rate
increases to enable us to recover such costs. In summary, we cannot assure you that our costs of
complying with, or discharging liability under, current and future environmental and health and
safety laws will not adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
14
Our business is impacted by weather conditions and is subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could
adversely affect demand for our water service and our revenues.
Demand for our water during the warmer months is generally greater than during cooler months due
primarily to additional requirements for water in connection with irrigation systems, swimming
pools, cooling systems and other outside water use. Throughout the year, and particularly during
typically warmer months, demand will vary with temperature, rainfall levels and rainfall frequency.
In the event that temperatures during the typically warmer months are cooler than normal, if there
is more rainfall than normal, or rainfall is more frequent than normal, the demand for our water
may decrease and adversely affect our revenues.
Drought conditions and government imposed water use restrictions may impact our ability to serve
our current and future customers, and may impact our customers use of our water, which may
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on an adequate water supply to meet the present and future demands of our customers.
Drought conditions could interfere with our sources of water supply and could adversely affect our
ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our existing and future customers. An
interruption in our water supply could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations. Moreover, governmental restrictions on water usage during drought
conditions may result in a decreased demand for our water, even if our water supplies are
sufficient to serve our customers during these drought conditions, which may adversely affect our
revenues and earnings.
An important element of our growth strategy is the acquisition of water and wastewater systems. Any
future acquisitions we decide to undertake may involve risks.
An important element of our growth strategy is the acquisition and integration of water and
wastewater systems in order to broaden our current, and move into new, service areas. We will not
be able to acquire other businesses if we cannot identify suitable acquisition opportunities or
reach mutually agreeable terms with acquisition candidates. It is our intent, when practical, to
integrate any businesses we acquire with our existing operations. The negotiation of potential
acquisitions as well as the integration of acquired businesses could require us to incur
significant costs and cause diversion of our managements time and resources. Future acquisitions
by us could result in:
|
|
|
dilutive issuances of our equity securities; |
|
|
|
|
incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities; |
|
|
|
|
failure to have effective internal control over financial reporting; |
|
|
|
|
fluctuations in quarterly results; and |
|
|
|
|
other acquisition-related expenses. |
Some or all of these items could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to
finance our business and comply with regulatory requirements. The businesses we acquire in the
future may not achieve sales and profitability that would justify our investment, and any
difficulties we encounter in the integration process, including in the integration of controls
necessary for internal control and financial reporting, could interfere with our operations, reduce
our operating margins and adversely affect our internal controls. In addition, as consolidation
becomes more prevalent in the water and wastewater industries, the prices for suitable acquisition
candidates may increase to unacceptable levels and limit our ability to grow through acquisitions.
15
Contamination to our water supply may result in disruption in our services and litigation which
could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our water supplies are subject to contamination, including contamination from naturally-occurring
compounds, chemicals in groundwater systems, pollution resulting from man-made sources, such as
man-made organic chemicals, and possible terrorist attacks. In the event that a water supply is
contaminated, we may have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to substitute
the flow of water from an uncontaminated water source. In addition, we may incur significant costs
in order to treat the contaminated source through expansion of our current treatment facilities, or
development of new treatment methods. If we are unable to substitute water supply from an
uncontaminated water source, or to adequately treat the contaminated water source in a
cost-effective manner, there may be an adverse effect on our revenues, operating results and
financial condition. The costs we incur to decontaminate a water source or an underground water
system could be significant and could adversely affect our business, operating results and
financial condition and may not be recoverable in rates. We could also be held liable for
consequences arising out of human exposure to hazardous substances in our water supplies or other
environmental damage. For example, private plaintiffs have the right to bring personal injury or
other toxic tort claims arising from the presence of hazardous substances in our drinking water
supplies. Our insurance policies may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
In addition to the potential pollution of our water supply as described above, in the wake of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the ensuing threats to the nations health and security,
we have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness
of threats to our water supply. We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery
and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. We have and will continue to bear increased
costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies. These costs may
be significant. Despite these tightened security measures, we may not be in a position to control
the outcome of terrorist events should they occur.
Wastewater operations may entail significant risks.
Wastewater collection and treatment and septage pumping and hauling involve various risks
associated with damage to the surrounding environment. If collection or treatment systems fail or
do not operate properly, or if there is a septage spill, untreated or partially treated wastewater
could discharge onto property or into nearby streams and rivers, causing property or environmental
damage. Liabilities resulting from such damage could materially and adversely affect the Companys
results of operations and financial condition.
Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our operating results.
Approximately 30% of our workforce are unionized under 11 labor contracts (or contracts under
negotiation) with labor unions, which expire over several years. We believe our labor relations are
good, but in light of rising costs for healthcare and pensions, contract negotiations in the future
may be difficult. We are subject to a risk of work stoppages and other labor relations matters as
we negotiate with the unions to address these issues, which could affect our results of operations
and financial condition. We cannot assure you that issues with our labor forces will be resolved
favorably to us in the future or that we will not experience work stoppages.
We depend significantly on the services of the members of our management team, and the departure of
any of those persons could cause our operating results to suffer.
Our success depends significantly on the continued individual and collective contributions of our
management team. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or the inability to
hire and retain experienced management personnel could harm our operating results.
16
Settlement provisions contained in the forward equity sale agreement between us and the forward
purchaser subject us to certain risks.
In August 2006, we entered into a forward stock agreement for 3,525,000 shares of common stock with
a third party (the forward purchaser). In connection with the forward equity sale agreement, the
forward purchaser borrowed 3,525,000 shares of common stock from stock lenders and sold the
borrowed shares to the public to meet its obligations under the forward equity sale agreement. The
forward purchaser has the right to require us to physically settle the forward sale agreement on a
date specified by the forward purchaser in certain events, including (a) if the average of the
closing bid and offer price or, if available, the closing sale price of our common stock is less
than or equal to $10.00 per share on any trading day, (b) if our board of directors votes to
approve, or there is a public announcement of, in either case, an action that, if consummated,
would result in a merger or other takeover event of our company, (c) if we declare any cash
dividend or distribution above a specified threshold, or any non-cash dividend or distribution
(other than a dividend or distribution of shares of our common stock), in either case, on shares of
our common stock and set a record date for payment for such dividend or distribution on or prior to
the final settlement date, (d) if the forward purchaser is unable to continue to borrow a number of
shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares underlying the forward sale agreement, (e)
if the cost of borrowing the common stock has increased above a specified amount, (f) if a
nationalization, delisting or change in law occurs, each as defined in the forward sale agreement
or (g) in connection with certain events of default and termination events under the deemed master
agreement governing such forward sale agreement. In the event that early settlement of the forward
sale agreement occurs as a result of any of the foregoing events, we will be required to physically
settle the forward sale agreement by delivering shares of our common stock and receiving applicable
proceeds. The forward purchasers decision to exercise its right to require us to settle the
forward sale agreement will be made irrespective of our need for capital. In the event that we
elect, or are required, to settle the forward sale agreement with shares of our common stock,
delivery of such shares would likely result in dilution to our earnings per share and return on
equity.
In addition, upon certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us, the
forward sale agreement will terminate without further liability of either party. Following any such
termination, we would not issue any shares, and we would not receive any proceeds pursuant to the
forward sale agreement.
Except under the circumstances described above, we have the right to elect physical, cash or net
stock settlement under the forward sale agreement. If we elect cash or net stock settlement, we
would expect the forward purchaser to purchase in the open market the applicable number of shares
necessary, based upon the portion of the forward sale agreement that we have elected to so settle,
to return to stock lenders the shares of our common stock that the forward purchaser has borrowed
in connection with the sale of our common stock under the prospectus supplement and, if applicable
in connection with net stock settlement, to deliver shares to us. If the market value of our common
stock at the time of these purchases is above the forward price at that time, we would pay, or
deliver, as the case may be, to the forward purchaser under the forward sale agreement an amount of
cash, or common stock with a value, equal to this difference. Any such difference could be
significant. If the market value of our common stock at the time of these purchases is below the
forward price at that time, we would be paid this difference in cash by, or we would receive the
value of this difference in common stock from, the forward purchaser under the forward sale
agreement, as the case may be.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
17
Item 2. Properties.
Our properties consist of transmission and distribution mains and conduits, water and wastewater
treatment plants, pumping facilities, wells, tanks, meters, supply lines, dams, reservoirs,
buildings, vehicles, land, easements, rights and other facilities and equipment used for the
operation of our systems, including the collection, treatment, storage and distribution of water
and the collection and treatment of wastewater. Substantially all of our properties are owned by
our subsidiaries, and a substantial portion of our property is subject to liens of mortgage or
indentures. These liens secure bonds, notes and other evidences of long-term indebtedness of our
subsidiaries. For certain properties that we acquired through the exercise of the power of eminent
domain and certain other properties we purchased, we hold title for water supply purposes only. We
own, operate and maintain several thousand miles of transmission and distribution mains, surface
water treatment plants, and many well treatment stations and wastewater treatment plants. Some
properties are leased under long-term leases. The following table indicates our net property,
plant and equipment, in thousands of dollars, as of December 31, 2006 in the principal states where
we operate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Property, |
|
|
|
Plant and |
|
|
|
Equipment |
|
Pennsylvania |
|
$ |
1,447,590 |
|
Illinois |
|
|
191,385 |
|
Ohio |
|
|
190,347 |
|
North Carolina |
|
|
164,463 |
|
Texas |
|
|
159,685 |
|
New Jersey |
|
|
132,331 |
|
Indiana |
|
|
104,586 |
|
Florida |
|
|
66,498 |
|
Virginia |
|
|
42,678 |
|
Maine |
|
|
40,970 |
|
Inter-company eliminations
and other states |
|
|
(34,538 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,505,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
We believe that our properties are generally maintained in good condition and in accordance with
current standards of good waterworks industry practice. We believe that the facilities used in the
operation of our business are in good condition in terms of suitability, adequacy and utilization.
Our corporate offices are leased from our subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., and are located in
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are various legal proceedings in which we are involved. Although the results of legal
proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which we
or any of our subsidiaries is a party or to which any of our properties is the subject that are
material or are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations
or cash flows.
In May 2004, our subsidiaries in Texas filed an application with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality to increase rates over a multi-year period. In accordance with authorization
from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, our subsidiaries commenced billing for the
requested rates and deferred recognition of certain expenses for financial statement purposes.
Several customers and municipalities have joined the proceeding and challenged the requested rate
structure, including our request to regionalize rates, and the amount of our requested rate
increase. In the event our request is denied completely or in part, we could be required to refund
some or all of the revenue billed to-date, and write-off some or all of the regulatory asset for
the expense deferral. For more information, see the description under the section captioned
Managements Discussion and Analysis and refer to the footnote titled
Water and Wastewater Rates in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements from the portions
of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.1 to this 10-K.
18
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2006.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrants Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange under
the ticker symbol WTR. As of February 9, 2007, there were approximately 28,344 holders of record
of our common stock.
The following table shows the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock as reported
on the New York Stock Exchange composite transactions reporting system and the cash dividends paid
per share for the periods indicated (all per share data as presented has been adjusted for the 2005
4-for-3 common stock split effected in the form of a stock distribution):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
|
Second |
|
|
Third |
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Year |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid per common share |
|
$ |
0.1069 |
|
|
$ |
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.115 |
|
|
|
0.115 |
|
|
$ |
0.4438 |
|
Dividend declared per common share |
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4438 |
|
Price range of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- high |
|
|
29.79 |
|
|
|
27.82 |
|
|
|
23.93 |
|
|
|
24.94 |
|
|
|
29.79 |
|
- low |
|
|
26.50 |
|
|
|
20.13 |
|
|
|
21.13 |
|
|
|
21.54 |
|
|
|
20.13 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid per common share |
|
$ |
0.0975 |
|
|
$ |
0.0975 |
|
|
$ |
0.0975 |
|
|
$ |
0.1069 |
|
|
$ |
0.3994 |
|
Dividend declared per common share |
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.2044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3994 |
|
Price range of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- high |
|
|
19.37 |
|
|
|
23.24 |
|
|
|
29.15 |
|
|
|
29.22 |
|
|
|
29.22 |
|
- low |
|
|
17.49 |
|
|
|
18.03 |
|
|
|
21.61 |
|
|
|
22.88 |
|
|
|
17.49 |
|
We have paid common dividends consecutively for 62 years. Effective September 1, 2006, our Board
of Directors authorized an increase of 7.6% in the dividend rate over the amount Aqua America, Inc.
paid in the previous quarter. As a result of this authorization, beginning with the dividend
payment in September 2006, the annualized dividend rate increased to $0.46 per share. This is the
16th dividend increase in the past 15 years and the eighth consecutive year that we have
increased our dividend in excess of five percent. We presently intend to pay quarterly cash
dividends in the future, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, subject to our earnings
and financial condition, restrictions set forth in our debt instruments, regulatory requirements
and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant. During the past five years,
our common dividends paid have averaged 57.8% of net income.
In August 2005, our Board of Directors declared a 4-for-3 common stock split effected in the form
of a 33 1/3 % stock distribution for all common shares outstanding, to shareholders of record on
November 17, 2005. The new shares were distributed on December 1, 2005. All share and per share
data for all periods presented have been restated to give effect to the stock split. At the time,
this was the 6th stock split within the past nine years.
19
The following table summarizes the Companys purchases of its common stock for the quarter ending
December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Maximum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased |
|
|
that May |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as Part of |
|
|
Yet Be |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Publicly |
|
|
Purchased |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Announced |
|
|
Under the |
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Price Paid |
|
|
Plans or |
|
|
Plan or |
|
Period |
|
Purchased (1) |
|
|
per Share |
|
|
Programs |
|
|
Programs (2) |
|
October 1-31, 2006 |
|
|
919 |
|
|
$ |
22.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,278 |
|
November 1-30, 2006 |
|
|
4,390 |
|
|
$ |
23.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,278 |
|
December 1-31, 2006 |
|
|
1,877 |
|
|
$ |
22.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
7,186 |
|
|
$ |
23.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) These amounts consist of shares we purchased from our employees who elected to pay the
exercise price of their stock options (and then hold shares of the stock) upon exercise by
delivering to us (and, thus, selling) shares of Aqua America common stock in accordance with the
terms of our equity compensation plans that were previously approved by our shareholders and
disclosed in our proxy statements. This feature of our equity compensation plan is available to
all employees who receive option grants under the plan. We purchased these shares at their fair
market value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common stock on the day prior
to the option exercise.
(2) On August 5, 1997, our Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program that
was publicly announced on August 7, 1997, for up to 1,007,351 shares. No repurchases have been
made under this program since 2000. The program has no fixed expiration date. The number of
shares authorized for purchase was adjusted as a result of the stock splits effected in the form of
stock distributions since the authorization date.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The information appearing in the section captioned Summary of Selected Financial Data from the
portions of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.1 to this Form 10-K is
incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The information appearing in the section captioned Managements Discussion and Analysis from the
portions of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.1 to this Form 10-K is
incorporated by reference herein.
20
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest
rates and equity prices. The exposure to changes in interest rates is a result of financings
through the issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt. Such exposure is typically related to
financings between utility rate increases, since generally our rate increases include a revenue
level to allow recovery of our current cost of capital. Interest rate risk is managed through the
use of a combination of long-term debt, which is at fixed interest rates and short-term debt, which
is at floating interest rates. As of December 31, 2006, the debt maturities by period, in
thousands of dollars, and the weighted average interest rate for fixed-rate, long-term debt are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Value |
|
Long-term
debt (fixed rate) |
|
$ |
31,155 |
|
|
$ |
23,961 |
|
|
$ |
7,004 |
|
|
$ |
54,192 |
|
|
$ |
26,998 |
|
|
$ |
839,505 |
|
|
$ |
982,815 |
|
|
$ |
986,487 |
|
Weighted average
interest rate |
|
|
5.10 |
% |
|
|
6.63 |
% |
|
|
4.81 |
% |
|
|
6.43 |
% |
|
|
6.42 |
% |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
|
|
5.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
From time to time, we make investments in marketable equity securities. As a result, we are
exposed to the risk of changes in equity prices for the available-for-sale marketable equity
securities. As of December 31, 2006, our carrying value of certain investments was $499, which
reflects the market value of such investments and is in excess of our original cost. As of
December 31, 2005, we owned no marketable equity securities.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Information appearing under the captions Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive
Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Consolidated
Statements of Capitalization, Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders Equity and Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements from the portions of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders
filed as Exhibit 13.1 to this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference herein. Also, the information
appearing in the sections captioned Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm from the portions of our
2006 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.1 to this Form 10-K is incorporated by
reference herein.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with the
participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this
report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this
report are effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed
by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and (ii)
accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. A controls
system cannot provide absolute assurance, however, that the objectives of the controls system are
met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and
instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
(b) Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The information
appearing in the section captioned Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting from the portions of our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13.1 to
this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference herein.
21
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting No change in our internal
control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
We make available free of charge within the Investor Relations / Corporate Governance section of
our Internet Web site, at www.aquaamerica.com, and in print to any shareholder who
requests, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Charters of each Committee of our Board of
Directors, and our Code of Ethical Business Conduct. Requests for copies may be directed to
Investor Relations Department, Aqua America, Inc., 762 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
19010-3489. Amendments to the Code, and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the Code
requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed on the Companys Web site. The
information contained on our Web site is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and
should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.
Directors of the Registrant, Audit Committee, Audit Committee Financial Expert and Filings
under Section 16(a)
The information appearing in the sections captioned Information Regarding Nominees and Directors,
Corporate Governance and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance of the Proxy
Statement relating to our May 24, 2007, annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed within 120 days
after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
22
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table and the notes thereto set forth information with respect to our executive
officers, including their names, ages, positions with Aqua America, Inc. and business experience
during the last five years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position with |
Name |
|
Age |
|
Aqua America, Inc. (1) |
Nicholas DeBenedictis
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer (May 1993 to present);
President and Chief Executive Officer (July
1992 to May 1993); Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.
(July 1992 to present); President,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company
(February 1995 to January 1999) (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roy H. Stahl
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
Executive Vice President and General
Counsel (May 2000 to present); Secretary
(June 2001 to present); Senior Vice
President and General Counsel (April 1991
to May 2000) (3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Smeltzer
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
Senior Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer (December 1999 to
present); Vice President Finance and
Chief Financial Officer (May 1999 to
December 1999); Vice President Rates and
Regulatory Relations, Philadelphia Suburban
Water Company (March 1991 to May 1999) (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard R. Riegler
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Vice President Engineering and
Environmental Affairs (May 2006 to
present); Senior Vice President -
Engineering and Environmental Affairs
(January 1999 to May 2006) (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karl M. Kyriss
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
President Aqua Pennsylvania (March
2003 to present) and President,
Mid-Atlantic Operations (May 2005 to
present) (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert G. Liptak, Jr.
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
President, Northern Operations (March 1999
to present); President, Consumers
Pennsylvania Water Company (1980 to March
1999) (7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Rubin
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Vice President, Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer (May 2005 to present);
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(March 2004 to May 2005); Controller (March
1999 to March 2004) (8) |
(1) |
|
In addition to the capacities indicated, the individuals named in the above table hold other
offices or directorships with subsidiaries of the Registrant. Officers serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. DeBenedictis was Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources from
1983 to 1986. From December 1986 to April 1989, he was President of the Greater Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce. Mr. DeBenedictis was Senior Vice President for Corporate and Public
Affairs of Philadelphia Electric Company from April 1989 to June 1992. |
|
(3) |
|
From January 1984 to August 1985, Mr. Stahl was Corporate Counsel, from August 1985 to May
1988 he was Vice President Administration and Corporate Counsel of Aqua America, Inc., and
from May 1988 to April 1991 he was Vice President and General Counsel of Aqua America,
Inc.. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Smeltzer was Vice President Controller of Philadelphia Suburban Water Company from
March, 1986 to March 1991. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Riegler was Senior Vice President Operations, Philadelphia Suburban Water Company
(April 1989 to January 1999), and from 1982 to 1984 he was Chief Engineer of Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company. He then served as Vice President and Chief Engineer from 1984 to 1986
and Vice President of Operations from 1986 to 1989. |
23
(6) |
|
Mr. Kyriss was Vice President Northeast Region of American Water Works Services Company
from 1997 to 2003. |
|
(7) |
|
Mr. Liptak was President of Consumers Pennsylvania Water Company from 1980 to March 1999. |
|
(8) |
|
Mr. Rubin was Accounting Manager with Aqua America, Inc. from June 1989 to June 1994. He
then served from June 1994 to March 1999 as Assistant Controller of Philadelphia Suburban
Water Company. |
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information appearing in the sections captioned Executive Compensation of the Proxy Statement
relating to our May 24, 2007, annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after the
end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Ownership of Common Stock The information appearing in the section captioned Ownership
of Common Stock of the Proxy Statement relating to our May 24, 2007, annual meeting of
shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form
10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The following table
provides information for our equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2006:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
future issuance under |
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
equity compensation |
|
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
plans |
|
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
(excluding securities |
|
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
|
reflected in column (a)) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved
by security holders |
|
|
3,364,778 |
|
|
$ |
16.72 |
|
|
|
3,521,136 |
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
3,364,778 |
|
|
$ |
16.72 |
|
|
|
3,521,136 |
|
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information appearing in the sections captioned Corporate Governance Director Independence
and Policies and Procedures of Related Person Transactions of the Proxy Statement relating to
our May 24, 2007, annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information appearing in the section captioned Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Services and Fees of the Proxy Statement relating to our May 24, 2007, annual meeting of
shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form
10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
24
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements. The following is a list of our consolidated financial statements and
supplementary data incorporated by reference in Item 8 hereof:
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income 2006, 2005 and 2004
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2006, 2005 and 2004
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders Equity December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules. All schedules to our consolidated financial statements are
omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is
included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibits, Including Those Incorporated by Reference. A list of exhibits filed as part of
this Form 10-K is set forth in the Exhibit Index hereto which is incorporated herein by reference.
Where so indicated by footnote, exhibits which were previously filed are incorporated by reference.
For exhibits incorporated by reference, the location of the exhibit in the previous filing is
indicated in parentheses.
25
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AQUA AMERICA, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By
|
|
NICHOLAS DEBENEDICTIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nicholas DeBenedictis |
|
|
|
|
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: February 27, 2007
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and
appoints Roy H. Stahl, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and David P. Smeltzer, Senior
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign this Report filed herewith and any or all
amendments to said Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the foregoing, as to all intents and purposes
as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
26
|
|
|
|
|
NICHOLAS DEBENEDICTIS
|
|
|
|
DAVID P. SMELTZER |
|
|
|
|
|
Nicholas DeBenedictis
|
|
|
|
David P. Smeltzer |
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President Finance and |
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer (Principal |
|
|
|
|
Financial Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
ROBERT A. RUBIN
|
|
|
|
MARY C. CARROLL |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Rubin
|
|
|
|
Mary C. Carroll |
Vice President, Controller and
|
|
|
|
Director |
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal |
|
|
|
|
Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RICHARD H. GLANTON
|
|
|
|
LON R. GREENBERG |
|
|
|
|
|
Richard H. Glanton
|
|
|
|
Lon R. Greenberg |
Director
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
WILLIAM P. HANKOWSKY
|
|
|
|
DR. CONSTANTINE PAPADAKIS |
|
|
|
|
|
William P. Hankowsky
|
|
|
|
Dr. Constantine Papadakis |
Director
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
ELLEN T. RUFF
|
|
|
|
RICHARD L. SMOOT |
|
|
|
|
|
Ellen T. Ruff
|
|
|
|
Richard L. Smoot |
Director
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
ANDREW J. SORDONI III
Andrew J. Sordoni III
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
27
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
3.1 |
|
Restated Articles of Incorporation (as of December 9, 2004) (20) (Exhibit 3.1) |
3.2 |
|
By-Laws, as amended (9) (Exhibit 3.2) |
3.3 |
|
Amendment to Section 3.03 and addition of Section 3.17
to Bylaws (11) (Exhibits 1 and 2) |
3.4 |
|
Amendment to Section 3.03 of the Bylaws (13) (Exhibit 3.8) |
3.5 |
|
Amendments to Sections 2.01(a), 2.02 and 3.08(b) of the Bylaws (14) (Exhibit 3.10) |
4.1 |
|
Indenture of Mortgage dated as of January 1, 1941
between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and The
Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting
Annuities(now First Pennsylvania Bank, N.A.), as Trustee, with
supplements thereto through the Twentieth Supplemental Indenture
dated as of August 1, 1983 (2) (Exhibits 4.1 through 4.16) |
4.2 |
|
Agreement to furnish copies of other long-term debt
instruments (1) (Exhibit 4.7) |
4.3 |
|
Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1,
1988 (3) (Exhibit 4.5) |
4.4 |
|
Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1990 (4) (Exhibit 4.6) |
4.5 |
|
Twenty-sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November
1, 1991 (5) (Exhibit 4.12) |
4.6 |
|
Twenty-eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1,
1993 (6) (Exhibit 4.15) |
4.7 |
|
Twenty-ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 30,
1995 (7) (Exhibit 4.17) |
4.8 |
|
Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 15,
1995 (8) (Exhibit 4.18) |
4.9 |
|
Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1,
1997 (10) (Exhibit 4.22) |
4.10 |
|
First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of
February 20, 2004 between Aqua America, Inc. and
Equiserve Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent. (22) (Exhibit 4.10) |
4.11 |
|
Thirty-second Supplement Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1999 (12)
(Exhibit 4.26) |
4.12 |
|
Thirty-third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 1999.
(13) (Exhibit 4.27) |
4.13 |
|
Revolving Credit Agreement between Philadelphia Suburban Water
Company and PNC Bank National Association, First Union National
Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank, N.A. dated as of December 22, 1999
(13) (Exhibit 4.27) |
4.14 |
|
First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November 28,
2000, between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and PNC Bank,
National Association, First Union National Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank,
N.A. dated as of December 22, 1999 (14) (Exhibit 4.19) |
4.15 |
|
Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 18,
2001, between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (and its successor
Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank, National
Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, First Union National Bank,
N.A., Fleet National Bank dated as of December 22, 1999 (15) (Exhibit 4.20) |
28
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
4.16 |
|
Thirty-fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15, 2001. (15) (Exhibit 4.21) |
4.17 |
|
Thirty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 1, 2002. (15) (Exhibit 4.22) |
4.18 |
|
Thirty-sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2002. (17) (Exhibit 4.23) |
4.19 |
|
Thirty-seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2002. (18) (Exhibit 4.23) |
4.20 |
|
Credit Agreement dated as of October 25, 2002, between Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation and PNC Bank, National Association. (18) (Exhibit 4.24) |
4.21 |
|
Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 16,
2002, between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (and its successor
Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank, National
Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Fleet National Bank
dated as of December 22, 1999. (18) (Exhibit 4.25) |
4.22 |
|
Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 24,
2002, between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (and its successor
Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank, National
Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Fleet National Bank,
National City Bank dated as of December 22, 1999. (18) (Exhibit 4.26) |
4.23 |
|
Note Purchase Agreement among the note purchasers and Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation, dated July 31, 2003 (19) (Exhibit 4.27) |
4.24 |
|
Credit Agreement dated as of July 31, 2003, between Philadelphia
Suburban Corporation and PNC Bank, National Association (19) (Exhibit 4.28) |
4.25 |
|
Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 14,
2003, between Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (and its successor
Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank, National
Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Fleet National Bank,
National City Bank dated as of December 22, 1999. (22) (Exhibit 4.25) |
4.26 |
|
Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004, between Aqua America, Inc.
and PNC Bank, National Association (21) (Exhibit 4.26) |
4.27 |
|
Sixth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 12, 2004
between Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (formerly known as Pennsylvania Suburban Water
Company, successor by merger to Philadelphia Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank,
National Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Fleet National Bank, National
City Bank dated as of December 22, 1999. (25) (Exhibit 4.27) |
4.28 |
|
Thirty-eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2004. (25) (Exhibit 4.28) |
4.29 |
|
Thirty-ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2005. (24) (Exhibit 4.29) |
4.30 |
|
Seventh Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2005
between Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (formerly known as Pennsylvania Suburban Water
Company, successor by merger to Philadelphia Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank,
National Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Bank of America, N.A. (formerly
Fleet National Bank), National City Bank dated as of December 22, 1999. (16)
(Exhibit 4.30) |
4.31 |
|
Fortieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2005. (16) (Exhibit 4.31) |
4.32 |
|
Eighth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 1, 2006
between Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (formerly known as Pennsylvania Suburban Water
Company, successor by merger to Philadelphia Suburban Water Company) and PNC Bank,
National Association, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Bank of America, N.A. (formerly
Fleet National Bank), National City Bank dated as of December 22, 1999. |
10.1 |
|
Excess Benefit Plan for Salaried Employees, effective
December 1, 1989* (4) (Exhibit 10.4) |
10.2 |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective
December 1, 1989* (4) (Exhibit 10.5) |
29
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.3 |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective March
15, 1992* (1) (Exhibit 10.6) |
10.4 |
|
Employment letter agreement with Mr. Nicholas
DeBenedictis, dated May 20, 1992* (1) (Exhibit 10.8) |
10.5 |
|
1994 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended by Amendment
effective August 5, 2003* (22) (Exhibit 10.5) |
10.6 |
|
Placement Agency Agreement between Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company and PaineWebber Incorporated
dated as of March 30, 1995 (7) (Exhibit 10.12) |
10.7 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County
Industrial Development Authority, Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company and Legg Mason Wood Walker,
Incorporated dated August 24, 1995 (8) (Exhibit 10.13) |
10.8 |
|
Construction and Financing Agreement between the
Delaware County Industrial Development Authority and
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company dated as of August
15, 1995 (8) (Exhibit 10.14) |
10.9 |
|
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation Amended and
Restated Executive Deferral Plan* (22) (Exhibit 10.9) |
10.10 |
|
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation Deferred
Compensation Plan Master Trust Agreement
with PNC Bank, National Association, dated
as of December 31, 1996* (9) (Exhibit 10.24) |
10.11 |
|
First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan* (9) (Exhibit 10.25) |
10.12 |
|
Placement Agency Agreement between Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company and A.G. Edwards and Sons,
Inc., Janney Montgomery Scott Inc., HSBC Securities,
Inc., and PaineWebber Incorporated (10) (Exhibit 10.26) |
10.13 |
|
The Director Deferral Plan* (22) (Exhibit 10.13) |
10.14 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County
Industrial Development Authority, Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company and Commerce Capital
Markets dated September 29, 1999 (12) (Exhibit 10.37) |
10.15 |
|
Construction and Financing Agreement between the Delaware
County Industrial Development Authority and Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company dated as of October 1, 1999 (12) (Exhibit 10.38) |
10.16 |
|
Placement Agency Agreement between Philadelphia Suburban
Water Company and Merrill Lynch & Co., PaineWebber
Incorporated, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., First Union
Securities, Inc., PNC Capital Markets, Inc. and Janney
Montgomery Scott, Inc., dated as of November 15, 1999 (13) (Exhibit 10.41) |
10.17 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County
Industrial Development Authority, Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company and The GMS Group, L.L.C.,
dated October 23, 2001 (15) (Exhibit 10.35) |
10.18 |
|
Construction and Financing Agreement between the Delaware
County Industrial Development Authority and Philadelphia
Suburban Water Company dated as of October 15, 2001 (15) (Exhibit 10.36) |
10.19 |
|
Agreement among Philadelphia Suburban Corporation,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and Nicholas DeBenedictis,
dated August 7, 2001* (15) (Exhibit 10.37) |
30
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.20 |
|
Agreement among Philadelphia Suburban Corporation,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and Roy H. Stahl,
dated August 7, 2001* (15) (Exhibit 10.38) |
10.21 |
|
Agreement among Philadelphia Suburban Corporation,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and Richard R. Riegler,
dated August 7, 2001* (15) (Exhibit 10.39) |
10.22 |
|
Agreement among Philadelphia Suburban Corporation,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and David P. Smeltzer,
dated August 7, 2001* (15) (Exhibit 10.40) |
10.23 |
|
Agreement among Philadelphia Suburban Corporation,
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and Richard D. Hugus,
dated August 7, 2001* (22) (Exhibit 10.23) |
10.24 |
|
2007 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Plan* |
10.25 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Bucks County Industrial
Development Authority, Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company
and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, dated May 21, 2002 (17) (Exhibit 10.42) |
10.26 |
|
Construction and Financing Agreement between the Bucks County
Industrial Development Authority and Pennsylvania Suburban
Water Company dated as of June 1, 2002 (17) (Exhibit 10.43) |
10.27 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County Industrial
Development Authority, Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company,
and The GMS Group, L.L.C., dated December 19, 2002 (18) (Exhibit 10.44) |
10.28 |
|
Construction and Financing Agreement between the Delaware County
Industrial Development Authority and Pennsylvania Suburban
Water Company dated as of December 15, 2002 (18) (Exhibit 10.45) |
10.29 |
|
Aqua America, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan as amended by Amendment
effective February 22, 2007* |
10.30 |
|
2006 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Plan* (16) (Exhibit 10.30) |
10.31 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Northumberland County Industrial
Development Authority, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., and Sovereign
Securities Corporation, LLC, dated November 16, 2004. (25) (Exhibit 10.31) |
10.32 |
|
Aqua America, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan* (23) |
10.33 |
|
2005 Executive Deferral Plan* (25) (Exhibit 10.33) |
10.34 |
|
2005 Director Deferral Plan* (25) (Exhibit 10.34) |
10.35 |
|
Non-Employee Directors Compensation for 2006* (26) (Exhibit 10.1) |
10.36 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. and Sovereign Securities Corporation, LLC,
dated May 10, 2005. (24) (Exhibit 10.36) |
10.37 |
|
Bond Purchase Agreement among the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. and Sovereign Securities Corporation, LLC,
dated December 21, 2005. (16) (Exhibit 10.37) |
10.38 |
|
Aqua America, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan* (29) |
10.39 |
|
Aqua America, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan* (16) (Exhibit 10.39) |
10.40 |
|
Form of Stock Option Agreement* (16) (Exhibit 10.40) |
31
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
10.41 |
|
Acceleration of Payout of 2004 and 2005 Dividend Equivalent Awards; Grants of 2006 Dividend
Equivalent Awards; Performance Criteria for Acceleration of Payout of Dividend Equivalent
Awards* (28) (Exhibit 10.2) |
10.42 |
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock Granted in 2005; Grants of Restricted Stock* (28) (Exhibit 10.3) |
10.43 |
|
2006 Salaries; Annual Incentive Compensation Earned in 2005* (28) (Exhibit 10.1) |
10.44 |
|
Non-Employee Directors
Compensation for 2007* |
13.1 |
|
Selected portions of Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended
December 31, 2006 incorporated by reference in Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
21.1 |
|
Subsidiaries of Aqua America, Inc. |
23.1 |
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
24.1 |
|
Power of Attorney (included on signature page) |
31.1 |
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 |
31.2 |
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 |
32.1 |
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 |
32.2 |
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 |
32
Notes -
Documents Incorporated by Reference
(1) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992. |
|
(2) |
|
Indenture of Mortgage dated as of January 1, 1941 with supplements thereto through the
Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1983 were filed as an Exhibit to Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983. |
|
(3) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988. |
|
(4) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989. |
|
(5) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991. |
|
(6) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993. |
|
(7) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995. |
|
(8) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1995. |
|
(9) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. |
|
(10) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. |
|
(11) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Form 8-K filed August 7, 1997. |
|
(12) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999. |
|
(13) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. |
|
(14) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. |
|
(15) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
|
(16) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. |
|
(17) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. |
|
(18) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
|
(19) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 |
|
(20) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Form 8-K filed December 9, 2004. |
|
(21) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. |
|
(22) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. |
|
(23) |
|
Filed as Appendix C to definitive Proxy Statement dated April 2, 2004. |
|
(24) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. |
|
(25) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. |
|
(26) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Form 8-K filed December 12, 2005. |
|
(27) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Form 8-K filed March 7, 2005. |
|
(28) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to Form 8-K filed March 13, 2006. |
|
(29) |
|
Filed as a Registration Statement on Form S-3 on February 18, 2005. |
*Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
33
exv4w32
EXHIBIT 4.32
EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of this 1st day of December, 2006, by and among AQUA
PENNSYLVANIA, INC., a Pennsylvania corporation (formerly known as Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company, successor by
merger to Philadelphia Suburban Water Company) (Borrower), the several banks which are parties to this Agreement
(each a Bank and collectively, Banks) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION in its capacity as agent for Banks (in
such capacity, Agent).
BACKGROUND
A. Borrower, Agent and Banks are parties to a Credit Agreement, dated as of December 22, 1999, as amended by a
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of November 28, 2000, a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of
December 18, 2001, a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 16, 2002, a Fourth Amendment dated as of
December 24, 2002, a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2003, a Sixth Amendment to Credit
Agreement dated as of December 12, 2004 and a Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2005 (as so
amended, the Credit Agreement), pursuant to which Banks agreed to make revolving credit loans to Borrower in an
aggregate outstanding amount of up to $70,000,000 (the Loans). The Loans are evidenced by Borrowers Revolving
Credit Notes in the aggregate principal face amount of $70,000,000.
B. Borrower, Agent and Banks desire to extend the Termination Date of the facility, all on the terms and subject
to the conditions herein set forth.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Terms. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to
such terms in the Credit Agreement.
2. Amendments to Credit Agreement. Effective on December 8, 2006 (the Effective Date) the Credit
Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a) The definition of Termination Date in Section 1.1 is hereby amended and restated to read in full as follows:
Termination Date: the earlier of (a) December 6, 2007 or any later
date to which the Termination Date shall have been extended pursuant to subsection
2.8(d) hereof and (b) the date the Commitments are terminated as provided herein.
1
3. Loan Documents. Except where the context clearly requires otherwise, all references to the Credit
Agreement in any of the Loan Documents or any other document delivered to Banks or Agent in connection therewith shall
be to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Agreement.
4. Borrowers Ratification. Borrower agrees that it has no defenses or set-offs against Banks or Agent or
their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or attorneys, with respect to the Loan Documents, all of which
are in full force and effect, and that all of the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents not inconsistent herewith
shall remain in full force and effect unless and until modified or amended in writing in accordance with their terms.
Borrower hereby ratifies and confirms its obligations under the Loan Documents as amended hereby and agrees that the
execution and delivery of this Agreement does not in any way diminish or invalidate any of its obligations thereunder.
5. Representations and Warranties. Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Agent and Banks that:
(a) Except as otherwise previously disclosed to Agent and Banks, the representations and warranties made in the
Credit Agreement, as amended by this Agreement, are true and correct as of the date hereof;
(b) No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement exists on the date hereof; and
(c) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered so as to constitute the legal, valid and
binding obligations of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
All of the above representations and warranties shall survive the making of this Agreement.
6. Conditions Precedent. The effectiveness of the amendments set forth herein is subject to the
fulfillment, to the satisfaction of Agent and its counsel, of the following conditions precedent on or before the
Effective Date:
(a) Borrower shall have delivered to Agent, with copies or counterparts for each Bank as appropriate, the
following, all of which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and shall be duly completed and executed:
|
(ii) |
|
Copies, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of Borrower as of a recent date, of resolutions of the board of directors of
Borrower in effect on the date hereof authorizing the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other documents and transactions contemplated
hereby; |
2
|
(iii) |
|
Copies, certified by its corporate secretary as of a
recent date, of the articles of incorporation, certificate of formation, and by-laws of
Borrower as in effect, or a certificate stating that there have been no changes to any
such documents since the most recent date, true and correct copies thereof were
delivered to Agent; and |
|
(iv) |
|
Such additional documents, certificates and information as
Agent or Banks may require pursuant to the terms hereof or otherwise reasonably
request. |
(b) The representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of
the date hereof.
(c) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing as of the date hereof.
(d) Borrower shall have paid to Agent for the benefit of Banks an extension fee of $84,000 to be distributed pro
rata to Banks.
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) All terms, conditions, provisions and covenants in the Loan Documents and all other documents delivered to
Agent and Banks in connection therewith shall remain unaltered and in full force and effect except as modified or
amended hereby. To the extent that any term or provision of this Agreement is or may be deemed expressly inconsistent
with any term or provision in any Loan Document or any other document executed in connection therewith, the terms and
provisions hereof shall control.
(b) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Agreement shall neither operate as a waiver of any right,
power or remedy of Agent or Banks under any of the Loan Documents nor constitute a waiver of any Default or Event of
Default or default thereunder.
(c) In consideration of Agents and Banks agreement to amend the existing credit facility, Borrower hereby waives
and releases Agent and Banks and their respective officers, attorneys, agents and employees from any liability, suit,
damage, claim, loss or expense of any kind or failure whatsoever and howsoever arising that it ever had up until, or
has as of, the date of this Agreement.
(d) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements.
(e) In the event any provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.
(f) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
3
(g) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns and may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(h) The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this
Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, Agent and Banks have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized
officers as of the date first above written.
AQUA PENNSYLVANIA, INC.
By: Kathy L. Pape
Title: Vice President and Treasurer
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Bank and as Agent
By: Forrest B. Patterson, Jr.
Title: Senior Vice President
CITIZENS BANK OF PENNSYLVANIA
By: Leslie Broderick
Title: Senior Vice President
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (formerly Fleet National Bank)
By: Katherine Osele
Title: Assistant Vice President
NATIONAL CITY BANK
By: David Dobstaff
Title: Senior Vice President
4
exv10w24
EXHIBIT 10.24
AQUA AMERICA, INC.
and SUBSIDIARIES
2007 ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
BACKGROUND
In 1989, the Company and its compensation consultant conducted a
feasibility study to determine whether the Company should implement an
incentive compensation plan. The study was prompted by the positive
experience of other investor-owned water companies with incentive
compensation.
The study included interviews with executives and an analysis of
competitive compensation levels. Based on the results, the
compensation consultant recommended that the Companys objectives and
competitive practice supported the adoption of an annual incentive
plan (the Plan). The Company has had a cash incentive compensation
plan in place since 1990 and management and the Board of Directors
believe it has had a positive effect on the Companys operations,
aiding employees, shareholders (higher earnings) and customers (better
service and controlling expenses).
The Plan has two components a Management Incentive Program and an
Employee Recognition (Chairmans Award) Program.
The Plan is designed to provide an appropriate incentive to the
officers, managers and certain other key employees of the Company.
The 2007 Management Incentive Program will cover officers, managers
and certain key employees of Aqua America, Inc., and its subsidiaries.
All incentive awards under the Plan shall be paid by March 15 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which such awards are
earned, or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter.
MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Performance Measures
|
|
|
Annual incentive bonus awards are calculated by multiplying an individuals
Target Bonus by a Company Factor based on the applicable companys performance and an
Individual Factor based on the individual employees performance. |
|
|
|
The approach of having a plan tied to the applicable companys income performance is
appropriate as the participants assume some of the same risks and rewards as the
shareholders who are investing in the company and making its capital construction
and acquisition programs possible. Customers also benefit from the participants
individual objectives being met, as improvements in performance are accomplished by
controlling costs, improving efficiencies and enhancing customer service. For these
reasons, future rate relief should be lessened and less frequent, which directly
benefits all customers. |
|
|
|
|
The applicable companys actual after-tax net income from continuing operations
or earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITD) relative to its annual
budget will be the primary measure for the companys performance. The measurement to
be used as the Company Factor (financial factor, thresholds and weighting by applicable
business unit) for each participant will be established by the Chairman of the Company
and, for the senior executives of the Company, approved individually by the Executive
Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee. Each year a Target Net Income or
EBITD level will be established. Portions of the Company Rating Factor may be tied to
the financial targets of more than one company for some participants whose
responsibilities involve more than one company. For purposes of the Plan, the Target
Net Income or EBITD may differ from the budgeted net income or EBITD level. For 2007,
the Target Net Income or EBITD will exclude the impact of any unbudgeted extraordinary
gains or losses as a result of changes in accounting principles. |
|
|
|
|
Based on a review of historic performance, the minimum or threshold level of
performance is set at 90 percent of the Target Net Income or EBITD. That is, no bonus
awards will be made if actual net income is less than 90 percent of the Target Net
Income or EBITD for the year. No additional bonus will be earned for results exceeding
110 percent of the Target Net Income or EBITD. |
|
|
|
|
Each individuals performance and achievement of his or her objectives will
also be evaluated and factored into the bonus calculation (the Individual Factor).
Performance objectives for each participant are established each year and are primarily
directed toward customer growth, improving customer service, controlling costs and
improving efficiencies and productivity. Each objective has specific performance
measures that are used to determine the level of achievement for each objective. A
participants target Individual Factor should be no more than 90 points, with the
possibility of additional points up to 110 points being awarded for measurable
performance above the participants targeted performance level. Participants must
achieve at least 70 points for their Individual Factor to be eligible for a bonus award
under the Plan. |
Participation
|
|
|
Eligible participants consist of officers, managers and certain key employees. |
|
|
|
|
Participation in the Management Incentive Program will be determined each year.
Each participant will be assigned a Target Bonus Percentage ranging from 5 to 70
percent depending on duties and responsibilities. The Executive Compensation and
Employee Benefits Committee will approve the Target Bonus Percentage for the CEO and
the senior executives designated by the Committee each year. |
|
|
|
|
The Target Bonus Percentage for each participant will be applied to their base
salary. |
|
|
|
|
Actual bonuses may range from 0, if the companys financial results falls below
the minimum threshold or the participant does not make sufficient progress toward
achieving his or her objectives (i.e. performance measure points totaling less than 70
points), to 187.5 percent if performance both Company and individual is rated at
the maximum. |
|
|
|
|
New employees who are hired into a position that is eligible to participate in
the Management Incentive Plan, will normally be eligible to receive a portion of the
bonus calculated in accordance with this Plan that is pro-rated based on the number of
full calendar months between the new employees hire date and the end of the calendar
year. |
|
|
|
|
Employees who would otherwise be eligible to participate in this Management
Incentive Plan, but who leave employment with the company, either voluntarily,
involuntarily or as a result of retirement, prior to the end of the Companys fiscal
year will not receive a bonus for the year in which their employment terminates. If an
employee who would otherwise be eligible to participate in this Management Incentive
Plan dies, the company will pay the deceased employees estate a portion of the bonus
the deceased employee would otherwise have been entitled to assuming a 100% Individual
Factor, but pro-rated for the number of full calendar months the employee completed
before his or her death. |
Company Factor
|
|
|
Company performance will be measured on the following schedule: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of |
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
Factor |
|
Threshold |
|
|
<90 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Plan |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
|
>110 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
The actual Company Factor should be calculated by interpolation between the
points shown in the table above. |
|
|
|
|
Regardless of the Company rating resulting from this Schedule, the Executive
Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee retains the authority to determine the
final Company Factor for purposes of this Plan. |
Individual Factor
|
|
|
Individual performance will be measured on the following scale: |
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Measure |
|
Individual |
|
Points |
|
Factor |
|
0 - 69 |
|
|
0 |
% |
70 |
|
|
70 |
% |
80 |
|
|
80 |
% |
90 |
|
|
90 |
% |
100 |
|
|
100 |
% |
110 |
|
|
110 |
% |
|
|
|
In addition, up to 40 additional points and additional percentage points may be
awarded to a participant at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer for exemplary
performance. Individual performance points for the Chief Executive Officer are
determined by the Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee. |
Sample Calculations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary or
|
|
$70,000 |
|
|
Target Bonus
|
|
10 percent ($7,000) |
|
|
Company Factor
|
|
100 percent |
|
|
Individual Factor
|
|
90 percent |
Calculation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
Individual |
|
|
|
|
Target Bonus
|
|
x
|
|
Factor
|
|
x
|
|
Factor
|
|
=
|
|
Bonus Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,000 |
|
|
x
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
=
|
|
$6,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using the same salary and target bonus, but assuming Company performance was
less than 90 percent of Target EBITD, there would be no bonus earned. |
|
|
|
|
Calculation: |
$7,000 x 0 x 90% = 0
|
|
|
Similarly, if the Individual Factor is rated below 70 points, no bonus would be
earned regardless of the Company Factor. |
|
|
|
|
Calculation: |
$7,000 x 100% x 0 = 0
|
|
|
If the Company Factor is allocated between two companies, the bonus will be
calculated separately based on the allocation. |
|
|
|
|
Calculation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
Individual
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target Bonus
|
|
x
|
|
Factor
|
|
x
|
|
Allocation
|
|
x
|
|
Factor
|
|
=
|
|
Bonus Earned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$7,000
|
|
x
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
=
|
|
$ |
1,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$7,000
|
|
x
|
|
|
110 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
80 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
=
|
|
|
$5,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Bonus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
=
|
|
$6,804
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is also possible that one portion of the applicable Company Rating Factor is
zero, for which there would be no bonus, regardless of the participants Individual
Rating Factor. |
|
|
|
|
Calculation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
|
|
Individual
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target Bonus
|
|
x
|
|
Factory
|
|
x
|
|
Allocation
|
|
x
|
|
Factor
|
|
=
|
|
Bonus Earned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$7,000
|
|
x
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
=
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$7,000
|
|
x
|
|
|
110 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
80 |
% |
|
x
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
=
|
|
|
$5,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Bonus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
=
|
|
$ |
5,544 |
|
|
|
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION (CHAIRMANS AWARD) PROGRAM
1. |
|
In addition to the Management Incentive Program, the Company maintains an Employee
Recognition Program known as the Chairmans Award program to reward non-union employees who
are not eligible for the management bonus plan for superior performance that contains costs,
improves efficiency and productivity of the workforce and better serves our customers. Awards
may also be made for a special action or heroic deed, or for a project that positively impacts
the performance or image of the Company. |
|
2. |
|
Awards will be made from an annual pool designated by the Chairman of Aqua America with the
approval of the Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee. Unused funds will not
be carried over to the next year. If financial performance warrants, management may request
special awards under the program. |
|
3. |
|
In general, Chairmans Awards will not be made to employees of a company that does not
achieve at least 90% of its EBITD objective for the year. |
|
4. |
|
Awards may be made throughout the year, however, no more than one-third of a companys
Chairmans Award pool may be awarded until the companys final EBITD for the year is
determined. |
|
5. |
|
Nominations for employees to receive Chairmans Awards will be made to the applicable officer
and should include documentation on the reasons for the recommendations. The applicable
officer will review the nominations and forward their recommendations to the Chairman of Aqua
America. |
|
6. |
|
The Chairman will determine the individuals to actually receive a bonus and the amount.
The maximum award to any one employee is $5,000. |
|
7. |
|
Employees who would otherwise be eligible to participate in the Chairmans Award
program, but who leave employment with the company, either voluntarily, involuntarily or as
a result of retirement, prior to the end of the Companys fiscal year will not receive a
Chairmans Award for the year in which their employment terminates. |
exv10w29
EXHIBIT 10.29
AQUA AMERICA, INC
2004 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
(as amended February 22, 2007)
1. Purpose
The purpose of this plan (the Plan) is to provide an incentive, in the form of a proprietary interest in Aqua
America, Inc. (the Corporation), to officers, other key employees and Non-employee Directors, as defined below, of
the Corporation and its subsidiaries and key consultants who are in a position to contribute materially to the
successful operation of the business of the Corporation, to increase their interest in the Corporations welfare, and
to provide a means through which the Corporation can attract and retain officers, other key employees and Non-employee
Directors and key consultants of significant abilities. The Plan is a successor plan to the Corporations existing
Amended and Restated 1994 Equity Compensation Plan (the 1994 Plan.)
2. Administration
This Plan shall be administered by a Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Each of the members of the Committee may be an outside director as defined under section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and related Treasury regulations and each of whom shall also be a
non-employee director as defined under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act). However, the Board of Directors may ratify or approve any grants made by the Committee if the
Committee deems it appropriate in a particular circumstance.
From time to time the Committee may make grants, subject to the terms of the Plan, with respect to such number of
shares of Common Stock of the Corporation as the Committee, acting in its sole discretion, may determine. All
references to the Committee hereunder shall also mean the Board of Directors to the extent that the Board of Directors
is acting pursuant to its authority to ratify or approve grants under the Plan. Non-employee Directors, as defined
below, may only receive stock grants pursuant to the provisions of Section 7(f).
Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall be authorized to interpret the Plan and the grants made
under the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms
and provisions of the agreement related to grants described in Section 9 hereof, and to make all other determinations,
including factual determinations, necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct
any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any option or grant in the manner and
to the extent it shall be deemed desirable to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee in the
administration of the Plan, as described herein, shall be final and conclusive. The Committee may adopt such rules and
regulations as it deems necessary for governing its affairs. All powers of the Committee shall be executed in its sole
discretion, in the best interest of the Corporation, not as a fiduciary, and in keeping with the objectives of the Plan
and need not be uniform as to similarly situated individuals. An Agreement, as defined below, shall be executed by
each grantee and shall constitute that grantees acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms of the Plan and the
Committees authority and discretion.
1
3. Grants
Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to grant stock options to officers and
other key employees and key consultants and restricted stock and dividend equivalents to officers and other key
employees; provided, however, that Non-employee Directors, as defined below, may receive stock grants in accordance
with Section 7(f) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Grants). All Grants shall be subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein and to those other terms and conditions consistent with this Plan as the Committee deems
appropriate and as are specified in writing by the Corporation in the agreement described in Section 9 of the Plan
(the Agreement). Grants under a particular Section of the Plan need not be uniform as among the grantees and Grants
under two or more Sections of the Plan may be combined in one instrument.
4. Shares Subject to the Plan
Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum aggregate number of shares of the Common Stock of the
Corporation that may be issued or transferred under the Plan shall be 3,675,000 shares; provided, however, that no more
than 50% of these shares shall be available for issuance as restricted stock. The maximum number of shares of Common
Stock that may be subject to Grants made under the Plan to any individual during any calendar year shall be 150,000
shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15. Shares deliverable under the Plan may be authorized and
unissued shares or treasury shares, as the Committee may from time to time determine. Shares of Common Stock related
to the unexercised or undistributed portion of any terminated, expired or forfeited Grant also may be made available
for distribution in connection with future Grants under the Plan. Additionally, if and to the extent options granted
under the 1994 Plan terminate or expire without being exercised, or if any shares of restricted stock are forfeited, or
shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable under the 1994 Plan are withheld by the Corporation in satisfaction of
withholding taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of a stock option or vesting of a restricted stock award,
the shares subject to such awards may be made available for distribution in connection with future Grants under the
Plan.
5. Eligibility
Only officers, key employees, members of the Board of Directors who are not employed in any capacity by the
Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Non-employee Directors) and key consultants of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries shall be eligible for Grants under the Plan; provided, however, that Grants to Non-employee Directors
shall be made only in accordance with Section 7(f). The term subsidiaries shall mean any corporation in an unbroken
chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation, if at the time of the Grant, each of the corporations other than
the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
6. Granting of Options
The Committee may, from time to time, grant stock options to eligible officers and other key employees and shall
designate options at the time of grant as either incentive stock options intended to qualify as such under section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended or any successor statute of similar purpose (the
Code), or nonqualified stock options, which options are not intended to so qualify. The Committee may, from time
to time, grant nonqualified stock options to key consultants. Except as hereinafter provided, options granted pursuant to the
Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
2
|
(a) |
|
Price. The purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon the issuance of shares pursuant
to the exercise of each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Corporations
Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The fair market value shall be the mean of the closing
price of the Corporations Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions or other
recognized market source, as determined by the Committee, on the date the option is granted, or if there
is no sale on such date, then the closing price on the last previous day on which a sale is reported. In
any event, in case of the grant of an incentive stock option, the fair market value shall be determined
in a manner consistent with section 422 of the Code. |
Shares may be purchased only by delivering a notice of exercise to the Corporation with payment of the purchase
price therefore to be paid in full prior to the issuance of the shares. Such notice may instruct the Corporation to
deliver shares of Common Stock due upon the exercise of the option to any registered broker or dealer in lieu of
delivery to the grantee. Such instructions must designate the account into which the shares are to be deposited. The
grantee may tender this notice of exercise, which has been properly executed by the grantee, and the aforementioned
delivery instructions to any broker or dealer. With the consent of the Committee, payment of the purchase price may be
made, in whole or in part, through the surrender of shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation (including without
limitation shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the option then being exercised) at the fair market value of
such shares determined as of the last trading day prior to the date on which the option is exercised, in the same
manner set forth in the above paragraph.
|
(b) |
|
Terms of Options. The term during which each incentive stock option may be exercised shall be
determined by the Committee, but in no event shall an incentive stock option be exercisable in whole or
in part more than 10 years from the date it is granted and in no event shall a nonqualified stock option
be exercisable in whole or in part more than 10 years and one day from the date it is granted. All
rights to purchase pursuant to an option shall, unless sooner terminated, expire at the date designated
by the Committee. |
The Committee shall determine the date on which each option shall become exercisable and may provide
that an option shall become exercisable in installments. The shares comprising each installment may
be purchased in whole or in part at any time after such installment becomes exercisable. The
Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any option may be exercised in
whole or in part. Notwithstanding any determinations by the Committee regarding the exercise period
of any option, all outstanding options shall become immediately exercisable upon a Change of Control
of the Corporation (as defined herein).
3
|
(c) |
|
Termination of Employment. Upon the termination of a grantees regular full-time employment
for any reason (except as a result of retirement, disability or death), the options held by such grantee
shall terminate. Notwithstanding the fact that, in all cases, a grantees employment shall be deemed to
have terminated upon the sale of a subsidiary of the Corporation (an entity in which the Corporation
has at least a 50% ownership of the entitys total voting power) that employs such grantee, the
Committee, in its sole discretion, may extend the period during which any option held by such a grantee
may be exercised after such sale to the earliest of (i) a date which is not more than three years from
the date of the sale of the subsidiary, (ii) the date of the grantees termination of employment as a
regular full-time employee with the subsidiary (or successor employer) following such sale for reasons
other than retirement, disability or death, (iii) the date which is one year from the date of the
grantees termination of employment with the subsidiary on account of the grantees total disability (as
defined in section 22(e)(3) of the Code), or three months from the date of such termination if on account
of death, retirement or a disability other than a total disability, or (iv) the expiration of the
original term of the option as established at the time of grant. The Committee, in its sole discretion,
may similarly extend the period of exercise of any option held by a grantee employed by the Corporation
or a subsidiary. whose employment with the Corporation or subsidiary is terminated in connection with the
sale of a subsidiary of the Corporation. To the extent that any option is not otherwise exercisable as
of the date on which the grantee ceases to be employed as a regular full-time employee by the subsidiary
or the Corporation, as applicable, such unexercisable portion of the option shall terminate as of such
date. |
Upon termination of a grantees employment as a result of retirement, disability or death, the period
during which the options may be exercised shall not exceed: (i) one year from the date of such
termination of employment in the case of death; (ii) two years from the date of such termination in
the case of permanent and total disability (within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or
retirement; and (iii) three months from the date of such termination of employment in the case of
other disability; provided, however, that in no event shall the period extend beyond the expiration
of the option term. To the extent that any option is not otherwise exercisable as of the date on
which the grantee ceases to be employed by the Corporation or any subsidiary, as applicable, such
unexercisable portion of the option shall terminate as of such date.
Subject to the foregoing, in the event of a grantees death, such options may be exercised by a
grantees legal representative or beneficiary, but only to the extent that an option has become
exercisable as of the date of death. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole
discretion, may determine that any portion of an option that has not become exercisable as of the
date of the grantees death, termination of employment on account of permanent and total disability
(within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or other termination of employment may also be
exercised by a grantee, or in the case of death, a grantees legal representative or beneficiary.
Transfer from the Corporation to a subsidiary, from a subsidiary to the Corporation, or from one
subsidiary to another, shall not be deemed to be a termination of employment. All references in this Section 6(c)
to the termination of a grantees employment shall include the termination of a consultants
relationship with the Corporation or any subsidiary.
4
|
(d) |
|
Limits on Incentive Stock Options. Each Grant of an incentive stock option shall provide that
it (i) is not transferable by the grantee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution
and (ii) is exercisable, during the grantees lifetime, only by the grantee and that the aggregate fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of the Grant with respect to which incentive stock options
are exercisable for the first time by a grantee during any calendar year under the Plan and under any
other stock option plan of the Corporation shall not exceed the limitation set forth in section 422(d) of
the Code. |
An incentive stock option shall not be granted to any grantee who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing
more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or subsidiary of the
Corporation, unless the exercise price of the incentive stock option is no less than 110% of the fair market value per
share on the date of grant and the term of the incentive stock option is not more than five years. Unless a grantee
could otherwise transfer Common Stock issued pursuant to an incentive stock option granted hereunder without incurring
liability under section 16(b) of the Exchange Act , at least six months must elapse from the date of acquisition of an
incentive stock option to the date of disposition of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of such option.
7. Restricted Stock Grants
The Committee may issue or transfer shares of Common Stock of the Corporation to an eligible officer or other key
employee. The following provisions are applicable to restricted stock grants:
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(a) |
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General Requirements. Shares of Common Stock of the Corporation issued pursuant to restricted
stock grants may be issued for consideration or for no consideration. Subject to any other restrictions
by the Committee as provided pursuant to Section 7(e) and 7(g), restrictions on the transfer of shares of
Common Stock set forth in Section 7(c) shall lapse on such date or dates as the Committee may approve
until the restrictions have lapsed on 100% of the shares; provided, however, that upon a Change of
Control of the Corporation, all restrictions on the transfer of the shares which have not, prior to such
date, been forfeited shall immediately lapse. The period of years during which the restricted stock
grant will remain subject to restrictions will be designated by the Committee (the Restriction Period).
Prior to the lapse of the Restriction Period the shares of Common Stock granted to any grantee shall be
held by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of Section 15 with respect to voting and dividends. |
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(b) |
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Number of Shares. The Committee may grant to each grantee a number of shares of Common Stock
of the Corporation determined in its sole discretion. |
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(c) |
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Requirement of Employment. If the grantees regular full-time employment terminates during the
Restriction Period, the restricted stock grant terminates as to all shares covered by the Grant as to
which restrictions on transfer have not lapsed, and those shares of Common Stock must be immediately
returned to the Corporation. The Committee may, however, provide for complete or partial exceptions to
this requirement as it deems equitable. |
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(d) |
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Restrictions on Transfer and Legend on Stock Certificate. During the Restriction Period, a
grantee may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of the shares of Common Stock to
which such Restriction Period applies except to a Successor Grantee (as defined in Section 10 of the
Plan). Each certificate for a share issued or transferred under a restricted stock grant shall contain a
legend giving appropriate notice of the restrictions in the Grant. The grantee shall be entitled to have
the legend removed from the stock certificate or certificates covering any of the shares subject to
restrictions when all restrictions on such shares have lapsed. |
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(e) |
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Lapse of Restrictions. All restrictions imposed under the restricted stock grant shall lapse
upon the expiration of the applicable Restriction Period; provided, however, that upon the death of the
grantee or a Change of Control of the Corporation, all restrictions on the transfer of shares which have
not, prior to such date, been forfeited shall immediately lapse. In addition, the Committee may
determine as to any or all restricted stock grants, that all the restrictions shall lapse, without regard
to any Restriction Period, under such circumstances as it deems equitable. |
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(f) |
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Stock grants to Non-employee Directors. As of the first day of the month following the
Corporations annual meeting of shareholders, each Non-employee Director shall receive a grant of 1,500
shares of Common Stock. Such shares shall not be sold for 6 months following the date of grant. No
other restrictions shall apply to such shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, this
Section 7(f) may not be amended more than once every 12 months, except for amendments necessary to
conform the Plan to changes of the provisions of, or the regulations relating to, the Code. |
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(g) |
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(1) Restricted Stock Awards Subject to Performance Goals. From time to time the Committee may
issues shares of Common Stock of the Corporation pursuant to restricted stock grants, which, in addition
to the terms and restrictions of Sections 7(a)(f) above, will be subject to certain pre-established
performance goals. In setting the performance goals for grants designated as qualified
performance-based compensation pursuant to this Section 7, the Committee may establish that the
Restriction Period of such restricted stock grants will lapse only upon the achievement of certain
pre-established corporate performance goals that |
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shall be objectively determinable. The performance goals may be based on one or more of the
following criteria: (1) total return to shareholders; (2) dividends; (3) earnings per share; (4)
customer growth; (5) cost reduction goals; (6) the achievement of specified operational goals,
including water quality and the reliability of water supply; (7) measures of customer satisfaction;
(8) net income (before or after taxes) or operating income; (9) earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization or operating income before depreciation and amortization; (10) revenue
targets; (11) return on assets, capital or investment; (12) cash flow; (13) budget comparisons; (14)
implementation or completion of projects or processes strategic or critical to the Companys business
operations; and (15) any combination of, or a specified increase in, any of the foregoing. In
addition, such performance goals may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of the
Corporations performance under one or more of the measures described above relative to the
performance of other entities and may also be based on the performance of any of the Corporations
business units or divisions or any parent or subsidiary. Performance goals may be based upon the
attainment of specified levels of the Companys performance under one or more of the measures
described above during a specified time period, which may differ from the Restriction Period.
Performance goals may include a minimum threshold level of performance below which no award will be
earned, levels of performance at which specified portions of an award will be earned and a maximum
level of performance at which an award will be fully earned. These performance goals shall satisfy
the requirements for qualified performance-based compensation, including the requirement that the
achievement of the goals be substantially uncertain at the time they are established and that the
performance goals be established in such a way that a third party with knowledge of the relevant
facts could determine whether and to what extent the performance goals have been met. The Committee
shall not have discretion to increase the amount of compensation that is payable upon achievement of
the designated performance goals, but the Committee may reduce the amount of compensation that is
payable upon achievement of the designated performance goals. |
(2) Timing of Establishment of Goals. The Committee shall establish the performance goals in writing
either before the beginning of the commencement of the period during which the specified performance
goals are to be measured or during a period ending no later than the earlier of (i) 90 days after the
beginning of the period during which the specified performance goals are to be measured or (ii) the
date on which 25% of the period during which the specified performance goals are to be measured has
been completed, or such other date as may be required or permitted under applicable regulations under
Code section 162(m).
(3) Announcement of Results. The Committee shall certify and announce the results for the
Restriction Period to all grantees after the Company announces the Companys financial results for
the Restriction Period. If and to the extent that the Committee does not certify that the
performance goals have been met, the applicable grants for the Restriction Period shall be forfeited
or shall not be paid, as applicable.
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(4) Death, Disability or Other Circumstances. The Committee may provide that grants shall be payable
or restrictions shall lapse, in whole or in part, in the event of the grantees death or disability
during the Restriction Period, a Change of Control or under other circumstances consistent with the
Treasury regulations and rulings under Code section 162(m).
8. Dividend Equivalents
The Committee may grant dividend equivalents to eligible officers and other key employees either alone or in
conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the Plan. A dividend equivalent shall be equal to the
dividend payable on a share of Common Stock of the Corporation. The amount of dividend equivalents for any grantee
(the Dividend Equivalent Amount) is determined by multiplying the number of dividend equivalents subject to the Grant
by the per-share cash dividend, or the per-share fair market value (as determined by the Committee) of any dividend in
other than cash, paid by the Corporation with respect to each record date for the payment of a dividend during the
period described in Section 8(a).
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Amount of Dividend Equivalent Credited. The Corporation shall credit to an account for each
grantee maintained by the Corporation in its books and records on each record date, from the date of
grant until the earlier of the date of (i) the end of the applicable Accumulation Period designated by
the Committee at the time of grant, (ii) the date of the termination of regular full-time employment for
any reason (including retirement), other than total disability (as defined in section 22(e)(3) of the
Code) or death of the grantee, or as otherwise determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, at
the time of a grantees termination of employment or (iii) the end of a period of four years from the
date of grant, that portion of the Dividend Equivalent Amount for each such grantee attributable to each
record date. The Corporation shall maintain in its books and records separate accounts which identify
each Grantees Dividend Equivalent Amount. Except as set forth in Section 8(e) below, no interest shall
be credited to any such account. |
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(b) |
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Payment of Credited Dividend Equivalents. The Committee, at the time of grant, shall designate
the percentage of each grantees Dividend Equivalent Amount that shall be paid to the grantee at the end
of an applicable performance period (the Performance Period), generally being four years from the date
of grant (the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall retain the right to designate a longer or shorter
Performance Period at the time of grant); provided, however, that such Performance Period shall be: |
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(i) |
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Reduced by one year for each calendar year during the applicable Performance
Period ending after the date of grant in which the measurable performance criteria established
by the Committee for the applicable Performance Period exceeds the targets for such criteria
established by the Committee . |
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(ii) |
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Increased by one year for each calendar year during the applicable
Performance Period ending after the date of grant in which the measurable performance criteria
established by the Committee for the applicable Performance Period is less than the targets for
such criteria established by the Committee. |
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(iii) |
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In no event shall the Performance Period be reduced to less than two years
or increased to more than eight years from the date of grant. |
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(iv) |
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In the event that the Performance Period is shorter than the period described
in Section 8(a), a grantee shall receive the payment of the amount credited to his account at
the end of the applicable Performance Period and any portion of the Dividend Equivalent Amount
not yet so credited to his account shall be paid on the Corporations normal dividend payment
dates until the grantees Dividend Equivalent Amount for the period described in Section 8(a) is
fully paid to the grantee. |
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(c) |
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Timing of Payment of Dividend Equivalents. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee in
the event of a grantees termination from regular full-time employment prior to the end of the applicable
Performance Period, no payments of the Dividend Equivalent Amount shall be made until the end of the
applicable Performance Period and no payments shall be made to any grantee whose regular full-time
employment by the Corporation or a subsidiary terminates prior to the end of the applicable Performance
Period for any reason other than retirement under the Corporations or a subsidiarys retirement plan,
death or total disability (as defined in section 22(e)(3) of the Code). Subject to Section 8(b)(iv), as
soon as practicable after the end of such Performance Period, unless a grantee shall have made an
election under Section 8(f) to defer receipt of any portion of such amount, a grantee shall receive 100%
of the Dividend Equivalent Amount payable to him. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change of
Control of the Corporation, any Dividend Equivalent Amount or portion thereof, which has not, prior to
such date, been paid to the grantee or forfeited shall immediately become payable to the grantee without
regard to whether the applicable Performance Period has ended. |
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(d) |
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Form of Payment. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to determine whether the
Corporations obligation in respect of the payment of a Dividend Equivalent Amount shall be paid solely
in credits to be applied toward payment of the option price under then exercisable options, solely in
cash or partly in such credits and partly in cash. |
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(e) |
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Interest on Dividend Equivalents. From a date which is 45 days after the end of the applicable
Performance Period until the date that the Dividend Equivalent Amount payable to the grantee is paid to
such grantee, the account maintained by the Corporation in its books and records with respect to such
dividend equivalents shall be credited with interest at a market rate determined by the Committee. |
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(f) |
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Deferral of Dividend Equivalents. A grantee shall have the right to defer receipt of any
Dividend Equivalent Amount payments if he shall elect to do so on or prior to December 31 of the year
preceding the beginning of the last full year of the applicable Performance Period (or such other time as
the Committee shall determine is appropriate to make such deferral effective under the applicable
requirements of federal tax laws). The terms and conditions of any such deferral (including the period
of time thereof and any earnings on the deferral) shall be subject to approval by the Committee and all
deferrals shall be made on a form provided a grantee for this purpose. |
8
9. Agreement with Grantees
Each grantee who receives a Grant under the Plan shall enter into an agreement with the Corporation which shall
contain such provisions, consistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be established from time to time by the
Committee and shall constitute that grantees acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms of the Plan and the
Committees authority and discretion.
10. Transferability of Grants
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(a) |
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Nontransferability of Grants. Only a grantee or his or her authorized legal representative may
exercise rights under a Grant. Such persons may not transfer those rights except by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution or, with respect to Grants other then incentive stock options, if permitted
in any specific case by the Committee in their sole discretion, pursuant to a domestic relations order as
defined under the Code or Title I of ERISA or the rules thereunder. When a grantee dies, the personal
representative or other person entitled to succeed to the rights of the grantee (Successor Grantee) may
exercise such rights. A Successor Grantee must furnish proof satisfactory to the Corporation of his or
her right to receive the Grant under the grantees will or under the applicable laws of descent and
distribution. |
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(b) |
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Transfer of Nonqualified Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may
provide, in the Agreement, that a grantee may transfer nonqualified stock options to family members, one
or more trusts for the benefit of family members, or one or more partnerships of which family members are
the only partners, according to such terms as the Committee may determine; provided that the grantee
receives no consideration for the transfer of an option and the transferred option shall continue to be
subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the option immediately before the
transfer. |
11. Funding of the Plan
This Plan shall be unfunded. The Corporation shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or
to make any other segregation of assets to assure the payment of any Grants under this Plan. Subject to Section 8(e),
in no event shall interest be paid or accrued on any Grant, including unpaid installments of Grants.
12. Rights of Grantees
Nothing in this Plan shall entitle any grantee or other person to any claim or right to receive a Grant under this
Plan or to any of the rights and privileges of, a shareholder of the Corporation in respect of any shares related to
any Grant or purchasable upon the exercise of any option, in whole or in part, unless and until certificates for such
shares have been issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a grantee who receives a grant of restricted stock shall have
all rights of a shareholder, except as set forth in Section 7(d), during the Restriction Period, including the right to
vote and receive dividends. Neither this Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any grantee
any rights to be retained in the employ of the Corporation, to be retained as a consultant by the Corporation or to be
retained as a Non-employee Director by the Corporation.
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13. Withholding of Taxes
The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from all Grants paid in cash any federal, state or local taxes
required by law to be withheld with respect to such cash awards. The grantee or other person receiving such shares
shall be required to pay to the Corporation the amount of any such taxes which the Corporation is required to withhold
with respect to such Grants. With respect to Grants of restricted stock or nonqualified stock options, the Corporation
shall have the right to require that the grantee make such provision, or furnish the Corporation such authorization as
may be necessary or desirable so that the Corporation may satisfy its obligation, under applicable income tax laws, to
withhold for income or other taxes due upon or incident to such restricted stock or the exercise of such nonqualified
stock options.
The Committee may adopt such rules, forms and procedures as it considers necessary or desirable to implement such
withholding procedures, which rules, forms and procedures shall be binding upon all grantees, and which shall be
applied uniformly to all grantees similarly situated.
14. Listing and Registration
Each Grant shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee shall determine in its
discretion that the listing, registration or qualification of the Grant or the shares subject to the Grant upon any
securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body,
is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, such Grant or the issue or purchase of shares
thereunder, no such Grant may be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification,
consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
15. Adjustment of and Changes in Common Stock of the Corporation.
In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, change of shares, stock split, spin-off, stock dividend,
reclassification, subdivision or combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering, or any other change in
the corporate structure or shares of the Corporation, the Committee will make such adjustment as it deems appropriate
in the number and kind of shares authorized by the Plan, in the number and kind of shares covered by Grants made under
the Plan, in the purchase prices of outstanding options or the terms and conditions applicable to dividend equivalents.
Any adjustment determined by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive.
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16. Change of Control of the Corporation
As used herein, the following defined terms shall have the meanings described in this Section:
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(a) |
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Affiliate and Associate shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule
12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act). |
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(b) |
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A Person shall be deemed the Beneficial Owner of any securities: (i) that such Person or any
of such Persons Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly, has the right to acquire (whether such
right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) or upon the exercise of conversion rights,
exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be
deemed the Beneficial Owner of securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such
Person or any of such Persons Affiliates or Associates until such tendered securities are accepted for
payment, purchase or exchange; (ii) that such Person or any of such Persons Affiliates or Associates,
directly or indirectly, has the right to vote or dispose of or has beneficial ownership of (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act), including
without limitation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing;
provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of any security under this
clause (ii) as a result of an oral or written agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such
security if such agreement, arrangement or understanding (A) arises solely from a revocable proxy
given in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the
applicable provisions of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, and (B) is not then
reportable by such Person on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report);
or (iii) that are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person (or any Affiliate or
Associate thereof) with which such Person (or any of such Persons Affiliates or Associates) has any
agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, voting (except pursuant to a revocable proxy as described in the proviso to clause (ii) above)
or disposing of any voting securities of the Corporation; provided, however, that nothing in this
subsection (b) shall cause a Person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities to be the
Beneficial Owner of any securities acquired through such Persons participation in good faith in a firm
commitment underwriting until the expiration of forty days after the date of such acquisition. |
11
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(c) |
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Change of Control shall mean: |
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(i) |
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any Person (including any individual, firm, corporation, partnership or other
entity except the Corporation, any subsidiary of the Corporation, any employee benefit plan of
the Corporation or of any subsidiary, or any Person or entity organized, appointed or
established by the Corporation for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan),
together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, shall become the Beneficial Owner in
the aggregate of 20% or more of the Common Stock of the Corporation then outstanding; |
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(ii) |
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during any twenty-four month period, individuals who at the beginning of such
period constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, unless the
election, or the nomination for election by the Corporations shareholders, of at least
seventy-five percent of the directors who were not directors at the beginning of such period was
approved by a vote of at least seventy-five percent of the directors in office at the time of
such election or nomination who were directors at the beginning of such period; or |
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(iii) |
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there occurs a sale of 50% or more of the aggregate assets or earning power
of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, or its liquidation is approved by a majority of its
shareholders or the Corporation is merged into or is merged with an unrelated entity such that
following the merger the shareholders of the Corporation no longer own more than 50% of the
resultant entity. |
Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (c) to the contrary, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have
taken place under clause (c)(i) above if (i) such Person becomes the beneficial owner in the aggregate of 20% or more
of the Common Stock of the Corporation then outstanding as a result, in the determination of a majority of those
members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation in office prior to the acquisition, of an inadvertent acquisition
by such Person if such Person, as soon as practicable, divests itself of a sufficient amount of its Common Stock so
that it no longer owns 20% or more of the Common Stock then outstanding, or (ii) such Person becomes the beneficial
owner in the aggregate of 20% or more of the common stock of Corporation outstanding as a result of an acquisition of
common stock by the Corporation which, by reducing the number of common stock outstanding, increases the proportionate
number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by such Person to 20% or more of the shares of common stock then
outstanding; provided, however that if a Person shall become the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the shares of
common stock then outstanding by reason of common stock purchased by the Corporation and shall, after such share
purchases by the Corporation become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of common stock, then the exemption
set forth in this clause shall be inapplicable.
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17. Amendment and Termination
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(a) |
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The Plan may be amended by the Board of Directors of the Corporation as it shall deem advisable
to ensure such qualification and conform to any change in the law or regulations applicable thereto,
including such new regulations as may be enacted pertaining to the tax treatment of incentive stock
options to be granted under this Plan, or in any other respect that the Board may deem to be in the best
interest of the Corporation; provided, however, that the Board may not amend the Plan, without the
authorization and approval of the shareholders of this Corporation, if such approval is required by
section 422 of the Code or section 162(m) of the Code. |
The Board of Directors shall not amend the Plan if the amendment would cause the Plan or the Grant or
exercise of an incentive stock option under the Plan to fail to comply with the requirements of
section 422 of the Code including, without limitation, a reduction of the option price set forth in
Section 6(a) or an extension of the period during which an incentive stock option may be exercised as
set forth in Section 6(b).
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(b) |
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The Board of Directors of the Corporation may, in its discretion, terminate, or fix a date for
the termination of, the Plan. Unless previously terminated, the Plan shall terminate on March 17, 2014
and no Grants shall be made under the Plan after such date. |
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(c) |
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A termination or amendment of the Plan that occurs after a Grant is made shall not result in
the termination or amendment of the Grant unless the grantee consents or unless the Committee acts under
Section 18. The termination of the Plan shall not impair the power and authority of the Committee with
respect to an outstanding Grant. Whether or not the Plan has terminated, an outstanding Grant may be
terminated or amended under this Section 17 or may be amended by agreement of the Corporation and the
grantee consistent with the Plan. |
18. Compliance with Law
The Plan, the exercise of Grants and the obligations of the Corporation to issue or transfer shares of Common
Stock under Grants shall be subject to all applicable laws, including any applicable federal or Pennsylvania state law,
and to approvals by a governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. With respect to persons subject to Section
16 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Corporation that the Plan and all transactions under the Plan comply
with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act. In addition, it is the intent
of the Corporation that the Plan and applicable Grants of stock options under the Plan comply with the applicable
provisions of sections 162(m) and 422 of the Code. The Committee may revoke any Grant if it is contrary to law or
modify a Grant to bring it into compliance with any valid and mandatory government regulation. The Committee may also
adopt rules regarding the withholding of taxes on payments to grantees. The Committee may, in its sole discretion,
agree to limit its authority under this Section.
19. Effective Date of the Plan
The Plan shall be effective on March 18, 2004, but subject to the approval of the Corporations stockholders at
the May 20, 2004 meeting of the Corporations stockholders or any resumption thereof.
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exv10w44
Exhibit 10.44
Non-Employee Directors Compensation for 2007
At its regularly scheduled meeting on December 6, 2006, the Board of Directors of Aqua America, Inc., upon the
recommendation of its Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee, approved the following directors
compensation for 2007 for the non-employee directors of Aqua America, Inc.: (1) an annual cash retainer of $17,500; (2)
an annual cash retainer for the Chair of the Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee and Corporate
Governance Committee of $5,000; (3) an annual cash retainer for the Chair of the Audit Committee of $7,500; (4) a
meeting fee of $1,500 for each meeting of the Board of Directors; (5) a meeting fee of $1,250 per meeting for meetings
of the Audit Committee and a meeting fee of $1,000 per meeting for meetings of the other Committees; and (6) an annual
stock grant to directors of 1,500 shares payable on the first of the month following the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. All directors are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board or
Committee meetings. Directors are eligible to defer part or all of their fees under the Companys Director Deferral
Plan. Amounts deferred accrue interest at the prime interest rate plus 1.0%.
exv13w1
Exhibit 13.1
SELECTED PORTIONS OF ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report by Aqua America, Inc. (Aqua America, we or us) contains, in addition to
historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and
other factors, that may be outside our control and that 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
believes, expects, anticipates, plans, future, potential or the negative of such terms
or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report, include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding:
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recovery of capital expenditures and expenses in rates; |
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projected capital expenditures; |
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availability of capital financing; |
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dividend payment projections; |
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future financing plans; |
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future pension contributions; |
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opportunities for future acquisitions, the success of pending acquisitions and the impact of future acquisitions; |
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acquisition-related costs and synergies; |
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the capacity of our water supplies, water facilities and wastewater facilities; |
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the availability and cost of key production necessities, including power, chemicals and
purchased water or wastewater services; |
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the availability of qualified personnel; |
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the return performance of our defined benefit pension plan assets; |
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general economic conditions; |
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the impact of geographic diversity on our exposure to unusual weather; and |
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the impact of accounting pronouncements. |
Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:
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changes in general economic, business and financial market conditions; |
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changes in government regulations and policies, including environmental and public utility regulations and policies; |
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changes in environmental conditions, including those that result in water use restrictions; |
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abnormal weather conditions; |
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changes in, or unanticipated, capital requirements; |
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changes in our credit rating or the market price of our common stock; |
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our ability to integrate businesses, technologies or services which we may acquire; |
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our ability to manage the expansion of our business; |
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the extent to which we are able to develop and market new and improved services; |
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the effect of the loss of major customers; |
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our ability to retain the services of key personnel and to hire qualified personnel as we expand; |
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|
increasing difficulties in obtaining insurance and increased cost of insurance; |
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cost overruns relating to improvements or the expansion of our operations; |
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changes in accounting pronouncements; and |
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civil disturbance or terroristic threats or acts. |
1
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
You should read this report with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially
different from what we expect. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and
assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose
material information under the federal securities laws, we are not obligated to update these
forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. We qualify all of
our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. As you read this report, you should
pay particular attention to the Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
The Company
Aqua America, Inc. is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater
services to what we estimate to be approximately 2.8 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North
Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, Missouri and
South Carolina. Our largest operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., accounted for
approximately 55% of our operating revenues for 2006 and, as of December 31, 2006, provided water
or wastewater services to approximately one-half of the total number of people we serve, is located
in the suburban areas north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 23 other counties in
Pennsylvania. Our other subsidiaries provide similar services in 12 other states. In addition, we
provide water and wastewater service through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal
authorities and other parties, and septage hauling services, close to our utility companies
service territories.
Industry Mission
The mission of the investor-owned water utility industry is to provide quality and reliable water
service at an affordable price for the customer, with a fair return for shareholders. A number of
challenges face the industry, including:
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strict environmental, health and safety standards; |
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the need for substantial capital investment; |
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economic regulation by state, and/or, in some cases, local government; and |
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the impact of weather and drought conditions on water sales demand. |
Economic Regulation
Most of our water and wastewater utility operations are subject to regulation by their respective
state regulatory commissions, which have broad administrative power and authority to regulate rates
and charges, determine franchise areas and conditions of service, approve acquisitions and
authorize the issuance of securities. The regulatory commissions also establish uniform systems of
accounts and approve the terms of contracts with affiliates and customers, business combinations
with other utility systems, loans and other financings, and the franchise areas that we serve. A
small number of our operations are subject to rate regulation by county or city government. The
profitability of our utility operations is influenced to a great extent by the timeliness and
adequacy of rate allowances in the various states in which we operate.
Rate Case Management CapabilityWe strive to achieve the industry mission by effective planning
and efficient use of our resources. We maintain a rate case management capability to pursue timely
and adequate returns on the capital investments that we make in improving or replacing water mains,
treatment plants and other infrastructure. This capability is important in our continued
profitability and in providing a fair return to our shareholders, and thus providing access to
capital markets to help fund these investments. Accordingly, we execute a rate case management
strategy to provide that the rates of the utility operations reflect, to the extent practicable,
the timely recovery of increases in costs of operations, capital, taxes, energy, materials and
compliance with environmental regulations. In assessing our rate case strategy, we consider the
amount of utility plant additions and replacements made since the previous rate decision, the
changes in the cost of capital, changes in the capital structure and changes in other costs. Based
on these assessments, our utility operations periodically file rate increase requests with their
respective state regulatory commissions or local regulatory authorities. In general, as a regulated
enterprise, our water and wastewater rates are established to provide recovery of utility costs,
taxes, interest on debt used to finance facilities and a return on equity used to finance
facilities. Our ability to recover our expenses in a timely manner and earn a return on equity
employed in the business determines the profitability of the Company.
2
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
All of the states in which we acquired operations in 2004 and 2003 permit some form of consolidated
rates in varying degrees, but none currently permits us to fully consolidate rate filings
state-wide. Between August 2003 and December 2006, we have
filed rate filings in over 121 operating divisions. Due to the length of time since the last rate
increase for some acquired systems and the large amount of capital improvements relative to the
number of customers in some smaller systems, the proposed rate increase in some of these systems
may be substantial. While each of these rate filings will proceed through the applicable regulatory
process, we can provide no assurance that the rate increases will be granted in a timely or
sufficient manner to cover the investments and expenses for which we initially sought the rate
increases. Further, there remain 20 divisions within these acquired operations where we have not
yet filed a rate request.
Revenue SurchargesSix states in which we operate permit water utilities, and in two states
wastewater utilities, to add a surcharge to their water or wastewater bills to offset the
additional depreciation and capital costs associated with certain capital expenditures related to
replacing and rehabilitating infrastructure systems. In all other states, water and wastewater
utilities absorb all of the depreciation and capital costs of these projects between base rate
increases without the benefit of additional revenues. The gap between the time that a capital
project is completed and the recovery of its costs in rates is known as regulatory lag. The
infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge mechanism is intended to substantially reduce regulatory
lag, which often acts as a disincentive to water and wastewater utilities to rehabilitate their
infrastructure. In addition, certain states permit our subsidiaries to use a surcharge or credit on
their bill to reflect certain allowable changes in costs, such as changes in state tax rates, other
taxes and purchased water, until such time as these costs are fully incorporated in base rates.
Effects of InflationRecovery of the effects of inflation through higher water rates is dependent
upon receiving adequate and timely rate increases. However, rate increases are not retroactive and
often lag increases in costs caused by inflation. During periods of moderate inflation, as has been
experienced in 2006, the effects of inflation on our operating results are noticeable and partly
responsible for lower than expected earnings growth.
Growth-Through-Acquisition Strategy
Part of our strategy to meet the industry challenges is to actively explore opportunities to expand
our utility operations through acquisitions of water and wastewater utilities either in areas
adjacent to our existing service areas or in new service areas, and to explore acquiring
non-regulated businesses that are complementary to our regulated water and wastewater operations.
This growth-through-acquisition strategy allows us to operate more efficiently by sharing operating
expenses over more utility customers and provides new locations for possible future growth. The
ability to successfully execute this strategy and meet the industry challenges is largely due to
our qualified and trained workforce, which we strive to retain by treating employees fairly and
providing our employees with development and growth opportunities.
During 2006 we completed 28 acquisitions, growing our number of customers served by 62,341 or 7.2%,
including the customers acquired with the New York Water Services Corporation acquisition. On
January 1, 2007, we completed the acquisition of the capital stock of New York Water Service
Corporation for $28,866 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the purchase agreement primarily based on
working capital at closing, and the assumption of $23,460 of long-term debt. The operating results
of New York Water Service Corporation will be included in our consolidated financial statements
beginning January 1, 2007. The acquired operation provides water service to 44,792 customers in
several water systems located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. The acquisition was funded
through the issuance of long-term debt that was issued in 2006.
During 2005 and 2006, we completed six acquisitions of non-regulated companies that provide on-site
septic tank pumping, sludge hauling and other wastewater-related services to customers in eastern
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Maryland. The operating revenues of these
businesses for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $5,424 and are excluded from our Regulated
segment. In total during 2006, $7,897 in cash was invested in these non-regulated wastewater and
septage acquisitions on which we believe we will earn an appropriate return. Please refer to the
section captioned Acquisitions for an additional discussion of acquisitions.
We believe that utility acquisitions will continue to be the primary source of growth for us. With
approximately 53,000 community water systems in the U.S., 84% of which serve less than 3,300
customers, the water industry is the most fragmented of the major utility industries (telephone,
natural gas, electric, water and wastewater). In the states where we operate, we believe there are
approximately 22,000 public water systems of widely varying size, with the majority of the
population being served by government-owned water systems.
3
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Although not as fragmented as the water industry, the wastewater industry in the U.S. also presents
opportunities for consolidation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) most
recent survey of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities in 2000, there are approximately
16,000 such facilities in the nation serving approximately 72% of the U.S. population. The
remaining population represents individual homeowners with their own treatment facilities; for
example, community on-lot disposal systems and septic tank systems. The vast majority of wastewater
facilities are government-owned rather than privately-owned. The EPA survey also indicated that
there are approximately 6,800 wastewater facilities in operation or planned in the 13 states where
we operate. We also intend to explore opportunities in the non-regulated wastewater and septage
businesses when they complement our utility companies.
Because of the fragmented nature of the water and wastewater utility industries, we believe that
there are many potential water and wastewater system acquisition candidates throughout the United
States. We believe the factors driving the consolidation of these systems are:
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the benefits of economies of scale; |
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increasingly stringent environmental regulations; |
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the need for capital investment; and |
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the need for technological and managerial expertise. |
We are actively exploring other opportunities to expand our water and wastewater utility operations
through acquisitions or otherwise. We intend to continue to pursue acquisitions of
municipally-owned and investor-owned water and wastewater systems of all sizes that provide
services in areas adjacent to our existing service territories or in new service areas. We continue
to explore opportunities for the acquisition of other non-regulated wastewater service and septage
businesses that are located near our existing markets, growing our existing revenue base in this
business by offering the wastewater services to nearby residents with on-site sewer systems, adding
new customers to this business and expanding the services that are provided to them.
Sendout
Sendout represents the quantity of treated water delivered to our distribution systems. We use
sendout as an indicator of customer demand. Weather conditions tend to impact water consumption,
particularly in our northern service territories during the late spring and summer months when
nonessential and recreational use of water is at its highest. Consequently, a higher proportion of
annual operating revenues is realized in the second and third quarters. In general during this
period, an extended period of dry weather increases water consumption, while above average rainfall
decreases water consumption. Also, an increase in the average temperature generally causes an
increase in water consumption. Conservation efforts, construction codes which require the use of
low flow plumbing fixtures, as well as mandated water use restrictions in response to drought
conditions, also affect water consumption.
On occasion, drought warnings and water use restrictions are issued by governmental authorities for
portions of our service territories in response to extended periods of dry weather conditions. The
timing and duration of the warnings and restrictions can have an impact on our water revenues and
net income. In general, water consumption in the summer months is affected by drought warnings and
restrictions to a higher degree because nonessential and recreational use of water is highest
during the summer months, particularly in our northern service territories. At other times of the
year, warnings and restrictions generally have less of an effect on water consumption.
The geographic diversity of our utility customer base helps reduce our exposure to extreme or
unusual weather conditions in any one area of our service territory. Our geographic diversity has
continued to increase as a result of the Heater and Florida Water acquisitions which closed in
mid-year 2004 and the AquaSource acquisition which closed in 2003. During the year ended December
31, 2006, our operating revenues were derived principally from the following states: 55% in
Pennsylvania, 9% in Texas, 7% in Ohio, 7% in Illinois, and 6% in North Carolina.
4
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Selected Financial and Operating Statistics
Our selected five-year consolidated financial and operating statistics follow:
|
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|
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|
Years ended December 31, |
|
2006 (a) |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 (b) |
|
|
2003 (c) |
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|
2002 (d) |
|
Utility customers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential water |
|
|
780,828 |
|
|
|
724,954 |
|
|
|
702,367 |
|
|
|
624,355 |
|
|
|
535,506 |
|
Commercial water |
|
|
36,280 |
|
|
|
33,975 |
|
|
|
33,720 |
|
|
|
33,015 |
|
|
|
30,355 |
|
Industrial water |
|
|
1,337 |
|
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
1,365 |
|
|
|
1,397 |
|
|
|
1,423 |
|
Other water |
|
|
15,587 |
|
|
|
15,584 |
|
|
|
15,700 |
|
|
|
20,483 |
|
|
|
16,466 |
|
Wastewater |
|
|
93,203 |
|
|
|
89,025 |
|
|
|
82,360 |
|
|
|
70,241 |
|
|
|
21,724 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
927,235 |
|
|
|
864,894 |
|
|
|
835,512 |
|
|
|
749,491 |
|
|
|
605,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential water |
|
$ |
317,770 |
|
|
$ |
295,473 |
|
|
$ |
264,910 |
|
|
$ |
218,487 |
|
|
$ |
197,190 |
|
Commercial water |
|
|
76,076 |
|
|
|
73,455 |
|
|
|
65,605 |
|
|
|
61,343 |
|
|
|
55,962 |
|
Industrial water |
|
|
18,752 |
|
|
|
18,364 |
|
|
|
17,377 |
|
|
|
17,675 |
|
|
|
17,221 |
|
Other water |
|
|
51,263 |
|
|
|
50,827 |
|
|
|
44,593 |
|
|
|
40,048 |
|
|
|
36,255 |
|
Wastewater |
|
|
48,907 |
|
|
|
42,176 |
|
|
|
35,931 |
|
|
|
17,874 |
|
|
|
8,210 |
|
Other |
|
|
13,525 |
|
|
|
13,161 |
|
|
|
11,556 |
|
|
|
9,821 |
|
|
|
5,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated segment total |
|
|
526,293 |
|
|
|
493,456 |
|
|
|
439,972 |
|
|
|
365,248 |
|
|
|
320,699 |
|
Other |
|
|
7,198 |
|
|
|
3,323 |
|
|
|
2,067 |
|
|
|
1,985 |
|
|
|
1,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
|
$ |
442,039 |
|
|
$ |
367,233 |
|
|
$ |
322,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
$ |
219,560 |
|
|
$ |
203,088 |
|
|
$ |
178,345 |
|
|
$ |
140,602 |
|
|
$ |
117,735 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to common stock |
|
$ |
92,004 |
|
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
|
$ |
70,785 |
|
|
$ |
67,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
271,706 |
|
|
$ |
237,462 |
|
|
$ |
195,736 |
|
|
$ |
163,320 |
|
|
$ |
136,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Statistics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Selected operating results as a
percentage of operating revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations and maintenance |
|
|
41.2 |
% |
|
|
40.9 |
% |
|
|
40.3 |
% |
|
|
38.3 |
% |
|
|
36.6 |
% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
14.1 |
% |
|
|
13.2 |
% |
|
|
13.3 |
% |
|
|
14.0 |
% |
|
|
13.8 |
% |
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
6.4 |
% |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
Interest expense, net |
|
|
10.9 |
% |
|
|
10.4 |
% |
|
|
11.0 |
% |
|
|
12.2 |
% |
|
|
12.5 |
% |
Net income available to common stock |
|
|
17.2 |
% |
|
|
18.3 |
% |
|
|
18.1 |
% |
|
|
19.3 |
% |
|
|
20.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on average stockholders equity |
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
11.7 |
% |
|
|
11.4 |
% |
|
|
12.3 |
% |
|
|
13.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective tax rates |
|
|
39.6 |
% |
|
|
38.4 |
% |
|
|
39.4 |
% |
|
|
39.3 |
% |
|
|
38.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
2006 includes 44,792 customers associated with the New York Water Service Corporation
acquisition which was completed on January 1, 2007. The operating results of this acquisition
will be reported in our consolidated financial statements beginning January 1, 2007. |
|
(b) |
|
Net income available to common stock includes the gain of $1,522 ($2,342 pre-tax) realized on
the sale of our Geneva, Ohio water system. The gain is reported in the 2004 consolidated
statement of income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense. 2004 includes a
partial year of financial results for the mid-year acquisition of Heater Utilities, Inc. and
certain utility assets of Florida Water Services Corporation. |
|
(c) |
|
2003 includes five months of financial results for the AquaSource operations acquired in July
2003. |
|
(d) |
|
Net income available to common stock and net income includes the gain of $3,690 ($5,676
pre-tax) realized on the sale of a portion of our Ashtabula, Ohio water system. |
5
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Performance Measures Considered by Management
We consider the following financial measures to be the fundamental basis by which we evaluate our
operating results: earnings per share, operating revenues, net income and dividend rate on common
stock. In addition, we consider other key measures in evaluating our utility business performance
within our Regulated segment: our number of utility customers, the ratio of operations and
maintenance expense compared to operating revenues (this percentage is termed operating expense
ratio or efficiency ratio); return on revenues (net income divided by operating revenues); and
return on equity (net income divided by common stockholders equity). We review these measurements
regularly and compare them to historical periods, to our operating budget as approved by the Aqua
America, Inc. Board of Directors, and to similar measurements at other publicly-traded water
utilities.
Our operating expense ratio is one measure that we use to evaluate our operating efficiency and
management effectiveness in light of the changing nature of our company. During the past five
years, our operating expense ratio has been effected over time due to a number of factors,
including the following:
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AcquisitionsThe AquaSource, Heater Utilities, Inc. and Florida Water Services
acquisitions increased our operating expense ratio due to the operating revenues generated
by these operations being accompanied by a higher ratio of operations and maintenance
expenses as compared to the rest of the pre-existing, more densely-populated and integrated
Aqua America operations. The Aqua South operations can be characterized as having
relatively higher fixed operating costs, in contrast to the rest of the Aqua America
operations which generally consist of larger, interconnected systems, with higher fixed
capital costs (utility plant investment) and lower operating costs per customer. In
addition, we completed several acquisitions of companies that provide on-site septic tank
pumping and sludge hauling services during 2006. The cost-structure of these businesses
differs from our utility companies in that these businesses have a higher ratio of
operations and maintenance expenses to operating revenues and a lower-degree of capital
investment and consequently a lower ratio of fixed capital costs (plant investment
requirements are lower) versus operating revenues. As a result, the ratio of operating
income compared to operating revenues is comparable between the businesses. The
non-regulated wastewater and septage hauling service business is not a component of our
Regulated segment. |
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|
Regulatory lagThe efficiency ratio is influenced by regulatory lag, i.e., increases in
operations and maintenance expenses without an immediate corresponding increase in
operating revenues, decreases in operating revenues without a commensurate decrease in
operations and maintenance expense, such as changes in water consumption as impacted by
weather conditions, or a gap between the time that a capital project is completed and the
recovery of its costs in rates. |
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|
New accounting pronouncementsOur 2006 results reflect the effects of the adoption of
SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. As required, we began to record compensation expense
for the fair value of stock options granted and the adoption of this accounting standard
increased our 2006 operations and maintenance expense by $2,894. Prior to 2006, no
compensation expense related to granting of stock options had been recognized in the
financial statements. |
We continue to evaluate initiatives to help control operating costs and improve efficiencies.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our net income has grown at an annual compound rate of approximately 8.9% during the five-year
period ended December 31, 2006. During the past five years, operating revenues grew at a compound
rate of 11.7% and total expenses, exclusive of income taxes, grew at a compound rate of 12.9%.
Operating Segments
We have identified fourteen operating segments and we have one reportable segment based on the
following:
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Thirteen segments are comprised of our water and wastewater regulated utility operations
in the thirteen states where we provide these services. These operating segments are
aggregated into one reportable segment since each of these operating segments has the
following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes,
customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the
regulatory environment. Our single reportable segment is named the Regulated segment. |
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|
One segment is not quantitatively significant to be reportable and is comprised of the
businesses that provide on-site septic tank pumping, sludge hauling services, data
processing service fees and certain other non-regulated water and wastewater services. This
segment is included as a component of other, in addition to corporate costs that have not
been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations. Corporate costs include
certain general and administrative expenses, and interest expense for certain of our utility
companies that do not have their own credit facilities. |
6
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Prior to the acquisition in 2006 of companies that provide on-site septic tank pumping and sludge
hauling services, our non-regulated operations were limited in scope and impact on our financial
results. As a result we previously operated them as part of our regulated operating segments. We
made this determination based on an evaluation of our operating segments during the fourth quarter
of 2006. Unless specifically noted, the following discussion and analysis provides information on
our consolidated result of operations. The following table provides the Regulated segment and
Consolidated information for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:
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|
2006 |
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|
2005 |
|
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|
Regulated |
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Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
526,293 |
|
|
$ |
7,198 |
|
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
|
$ |
493,456 |
|
|
$ |
3,323 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
216,919 |
|
|
|
2,641 |
|
|
|
219,560 |
|
|
|
202,662 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
203,088 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
32,273 |
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
33,343 |
|
|
|
30,820 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
31,696 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
277,101 |
|
|
$ |
3,487 |
|
|
|
280,588 |
|
|
$ |
259,974 |
|
|
$ |
2,021 |
|
|
|
261,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,041 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
196,507 |
|
Interest expense, net of AFUDC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,615 |
|
Gain on sale of other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,194 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,177 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
92,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
439,972 |
|
|
$ |
2,067 |
|
|
$ |
442,039 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
179,332 |
|
|
|
(987 |
) |
|
|
178,345 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
26,963 |
|
|
|
633 |
|
|
|
27,596 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
233,677 |
|
|
$ |
2,421 |
|
|
|
236,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,864 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
177,234 |
|
Interest expense, net of AFUDC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,375 |
|
Gain on sale of other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,272 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Results
Operating RevenuesThe growth in revenues over the past five years is a result of increases in the
customer base, water rates and the acquisition of non-regulated operations. The number of customers
increased at an annual compound rate of 9.6% in the past five years primarily as a result of
acquisitions of water and wastewater systems, including the January 1, 2007 acquisition of New York
Water Service Corporation, the mid-year 2004 Heater and Florida Water Services acquisitions, and
the AquaSource acquisition completed July 2003. The operating revenues and financial results of New
York Water Service Corporation will be included in our consolidated financial statements beginning
January 1, 2007. Acquisitions in our Regulated segment have provided additional water and
wastewater revenues of approximately $4,715 in 2006, $12,630 in 2005 and $54,900 in 2004. Excluding
the effect of acquisitions, our customer base increased at a five-year annual compound rate of
1.8%. Rate increases implemented during the past three years have provided additional operating
revenues of approximately $32,000 in 2006, $26,800 in 2005 and $15,800 in 2004.
7
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
On June 22, 2006, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC) granted our Pennsylvania
operating subsidiary a $24,900 base water rate increase, on an annualized basis. The rates in
effect at the time of the filing included $12,397 in Distribution System Improvement Charges
(DSIC) or 5% above the prior base rates. Consequently, the total base rates increased by $37,297
and the DSIC was reset to zero.
On August 5, 2004, the PAPUC granted our Pennsylvania operating subsidiary a $13,800 base rate
increase. The rates in effect at the time of the filing included $11,200 in DSIC or 5.0% above the
prior base rates. Consequently, the total base rates increased by $25,000 and the DSIC was reset to
zero.
In May 2004, our operating subsidiary in Texas filed an application with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to increase rates, on an annualized basis, by $11,920 over a
multi-year period. The application seeks to increase annual revenues in phases and is accompanied
by a plan to defer and amortize a portion of our depreciation, operating and other tax expense over
a similar multi-year period, such that the impact on operating income approximates the requested
amount during the first years that the new rates are in effect. The application is currently
pending before the TCEQ and several parties have joined the proceeding to challenge our rate
request. We commenced billing for the requested rates and implemented the deferral plan in August
2004, in accordance with authorization from the TCEQ in July 2004. The additional revenue billed
and collected prior to the final ruling is subject to refund based on the outcome of the ruling.
The revenue recognized and the expenses deferred by us reflect an estimate of the final outcome of
the ruling. In the event our request is denied completely or in part, we could be required to
refund some or all of the revenue billed to date, and write-off some or all of the regulatory asset
for the expense deferral. In December 2006, the TCEQ held hearings and issued a rate schedule that
provided further clarification and an indication of the expected outcome of the rate proceeding.
Based on our review of the present circumstances and as a result of the December 2006 hearings, we
have revised our estimate of the final outcome of the TCEQ proceeding. During the fourth quarter of
2006, the revenue reserve was adjusted and additional revenues were recognized of $1,487 and the
regulatory asset was increased resulting in lower expenses recognized of $1,199. As of December 31,
2006, we have deferred $12,382 of operating costs and $2,804 of rate case expenses; and recognized
$14,859 of revenue that is subject to refund depending on the outcome of the final commission
order.
Our operating subsidiaries located in other states received rate increases representing estimated
annualized revenues of $7,366 in 2006 resulting from 32 rate decisions, $5,142 in 2005 resulting
from 23 decisions, and $6,673 in 2004 resulting from 14 rate decisions. Revenues from these
increases realized in the year of grant were approximately $3,580 in 2006, $3,144 in 2005 and
$3,995 in 2004. These operating subsidiaries currently have filed 96 rate requests which are being
reviewed by the state regulatory commissions, proposing an aggregate increase of $9,831 in annual
revenues. During 2007, we intend to file 27 additional rate requests proposing an aggregate of
approximately $26,300 of increased annual revenues; however we can provide no assurance that the
full amount of the requested rate increases will be granted.
Currently, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Indiana and Missouri allow for the use of
infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges. In Pennsylvania, this mechanism is referred to as a DSIC.
These surcharge mechanisms typically adjust periodically based on additional qualified capital
expenditures completed or anticipated in a future period. The infrastructure rehabilitation
surcharge is capped as a percentage of base rates, generally at 5% to 9% of base rates, and is
reset to zero when new base rates that reflect the costs of those additions become effective or
when a utilitys earnings exceed a regulatory benchmark. Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges
provided revenues of $7,873 in 2006, $10,186 in 2005 and $7,817 in 2004.
Our Regulated segment also includes certain non-regulated operating revenues of $13,525 in 2006,
$13,161 in 2005 and $11,556 in 2004. These operating revenues are associated with contract
operations that are integral to the utility business and operations. These amounts vary over time
according to the level of activity associated with the utility contract operations.
In addition to the Regulated segment operating revenues, we had other non-regulated revenues that
were primarily associated with non-regulated wastewater, septage, operating and maintenance
contracts, and data processing service fees of $7,198 in 2006, $3,323 in 2005 and $2,067 in 2004.
The increase in 2006 over 2005 was primarily due to the acquisition of several septage businesses
during 2006. The increase in 2005 over 2004 resulted primarily from the additional revenues
associated with the acquisition of an on-site septic tank pumping business, and increased revenues
resulting from new and expanded contract operations. Acquisitions outside our Regulated segment
have provided additional operating revenues of approximately $3,935 in 2006, $1,082 in 2005, and no
additional operating revenues in 2004.
8
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Operations and Maintenance ExpensesOperations and maintenance expenses totaled $219,560 in 2006,
$203,088 in 2005 and $178,345 in 2004. Most elements of operating costs are subject to the effects
of inflation, and changes in the number of
customers served. Several elements are subject to the effects of changes in water consumption,
weather and the degree of water treatment required due to variations in the quality of the raw
water. The principal elements of operating costs are labor and employee benefits, electricity,
chemicals, maintenance expenses and insurance costs. Electricity and chemical expenses vary in
relationship to water consumption, raw water quality, and to a lesser extent the competitive
electric market in some of the states in which we operate. Maintenance expenses are sensitive to
extremely cold weather, which can cause water mains to rupture. Operations and maintenance expenses
increased in 2006 as compared to 2005 by $16,472 or 8.1% primarily due to the additional operating
costs associated with acquisitions of $6,316, increased water production expenses of $3,576,
increased insurance expense, driven by higher claims of $1,945, stock-based compensation expense of
$2,894, a reduction in the deferral of expenses related to the Texas rate case filing of $1,989,
and normal increases in other operating costs, offset partially by receipt of $1,500 relating to a
waiver of certain contractual rights reported outside of the Regulated segment. The additional
operating costs associated with acquisitions noted above includes $3,760 associated with the
businesses that provide on-site septic tank pumping, sludge hauling services and other
non-regulated water and wastewater services which are not a component of the Regulated segment.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased in 2005 as compared to 2004 by $24,743 or 13.9%
primarily due to the additional operating costs associated with acquisitions of $9,574, additional
water production expenses of $3,856, increased postretirement benefit costs of $2,430, higher
insurance costs due to the absence in 2005 of the favorable claim settlements that had occurred in
2004 of $2,142, and the effect of the $2,342 gain on the sale of the Geneva water system which was
recorded as a component of operations and maintenance expense in 2004. In the consolidated
statement of income for 2004, the gain on the sale of the Geneva water system is reported as a
component of the line titled operations and maintenance expense.
Depreciation and Amortization ExpensesDepreciation expense was $70,895 in 2006, $60,747 in 2005
and $54,564 in 2004, and has increased principally as a result of the significant capital
expenditures made to expand and improve our utility facilities, and as a result of acquisitions of
water and wastewater systems.
Amortization expense was $4,146 in 2006, $4,741 in 2005 and $4,300 in 2004. The decrease in 2006
and the increase in 2005 is due to the amortization of the costs associated with, and other costs
being recovered in, various rate filings. Expenses associated with filing rate cases are deferred
and amortized over periods that generally range from one to three years.
Taxes Other than Income TaxesTaxes other than income taxes increased by $1,647 or 5.2% in 2006 as
compared to 2005 and $4,100 or 14.9% in 2005 as compared to 2004. The increase in 2006 is due to
additional state and local taxes, primarily property taxes. The increase in 2005 is due to
additional taxes associated with acquisitions and increases in state and local taxes. The other
taxes associated with acquisitions resulted from the effect of the mid-year 2004 acquisitions of
Heater Utilities and the systems of Florida Water.
Interest Expense, netNet interest expense was $58,432 in 2006, $52,062 in 2005 and $48,679 in
2004. Interest income of $3,241 in 2006, $3,040 in 2005 and $1,762 in 2004 was netted against
interest expense. Interest expense increased in 2006 primarily due to additional borrowings to
finance capital projects and acquisitions, and increased interest rates on short-term borrowings.
Interest expense increased in 2005 primarily as a result of higher levels of borrowings, offset
partially by the effects of decreased interest rates on borrowings. The higher level of average
borrowings in 2005 was used to finance the Heater and Florida Water acquisitions in mid-year 2004,
and capital expenditures. Interest income decreased in 2006 due to a reduction in investment income
earned in 2006 as compared to 2005. Interest income increased in 2005 due to additional investment
income earned in 2005 on the proceeds from the issuance of tax-exempt bonds while being held by
trustees pending completion of projects financed with the issues. Such interest income is
capitalized through our allowance for funds used during construction, a reduction to net interest
expense. Interest expense on long-term debt during 2006 and 2005 was favorably impacted by a
reduction in the weighted cost of long-term debt from 6.00% at December 31, 2004, to 5.74% at
December 31, 2005, and to 5.72% at December 31, 2006.
Allowance for Funds Used During ConstructionThe allowance for funds used during construction
(AFUDC) was $3,941 in 2006, $2,447 in 2005 and $2,304 in 2004 and has varied over the years as a
result of changes in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress (CWIP), to
which AFUDC is applied, and to changes in the AFUDC rate. The increase in 2006 is due to an
increase in the average balance of CWIP to which AFUDC is applied and an increase in the AFUDC rate
which is based on short-term interest rates. The increase in 2005 is due to an increase in the
average balance of CWIP to which AFUDC is applied, and additional AFUDC recorded as an adjustment
in 2005 of $719 resulting from the identification of a previously issued rate order which allowed
the continuation of AFUDC on certain capital projects subsequent to being placed
into utility service. This post-in-service AFUDC was not recognized in prior periods. These
variances were partially offset by investment income earned during 2005, which reduced AFUDC.
9
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Gain on Sale of Other AssetsGain on sale of other assets totaled $1,194 in 2006, $1,177 in 2005
and $1,272 in 2004 and consisted of gains on land and marketable securities sales. Gain on sale of
land totaled $1,194 in 2006, $1,177 in 2005 and $869 in 2004. Gain on sale of marketable securities
totaled $403 in 2004.
Income TaxesOur effective income tax rate was 39.6% in 2006, 38.4% in 2005 and 39.4% in 2004. The
change in the effective tax rate in 2006 was due to an increase in our expenses that are not
tax-deductible, including a portion of the stock-based compensation expense. The change in the
effective tax rates in 2005 is due to differences between tax deductible expenses and book expenses
and the recognition of the American Jobs Creation Act tax deduction for qualified domestic
production activities that reduced our tax provision by approximately $740.
SummaryOperating income was $205,547 in 2006, $196,507 in 2005 and $177,234 in 2004 and net
income was $92,004 in 2006, $91,156 in 2005 and $80,007 in 2004. Diluted income per share was $0.70
in 2006, $0.71 in 2005 and $0.64 in 2004. The changes in the per share income in 2006 and 2005 over
the previous years were due to the aforementioned changes in income and impacted by a 2.0% increase
in the average number of common shares outstanding during 2006 and a 2.8% increase in the average
number of common shares outstanding during 2005, respectively. The increase in the number of shares
outstanding in 2006 is primarily a result of the additional shares issued in common share offerings
and additional shares issued through our dividend reinvestment plan. The increase in the number of
shares outstanding in 2005 is primarily a result of the additional shares issued through our
dividend reinvestment plan, employee stock purchase plan and equity compensation plan.
Although we have experienced increased income in the recent past, continued adequate rate increases
reflecting increased operating costs and new capital investments are important to the future
realization of improved profitability.
Fourth Quarter ResultsThe following table provides our fourth quarter results:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
136,843 |
|
|
$ |
122,908 |
|
Operations and maintenance |
|
|
53,684 |
|
|
|
52,222 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
19,494 |
|
|
|
16,971 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
8,352 |
|
|
|
7,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,530 |
|
|
|
76,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
55,313 |
|
|
|
46,052 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
14,764 |
|
|
|
13,447 |
|
Allowance for funds used
during construction |
|
|
(1,040 |
) |
|
|
(950 |
) |
Gain on sale of other assets |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
(595 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
41,949 |
|
|
|
34,150 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
16,226 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
25,723 |
|
|
$ |
22,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in operating revenues was a result of additional revenues of $13,800 resulting from an
increase in water and wastewater rates implemented in various operating subsidiaries, including
operating revenues of $1,487 recognized during the fourth quarter of 2006 from our revised estimate
of the final outcome of the Texas rate proceeding as described in the section named Operating
Revenues. In addition, operating revenues increased due to additional revenues associated with
acquisitions of $3,529, offset partially by lower infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge revenue
of $2,170. The higher operations and maintenance expense is due primarily to $3,067 of additional
operating costs associated with acquisitions, and higher water production costs of $449, offset
partially by $1,199 of additional expenses deferred during the fourth quarter of 2006 resulting
from an increase in the regulatory asset associated with the Texas rate case proceeding, and lower
insurance expense of $781 due to a reduction in claims. The increased depreciation expense reflects
the utility plant placed in service since the fourth quarter of 2005. Other taxes increased due to
higher property taxes and additional local taxes incurred in the fourth quarter of
2006. The increased interest expense is due to additional borrowings to finance capital projects
and increased interest rates on short-term borrowings.
10
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Consolidated Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures
Net operating cash flow, dividends paid on common stock, capital expenditures, including allowances
for funds used during construction, and expenditures for acquiring water and wastewater systems for
the five years ended December 31, 2006 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Operating |
|
|
Common |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flow |
|
|
Dividends |
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
Acquisitions |
|
2002 |
|
$ |
121,560 |
|
|
$ |
36,789 |
|
|
$ |
136,164 |
|
|
$ |
8,914 |
|
2003 |
|
|
143,373 |
|
|
|
39,917 |
|
|
|
163,320 |
|
|
|
192,331 |
|
2004 |
|
|
173,603 |
|
|
|
45,807 |
|
|
|
195,736 |
|
|
|
54,300 |
|
2005 |
|
|
199,674 |
|
|
|
51,139 |
|
|
|
237,462 |
|
|
|
11,633 |
|
2006 |
|
|
170,726 |
|
|
|
58,023 |
|
|
|
271,706 |
|
|
|
11,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
808,936 |
|
|
$ |
231,675 |
|
|
$ |
1,004,388 |
|
|
$ |
279,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included in capital expenditures for the five-year period are: expenditures for the
modernization and replacement of existing treatment plants, new water mains and customer service
lines, rehabilitation of existing water mains and hydrants, water meters and an office building
expansion. During this five-year period, we received $59,475 of customer advances and contributions
in aid of construction to finance new water mains and related facilities which are not included in
the capital expenditures presented in the above table. In addition, during this period, we have
made sinking fund contributions and repaid debt in the amount of $251,639, retired $1,116 of
preferred stock, and have refunded $24,217 of customer advances for construction. Common dividends
increased during the past five years as a result of an annual increase in the common dividends
declared and paid and an increase in the number of shares outstanding during the period.
Our planned 2007 capital program, exclusive of the costs of new mains financed by advances and
contributions in aid of construction, is estimated to be $235,800 of which $80,308 is for
infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge-qualified projects. Our planned capital program includes
spending for infrastructure rehabilitation in response to the infrastructure rehabilitation
surcharge mechanisms, and should these mechanisms be discontinued for any reason, which is not
anticipated, we would re-evaluate the magnitude of our capital program. Our 2007 capital program,
along with $31,155 of sinking fund obligations and debt maturities, $28,866 for the acquisition of
New York Water Service Corporation and $103,482 of other contractual cash obligations, as reported
in the section captioned Contractual Obligations, has been or is expected to be financed through
internally-generated funds, our revolving credit facilities, the issuance of equity through public
offerings or through settlement in common shares of the forward equity sale agreement, and the
issuance of long-term debt. The New York Water Service Corporation, which was acquired in January
2007, was financed through the issuance of unsecured long-term notes that were issued in December
2006.
Future utility construction in the period 2008 through 2011, including recurring programs, such as
the ongoing replacement of water meters, water treatment plant upgrades, storage facility
renovations, the rehabilitation of water mains and additional transmission mains to meet customer
demands, exclusive of the costs of new mains financed by advances and contributions in aid of
construction, is estimated to require aggregate expenditures of approximately $1,000,000. We
anticipate that approximately one-half of these expenditures will require external financing of
debt and the additional issuance of common stock through our dividend reinvestment and stock
purchase plans and the issuance of equity through public offerings or through settlement in common
shares of the forward equity sale agreement. We expect to refinance $112,155 of sinking fund
obligations and debt maturities during this period as they become due with new issues of long-term
debt. The estimates discussed above do not include any amounts for possible future acquisitions of
water systems or the financing necessary to support them.
11
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Our primary source of liquidity is cash flows from operations, borrowings under various short-term
lines of credit and other credit facilities, and customer advances and contributions in aid of
construction. Our cash flow from operations, or internally-generated funds, is impacted by the
timing of rate relief and water consumption. We fund our capital and acquisition programs through
internally-generated funds, supplemented by short-term borrowings. Over time, we refinance our
short-term borrowings with long-term debt and proceeds from the issuance of common stock. The
ability to finance our future construction programs, as well as our acquisition activities, depends
on our ability to attract the necessary external financing and maintain internally-generated funds.
Rate orders permitting compensatory rates of return on invested capital and timely rate adjustments
will be required by our operating subsidiaries to achieve an adequate level of earnings and cash
flow to enable them to secure the capital they will need to operate and to maintain satisfactory
debt coverage ratios.
Acquisitions
During the past five years, we have expended cash of $279,026 and issued 263,169 shares of common
stock, valued at $3,420 at the time of the acquisition, related to the acquisition of utility
systems, both water and wastewater utilities, and non-regulated businesses that provide wastewater
and septage hauling services. We included the operating results of these acquisitions in our
consolidated financial statements beginning on the respective acquisition date.
On January 1, 2007 we completed the acquisition of the capital stock of New York Water Service
Corporation for $28,866 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the purchase agreement primarily based on
working capital at closing, and the assumption of $23,460 of long-term debt. The operating results
of New York Water Service Corporation will be included in our consolidated financial statements
beginning January 1, 2007. The acquired operation provides water service to 44,792 customers in
several water systems located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005, New York Water Service had operating revenues of $21,773. The acquisition will
be accounted for as a purchase and will be recorded in the first quarter of 2007. The acquisition
was funded through the issuance of long-term debt that was issued in 2006.
In addition during 2006, we completed 27 acquisitions for $11,848 in cash. The acquisitions
completed in 2006 included both water and wastewater systems in seven of the states in which we
operate, and the acquisition of several non-regulated companies that provide on-site septic tank
pumping, sludge hauling services and other wastewater services to customers in eastern
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Maryland.
During 2005, we completed 30 acquisitions for $11,633 in cash and the issuance of 24,684 shares of
common stock. The acquisitions completed in 2005 included both water and wastewater systems in
seven of the states in which we operate. On June 1, 2004, we acquired the capital stock of Heater
Utilities, Inc. for $48,000 in cash and the assumption of long-term debt of $19,219 and short-term
debt of $8,500. At the date of the acquisition, Heater provided water and wastewater service to
over 50,000 water and wastewater customers primarily in the areas of suburban Raleigh, Charlotte,
Gastonia and Fayetteville, North Carolina. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and
accordingly, we recorded goodwill of $18,842. As part of the North Carolina Utilities Commission
approval process for this acquisition, the Commission approved a mechanism through which we could
recover up to two-thirds of the goodwill through customer rates in the future upon achieving
certain objectives. We are pursuing these objectives to facilitate recognition of this premium in
customer rates. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these objectives
and recover such amount of goodwill.
On June 30, 2004, we acquired certain utility assets of Florida Water Services Corporation,
comprised of 63 water and wastewater systems located in central Florida for $13,090 in cash, the
final purchase price as adjusted pursuant to the purchase agreement. In accordance with Florida
Public Service Commission procedures, the acquisition was approved by the Commission and rate base
was determined on December 20, 2005. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Commissions
rate base determination resulted in the final purchase price which did not result in the
recognition of goodwill.
The acquisitions of Heater and the Florida Water Systems were initially funded by a portion of the
proceeds from the issuance by Aqua America of an unsecured short-term note which was subsequently
repaid by Aqua America with the proceeds from the February 2005 issuance of $30,000 of unsecured
notes and the issuance of 2,606,667 shares of common stock in a secondary equity offering for
proceeds of $42,600, net of expenses. In February 2005, Aqua America issued $18,000 of notes due in
2015 with an interest rate of 5.01% and $12,000 of notes due in 2020 with an interest rate of
5.20%.
12
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
In 2003, we completed the acquisition of four operating water and wastewater subsidiaries of
AquaSource, Inc., a subsidiary of DQE, Inc., including selected, integrated operating and
maintenance contracts and related assets (individually and collectively the acquisition is referred
to as AquaSource) for $190,717 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the purchase agreement based on
working capital at closing. In 2004, we were awarded and received $12,289 plus interest in an
arbitration related to the
calculation of the final purchase price under the terms of the purchase agreement, which resulted
in a final purchase price of $178,428. In the consolidated statement of cash flow for 2004, the
$12,289 award has been reported as proceeds on the line titled acquisitions of utility systems and
other, net. The acquisition was funded by a portion of the proceeds from the 2003 issuance of
$135,000 of unsecured notes due in 2023, with an interest rate of 4.87%, and the issuance of
6,666,667 shares of common stock through a shelf registration. The acquired operations of
AquaSource serve over 130,000 water and wastewater customer accounts in 11 states (including the
Connecticut and Kentucky operations which were subsequently sold to other parties). Please refer to
the section captioned Dispositions for a discussion of the disposition of the AquaSource
operations located in Connecticut and Kentucky. The acquisition provides an expanded platform from
which to extend our growth-through-acquisition strategy of acquiring water and wastewater systems
that are near or adjacent to our existing service territories. The AquaSource operations are
comprised of approximately 600 small systems, which are generally clustered in regions to achieve
some level of operating efficiency.
We continue to hold acquisition discussions with several water and wastewater systems. Generally
acquisitions are expected to be financed through the issuance of equity (for the acquisition of
some investor-owned systems) or funded initially with short-term debt with subsequent repayment
from the proceeds of long-term debt or proceeds from equity offerings.
Dispositions
In 2004, as a result of the settlement of a condemnation action, our Ohio operating subsidiary sold
its water utility assets within the municipal boundaries of the City of Geneva in Ashtabula County,
Ohio for net proceeds of approximately $4,716, which was in excess of the book value for these
assets. The proceeds were used to pay-down short-term debt and the sale resulted in the recognition
in 2004 of a gain on the sale of these assets, net of expenses, of $2,342. The gain is reported in
the 2004 consolidated statement of income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense. We
continue to operate this water system for the City of Geneva under a multi-year operating contract
that expires in December 2008. These water utility assets represented less than 1% of Aqua
Americas total assets, and the total number of customers included in the water system sold
represented less than 1% of our total utility customer base.
We reviewed and evaluated areas of our business and operating divisions that were acquired in 2003
with the AquaSource operations and have completed the following sale transactions of operating
divisions acquired as part of the AquaSource transaction:
|
|
|
In 2004, we sold our only operation in Kentucky. The sale price approximated our
investment in this operation. The operation represented approximately 0.2% of the
operations acquired from AquaSource, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
In 2003, we completed the sale of our only operation in Connecticut. The sale price of
$4,000 approximated our investment in this operation. The operation represented
approximately 2% of the operations acquired from AquaSource, Inc. |
In 2002, as a result of the settlement of a condemnation action, our Ohio operating subsidiary sold
to Ashtabula County, Ohio the water utility assets in the unincorporated areas of Ashtabula County
and the area within the Village of Geneva on the Lake for net proceeds of $12,118, which was in
excess of the book value for these assets. The proceeds were used to pay down short-term debt, and
the sale resulted in the recognition in 2002 of a gain on the sale of these assets, net of
expenses, of $5,676. We continue to operate this water system for Ashtabula County under a
multi-year operating contract that expires in December 2008. The water utility assets sold
represented less than 1% of our total assets, and the total number of customers included in the
water system sold represented less than 1% of our total customer base.
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana has authorized the acquisition, by eminent domain or otherwise, of
a portion of the utility assets of one of the operating subsidiaries that we acquired in connection
with the AquaSource acquisition. We have challenged whether the City is following the correct legal
procedures in connection with the Citys attempted condemnation and we have challenged the Citys
valuation of this portion of our system. The portion of the system under consideration represents
approximately 1% of our total utility customer base. While we continue to discuss this matter with
officials from the City of Fort Wayne, we continue to protect our legal interests in this
proceeding. A sanitary district in Illinois and a city in Texas have also indicated interest in
acquisition, by eminent domain or otherwise, of all or a portion of the utility assets of two of
our operations. The systems represent approximately 3,000 customers or less than 0.5% of our total
utility customer base. We believe that we will be entitled to fair market value for our assets if
they are condemned, and that the fair market value will be in excess of the book value for such
assets.
13
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Despite these transactions, our strategy continues to be to acquire additional water and wastewater
systems, to maintain our existing systems where there is a business or a strategic benefit, and to
actively oppose unilateral efforts by municipal governments to acquire any of our operations.
Sources of Capital
Since net operating cash flow plus advances and contributions in aid of construction have not been
sufficient to fully fund cash requirements, we issued approximately $697,379 of long-term debt and
obtained other short-term borrowings during the past five years. During the past five years, the
Trustees released an aggregate $8,277 of the proceeds from certain long-term debt issuances in
accordance with when the projects financed with the issues were completed. At December 31, 2006, we
had short-term lines of credit and other credit facilities of $238,000, of which $118,850 was
available. Our short-term lines of credit and other credit facilities are either payable on demand
or have a 364-day term.
In December 2005, we filed a universal shelf registration with the SEC to allow for the potential
future sale by us, from time to time, in one or more public offerings, of an indeterminant amount
of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and other securities specified therein at
indeterminant prices.
In August 2006, we entered into a forward equity sale agreement for 3,525,000 shares of common
stock with a third party (forward purchaser). In connection with the forward equity sale
agreement, the forward purchaser borrowed an equal number of shares of our common stock from stock
lenders and sold the borrowed shares to the public. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale
of our common stock by the forward purchaser until settlement of all or a portion of the forward
equity sale agreement. The actual proceeds to be received by us will vary depending upon the
settlement date, the number of shares designated for settlement on that settlement date and the
method of settlement. We intend to use any proceeds received by us upon settlement of the forward
equity sale agreement to fund our future capital expenditure program and acquisitions, and for
working capital and other general corporate purposes. During the last three years, we completed the
following offerings of equity:
|
|
|
In June 2006, we sold 1,750,000 shares of common stock in a public offering for proceeds
of $37,400, net of expenses. In August 2006, we sold 500,000 shares of common stock in a
public offering for proceeds of $10,700, net of expenses. The net proceeds from these
offerings were used to fund our capital expenditure program and acquisitions, and for
working capital and other general corporate purposes. |
|
|
|
|
In November 2004, we sold 2,606,667 shares of common stock in a public offering for
proceeds of $42,600, net of expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our
short-term debt. The short-term debt was incurred by Aqua America in connection with the
Heater and Florida Water acquisitions. |
In addition, we have a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC to permit the offering from
time to time of shares of common stock and shares of preferred stock in connection with
acquisitions. During 2006, 2004 and 2003, we did not issue any shares under the acquisition shelf
registration. During 2005, we issued 24,684 shares of common stock totaling $675 to acquire a water
system. During 2002, we issued 238,219 shares of common stock totaling $2,745 to acquire water and
wastewater systems. The balance remaining available for use under the acquisition shelf
registration as of December 31, 2006 is 2,194,262 shares. We will determine the form and terms of
any securities issued under these shelf registrations at the time of issuance.
We offer a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (Plan) that provides a convenient
and economical way to purchase shares of Aqua America, Inc. Under the direct stock purchase portion
of the Plan, shares are sold throughout the year. The dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan
offers a 5% discount on the purchase of shares of common stock with reinvested dividends. As of the
December 2006 dividend payment, holders of 16.1% of the common shares outstanding participated in
the dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan. The shares issued under the Plan are either original
issue shares or shares purchased by the Companys transfer agent in the open-market. During the
past five years, we have sold 2,382,804 original issue shares of common stock for net proceeds of
$39,072 through the dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan and we used the proceeds to invest in
our operating subsidiaries, to repay short-term debt, and for general corporate purposes.
The Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase our common stock, from time to time, in the
open market or through privately negotiated transactions. We have not purchased any shares under
this authorization since 2000. As of December 31, 2006, 548,278 shares remain available for
repurchase. Funding for future stock purchases, if any, is not expected to have a material impact
on our financial position.
14
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
We do not engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements. We do not have any interest in
entities referred to as variable interest entities, which includes special purpose entities and
other structured finance entities.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due By Period |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
Long-term debt (a) |
|
$ |
31,155 |
|
|
$ |
23,961 |
|
|
$ |
7,004 |
|
|
$ |
54,192 |
|
|
$ |
26,998 |
|
|
$ |
839,505 |
|
|
$ |
982,815 |
|
Interest on fixed-rate,
long-term debt (b) |
|
|
56,066 |
|
|
|
53,369 |
|
|
|
52,690 |
|
|
|
50,037 |
|
|
|
46,880 |
|
|
|
588,756 |
|
|
|
847,798 |
|
Operating leases (c) |
|
|
4,007 |
|
|
|
3,659 |
|
|
|
2,148 |
|
|
|
1,092 |
|
|
|
694 |
|
|
|
17,136 |
|
|
|
28,736 |
|
Unconditional purchase
obligations (d) |
|
|
10,764 |
|
|
|
10,333 |
|
|
|
10,008 |
|
|
|
9,582 |
|
|
|
9,774 |
|
|
|
59,091 |
|
|
|
109,552 |
|
Other purchase
obligations (e) |
|
|
20,614 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,614 |
|
Postretirement benefit
plans obligations (f) |
|
|
10,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,260 |
|
Other obligations (g) |
|
|
1,771 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
5,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
134,637 |
|
|
$ |
91,522 |
|
|
$ |
72,040 |
|
|
$ |
114,903 |
|
|
$ |
84,346 |
|
|
$ |
1,507,488 |
|
|
$ |
2,004,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents sinking fund obligations and debt maturities.
|
|
(b) |
|
Represents interest payable on fixed-rate, long-term debt. Amounts reported may differ from
actual due to future refinancing of debt. |
|
(c) |
|
Represents operating leases that are noncancelable, before expiration, for the lease of motor
vehicles, buildings, land and other equipment. |
|
(d) |
|
Represents our commitment to purchase minimum quantities of water as stipulated in agreements
with other water purveyors. We use purchased water to supplement our water supply,
particularly during periods of peak customer demand. Our actual purchases may exceed the
minimum required levels. |
|
(e) |
|
Represents an approximation of the open purchase orders as of the period end for goods and
services purchased in the ordinary course of business. |
|
(f) |
|
Represents contributions expected to be made to postretirement benefit plans. The amount of
required contributions in 2008 and thereafter is not determinable. |
|
(g) |
|
Represents capital expenditures estimated to be required under legal and binding contractual
obligations. |
In addition to these obligations, we pay refunds on Customers Advances for Construction over
a specific period of time based on operating revenues related to developer-installed water mains or
as new customers are connected to and take service from such mains. After all refunds are paid, any
remaining balance is transferred to Contributions in Aid of Construction. The refund amounts are
not included in the above table because the refund amounts and timing are dependent upon several
variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate
increases, which cannot be accurately estimated. Portions of these refund amounts are payable
annually through 2021 and amounts not paid by the contract expiration dates become non-refundable.
We will fund these contractual obligations with cash flows from operations and liquidity sources
held by or available to us. On January 1, 2007, we completed the acquisition of New York Water
Service Corporation for $28,866 in cash and the assumption of $23,460 of long-term debt. The
acquisition was funded through the issuance of long-term debt that was issued in 2006 and included
in the table above.
Market Risk
We are subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest
rates and equity prices. The exposure to changes in interest rates is a result of financings
through the issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt. Such exposure
15
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
is typically related to financings between utility rate increases, because generally our rate
increases provide a revenue level to allow recovery of our current cost of capital. Interest rate
risk is managed through the use of a combination of long-term debt, which is at fixed interest
rates and short-term debt, which is at floating interest rates. As of December 31, 2006, the debt
maturities by period and the weighted average interest rate for fixed-rate, long-term debt are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Value |
|
Long-term
debt (fixed rate) |
|
$ |
31,155 |
|
|
$ |
23,961 |
|
|
$ |
7,004 |
|
|
$ |
54,192 |
|
|
$ |
26,998 |
|
|
$ |
839,505 |
|
|
$ |
982,815 |
|
|
$ |
986,487 |
|
Weighted average
interest rate |
|
|
5.10 |
% |
|
|
6.63 |
% |
|
|
4.81 |
% |
|
|
6.43 |
% |
|
|
6.42 |
% |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
|
|
5.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
From time to time, we make investments in marketable equity securities. As a result, we are exposed
to the risk of changes in equity prices for the available for sale marketable equity securities.
As of December 31, 2006, our carrying value of certain investments was $499, which reflects the
market value of such investments and is in excess of our original cost. As of December 31, 2005, we
owned no marketable equity securities.
Capitalization
The following table summarizes our capitalization during the past five years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2002 |
|
Long-term debt* |
|
|
51.6 |
% |
|
|
52.7 |
% |
|
|
52.8 |
% |
|
|
52.8 |
% |
|
|
55.6 |
% |
Common stockholders equity |
|
|
48.4 |
% |
|
|
47.3 |
% |
|
|
47.2 |
% |
|
|
47.2 |
% |
|
|
44.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Includes current portion.
Over the past five years, the changes in the capitalization ratios primarily resulted from the
issuance of common stock, the issuance of debt to finance our acquisitions and capital program, and
the 2002 repurchase of common stock from a large shareholder that was subsequently reissued in
2003. It is our goal to maintain an equity ratio adequate to support the current Standard and Poors
corporate credit rating of A+ and its senior secured debt rating of AA- for Aqua Pennsylvania,
our largest operating subsidiary.
Dividends on Common Stock
We have paid common dividends consecutively for 62 years. Effective September 1, 2006, our Board of
Directors authorized an increase of 7.6% in the dividend rate over the amount we paid in the
previous quarter. As a result of this authorization, beginning with the dividend payment in
September 2006, the annual dividend rate increased to $0.46 per share from $0.4276 per share. This
is the 16th dividend increase in the past 15 years and the eighth consecutive year that
we have increased our dividend in excess of five percent. We presently intend to pay quarterly cash
dividends in the future, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, subject to our earnings
and financial condition, restrictions set forth in our debt instruments, regulatory requirements
and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant. During the past five years, our
common dividends paid have averaged 57.8% of net income.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions, and
estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting
policies are particularly important to our financial condition or results of operations, and
require estimates or other judgments of matters of uncertainty. Changes in the estimates or other
judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the
financial statements. We believe our most critical accounting policies include revenue recognition,
the use of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the
valuation of our long-lived assets which consist primarily of Utility Plant in Service, regulatory
assets and
goodwill, our accounting for postretirement benefits and our accounting for income taxes. We have
discussed the selection and development of our critical accounting policies and estimates with the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
16
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenue RecognitionOur utility revenues recognized in an accounting period include amounts billed
to customers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on estimated usage from the last billing
to the end of the accounting period. The estimated usage is based on our judgment and assumptions;
our actual results could differ from these estimates which would result in operating revenues being
adjusted in the period that the revision to our estimates are determined.
In some operating divisions, we commence the billing of our utility customers, under new rates,
upon authorization from the respective regulatory commission and before the final commission rate
order is issued. The revenue recognized reflects an estimate based on our judgment of the final
outcome of the ruling. We monitor the facts and circumstances regularly, and revise the estimate
as required. The revenue billed and collected prior to the final ruling is subject to refund based
on the final ruling. Please refer to the section named Operating Revenues for a discussion of
revenue currently being recognized under rate filings that are not final.
Regulatory Assets and LiabilitiesSFAS No. 71 stipulates generally accepted accounting principles
for companies whose rates are established by or are subject to approval by an independent
third-party regulator. In accordance with SFAS No. 71, we defer costs and credits on the balance
sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be
recognized in the rate-making process in a period different from when the costs and credits were
incurred. These deferred amounts, both assets and liabilities, are then recognized in the income
statement in the same period that they are reflected in our rates charged for water and wastewater
service. In the event that our assessment as to the probability of the inclusion in the rate-making
process is incorrect, the associated regulatory asset or liability would be adjusted to reflect the
change in our assessment or change in regulatory approval.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible AssetsIn accordance with the requirements
of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review for
impairment of our long-lived assets, including Utility Plant in Service. We also review regulatory
assets for the continued application of SFAS No. 71. Our review determines whether there have been
changes in circumstances or events that have occurred that require adjustments to the carrying
value of these assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 71, adjustments to the carrying value of these
assets would be made in instances where the inclusion in the rate-making process is unlikely.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we test the goodwill
attributable to each of our reporting units for impairment at least annually on July 31, or more
often, if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. We evaluate goodwill for
impairment using the discounted cash flow methodologies, transaction values for other comparable
companies, and other valuation techniques for all of our reporting units with goodwill balances.
The evaluation requires significant management judgment and estimates that are based on budgets,
general strategic business plans, historical trends and other data and relevant factors. If changes
in circumstances or events occur, or estimates and assumptions which were used in our impairment
test change, we may be required to record an impairment charge for goodwill. Based on our
comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to their respective carrying amounts,
the impairment test performed in 2006 concluded that none of our goodwill was impaired.
Accounting for Postretirement BenefitsWe maintain a qualified defined benefit pension plan and
plans that provide for certain postretirement benefits other than pensions. Accounting for pensions
and other postretirement benefits requires an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate,
expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by our
employees, mortality, turnover and medical costs. Each assumption is reviewed annually with
assistance from our actuarial consultant who provides guidance in establishing the assumptions. The
assumptions are selected to represent the average expected experience over time and may differ in
any one year from actual experience due to changes in capital markets and the overall economy.
These differences will impact the amount of pension and other postretirement benefit expense that
we recognize.
Our discount rate assumption was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe
containing over 500 U.S.-issued Aa-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or
callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields
and the 10% with the lowest yields. The discount rate was then developed as the single rate that
would produce the same present value as if we used spot rates, for various time periods, to
discount the projected pension benefit payments. Our pension expense and liability (benefit
obligations) increases as the discount rate is reduced. A 25 basis-point reduction in this
assumption would have increased 2006 pension expense by $660 and the pension
liabilities by $6,500. The present values of Aqua Americas future pension and other postretirement
obligations were determined using discount rates of 5.90% at December 31, 2006 and 5.65% at
December 31, 2005. Our expense under these plans is determined using the discount rate as of the
beginning of the year, which was 5.65% for 2006, and will be 5.90% for 2007.
17
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Our expected return on assets is determined by evaluating the asset class return expectations with
our advisors as well as actual, long-term, historical results of our asset returns. Our pension
expense increases as the expected return on assets decreases. A 25 basis-point reduction in this
assumption would have increased 2006 pension expense by $300. For 2006, we used an 8.0% expected
return on assets assumption which will remain unchanged for 2007. The expected return on assets is
based on a targeted allocation of 50% to 75% equities and 25% to 50% fixed income. We believe that
our actual long-term asset allocation on average will approximate the targeted allocation. Our
targeted allocation is driven by the investment strategy to earn a reasonable rate of return while
maintaining risk at acceptable levels through the diversification of investments across and within
various asset categories.
We adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) on December 31,
2006. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006, we recorded the underfunded status
of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet and recorded a
regulatory asset for these costs that would otherwise be charged to common stockholders equity, as
we anticipate recoverability of the costs through customer rates. See the section titled Impact of
Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 158,
the additional minimum liability associated with our defined benefit pension plan was eliminated as
it is no longer required to be recorded under SFAS No. 158. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 158
on December 31, 2006, our additional minimum liability was $3,498. The additional minimum liability
was a result of the accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets. The
decrease in the additional minimum liability from December 31, 2005 of $10,909 to December 31, 2006
of $3,498, prior to adoption of SFAS No. 158, resulted from the effect of an increased discount
rate and an increase in pension plan assets during 2006 due to positive equity market performance
and pension contributions. A portion of the December 31, 2005 and all of the December 31, 2006
additional minimum liability prior to adoption of SFAS No. 158, resulted in the establishment of a
regulatory asset as we expect recovery of the future, increased pension expense through customer
rates.
Funding requirements for qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government
regulations and not by accounting pronouncements. In accordance with our funding policy, during
2007 our required pension contribution is expected to be approximately $7,300. The Pension
Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law in August 2006. We are currently evaluating this
legislation and the effect it will have on our future pension contributions and do not expect our
estimate for the 2007 funding amount to change. However, future contributions may be impacted by
the effect of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, though we expect future changes in the amount of
contributions and expense recognized to be generally included in customer rates.
Accounting for Income taxesWe estimate the amount of income tax payable or refundable for the
current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets that results from estimating
temporary differences resulting from the treatment of certain items, such as depreciation, for tax
and financial statement reporting. These differences result in the recognition of a deferred tax
asset or liability on our consolidated balance sheet and require us to make judgments regarding the
probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various transactions we enter into. Based on these
judgments we may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets
to reflect the expected realization of future tax benefits. Actual income taxes could vary from
these estimates and changes in these estimates can increase income tax expense in the period that
these changes in estimates occur. On January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which
prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement
recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. See
the section titled Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information.
18
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension
and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). This
statement requires the recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of pension and other
postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet. Under SFAS No. 158, actuarial gains and losses,
prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not
been recognized under previous accounting standards that have not yet been recognized through net
periodic benefit cost will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
effects. We adopted SFAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006 as required. Because we are subject to
regulation in the states in which we operate, we maintain our accounts in accordance with the
regulatory authoritys rules and guidelines, which may differ from other authoritative accounting
pronouncements. In those instances, we follow the guidance of SFAS No. 71. Based on prior
regulatory experience, and in accordance with SFAS No. 71, we recorded a regulatory asset for the
pension and other postretirement benefit costs associated with SFAS No. 158, that would otherwise
be charged to common stockholders equity, for which we anticipate recoverability through customer
rates. As a result, the impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet was to
increase total liabilities by $30,305, and increase total assets by $30,305. The adoption of this
standard had no impact on our results of operations or cash flow, and the impact on financial
position is described above. See the Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits footnote to
the consolidated financial statements for further information and the required disclosures under
SFAS No. 158.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines
fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement applies when other statements
require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. This statement does not
expand the use of fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 is effective for our fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this statement and have not yet
determined the effect of adoption on our results of operations or financial position.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108,
Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year
Financial Statements (SAB 108). SAB 108 provides guidance on how prior year misstatements
should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements for
purposes of determining whether the current years financial statements are materially misstated.
We adopted SAB 108 as required for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and it did not have a
material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income TaxesAn Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which prescribes a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a
tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We adopted FIN 48 as required on
January 1, 2007 and it did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial
position.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R generally
requires that we measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock-based awards
on the grant-date fair value and this cost will be recognized over the period during which an
employee provides service in exchange for the award. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on
January 1, 2006, we provided pro forma disclosure of our compensation costs associated with the
fair value of stock options that had been granted, and accordingly, no compensation costs were
recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We adopted this standard using the modified
prospective method, and accordingly, the consolidated financial statement amounts for the prior
periods presented in this report have not been restated to reflect the fair value method of
expensing share-based compensation. During 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R increased operations
and maintenance expense by $2,894, lowered net income by $2,568, and lowered diluted net income per
share by $0.019. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our overall financial
position, no impact on cash flow, and results in the reclassification on the consolidated cash flow
statements of related tax benefits from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from
financing activities to the extent these tax benefits exceed the associated compensation cost
recognized in the income statement. As of the date of adoption, we calculated our pool of windfall
tax benefits in accordance with the method outlined in SFAS No. 123R. See the Employee Stock and
Incentive Plan footnote to the consolidated financial statements for further information and the
required disclosures under SFAS No 123R.
19
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Managements Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Aqua America, Inc. (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
Companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In assessing the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, management used the
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. As a result of managements assessment and based on the
criteria in the framework, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has
audited managements assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting, as stated in their report which appears herein.
|
|
|
/s/ Nicholas DeBenedictis
|
|
/s/ David P. Smeltzer |
|
|
|
Nicholas DeBenedictis
|
|
David P. Smeltzer |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer |
February 27, 2007
20
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Aqua America, Inc.:
We have completed integrated audits of Aqua America, Inc.s consolidated financial statements and
of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 in accordance with the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on
our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated Financial Statements
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated
statements of income and comprehensive income, of capitalization, of common stockholders equity
and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aqua America,
Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of
financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed under Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesRecent Accounting Pronouncements in
the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it
accounts for share-based compensation in 2006 and the manner in which it accounts for its defined
benefit pension and other postretirement plans effective December 31, 2006.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Also, in our opinion, managements assessment, included in the accompanying Managements Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly
stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal
Control Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Companys management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express
opinions on managements assessment and on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial
reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other
procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinions.
21
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 27, 2007
22
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
|
$ |
442,039 |
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations and maintenance |
|
|
219,560 |
|
|
|
203,088 |
|
|
|
178,345 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
70,895 |
|
|
|
60,747 |
|
|
|
54,564 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
4,146 |
|
|
|
4,741 |
|
|
|
4,300 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
33,343 |
|
|
|
31,696 |
|
|
|
27,596 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
327,944 |
|
|
|
300,272 |
|
|
|
264,805 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
205,547 |
|
|
|
196,507 |
|
|
|
177,234 |
|
Other expense (income): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
58,432 |
|
|
|
52,062 |
|
|
|
48,679 |
|
Allowance for funds used during construction |
|
|
(3,941 |
) |
|
|
(2,447 |
) |
|
|
(2,304 |
) |
Gain on sale of other assets |
|
|
(1,194 |
) |
|
|
(1,177 |
) |
|
|
(1,272 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
152,250 |
|
|
|
148,069 |
|
|
|
132,131 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
60,246 |
|
|
|
56,913 |
|
|
|
52,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
92,004 |
|
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
92,004 |
|
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment |
|
|
3,082 |
|
|
|
(1,340 |
) |
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
Unrealized holding gains on investments |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for gains reported in net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(230 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,276 |
|
|
|
(1,340 |
) |
|
|
(1,913 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
95,280 |
|
|
$ |
89,816 |
|
|
$ |
78,094 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.72 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average common shares outstanding during the period: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
130,725 |
|
|
|
127,364 |
|
|
|
124,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
131,774 |
|
|
|
129,206 |
|
|
|
125,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
23
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
|
$ |
3,185,111 |
|
|
$ |
2,900,585 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation |
|
|
679,116 |
|
|
|
620,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment |
|
|
2,505,995 |
|
|
|
2,279,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
44,039 |
|
|
|
11,872 |
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net |
|
|
72,149 |
|
|
|
62,690 |
|
Income tax receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,321 |
|
Inventory, materials and supplies |
|
|
8,359 |
|
|
|
7,798 |
|
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
10,153 |
|
|
|
7,596 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
134,700 |
|
|
|
98,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
165,063 |
|
|
|
130,953 |
|
Deferred charges and other assets, net |
|
|
38,075 |
|
|
|
37,061 |
|
Funds restricted for construction activity |
|
|
11,490 |
|
|
|
68,625 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
22,580 |
|
|
|
20,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,877,903 |
|
|
$ |
2,635,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Common stockholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares,
issued 133,017,325 and 129,658,806 in 2006 and 2005 |
|
$ |
66,509 |
|
|
$ |
64,829 |
|
Capital in excess of par value |
|
|
548,806 |
|
|
|
478,508 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
319,113 |
|
|
|
285,132 |
|
Treasury stock, at cost, 691,746 and 688,625 shares in 2006 and 2005 |
|
|
(12,992 |
) |
|
|
(12,914 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
(3,082 |
) |
Unearned compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
921,630 |
|
|
|
811,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
|
1,814 |
|
|
|
1,551 |
|
Long-term debt, excluding current portion |
|
|
951,660 |
|
|
|
878,438 |
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
31,155 |
|
|
|
24,645 |
|
Loans payable |
|
|
119,150 |
|
|
|
138,505 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
49,406 |
|
|
|
55,455 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
14,050 |
|
|
|
13,052 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
19,350 |
|
|
|
9,432 |
|
Other accrued liabilities |
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
30,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
255,611 |
|
|
|
271,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred credits and other liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits |
|
|
273,199 |
|
|
|
250,346 |
|
Customers advances for construction |
|
|
76,820 |
|
|
|
74,828 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
11,592 |
|
|
|
11,751 |
|
Other |
|
|
64,879 |
|
|
|
31,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
426,490 |
|
|
|
368,894 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions in aid of construction |
|
|
320,698 |
|
|
|
302,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,877,903 |
|
|
$ |
2,635,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Common stockholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $.50 par value |
|
$ |
66,509 |
|
|
$ |
64,829 |
|
Capital in excess of par value |
|
|
548,806 |
|
|
|
478,508 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
319,113 |
|
|
|
285,132 |
|
Treasury stock, at cost |
|
|
(12,992 |
) |
|
|
(12,914 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
(3,082 |
) |
Unearned compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
921,630 |
|
|
|
811,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially
secured by utility plant): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Range |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% to 2.49% |
|
|
25,740 |
|
|
|
21,574 |
|
2.50% to 2.99% |
|
|
25,272 |
|
|
|
28,684 |
|
3.00% to 3.49% |
|
|
17,220 |
|
|
|
17,380 |
|
3.50% to 3.99% |
|
|
6,073 |
|
|
|
6,748 |
|
4.00% to 4.99% |
|
|
30,645 |
|
|
|
30,695 |
|
5.00% to 5.49% |
|
|
262,496 |
|
|
|
262,588 |
|
5.50% to 5.99% |
|
|
79,000 |
|
|
|
79,000 |
|
6.00% to 6.49% |
|
|
94,360 |
|
|
|
88,504 |
|
6.50% to 6.99% |
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
|
32,000 |
|
7.00% to 7.49% |
|
|
13,288 |
|
|
|
15,878 |
|
7.50% to 7.99% |
|
|
24,778 |
|
|
|
25,012 |
|
8.00% to 8.49% |
|
|
26,288 |
|
|
|
26,507 |
|
8.50% to 8.99% |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
9.00% to 9.49% |
|
|
46,101 |
|
|
|
46,764 |
|
9.50% to 9.99% |
|
|
38,738 |
|
|
|
40,933 |
|
10.00% to 10.50% |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
726,999 |
|
|
|
737,267 |
|
Unsecured notes payable, 4.87%, maturing in
various installments 2010 through 2023 |
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
Unsecured notes payable, 5.95%, due in 2023
through 2034 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured notes payable, 5.64%, due in 2014
through 2021 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured notes payable, 5.54%, due in 2013
through 2018 |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured notes payable, 5.01%, due 2015 |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Unsecured notes payable, 5.20%, due 2020 |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
Notes payable, 6.05%, maturing in 2007 and 2008 |
|
|
816 |
|
|
|
816 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
982,815 |
|
|
|
903,083 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
31,155 |
|
|
|
24,645 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, excluding current portion |
|
|
951,660 |
|
|
|
878,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization |
|
$ |
1,873,290 |
|
|
$ |
1,690,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
25
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIArIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
excess of |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
on Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
stock |
|
|
par value |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
stock |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
|
$ |
46,635 |
|
|
$ |
413,008 |
|
|
$ |
210,915 |
|
|
$ |
(12,611 |
) |
|
$ |
171 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
658,118 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,007 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net
of income tax of $938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
Unrealized gain on securities, net of
income tax of $32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59 |
|
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains
reported in net income, net of income
tax of $173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(230 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(230 |
) |
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45,807 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45,807 |
) |
Sale of stock (3,181,203 shares) |
|
|
1,170 |
|
|
|
48,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,132 |
|
Repurchase of stock (51,808 shares) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,082 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,082 |
) |
Equity Compensation Plan (45,535 shares) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
709 |
|
Exercise of stock options (570,064 shares) |
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
4,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,061 |
|
Employee stock plan tax benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
48,036 |
|
|
|
468,524 |
|
|
|
245,115 |
|
|
|
(12,702 |
) |
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
747,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,156 |
|
Other comprehensive loss: minimum
pension liability adjustment, net of
income tax of $722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,340 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,340 |
) |
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51,139 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51,139 |
) |
Stock issued for acquisitions (24,684 shares) |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
675 |
|
Stock split |
|
|
16,095 |
|
|
|
(16,095 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of stock (471,682 shares) |
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
7,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,537 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,641 |
|
Repurchase of stock (56,930 shares) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,749 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,749 |
) |
Equity Compensation Plan (37,751 shares) |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
708 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(722 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options (1,327,717 shares) |
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
11,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,775 |
|
Employee stock plan tax benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
Amortization of unearned compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
64,829 |
|
|
|
478,508 |
|
|
|
285,132 |
|
|
|
(12,914 |
) |
|
|
(3,082 |
) |
|
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
811,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,004 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized holding gain on investments,
net of income tax of $105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194 |
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment,
net of income tax of $1,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,082 |
|
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(58,023 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(58,023 |
) |
Sale of stock (2,688,332 shares) |
|
|
1,328 |
|
|
|
55,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
894 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,088 |
|
Repurchase of stock (36,346 shares) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(972 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(972 |
) |
Equity Compensation Plan (37,200 shares) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification of unearned compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options (666,212 shares) |
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
7,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,962 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,235 |
|
Employee stock plan tax benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
66,509 |
|
|
$ |
548,806 |
|
|
$ |
319,113 |
|
|
$ |
(12,992 |
) |
|
$ |
194 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
921,630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
26
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
92,004 |
|
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
75,041 |
|
|
|
65,488 |
|
|
|
58,864 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
10,794 |
|
|
|
26,027 |
|
|
|
40,577 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
3,604 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of water system |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,342 |
) |
Gain on sale of other assets |
|
|
(1,194 |
) |
|
|
(1,177 |
) |
|
|
(1,272 |
) |
Net decrease (increase) in receivables, inventory and prepayments |
|
|
(8,769 |
) |
|
|
7,572 |
|
|
|
(2,766 |
) |
Net increase (decrease) in payables, accrued interest, accrued
taxes and other accrued liabilities |
|
|
(5,609 |
) |
|
|
12,933 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
Other |
|
|
4,855 |
|
|
|
(2,325 |
) |
|
|
(328 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
170,726 |
|
|
|
199,674 |
|
|
|
173,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment additions, including allowance for
funds used during construction of $3,941, $2,447 and $2,304 |
|
|
(271,706 |
) |
|
|
(237,462 |
) |
|
|
(195,736 |
) |
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net |
|
|
(11,848 |
) |
|
|
(11,633 |
) |
|
|
(54,300 |
) |
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity |
|
|
59,467 |
|
|
|
56,137 |
|
|
|
14,015 |
|
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity |
|
|
(2,332 |
) |
|
|
(107,566 |
) |
|
|
(2,772 |
) |
Net proceeds from the sale of water systems |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,716 |
|
Net proceeds from the sale of other assets |
|
|
1,283 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
|
|
2,098 |
|
Other |
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
(517 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
|
|
(225,349 |
) |
|
|
(299,122 |
) |
|
|
(232,496 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customers advances and contributions in aid of construction |
|
|
12,031 |
|
|
|
14,728 |
|
|
|
14,269 |
|
Repayments of customers advances |
|
|
(5,168 |
) |
|
|
(4,792 |
) |
|
|
(4,930 |
) |
Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term debt |
|
|
(19,355 |
) |
|
|
63,695 |
|
|
|
(30,150 |
) |
Proceeds from long-term debt |
|
|
103,360 |
|
|
|
147,012 |
|
|
|
130,258 |
|
Repayments of long-term debt |
|
|
(24,606 |
) |
|
|
(83,235 |
) |
|
|
(55,928 |
) |
Change in cash overdraft position |
|
|
11,166 |
|
|
|
(8,808 |
) |
|
|
(2,190 |
) |
Proceeds from issuing common stock |
|
|
58,088 |
|
|
|
9,641 |
|
|
|
51,132 |
|
Proceeds from exercised stock options |
|
|
7,962 |
|
|
|
11,775 |
|
|
|
5,061 |
|
Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits |
|
|
2,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of common stock |
|
|
(972 |
) |
|
|
(1,749 |
) |
|
|
(1,082 |
) |
Dividends paid on common stock |
|
|
(58,023 |
) |
|
|
(51,139 |
) |
|
|
(45,807 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
86,790 |
|
|
|
97,128 |
|
|
|
60,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
32,167 |
|
|
|
(2,320 |
) |
|
|
1,919 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
11,872 |
|
|
|
14,192 |
|
|
|
12,273 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
44,039 |
|
|
$ |
11,872 |
|
|
$ |
14,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest, net of amounts capitalized |
|
$ |
53,222 |
|
|
$ |
48,278 |
|
|
$ |
45,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
28,700 |
|
|
$ |
30,734 |
|
|
$ |
22,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Customers Advances for Construction, Acquisitions and
Employee Stock and Incentive Plans footnotes for description of non-cash activities. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
27
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of OperationsAqua America, Inc. (Aqua America or the Company) is the holding company
for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North
Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, Missouri and
South Carolina. Our largest operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., accounted for
approximately 55% of our operating revenues for 2006 and provided water or wastewater services to
customers in the suburban areas north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 23 other counties
in Pennsylvania. The Companys other subsidiaries provide similar services in 12 other states. In
addition, the Company provides water and wastewater service through operating and maintenance
contracts with municipal authorities and other parties, and septage hauling services, close to our
utility companies service territories.
The company has identified fourteen operating segments and has one reportable segment named the
Regulated segment. The reportable segment is comprised of thirteen operating segments for our water
and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide these
services. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment since each of the
Companys operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of
services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and
the nature of the regulatory environment. In addition, one segment is not quantitatively
significant to be reportable and is comprised of the businesses that provide on-site septic tank
pumping, sludge hauling services and certain other non-regulated water and wastewater services.
This segment is included as a component of other, in addition to corporate costs that have not
been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations.
RegulationMost of the operating companies that are regulated public utilities are subject to
regulation by the public utility commissions of the states in which they operate. The respective
public utility commissions have jurisdiction with respect to rates, service, accounting procedures,
issuance of securities, acquisitions and other matters. Some of the operating companies that are
regulated public utilities are subject to rate regulation by county or city government. Regulated
public utilities follow Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, Accounting
for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation. SFAS No. 71 provides for the recognition of
regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected
in current rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates. The regulatory
assets or liabilities are then relieved as the cost or credit is reflected in rates.
ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Recognition of RevenuesRevenues include amounts billed to customers on a cycle basis and unbilled
amounts based on estimated usage from the latest billing to the end of the accounting period.
Non-regulated revenues are recognized when services are performed and are primarily associated with
septage hauling services, operating and maintenance contracts and data processing service fees. The
Companys Regulated segment includes non-regulated revenues that totaled $13,525 in 2006, $13,161
in 2005 and $11,556 in 2004. In addition to the Regulated segment operating revenues, the Company
has other non-regulated revenues of $7,198 in 2006, $3,323 in 2005 and $2,067 in 2004.
Property, Plant and Equipment and DepreciationProperty, plant and equipment consist primarily of
utility plant. The cost of additions includes contracted cost, direct labor and fringe benefits,
materials, overheads and, for certain utility plant, allowance for funds used during construction.
Water systems acquired are recorded at estimated original cost of utility plant when first devoted
to utility service and the applicable depreciation is recorded to accumulated depreciation. The
difference between the estimated original cost, less applicable accumulated depreciation, and the
purchase price is recorded as an acquisition adjustment within utility plant. At December 31, 2006,
utility plant includes a net credit acquisition adjustment of $51,434, which is generally being
amortized from 0 to 20 years. Amortization of the acquisition adjustments totaled $4,239 in 2006,
$3,674 in 2005 and $3,961 in 2004.
Utility expenditures for maintenance and repairs, including major maintenance projects and minor
renewals and betterments, are charged to operating expenses when incurred in accordance with the
system of accounts prescribed by the public utility commissions of the states in which the company
operates. The cost of new units of property and betterments are capitalized. Utility expenditures
for water main cleaning and relining of pipes are deferred and recorded in net property, plant and
equipment in accordance with SFAS No. 71. As of December 31, 2006, $5,192 of costs has been
incurred since the last rate proceeding and the Company expects to recover these costs in future
rates.
28
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The cost of software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they result in added
functionality which enable the software to perform tasks it was previously incapable of performing.
Certain information technology costs associated with major system installations, conversions and
improvements, such as software training, data conversion and business process reengineering costs,
are deferred as a regulatory asset if the Company expects to recover these costs in future rates.
If these costs are not deferred in accordance with SFAS No. 71, then these costs are charged to
operating expenses when incurred. As of December 31, 2006, $5,597 of costs have been deferred,
since the last rate proceeding, as a regulatory asset, and the deferral is reported as a component
of net property, plant and equipment.
When units of utility property are replaced, retired or abandoned, the recorded value thereof is
credited to the asset account and such value, together with the net cost of removal, is charged to
accumulated depreciation. To the extent the Company recovers cost of removal or other retirement
costs through rates after the retirement costs are incurred, a regulatory asset is recorded. In
some cases, the Company recovers retirement costs through rates during the life of the associated
asset and before the costs are incurred. These amounts result in a regulatory liability being
reported based on the amounts previously recovered through customer rates.
The straight-line remaining life method is used to compute depreciation on utility plant.
Generally, the straight-line method is used with respect to transportation and mechanical
equipment, office equipment and laboratory equipment.
In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets, the long-lived assets of the Company, which consist primarily of Utility Plant
in Service and regulatory assets, are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances or
events occur. There has been no change in circumstances or events that have occurred that require
adjustments to the carrying values of these assets.
Allowance for Funds Used During ConstructionThe allowance for funds used during construction
(AFUDC) is a non-cash credit which represents the estimated cost of funds used to finance the
construction of utility plant. In general, AFUDC is applied to construction projects requiring more
than one month to complete. No AFUDC is applied to projects funded by customer advances for
construction or contributions in aid of construction. AFUDC includes the net cost of borrowed funds
and a rate of return on other funds when used, and is recovered through water rates as the utility
plant is depreciated. The amount of AFUDC related to equity funds in 2006 was $6 and in 2005 was
$1. There was no AFUDC related to equity funds in 2004. No interest was capitalized by our
non-regulated businesses.
Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less, which are not restricted for construction activity, to be cash
equivalents.
The Company had a book overdraft for certain of its disbursement cash accounts of $13,739 and
$2,573 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. A book overdraft represents transactions that
have not cleared the bank accounts at the end of the period. The Company transfers cash on an
as-needed basis to fund these items as they clear the bank in subsequent periods. The balance of
the book overdraft is reported as accounts payable and the change in the book overdraft balance is
reported as cash flows from financing activities.
Accounts ReceivableAccounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts. The allowance for
doubtful accounts is the Companys best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our
existing accounts receivable, and is determined based on historical write-off experience and the
aging of account balances. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly.
Account balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not
be recovered. When utility customers request extended payment terms, credit is extended based on
regulatory guidelines, and collateral is not required.
Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges and Other AssetsDeferred charges and other assets consist of
financing expenses, other costs and marketable securities. Deferred bond issuance expenses are
amortized by the straight-line method over the life of the related issues. Call premiums related to
the early redemption of long-term debt, along with the unamortized balance of the related issuance
expense, are deferred and amortized over the life of the long-term debt used to fund the
redemption. Other costs, for which the Company has received or expects to receive prospective rate
recovery, are deferred as a regulatory asset and amortized over the period of rate recovery in
accordance with SFAS No. 71.
Marketable securities are considered available-for-sale and accordingly, are carried on the
balance sheet at fair market value. Unrecognized gains are included in other comprehensive income.
29
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable
intangible assets acquired through acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for
impairment annually, or more often, if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. In
accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the
Company tested the goodwill attributable to each of our reporting units for impairment as of July
31, 2006, in conjunction with the timing of our annual strategic business plan. Based on the
Companys comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to their respective
carrying amounts, the impairment test concluded that none of its goodwill was impaired. The
following table summarizes the changes in the Companys goodwill:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
20,122 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
20,122 |
|
Goodwill acquired during year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
Reclassifications to utility plant
acquisition adjustment |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
20,078 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
20,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill acquired during year |
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
3,941 |
|
|
|
4,167 |
|
Reclassifications to utility plant
acquisition adjustment |
|
|
(1,767 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,767 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
18,537 |
|
|
$ |
4,043 |
|
|
$ |
22,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income TaxesThe Company accounts for certain income and expense items in different time periods
for financial reporting than for tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided on the
temporary differences between the tax basis of the assets and liabilities, and the amounts at which
they are carried in the consolidated financial statements. The income tax effect of temporary
differences not allowed currently in rates is recorded as deferred taxes with an offsetting
regulatory asset or liability. These deferred income taxes are based on the enacted tax rates
expected to be in effect when such temporary differences are projected to reverse. Investment tax
credits are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties.
Customers Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of ConstructionWater mains or, in
some instances, cash advances to reimburse the Company for its costs to construct water mains, are
contributed to the Company by customers, real estate developers and builders in order to extend
water service to their properties. The value of these contributions is recorded as Customers
Advances for Construction. Non-cash property, in the form of water mains, has been received,
generally from developers, as advances or contributions of $16,852, $15,729 and $9,273 in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company makes refunds on these advances over a specific period of
time based on operating revenues related to the main or as new customers are connected to and take
service from the main. After all refunds are made, any remaining balance is transferred to
Contributions in Aid of Construction. Contributions in aid of construction include direct
non-refundable contributions and the portion of customers advances for construction that become
non-refundable. Contributed property is generally not depreciated. Certain of the subsidiaries do
depreciate contributed property and amortize contributions in aid of construction at the composite
rate of the related property.
Inventories, Materials and SuppliesInventories are stated at cost. Cost is principally determined
using the first-in, first-out method.
Stock-Based CompensationEffective January 1, 2006, the Company accounts for stock-based
compensation using the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment.
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no compensation expense related
to granting of stock options had been recognized in the financial statements prior to adoption of
SFAS No. 123R for stock options that were granted. Please refer to the Recent Accounting
Pronouncements section of this footnote for information concerning the Companys accounting for
stock-based compensation. The following table provides the pro forma net income and earnings per
share prior to January 1, 2006 as if compensation cost for stock-based
employee compensation was determined as of the grant date under the fair value method of SFAS No.
123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148 Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure.
30
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Net income, as reported |
|
$ |
91,156 |
|
|
$ |
80,007 |
|
Add: stock-based employee compensation
expense included in reported net income,
net of tax |
|
|
290 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
Less: pro forma expense related to stock
options granted, net of tax effects |
|
|
(2,054 |
) |
|
|
(1,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
$ |
89,392 |
|
|
$ |
78,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.72 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
Pro forma |
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
|
Diluted net income per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
Pro forma |
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
For the purposes of this pro forma disclosure, the fair value of the options at the date of the
grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial StatementsThe preparation of
consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
ReclassificationsCertain prior year amounts have been changed to conform with current years
presentation.
Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB
Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). This statement requires the recognition of the overfunded
or underfunded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet. Under
SFAS No. 158, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining
transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards
that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit cost will be recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax effects. The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 on
December 31, 2006 as required. Because the Company is subject to regulation in the states in which
it operates, the Company maintains its accounts in accordance with the regulatory authoritys rules
and guidelines, which may differ from other authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those
instances, the Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 71. Based on prior regulatory experience,
and in accordance with SFAS No. 71, the Company has recorded a regulatory asset for the pension and
other postretirement benefit costs associated with SFAS No. 158 that would otherwise be charged to
common stockholders equity, for which the Company anticipates recoverability through customer
rates. As a result, the impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 on the Companys Consolidated Balance Sheet
was to increase total liabilities by $30,305, and increase total assets by $30,305. The adoption of
this standard had no impact on the Companys results of operations or cash flow, and the impact on
financial position is described above. See the Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
footnote to the consolidated financial statements for further information and the required
disclosures under SFAS No. 158.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines
fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement applies when other statements
require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. This statement does not
expand the use of fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Companys
fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this
statement and has not yet determined the effect of adoption on its results of operations or
financial position.
31
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108,
Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year
Financial Statements (SAB 108). SAB 108 provides guidance on how prior year misstatements
should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements for
purposes of determining whether the current years financial statements are materially misstated.
The Company adopted SAB 108 as required for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and it did not
have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income TaxesAn Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which prescribes a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a
tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company adopted FIN 48 as required
on January 1, 2007 and it did not have a material effect on its results of operations or financial
position.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R generally
requires that we measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock-based awards
on the grant-date fair value and this cost will be recognized over the period during which an
employee provides service in exchange for the award. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on
January 1, 2006, the Company provided pro forma disclosure of its compensation costs associated
with the fair value of stock options that had been granted, and accordingly, no compensation costs
were recognized in its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this standard using
the modified prospective method, and accordingly, the consolidated financial statement amounts for
the prior periods presented in this report have not been restated to reflect the fair value method
of expensing share-based compensation. During 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R increased
operations and maintenance expense by $2,894, lowered net income by $2,568, and lowered diluted net
income per share by $0.019. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on the Companys
overall financial position, no impact on cash flow, and results in the reclassification on the
consolidated cash flow statements of related tax benefits from cash flows from operating activities
to cash flows from financing activities to the extent these tax benefits exceed the associated
compensation cost recognized in the income statement. See the Employee Stock and Incentive Plan
footnote to the consolidated financial statements for further information and the required
disclosures under SFAS No. 123R.
Acquisitions
New York Water Service CorporationPursuant to our strategy to grow through acquisitions, on
January 1, 2007 the Company completed the acquisition of the capital stock of New York Water
Service Corporation (New York Water) for $28,866 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the purchase
agreement primarily based on working capital at closing, and the assumption of $23,460 of long-term
debt. The operating results of New York Water will be included in our consolidated financial
statements beginning January 1, 2007. The acquired operation provides water service to 44,792
customers in several water systems located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. For the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005, New York Water had operating revenues of $21,773 (unaudited). The
acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase and will be recorded in the first quarter of 2007.
HeaterPursuant to our strategy to grow through acquisitions, on June 1, 2004 the Company acquired
the capital stock of Heater Utilities, Inc. for $48,000 in cash and the assumption of long-term
debt of $19,219 and short-term debt of $8,500. At the date of acquisition, Heater provided water
and wastewater service to over 50,000 water and wastewater customers primarily in the areas of
suburban Raleigh, Charlotte, Gastonia and Fayetteville, North Carolina. The acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase and accordingly the Company recorded goodwill of $18,842.
As part of the North Carolina Utilities Commission approval process for this acquisition, the
Commission approved a mechanism through which the Company could recover up to two-thirds of the
goodwill through customer rates in the future upon achieving certain objectives. The Company is
pursuing these objectives to facilitate recognition of this premium in customer rates. However,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve these objectives and recover
such amount of goodwill.
32
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Florida WaterOn June 30, 2004, the Company acquired certain utility assets of Florida Water
Services Corporation, comprised of 63 water and wastewater systems located in central Florida for
$13,090 in cash, the final purchase price as
adjusted pursuant to the purchase agreement. In accordance with Florida Public Service Commission
procedures, the acquisition was approved by the Commission and rate base was determined on December
20, 2005. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Commissions rate base determination
resulted in a reduction of the final purchase price which did not result in the recognition of
goodwill.
AquaSourceOn July 31, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition of four operating water and
wastewater subsidiaries of AquaSource, Inc. (a subsidiary of DQE, Inc.), including selected,
integrated operating and maintenance contracts and related assets (individually and collectively
the acquisition is referred to as AquaSource) for $190,717 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the
purchase agreement based on working capital at closing. In August 2004, we were awarded and
received $12,289 plus interest in an arbitration related to the calculation of the final purchase
price under the terms of the purchase agreement, which resulted in a final purchase price of
$178,428. In the consolidated statement of cash flow for 2004, the $12,289 award has been reported
as proceeds on the line titled acquisitions of utility systems and other, net.
Other AcquisitionsDuring 2006, the Company completed 27 acquisitions or other growth ventures in
various states for an aggregate purchase price of $11,848 in cash. The operating revenues included
in the consolidated financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company were
$4,511.
During 2005, the Company completed 30 acquisitions or other growth ventures in various states. The
total purchase price of $12,308 for the systems acquired in 2005 consisted of $11,633 in cash and
the issuance of 24,684 shares of the Companys common stock. The operating revenues included in the
consolidated financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company were $6,203
in 2006 and $2,145 in 2005.
During 2004, in addition to the Heater and Florida Water acquisitions, the Company completed 27
acquisitions or other growth ventures in the various states in which the Company operates for an
aggregate purchase price of $3,842 in cash. The operating revenues included in the consolidated
financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company were $2,309 in 2006,
$1,580 in 2005 and $617 in 2004.
Dispositions
In 2004, as a result of the settlement of a condemnation action, the Companys Ohio operating
subsidiary sold its water utility assets within the municipal boundaries of the City of Geneva in
Ashtabula County, Ohio for net proceeds of approximately $4,716, which was in excess of the book
value for these assets. The proceeds were used to pay-down short-term debt and the sale resulted in
the recognition in 2004 of a gain on the sale of these assets, net of expenses, of $2,342. The gain
is reported in the 2004 consolidated statement of income as a reduction to operations and
maintenance expense. We continue to operate this water system for the City of Geneva under a
multi-year operating contract that expires in December 2008. These water utility assets represented
less than 1% of Aqua Americas total assets, and the total number of customers included in the
water system sold represented less than 1% of our total utility customer base.
In 2004, the Company sold its only operations in Kentucky. The sale price approximates our
investment in this operation. The operation represented approximately 0.2% of the operations
acquired from AquaSource, Inc.
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana has authorized the acquisition, by eminent domain or otherwise, of
a portion of the utility assets of one of the operating subsidiaries that the Company acquired in
connection with the AquaSource acquisition in 2003. The Company has challenged whether the City is
following the correct legal procedures in connection with the Citys attempted condemnation and the
Company has challenged the Citys valuation of this portion of its system. The portion of the
system under consideration represents approximately 1% of the Companys total utility customer
base. While the Company continues to discuss this matter with officials from the City of Fort
Wayne, the Company continues to protect its legal interests in this proceeding. A sanitary
district in Illinois and a city in Texas have also indicated interest in acquisition, by eminent
domain or otherwise, of all or a portion of the utility assets of two of the Companys operations.
The systems represent approximately 3,000 customers or less than 0.5% of our total utility customer
base. The Company believes that it will be entitled to fair market value for its assets if they
are condemned, and it is believed that the fair market value will be in excess of the book value
for such assets.
33
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Property, Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
range |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
of remaining |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
lives |
Utility plant and equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mains and accessories |
|
$ |
1,287,142 |
|
|
$ |
1,187,597 |
|
|
15 to 82 years |
Services, hydrants, treatment
plants and reservoirs |
|
|
801,755 |
|
|
|
660,279 |
|
|
5 to 85 years |
Operations structures and water tanks |
|
|
172,850 |
|
|
|
222,107 |
|
|
15 to 77 years |
Miscellaneous pumping and
purification equipment |
|
|
381,149 |
|
|
|
376,599 |
|
|
5 to 50 years |
Meters, data processing, transportation
and operating equipment |
|
|
428,326 |
|
|
|
341,550 |
|
|
5 to 50 years |
Land and other non-depreciable assets |
|
|
80,479 |
|
|
|
73,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility Plant and equipment |
|
|
3,151,701 |
|
|
|
2,861,478 |
|
|
|
Utility construction work in progress |
|
|
76,653 |
|
|
|
98,898 |
|
|
|
Net utility plant acquisition adjustment |
|
|
(51,434 |
) |
|
|
(64,165 |
) |
|
0 to 20 years |
Non-utility plant and equipment |
|
|
8,191 |
|
|
|
4,374 |
|
|
3 to 25 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment |
|
$ |
3,185,111 |
|
|
$ |
2,900,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Billed utility revenue |
|
$ |
49,129 |
|
|
$ |
42,541 |
|
Unbilled utility revenue |
|
|
23,842 |
|
|
|
21,419 |
|
Other |
|
|
4,147 |
|
|
|
3,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77,118 |
|
|
|
67,096 |
|
Less allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
4,969 |
|
|
|
4,406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net accounts receivable |
|
$ |
72,149 |
|
|
$ |
62,690 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys utility customers are located principally in the following states: 47% in
Pennsylvania, 10% in Ohio, 9% in North Carolina, 8% in Illinois, 6% in Texas, 6% in New Jersey, 5%
in Indiana and 4% in Florida. No single customer accounted for more than one percent of the
Companys operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 or 2004. The following
table summarizes the changes in the Companys allowance for doubtful accounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Balance at January 1, |
|
$ |
4,406 |
|
|
$ |
4,849 |
|
|
$ |
5,851 |
|
Amounts charged to expense |
|
|
3,716 |
|
|
|
3,116 |
|
|
|
3,695 |
|
Accounts written off |
|
|
(3,607 |
) |
|
|
(4,113 |
) |
|
|
(5,460 |
) |
Recoveries of accounts written off |
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
554 |
|
|
|
701 |
|
Allowance acquired through acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, |
|
$ |
4,969 |
|
|
$ |
4,406 |
|
|
$ |
4,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be fully recovered from customers in
future rates while regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to
customers in future rates or amounts recovered from customers in advance of incurring the costs.
Except for income taxes and the competitive transition charge payment,
regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are excluded from the Companys rate base and do not
earn a return. The components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are as follows:
34
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
70,146 |
|
|
$ |
2,104 |
|
|
$ |
69,531 |
|
|
$ |
2,203 |
|
Utility plant retirement costs |
|
|
20,060 |
|
|
|
8,960 |
|
|
|
17,421 |
|
|
|
8,368 |
|
Postretirement benefits |
|
|
36,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
Texas rate filing expense deferral |
|
|
12,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,486 |
|
|
|
|
|
Competitive Transition
Charge payment |
|
|
4,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
Water tank painting |
|
|
4,822 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
4,292 |
|
|
|
267 |
|
Fair value of long-term debt
assumed in acquisition |
|
|
2,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
Merger costs |
|
|
1,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,641 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rate case filing expenses & other |
|
|
12,893 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
9,174 |
|
|
|
913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
165,063 |
|
|
$ |
11,592 |
|
|
$ |
130,953 |
|
|
$ |
11,751 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items giving rise to deferred state income taxes, as well as a portion of deferred Federal income
taxes related to certain differences between tax and book depreciation expense, are recognized in
the rate setting process on a cash or flow-through basis and will be recovered as they reverse.
The regulatory asset for utility plant retirement costs, including cost of removal, represents
costs already incurred that are expected to be recovered in future rates over a five year recovery
period. The regulatory liability for utility plant retirement costs represents amounts recovered
through rates during the life of the associated asset and before the costs are incurred.
Postretirement benefits include pension and other postretirement benefits. The pension costs
include deferred net pension expense in excess of amounts funded which the Company believes will be
recoverable in future years as pension funding is required. In addition, a regulatory asset has
been recorded for the costs that would otherwise be charged to common stockholders equity in
accordance with SFAS No. 158, for the underfunded status of our pension and other postretirement
benefit plans. See the Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits footnote to the consolidated
financial statements for the effect on regulatory assets of the adoption of SFAS No. 158. The
regulatory asset related to postretirement benefits other than pensions represents costs that were
deferred between the time that the accrual method of accounting for these benefits was adopted in
1993 and the recognition of the accrual method in the Companys rates as prescribed in subsequent
rate filings. Amortization of the amount deferred for postretirement benefits other than pensions
began in 1994 and is currently being recovered in rates.
The regulatory asset for the Texas rate filing of 2004 results from a multi-year plan to increase
annual revenues in phases, and to defer and amortize a portion of the Companys depreciation,
operating and other tax expense over a similar multi-year period. These costs will be amortized
over a period of time, expected to approximate four years, as determined by the final rate order.
The regulatory asset associated with the Competitive Transition Charge (CTC) payment represents
the full payoff in 2001, net of amortization, of the allocable share of a CTC as negotiated by Aqua
Pennsylvania, Inc. from an electric distribution company. The Pennsylvania Electricity Generation
Customer Choice and Competition Act permitted electric distribution utilities to recover their
stranded costs from its customers in the form of a CTC. Rate recovery of the $11,465 CTC payment
began in 2000 and is expected to conclude in 2010.
Expenses associated with water tank painting are deferred and amortized over a period of time as
approved in the regulatory process. Water tank painting costs are generally being amortized over a
period ranging from 5 to 17 years.
35
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
As a requirement of purchase accounting, the Company recorded a fair value adjustment for
fixed-rate, long-term debt assumed in acquisitions. The regulatory asset results from the rate
setting process continuing to recognize the historical interest cost of the assumed debt.
The regulatory asset related to the recovery of merger costs represents the portion of the
Consumers Water Company merger costs that will be recovered in rates as a result of a rate
settlement in 2000 and is being amortized over the ten-year recovery period.
The regulatory asset related to rate case filing expenses represents the costs associated with
filing for rate increases that are deferred and amortized over periods that generally range from
one to five years. Other represents costs incurred by the Company for which it has received or
expects to receive rate recovery.
The regulatory asset related to the costs incurred for information technology software projects and
water main cleaning and relining projects are described in the Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies Property Plant and Equipment and Depreciation.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
$ |
39,956 |
|
|
$ |
24,417 |
|
|
$ |
2,042 |
|
State |
|
|
9,502 |
|
|
|
6,586 |
|
|
|
7,553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,458 |
|
|
|
31,003 |
|
|
|
9,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
9,531 |
|
|
|
22,294 |
|
|
|
41,414 |
|
State |
|
|
1,257 |
|
|
|
3,616 |
|
|
|
1,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,788 |
|
|
|
25,910 |
|
|
|
42,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total tax expense |
|
$ |
60,246 |
|
|
$ |
56,913 |
|
|
$ |
52,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The statutory Federal tax rate is 35% and for states with a corporate net income tax, the state
corporate net income tax rates range from 5.00% to 9.99% for all years presented. The Companys
Federal income tax returns for all years through 2002 have been closed.
The reasons for the differences between amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal income
tax rate to income before income tax expense are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate |
|
$ |
53,287 |
|
|
$ |
51,824 |
|
|
$ |
46,245 |
|
Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense
to be recovered in future rates |
|
|
716 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
1,376 |
|
Domestic Production Credit |
|
|
(602 |
) |
|
|
(656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deduction for Aqua America common dividends
paid under employee benefit plan |
|
|
(307 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(245 |
) |
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
(274 |
) |
|
|
(359 |
) |
|
|
(285 |
) |
Prior year rate reductions |
|
|
(154 |
) |
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
(538 |
) |
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit |
|
|
6,999 |
|
|
|
6,631 |
|
|
|
5,634 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
(575 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual income tax expense |
|
$ |
60,246 |
|
|
$ |
56,913 |
|
|
$ |
52,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The tax effects of temporary differences between book and tax accounting that give rise to the
deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customers advances for construction |
|
$ |
17,786 |
|
|
$ |
17,549 |
|
Costs expensed for book not deducted
for tax, principally accrued expenses |
|
|
2,787 |
|
|
|
1,803 |
|
Utility plant acquisition adjustment
basis differences |
|
|
18,673 |
|
|
|
29,429 |
|
Postretirement benefits |
|
|
12,530 |
|
|
|
1,660 |
|
Other |
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross deferred tax assets |
|
|
52,071 |
|
|
|
50,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility plant, principally due to
depreciation and differences in the basis
of fixed assets due to variation in tax
and book accounting |
|
|
278,917 |
|
|
|
267,835 |
|
Deferred taxes associated with the gross-up
of revenues necessary to recover, in rates,
the effect of temporary differences |
|
|
26,276 |
|
|
|
25,796 |
|
Tax effect of regulatory asset for
postretirement benefits |
|
|
12,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred investment tax credit |
|
|
5,801 |
|
|
|
6,066 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,746 |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
325,270 |
|
|
|
300,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax liability |
|
$ |
273,199 |
|
|
$ |
250,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income TaxesAn Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which prescribes a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a
tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We adopted FIN 48 as required on
January 1, 2007 and it did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial
position.
37
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Property |
|
$ |
14,953 |
|
|
$ |
13,247 |
|
|
$ |
10,919 |
|
Capital Stock |
|
|
3,675 |
|
|
|
3,706 |
|
|
|
3,402 |
|
Gross receipts, excise and franchise |
|
|
6,750 |
|
|
|
6,483 |
|
|
|
5,778 |
|
Payroll |
|
|
5,701 |
|
|
|
5,648 |
|
|
|
5,134 |
|
Other |
|
|
2,264 |
|
|
|
2,612 |
|
|
|
2,363 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total taxes other than income |
|
$ |
33,343 |
|
|
$ |
31,696 |
|
|
$ |
27,596 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies
CommitmentsThe Company maintains agreements with other water purveyors for the purchase of water
to supplement its water supply, particularly during periods of peak demand. The agreements
stipulate purchases of minimum quantities of water to the year 2026. The estimated annual
commitments related to such purchases through 2011 are expected to approximate $10,092 and $59,091
thereafter. The Company purchased approximately $10,497, $10,603 and $8,724 of water under these
agreements during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The Company leases motor vehicles, buildings and other equipment under operating leases that are
noncancelable. The future annual minimum lease payments due are: $3,450 in 2007, $3,100 in 2008,
$1,587 in 2009, $547 in 2010, $147 in 2011 and $132 thereafter. The Company leases parcels of land
on which treatment plants and other facilities are situated and adjacent parcels that are used for
watershed protection. The operating leases are noncancelable, expire between 2010 and 2052 and
contain certain renewal provisions. Certain leases are subject to an adjustment every five years
based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Subject to the aforesaid adjustment, during each of
the next five years, approximately $554 of annual lease payments for land are due, and $17,004
thereafter. The Company leases treatment plants to other parties under lease agreements that
require payments to the Company of $366 in 2007, $366 in 2008, $366 in 2009, $366 in 2010, $366 in
2011 and $5,553 thereafter.
Rent expense was $4,478, $3,390 and $3,267 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
ContingenciesThe Company is routinely involved in condemnation proceedings and legal matters
during the ordinary course of business. See Water and Wastewater Rates footnote for a discussion of
the rate proceeding process involving our subsidiaries in Texas. Although the results of legal
proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no other pending legal proceedings to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties is the
subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on the Companys financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Long-term Debt and Loans Payable
The Consolidated Statements of Capitalization provide a summary of long-term debt as of December
31, 2006 and 2005. The supplemental indentures with respect to certain issues of the First Mortgage
Bonds restrict the ability of Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. and certain other operating subsidiaries of
the Company to declare dividends, in cash or property, or repurchase or otherwise acquire the stock
of these companies. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $326,000 of Aqua Pennsylvanias retained
earnings of approximately $346,000 and $76,000 of the retained earnings of $85,000 of certain other
subsidiaries were free of these restrictions. Certain supplemental indentures also prohibit Aqua
Pennsylvania and certain other subsidiaries of the Company from making loans to, or purchasing the
stock of, the Company.
38
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Sinking fund payments are required by the terms of certain issues of long-term debt. The future
sinking fund payments and debt maturities of the Companys long-term debt are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Range |
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
0.00% to 2.49% |
|
$ |
1,514 |
|
|
$ |
1,614 |
|
|
$ |
1,657 |
|
|
$ |
1,689 |
|
|
$ |
1,714 |
|
|
$ |
17,552 |
|
2.50% to 2.99% |
|
|
1,533 |
|
|
|
1,604 |
|
|
|
1,649 |
|
|
|
1,682 |
|
|
|
1,729 |
|
|
|
17,075 |
|
3.00% to 3.49% |
|
|
12,248 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
299 |
|
|
|
3,852 |
|
3.50% to 3.99% |
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
328 |
|
|
|
2,942 |
|
4.00% to 4.99% |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
27,055 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
138,380 |
|
5.00% to 5.49% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
292,496 |
|
5.50% to 5.99% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,000 |
|
6.00% to 6.49% |
|
|
644 |
|
|
|
10,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
69,360 |
|
6.50% to 6.99% |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
7.00% to 7.49% |
|
|
2,540 |
|
|
|
2,585 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
687 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
6,098 |
|
7.50% to 7.99% |
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
23,546 |
|
8.00% to 8.49% |
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
25,361 |
|
8.50% to 8.99% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
9.00% to 9.49% |
|
|
584 |
|
|
|
594 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
|
|
20,615 |
|
|
|
5,627 |
|
|
|
18,077 |
|
9.50% to 9.99% |
|
|
995 |
|
|
|
5,995 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
28,766 |
|
10.00% to 10.50% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
31,155 |
|
|
$ |
23,961 |
|
|
$ |
7,004 |
|
|
$ |
54,192 |
|
|
$ |
26,998 |
|
|
$ |
839,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In March 2006, Aqua Pennsylvania issued $40,000 of unsecured notes at 5.95% of which $10,000 are
due in 2023, 2024, 2033 and 2034. In September 2006, Aqua Pennsylvania issued $20,000 of unsecured
notes at 5.64% with amounts due in 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2021. Proceeds from the sales of these
notes were used to repay short-term borrowings. In December 2006, the Company issued $30,000 of
unsecured notes with an interest rate of 5.54% of which $10,000 are due in 2013, 2017 and 2018.
The proceeds of this financing were used to fund acquisitions. At various times during 2006, Aqua
Pennsylvania and other operating subsidiaries issued other notes payable and first mortgage bonds
in aggregate of $14,728 at a weighted average interest rate of 3.64% due at various times ranging
from 2016 to 2036. The proceeds from these issuances were used to reduce a portion of the balance
of the short-term debt at each of the respective operating subsidiaries.
In February 2005, the Company issued $30,000 of unsecured notes of which $18,000 are due in 2015
with an interest rate of 5.01% and $12,000 are due in 2020 with an interest rate of 5.20%. The
proceeds of this financing were used to refinance existing short-term debt. In May 2005, Aqua
Pennsylvania issued $72,000 of tax-exempt bonds secured by a supplement to its first mortgage
indenture at the following terms: $22,000 at 4.87% due 2036, $25,000 at 4.88% due 2037 and $25,000
at 4.89% due 2038. Of the $72,000 in proceeds, $22,000 was used to retire previously issued
tax-exempt bonds in August 2005 and the balance of proceeds are restricted to funding the costs of
certain capital projects during the period 2005 through 2007. In December 2005, Aqua Pennsylvania
issued $25,000 of tax-exempt bonds at 4.82% due 2035, which were secured by a supplement to its
first mortgage indenture. The proceeds are restricted to funding certain capital projects during
the period 2006 through 2008. At various times during 2005, Aqua Pennsylvania and other operating
subsidiaries issued other notes payable, first mortgage bonds and tax-exempt bonds aggregating
$24,677 at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.10% due at various times ranging from 2019 to
2035. The proceeds from these issuances were used to reduce a portion of the balance of short-term
debt at each of the respective operating subsidiaries and to redeem $10,260 of first mortgage bonds
of an operating subsidiary with an interest rate of 5.60%. As of December 31, 2006, the Trustees
for ten issues held $11,490 pending construction of the projects to be financed with the issues and
are reported in the consolidated balance sheet as funds restricted for construction activity. The
weighted average cost of long-term debt at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 5.72% and 5.74%,
respectively.
39
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Aqua Pennsylvania has a $70,000 364-day revolving credit facility with four banks and the Company
has a $20,000 364-day bank revolving credit facility. Funds borrowed under these agreements are
classified as loans payable and are used to provide working capital. As of December 31, 2006 and
2005, funds borrowed under the Aqua Pennsylvania revolving credit
agreements were $3,000 and $65,000, respectively, and $20,000 and $17,000 were borrowed under the
Companys revolving credit agreement, respectively. Interest under these facilities is based, at
the borrowers option, on the prime rate, an adjusted federal funds rate, an adjusted London
Interbank Offered Rate corresponding to the interest period selected, an adjusted Euro-Rate
corresponding to the interest period selected or at rates offered by the banks. These agreements
restrict short-term borrowings of Aqua Pennsylvania and the Company. A commitment fee of 1/10 of 1%
is charged on the total commitment amount of Aqua Pennsylvanias revolving credit agreement. The
average cost of borrowing under these facilities was 5.4% and 3.8%, and the average borrowing was
$66,283 and $63,355, during 2006 and 2005, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding at the end
of any one month was $85,000 in both 2006 and 2005.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had combined short-term lines of credit of $148,000 and
$127,000, respectively. Funds borrowed under these lines are classified as loans payable and are
used to provide working capital. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, funds borrowed under the
short-term lines of credit were $96,150 and $56,505, respectively. The average borrowing under the
lines was $77,528 and $35,610 during 2006 and 2005, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding at
the end of any one month was $96,150 in 2006 and $56,505 in 2005. Interest under the lines is based
at the Companys option, depending on the line, on the prime rate, an adjusted Euro-Rate, an
adjusted federal funds rate or at rates offered by the banks. The average cost of borrowings under
all lines during 2006 and 2005 was 5.5% and 3.9%, respectively.
Interest income of $3,241, $3,040 and $1,762 was netted against interest expense on the
consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. The total interest cost was $61,673, $55,102 and $50,441 in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
including amounts capitalized of $3,941, $2,447 and $2,304, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of current assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments
approximates their fair value as of the dates presented. The carrying amount and estimated fair
value of the Companys long-term debt are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Carrying amount |
|
$ |
982,815 |
|
|
$ |
903,083 |
|
Estimated fair value |
|
|
986,487 |
|
|
|
950,479 |
|
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 Companys
customers advances for construction and related tax deposits have a carrying value of $76,820 and
$74,828 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be
accurately estimated because future refund payments depend on several variables, including new
customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases. Portions of these
non-interest bearing instruments are payable annually through 2021 and amounts not paid by the
contract expiration dates become non-refundable. The fair value of these amounts would, however, be
less than their carrying value due to the non-interest bearing feature.
Stockholders Equity
At December 31, 2006, the Company had 300,000,000 shares of common stock authorized; par value
$0.50. Shares outstanding at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were 132,325,579, 128,970,181 and
127,179,777, respectively. Treasury shares held at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were 691,746,
688,625 and 686,747, respectively. At December 31, 2006, the Company had 1,738,619 shares of
authorized but unissued Series Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value.
In December 2005, the Company filed a universal shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange
Commission to allow for the potential future sale by us, from time to time, in one or more public
offerings, of an indeterminant amount of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and
other securities specified therein at indeterminant prices.
40
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
In August 2006, the Company entered into a forward equity sale agreement for 3,525,000 shares of
common stock with a third-party (the forward purchaser). In connection with the forward equity
sale agreement, the forward purchaser borrowed an equal number of shares of the Companys common
stock from stock lenders and sold the borrowed shares to the public. The Company will not receive
any proceeds from the sale of its common stock by the forward purchaser until settlement of the
forward equity sale agreement. The actual proceeds to be received by the Company will vary
depending upon the
settlement date, the number of shares designated for settlement on that settlement date and the
method of settlement. Aqua America intends to use any proceeds received upon settlement of the
forward equity sale agreement to fund the Companys future capital expenditure program and
acquisitions, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The forward equity sale
agreement is accounted for as an equity instrument and was recorded at a fair value of $0 at
inception. It will not be adjusted so long as the Company continues to meet the accounting
requirements for equity instruments.
The Company may elect to settle the forward equity sale agreement by means of a physical share
settlement, net cash settlement, or net share settlement, on a settlement date or dates, no later
than August 1, 2008. The forward equity sale agreement provides that the forward sale price will be
computed based upon the initial forward sale price of $21.857 per share. Under limited
circumstances or certain unanticipated events, the forward purchaser also has the ability to
require the Company to physically settle the forward equity sale agreement in shares prior to the
maturity date. The maximum number of shares that could be required to be issued by the Company to
settle the forward equity sale agreement is 3,525,000 shares. As of December 31, 2006, a net cash
settlement under the forward equity sale agreement would have resulted in a payment by the Company
to the forward purchaser of $2,845 or a net share settlement would have resulted in the issuance of
124,876 shares by the Company to the forward purchaser. For each increase or decrease of one dollar
in the average market price of Aqua America common stock above or below the forward sale price on
December 31, 2006, the cash settlement option from the Companys perspective would decrease or
increase by $3,525 and the net share settlement option would decrease by 161,846 shares or increase
by 148,234 shares, respectively.
During the last three years, the Company completed the following offerings of equity:
|
|
|
In June 2006, the Company sold 1,750,000 shares of common stock in a public offering for
proceeds of $37,400, net of expenses. In August 2006, the Company sold 500,000 shares of
common stock in a public offering for proceeds of $10,700, net of expenses. The net
proceeds from these offerings were used to fund the Companys capital expenditure program
and acquisitions, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. |
|
|
|
|
In November 2004, the Company issued 2,606,667 shares of common stock in a public
offering for proceeds of $42,600, net of expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay a
portion of the Companys short-term debt. The indebtedness was incurred by Aqua America in
connection with acquisitions. |
In addition, the Company has a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission to permit the offering from time to time of shares of common stock and shares of
preferred stock in connection with acquisitions. During 2005, 24,684 shares of common stock
totaling $675 were issued by the Company to acquire water and wastewater systems. The balance
remaining available for use under the acquisition shelf registration as of December 31, 2006 is
2,194,262 shares. The form and terms of any securities issued under these shelf registrations will
be determined at the time of issuance.
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (Plan) that allows
reinvested dividends to be used to purchase shares of common stock at a five percent discount from
the current market value. Under the direct stock purchase program, shares are purchased by
investors at market price. The shares issued under the Plan are either original issue shares or
shares purchased by the Companys transfer agent in the open-market. During 2006, 2005 and 2004,
under the dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan, 405,107, 401,503 and 512,609 original issue
shares of common stock were sold providing the Company with proceeds of $9,341, $8,516 and $7,808,
respectively.
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to purchase its common stock, from time to time,
in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has not repurchased
any shares under this authorization since 2000. As of December 31, 2006, 548,278 shares remain
available for repurchase.
The Company reports comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income. Accordingly, the Companys accumulated other comprehensive income is reported in the
Common Stockholders Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statements
of Common Stockholders Equity and the related other comprehensive income is reported in the
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The Company reports its unrealized
gains on investments as other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income.
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2006, a portion of the Companys minimum pension liability had been
charged to accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the
Company recorded a regulatory asset for its minimum pension liability as it anticipates recovery of
its future pension expense through customer rates. Concurrent
with this adjustment, the minimum pension liability was adjusted through other comprehensive income
and removed from accumulated other comprehensive income.
41
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share
Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Diluted net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
and potentially dilutive shares. The dilutive effect of employee stock options and shares issuable
under the forward equity sale agreement (from the date the company entered into the forward equity
sale agreement to the settlement date) is included in the computation of diluted net income per
share. The dilutive effect of stock options and shares issuable under the forward equity sale
agreement is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise of the
stock options and settlement of the forward equity sale agreement. The following table summarizes
the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Average common shares outstanding during
the period for basic computation |
|
|
130,725 |
|
|
|
127,364 |
|
|
|
124,329 |
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee stock options |
|
|
978 |
|
|
|
1,842 |
|
|
|
1,381 |
|
Forward equity shares |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average common shares outstanding during
the period for diluted computation |
|
|
131,774 |
|
|
|
129,206 |
|
|
|
125,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2004, employee stock options outstanding to purchase
581,850 and 759,867 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations of
diluted net income per share as the options exercise prices were greater than the average market
price of the Companys common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2005, there were no
outstanding employee stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share as
the average market price of the Companys common stock was greater than the options exercise
price.
Equity per common share was $6.96 and $6.30 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These
amounts were computed by dividing common stockholders equity by the number of shares of common
stock outstanding at the end of each year.
Shareholder Rights Plan
The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan designed to protect the Companys shareholders in the
event of an unsolicited unfair offer to acquire the Company. Each outstanding common share is
entitled to one Right which is evidenced by the common share certificate. In the event that any
person acquires 20% or more of the outstanding common shares or commences a tender or exchange
offer which, if consummated, would result in a person or corporation owning at least 20% of the
outstanding common shares of the Company, the Rights will begin to trade independently from the
common shares and, if certain circumstances occur, including the acquisition by a person of 20% or
more of the outstanding common shares, each Right would then entitle its holder to purchase a
number of common shares of the Company at a substantial discount. If the Company is involved in a
merger or other business combination at any time after the Rights become exercisable, the Rights
will entitle the holder to acquire a certain number of shares of common stock of the acquiring
company at a substantial discount. The Rights are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price
of $.01 per Right at any time before the Rights become exercisable. The Rights will expire on March
1, 2008, unless previously redeemed.
Employee Stock and Incentive Plan
Under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (the 2004 Plan), as approved by the shareholders to
replace the 1994 Equity Compensation Plan (the 1994 Plan), qualified and non-qualified stock
options may be granted to officers, key employees and consultants at prices equal to the market
price of the stock on the day of the grant. Officers and key employees may also be granted dividend
equivalents and restricted stock. Restricted stock may also be granted to non-employee members of
the Board of Directors. The 2004 Plan authorizes 4,900,000 shares for issuance under the plan. A
maximum of 50% of the shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan may be issued as restricted
stock and the maximum number of shares that may be
subject to grants under the plans to any one individual in any one year is 200,000. Awards under
the 2004 Plan are made by a committee of the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2006, 3,521,136
options underlying stock option and restricted stock awards were still available for grant under
the 2004 Plan, although under the terms of the 2004 Plan, terminated, expired or forfeited grants
under the 1994 Plan and shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding requirements under the 1994 Plan
may be re-issued under the plan.
42
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Stock OptionsEffective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which revised SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-based Compensation, and superseded APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no compensation expense related
to granting of stock options had been recognized in the financial statements prior to adoption of
SFAS No. 123R for stock options that were granted, as the grant price equaled the market price on
the date of grant.
The Company adopted this standard using the modified prospective method, and accordingly the
financial statement amounts for the prior periods presented in this report have not been restated
to reflect the fair value method of expensing share-based compensation. Under this transition
method, compensation cost recognized in the year ended December 31, 2006 includes compensation cost
for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not vested as of January 1, 2006, and
share-based payments granted after January 1, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the
impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R as compared to if the Company had continued to account for
share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25: increased operations and maintenance expense by
$2,894, increased capitalized compensation costs within property, plant and equipment by $631,
lowered income tax expense by $326, lowered net income by $2,568, lowered diluted net income per
share by $0.019, and lowered basic net income per share by $0.02. SFAS 123R requires the Company
to estimate forfeitures in calculating the compensation expense instead of recognizing these
forfeitures and the resulting reduction in compensation expense as they occur. As of January 1,
2006, the cumulative after-tax effect of this change in accounting for forfeitures, if this
adjustment was recorded, would have been to reduce stock-based compensation by $12. The estimate
of forfeitures will be adjusted over the vesting period to the extent that actual forfeitures
differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. The adoption of this standard had no
impact on net cash flows and results in the reclassification on the consolidated cash flow
statements of related tax benefits from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from
financing activities to the extent these tax benefits exceeded the associated compensation cost as
determined under SFAS 123R. As of the date of adoption, the Company has calculated its pool of
windfall tax benefits in accordance with the method outlined in SFAS 123R.
Options under the plans were issued at the market price of the stock on the day of the grant.
Options are exercisable in installments of 33% annually, starting one year from the date of the
grant and expire 10 years from the date of the grant. The fair value of each option is amortized
into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective 36 month vesting period,
net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The per share weighted-average fair value at the date of grant
for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $7.82, $4.54
and $4.07 per option, respectively. The application of this valuation model relies on the
following assumptions that are judgmental and sensitive in the determination of the compensation
expense for the periods reported:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Expected term (years) |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
Expected volatility |
|
|
25.8 |
% |
|
|
27.8 |
% |
|
|
29.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
1.76 |
% |
|
|
2.40 |
% |
|
|
2.23 |
% |
Historical information was the principal basis for the selection of the expected term and dividend
yield. The expected volatility is based on a weighted-average combination of historical and
implied volatilities over a time period that approximates the expected term of the option. The
risk-free interest rate was selected based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time
of grant for the expected term of the option.
43
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Life (years) |
|
|
Value |
|
Options: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, beginning of year |
|
|
3,492,363 |
|
|
$ |
13.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
611,950 |
|
|
|
29.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(46,684 |
) |
|
|
22.84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(26,639 |
) |
|
|
22.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(666,212 |
) |
|
|
11.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, end of year |
|
|
3,364,778 |
|
|
$ |
16.72 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
$ |
24,268 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, end of year |
|
|
2,044,825 |
|
|
$ |
12.76 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
$ |
20,486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The intrinsic value of stock options is the amount by which the market price of the stock on a
given date, such as at the end of the period or on the day of exercise, exceeded the market price
of stock on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of
stock options exercised and the fair value of stock options which became vested:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Intrinsic value of options exercised |
|
$ |
9,779 |
|
|
$ |
18,473 |
|
|
$ |
4,180 |
|
Fair value of options vested |
|
|
3,794 |
|
|
|
3,532 |
|
|
|
3,079 |
|
The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding and options exercisable as
of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
|
Options Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Life (years) |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
Range of prices: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$5.81 - 9.99 |
|
|
382,949 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
$ |
7.60 |
|
|
|
382,949 |
|
|
$ |
7.60 |
|
$10.00 - 12.99 |
|
|
997,750 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
12.21 |
|
|
|
997,750 |
|
|
|
12.21 |
|
$13.00 - 15.99 |
|
|
90,779 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
13.76 |
|
|
|
90,779 |
|
|
|
13.76 |
|
$16.00 - 16.99 |
|
|
576,865 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
16.15 |
|
|
|
347,925 |
|
|
|
16.15 |
|
$17.00 - 18.33 |
|
|
734,585 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
18.33 |
|
|
|
225,422 |
|
|
|
18.33 |
|
$29.00 - 29.99 |
|
|
581,850 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
29.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,364,778 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
$ |
16.72 |
|
|
|
2,044,825 |
|
|
$ |
12.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2006, there was $4,732 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. The cost is expected to
be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.
44
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Restricted StockRestricted stock awards provide the grantee with the rights of a shareholder,
including the right to receive dividends and to vote such shares, but not the right to sell or
otherwise transfer the shares during the restriction period. Restricted stock awards result in
compensation expense which is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant
and is amortized ratably over the restriction period. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R had no impact
on the Companys recognition of stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted stock
awards. The Company expects forfeitures of restricted stock to be de minimus. There were no
forfeitures prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R for the grants that were under restriction as of
January 1, 2006. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the company recorded
stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards as operations and maintenance expense
in the amounts of $710, $495 and $439, respectively. The following table summarizes nonvested
restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
of |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Nonvested shares at beginning of period |
|
|
43,998 |
|
|
$ |
17.70 |
|
Granted |
|
|
42,200 |
|
|
|
28.39 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(24,310 |
) |
|
|
19.11 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
29.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonvested shares at end of period |
|
|
56,888 |
|
|
$ |
23.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes the value of restricted stock awards at the date the restriction
lapsed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Intrinsic value of restricted stock awards vested |
|
$ |
660 |
|
|
$ |
614 |
|
|
$ |
449 |
|
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested |
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
As of December 31, 2006, $890 of unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock is
expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 year. The aggregate intrinsic value
of restricted stock as of December 31, 2006 was $1,296. The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted
stock is based on the number of shares of restricted stock and the market value of the Companys
common stock as of the period end date.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company maintains a qualified, defined benefit pension plan that covers a majority of its
full-time employees who were hired prior to April 1, 2003. Retirement benefits under the plan are
generally based on the employees total years of service and compensation during the last five
years of employment. The Companys policy is to fund the plan annually at a level which is
deductible for income tax purposes and which provides assets sufficient to meet its pension
obligations. To offset certain limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code with respect to
payments under qualified plans, the Company has a non-qualified Excess Benefit Plan for Salaried
Employees in order to prevent certain employees from being penalized by these limitations. The
Company also has non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans for certain current and
retired employees. The net pension costs and obligations of the qualified and non-qualified plans
are included in the tables which follow. Employees hired after April 1, 2003 may participate in a
defined contribution plan that provides a Company matching contribution on amounts contributed by
participants and an annual profit-sharing contribution based upon a percentage of the eligible
participants compensation.
In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company offers certain Postretirement Benefits other
than Pensions (PBOPs) to employees hired before April 1, 2003 and retiring with a minimum level
of service. These PBOPs include continuation of medical and prescription drug benefits for eligible
retirees and life insurance benefits for certain eligible retirees. The Company funds its gross
PBOP cost through various trust accounts. The benefits of retired officers and certain other
retirees are paid by the Company and not from plan assets due to limitations imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code.
45
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) on December 31,
2006. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 158, the Company recorded the underfunded status of its
pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet and recorded a regulatory asset
for these costs that would otherwise be charged to common stockholders equity, as we anticipate
recoverability of the costs through customer rates. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 158, the
additional minimum liability associated with the Companys defined benefit pension plan was
eliminated as it is no longer required to be recorded under SFAS No. 158. Prior to the adoption of
SFAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006, the Companys additional minimum liability was $3,498. The
additional minimum liability was a result of the accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair
value of plan assets. The decrease in the additional minimum liability from December 31, 2005 of $10,909 to
December 31, 2006 of $3,498, prior to adoption of SFAS No. 158, resulted from the effect of an
increased discount rate and an increase in pension plan assets during 2006 due to positive equity
market performance and pension contributions. In accordance with SFAS No. 158, the Companys 2005
accounting and related disclosures were not affected by the adoption of the new accounting
standard. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Companys results of operations or
cash flow. The table below summarizes the incremental effects of SFAS No. 158 adoption on the
individual line items on the Companys Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre - SFAS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post - SFAS |
|
|
|
No. 158 |
|
|
SFAS No. 158 |
|
|
No. 158 |
|
|
|
Adoption |
|
|
Adjustment |
|
|
Adoption |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
4,167 |
|
|
$ |
32,302 |
|
|
$ |
36,469 |
|
Deferred charges and other assets, net |
|
|
1,997 |
|
|
|
(1,997 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,164 |
|
|
$ |
30,305 |
|
|
$ |
36,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
10,391 |
|
|
$ |
(10,260 |
) |
|
$ |
131 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
18,718 |
|
|
|
40,565 |
|
|
|
59,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,109 |
|
|
$ |
30,305 |
|
|
$ |
59,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected
to be paid in the years indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
Postretirement |
|
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
Benefits |
|
Years: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
7,017 |
|
|
$ |
964 |
|
2008 |
|
|
7,363 |
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
2009 |
|
|
7,794 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
2010 |
|
|
8,259 |
|
|
|
1,210 |
|
2011 |
|
|
8,848 |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
2012 - 2016 |
|
|
56,262 |
|
|
|
8,186 |
|
46
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The changes in the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets, the funded status of the plans
and the assumptions used in the measurement of the companys benefit obligation are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Change in benefit obligation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at January 1, |
|
$ |
179,741 |
|
|
$ |
171,076 |
|
|
$ |
29,161 |
|
|
$ |
32,804 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
4,784 |
|
|
|
4,847 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
|
|
1,223 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
10,094 |
|
|
|
9,805 |
|
|
|
1,581 |
|
|
|
1,882 |
|
Plan amendments |
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,047 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(10,469 |
) |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
(2,941 |
) |
|
|
1,317 |
|
Plan participants contributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
584 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(6,272 |
) |
|
|
(6,407 |
) |
|
|
(842 |
) |
|
|
(1,602 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at December 31, |
|
|
178,284 |
|
|
|
179,741 |
|
|
|
28,210 |
|
|
|
29,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at January 1, |
|
|
117,671 |
|
|
|
115,292 |
|
|
|
18,942 |
|
|
|
16,606 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
8,757 |
|
|
|
7,790 |
|
|
|
933 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
6,521 |
|
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
1,367 |
|
|
|
2,678 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(6,483 |
) |
|
|
(6,407 |
) |
|
|
(628 |
) |
|
|
(1,017 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, |
|
|
126,466 |
|
|
|
117,671 |
|
|
|
20,614 |
|
|
|
18,942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status of plan: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status at December 31, |
|
|
51,818 |
|
|
|
62,070 |
|
|
|
7,596 |
|
|
|
10,219 |
|
Unrecognized actuarial loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(42,092 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,537 |
) |
Unrecognized prior service cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,687 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,517 |
|
Unrecognized net transition obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,624 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized |
|
$ |
51,818 |
|
|
$ |
19,100 |
|
|
$ |
7,596 |
|
|
$ |
3,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companys pension plans had an accumulated benefit obligation of $150,999 and $148,629 at December
31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The following table provides the net liability recognized on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Current liability |
|
$ |
(131 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Noncurrent liability |
|
|
(51,687 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,596 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid benefits cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
555 |
|
Accrued benefit cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,100 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,130 |
) |
Additional minimum liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,726 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net liability recognized |
|
$ |
(51,818 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,100 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,596 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Companys pension plans had benefit obligations in excess of its
plan assets. The following tables provide the projected benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit
obligation and fair market value of the plan assets as of December 31,:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected Benefit |
|
|
|
Obligation Exceeds |
|
|
|
the Fair Value of |
|
|
|
Plan Assets |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Projected benefit obligation |
|
$ |
178,284 |
|
|
$ |
179,741 |
|
Fair value of plan assets |
|
|
126,466 |
|
|
|
117,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Benefit |
|
|
|
Obligation Exceeds |
|
|
|
the Fair Value of |
|
|
|
Plan Assets |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Accumulated benefit obligation |
|
$ |
150,999 |
|
|
$ |
148,629 |
|
Fair value of plan assets |
|
|
126,466 |
|
|
|
117,671 |
|
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended
December 31,:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
4,783 |
|
|
$ |
4,847 |
|
|
$ |
4,312 |
|
|
$ |
1,003 |
|
|
$ |
1,223 |
|
|
$ |
1,112 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
10,094 |
|
|
|
9,805 |
|
|
|
9,512 |
|
|
|
1,582 |
|
|
|
1,882 |
|
|
|
1,825 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(9,397 |
) |
|
|
(9,536 |
) |
|
|
(9,169 |
) |
|
|
(1,299 |
) |
|
|
(1,261 |
) |
|
|
(1,086 |
) |
Amortization of transition
obligation (asset) |
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
803 |
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
403 |
|
|
|
419 |
|
|
|
(281 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
1,756 |
|
|
|
1,606 |
|
|
|
1,009 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Amortization of regulatory asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
Capitalized costs & other |
|
|
(1,826 |
) |
|
|
(1,847 |
) |
|
|
(1,021 |
) |
|
|
(757 |
) |
|
|
(739 |
) |
|
|
(629 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
5,417 |
|
|
$ |
5,069 |
|
|
$ |
4,853 |
|
|
$ |
804 |
|
|
$ |
2,206 |
|
|
$ |
2,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits requires an extensive use of assumptions
about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases
received by the Companys employees, mortality, turnover and medical costs. Each assumption is
reviewed annually with assistance from the Companys actuarial consultant who provides guidance in
establishing the assumptions. The assumptions are selected to represent the average expected
experience over time and may differ in any one year from actual experience due to changes in
capital markets and the overall economy. These differences will impact the amount of pension and
other postretirement benefit expense that the Company recognizes.
48
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The significant assumptions related to the Companys pension and other postretirement benefit plans
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Weighted-average Assumptions Used
to Determine Benefit Obligations
as of December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
5.90 |
% |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
|
|
5.90 |
% |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
Rate of compensation increase |
|
|
4.0-5.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0-5.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend
Rates Used to Determine Benefit
Obligations as of December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health care cost trend rate |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed
to decline (the ultimate trend rate) |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate
trend rate |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
Weighted-average Assumptions Used
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit
Costs for Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
5.65 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
8.0 |
% |
|
|
8.5 |
% |
|
|
5.33-8.0 |
% |
|
|
6.0-9.0 |
% |
Rate of compensation increase |
|
|
4.0-5.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0-5.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend
Rates Used to Determine Net Periodic
Benefit Costs for Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health care cost trend rate |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed
to decline (the ultimate trend rate) |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate
trend rate |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
n/a Assumption is not applicable to pension benefits.
Assumed health-care trend rates have a significant effect on the expense and liabilities for other
postretirement benefit plans. The health care trend rate is based on historical rates and expected
market conditions. A one-percentage point change in the expected health-care cost trend rates would
have the following effects:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-Percentage- |
|
|
1-Percentage- |
|
|
|
Point |
|
|
Point |
|
|
|
Increase |
|
|
Decrease |
|
Effect on the health-care component of the
accrued other postretirement benefit
obligation |
|
$ |
1,516 |
|
|
$ |
(1,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect on total service and interest cost
components of net periodic postretirement
health-care benefit cost |
|
$ |
150 |
|
|
$ |
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The Companys discount rate assumption was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a
universe containing over 500 U.S.-issued Aa-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable
(or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest
yields and the 10% with the lowest yields. The discount rate was then developed as the single rate
that would produce the same present value as if the Company used spot rates, for various time
periods, to discount the projected pension benefit payments. The Companys pension expense and
liability (benefit obligations) increases as the discount rate is reduced. A 25 basis-point
reduction in this assumption would have increased 2006 pension expense by $660 and the pension
liabilities by $6,500.
The Companys expected return on assets is determined by evaluating the asset class return
expectations with its advisors as well as actual, long-term, historical results of our asset
returns. The Companys pension expense increases as the expected return on assets decreases. A 25
basis-point reduction in this assumption would have increased 2006 pension expense by $300. For
2006, the Company used an 8.0% expected return on assets assumption which will remain unchanged for
2007. The Company believes its actual long-term asset allocation on average will approximate the
targeted allocation. The Companys investment strategy is to earn a reasonable rate of return while
maintaining risk at acceptable levels through the diversification of investments across and within
various asset categories. Investment returns are compared to benchmarks that include the S&P 500
Index, the Lehman Brothers Intermediate Government/Credit Index, and a combination of the two
indices. The Pension Committee meets semi-annually to review plan investments and management
monitors investment performance quarterly through a performance report prepared by an external
consulting firm.
The Companys pension plan asset allocation and the target allocation by asset category are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Percentage of Plan |
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
Assets at December 31, |
|
|
|
Allocation |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Asset Category: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
50 to 75 |
% |
|
|
63 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
Debt securities |
|
|
25 to 50 |
% |
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
24 |
% |
Cash |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
Other |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities include Aqua America, Inc. common stock in the amounts of $9,460 or 7.5% of total
plan assets and $11,121 or 9.5% of total plan assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
The asset allocation for the Companys other postretirement benefit plans and the target allocation
by asset category are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Percentage of Plan |
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
Assets at December 31, |
|
|
|
Allocation |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Asset Category: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
65 |
% |
|
|
66 |
% |
|
|
67 |
% |
Equity securities |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum funding requirements for qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by
government regulations and not by accounting pronouncements. In accordance with funding rules and
the Companys funding policy, during 2007 our pension contribution is expected to be $7,300. The
Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law in August 2006. The Company is currently
evaluating this legislation and the effect it will have on its future pension contributions and
does not expect its estimate for the 2007 funding amount to change. The Companys funding of its
PBOP cost during 2007 is expected to approximate $2,960.
The Company has 401(k) savings plans that cover substantially all employees. The Company makes
matching contributions that are invested in Aqua America, Inc. common stock based on a percentage
of an employees contribution, subject to certain
limitations. The Companys matching contribution, recorded as compensation expense, was $1,289,
$1,236 and $1,160 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
50
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Water and Wastewater Rates
On June 22, 2006, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC) granted the Companys
operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania a $24,900 base water rate increase, on an annualized basis.
The rates in effect at the time of the filing included $12,397 in Distribution System Improvement
Charges (DSIC) or 5.0% above the prior base rates. Consequently, the total base rates increased
by $37,297 and the DSIC was reset to zero. On August 5, 2004, the PAPUC granted Aqua Pennsylvania,
Inc. a $13,800 base rate increase. The rates in effect at the time of the filing included $11,200
in Distribution System Improvement Charges (DSIC) or 5.0% above the prior base rates.
Consequently, the total base rates increased by $25,000 and the DSIC was reset to zero.
In May 2004, the Companys operating subsidiary in Texas filed an application with the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to increase rates, on an annualized basis, by $11,920
over a multi-year period. The application seeks to increase annual revenues in phases and is
accompanied by a plan to defer and amortize a portion of the Companys depreciation, operating and
other tax expense over a similar multi-year period, such that the impact on operating income
approximates the requested amount during the first years that the new rates are in effect. The
application is currently pending before the TCEQ and several parties have joined the proceeding to
challenge the rate request. The Company commenced billing for the requested rates and implemented
the deferral plan in August 2004, in accordance with authorization from the TCEQ in July 2004. The
additional revenue billed and collected prior to the final ruling is subject to refund based on the
outcome of the ruling. The revenue recognized and the expenses deferred by the Company reflect an
estimate of the final outcome of the ruling. In the event the Companys request is denied
completely or in part, the Company could be required to refund some or all of the revenues billed
to date, and write-off some or all of the regulatory asset for the expense deferral. In December
2006, the TCEQ held hearings and issued a rate schedule that provided further clarification and an
indication of the expected outcome of the rate proceeding. Based on the Companys review of the
present circumstances and as a result of the December 2006 hearings, the Company has revised its
estimates of the final outcome of the TCEQ proceeding. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the
revenue reserve was adjusted and additional revenues were recognized of $1,487 and the regulatory
asset was increased resulting in lower expenses recognized of $1,199. As of December 31, 2006, we
have deferred $12,382 of operating costs and $2,804 of rate case expenses and recognized $14,859 of
revenue that is subject to refund based on the outcome of the final commission order.
The Companys other operating subsidiaries were allowed annual rate increases of $7,366 in 2006,
$5,142 in 2005 and $6,673 in 2004, represented by thirty-two, twenty-three and fourteen rate
decisions, respectively. Revenues from these increases realized in the year of grant were
approximately $3,580, $3,144 and $3,995 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Six states in which the Company operates permit water utilities, and in two states wastewater
utilities, to add a surcharge to their water or wastewater bills to offset the additional
depreciation and capital costs related to infrastructure system replacement and rehabilitation
projects completed and placed into service between base rate filings. Currently, Pennsylvania,
Illinois, Ohio, New York, Indiana and Missouri allow for the use of infrastructure rehabilitation
surcharges. These mechanisms typically adjust periodically based on additional qualified capital
expenditures completed or anticipated in a future period. The infrastructure rehabilitation
surcharge is capped as a percentage of base rates, generally at 5% to 9% of base rates, and is
reset to zero when new base rates that reflect the costs of those additions become effective or
when a utilitys earnings exceed a regulatory benchmark. Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges
provided revenues in 2006, 2005 and 2004 of $7,873, $10,186 and $7,817, respectively.
51
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Segment Information
The Company has identified fourteen operating segments and one reportable segment. Prior to
the acquisition in 2006 of companies that provide on-site septic tank pumping and sludge hauling
services, the Companys non-regulated operations were limited in scope and impact on its financial
results and assets, and as a result the Company previously operated them as part of its regulated
operating segments. The Company made this determination based on an evaluation of its operating
segments during the fourth quarter of 2006.
The Regulated segment, the Companys single reportable segment, is comprised of thirteen operating
segments representing our water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by
the states where we provide water and wastewater services. These operating segments are aggregated
into one reportable segment since each of these operating segments has the following similarities:
economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution
or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment.
One segment is included within the other category below. This segment is not quantitatively
significant and is comprised of the Companys businesses that provide on-site septic tank pumping,
sludge hauling services and other water and wastewater services. In addition to this segment, other
is comprised of other business activities not included in the reportable segment, including
corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment
eliminations. Corporate costs include certain general and administrative expenses, and interest
expense for certain of the Companys regulated utility companies that do not have their own credit
facilities.
The following table presents information about the Companys reportable segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of or For the Year Ended |
|
|
As of or For the Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
526,293 |
|
|
$ |
7,198 |
|
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
|
$ |
493,456 |
|
|
$ |
3,323 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
216,919 |
|
|
|
2,641 |
|
|
|
219,560 |
|
|
|
202,662 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
203,088 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
73,380 |
|
|
|
(2,485 |
) |
|
|
70,895 |
|
|
|
63,756 |
|
|
|
(3,009 |
) |
|
|
60,747 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
199,224 |
|
|
|
6,323 |
|
|
|
205,547 |
|
|
|
191,419 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
196,507 |
|
Interest expense, net of AFUDC |
|
|
43,348 |
|
|
|
11,143 |
|
|
|
54,491 |
|
|
|
41,857 |
|
|
|
7,758 |
|
|
|
49,615 |
|
Income tax |
|
|
62,134 |
|
|
|
(1,888 |
) |
|
|
60,246 |
|
|
|
58,647 |
|
|
|
(1,734 |
) |
|
|
56,913 |
|
Net income |
|
|
94,941 |
|
|
|
(2,937 |
) |
|
|
92,004 |
|
|
|
92,092 |
|
|
|
(936 |
) |
|
|
91,156 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
271,777 |
|
|
|
(71 |
) |
|
|
271,706 |
|
|
|
236,637 |
|
|
|
825 |
|
|
|
237,462 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
2,819,385 |
|
|
|
58,518 |
|
|
|
2,877,903 |
|
|
|
2,699,941 |
|
|
|
(64,895 |
) |
|
|
2,635,046 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
18,537 |
|
|
|
4,043 |
|
|
|
22,580 |
|
|
|
20,078 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
20,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of or For the Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
439,972 |
|
|
$ |
2,067 |
|
|
$ |
442,039 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
179,332 |
|
|
|
(987 |
) |
|
|
178,345 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
57,840 |
|
|
|
(3,276 |
) |
|
|
54,564 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
171,413 |
|
|
|
5,821 |
|
|
|
177,234 |
|
Interest expense, net of AFUDC |
|
|
39,372 |
|
|
|
7,003 |
|
|
|
46,375 |
|
Income tax |
|
|
52,816 |
|
|
|
(692 |
) |
|
|
52,124 |
|
Net income |
|
|
80,094 |
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
80,007 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
195,299 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
195,736 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
2,400,696 |
|
|
|
(45,322 |
) |
|
|
2,355,374 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
20,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,122 |
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
|
|
Aqua America, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
|
Second |
|
|
Third |
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Year |
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
117,949 |
|
|
$ |
131,749 |
|
|
$ |
146,950 |
|
|
$ |
136,843 |
|
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
51,316 |
|
|
|
55,433 |
|
|
|
59,127 |
|
|
|
53,684 |
|
|
|
219,560 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
40,622 |
|
|
|
50,089 |
|
|
|
59,523 |
|
|
|
55,313 |
|
|
|
205,547 |
|
Net income |
|
|
16,564 |
|
|
|
22,386 |
|
|
|
27,331 |
|
|
|
25,723 |
|
|
|
92,004 |
|
Basic net income per common share |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
Diluted net income per common share |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
Dividend paid per common share |
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.1150 |
|
|
|
0.1150 |
|
|
|
0.4438 |
|
Dividend declared per common share |
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.2300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4438 |
|
Price range of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- high |
|
|
29.79 |
|
|
|
27.82 |
|
|
|
23.93 |
|
|
|
24.94 |
|
|
|
29.79 |
|
- low |
|
|
26.50 |
|
|
|
20.13 |
|
|
|
21.13 |
|
|
|
21.54 |
|
|
|
20.13 |
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
113,988 |
|
|
$ |
123,100 |
|
|
$ |
136,783 |
|
|
$ |
122,908 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
Operations and maintenance expense |
|
|
47,309 |
|
|
|
50,891 |
|
|
|
52,666 |
|
|
|
52,222 |
|
|
|
203,088 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
42,771 |
|
|
|
48,593 |
|
|
|
59,091 |
|
|
|
46,052 |
|
|
|
196,507 |
|
Net income |
|
|
18,871 |
|
|
|
22,218 |
|
|
|
27,917 |
|
|
|
22,150 |
|
|
|
91,156 |
|
Basic net income per common share |
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
Diluted net income per common share |
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.71 |
|
Dividend paid per common share |
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.1069 |
|
|
|
0.3994 |
|
Dividend declared per common share |
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.0975 |
|
|
|
0.2044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3994 |
|
Price range of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- high |
|
|
19.37 |
|
|
|
23.24 |
|
|
|
29.15 |
|
|
|
29.22 |
|
|
|
29.22 |
|
- low |
|
|
17.49 |
|
|
|
18.03 |
|
|
|
21.61 |
|
|
|
22.88 |
|
|
|
17.49 |
|
High and low prices of the Companys common stock are as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape. The cash dividends paid in December 2006 of $0.115 and December 2005 of $0.1069
were declared in September 2006 and August 2005, respectively.
53
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Selected Financial Data
|
|
Aqua America, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
(in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 (a) |
|
|
2003 (b) |
|
|
2002 |
|
PER COMMON SHARE: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.72 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
$ |
0.59 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
0.71 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
Cash dividends declared and paid |
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
Return on average stockholders equity |
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
11.7 |
% |
|
|
11.4 |
% |
|
|
12.3 |
% |
|
|
13.9 |
% |
Book value at year end |
|
$ |
6.96 |
|
|
$ |
6.30 |
|
|
$ |
5.88 |
|
|
$ |
5.33 |
|
|
$ |
4.35 |
|
Market value at year end |
|
|
22.78 |
|
|
|
27.30 |
|
|
|
18.44 |
|
|
|
16.58 |
|
|
|
12.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
533,491 |
|
|
$ |
496,779 |
|
|
$ |
442,039 |
|
|
$ |
367,233 |
|
|
$ |
322,028 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
75,041 |
|
|
|
65,488 |
|
|
|
58,864 |
|
|
|
51,463 |
|
|
|
44,322 |
|
Interest expense, net (c) |
|
|
54,491 |
|
|
|
49,615 |
|
|
|
46,375 |
|
|
|
42,535 |
|
|
|
39,007 |
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
152,250 |
|
|
|
148,069 |
|
|
|
132,131 |
|
|
|
116,718 |
|
|
|
109,252 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
60,246 |
|
|
|
56,913 |
|
|
|
52,124 |
|
|
|
45,923 |
|
|
|
42,046 |
|
Net income available to common stock |
|
|
92,004 |
|
|
|
91,156 |
|
|
|
80,007 |
|
|
|
70,785 |
|
|
|
67,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
2,877,903 |
|
|
$ |
2,635,046 |
|
|
$ |
2,355,374 |
|
|
$ |
2,071,252 |
|
|
$ |
1,716,030 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
2,505,995 |
|
|
|
2,279,950 |
|
|
|
2,069,812 |
|
|
|
1,824,291 |
|
|
|
1,486,703 |
|
Common stockholders equity |
|
|
921,630 |
|
|
|
811,923 |
|
|
|
747,231 |
|
|
|
658,118 |
|
|
|
492,594 |
|
Long-term debt, including current portion |
|
|
982,815 |
|
|
|
903,083 |
|
|
|
834,656 |
|
|
|
736,052 |
|
|
|
617,175 |
|
Total debt |
|
|
1,101,965 |
|
|
|
1,041,588 |
|
|
|
909,466 |
|
|
|
832,511 |
|
|
|
732,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
$ |
170,726 |
|
|
$ |
199,674 |
|
|
$ |
173,603 |
|
|
$ |
143,373 |
|
|
$ |
121,560 |
|
Capital additions |
|
|
271,706 |
|
|
|
237,462 |
|
|
|
195,736 |
|
|
|
163,320 |
|
|
|
136,164 |
|
Net cash expended for acquisitions
of utility systems and other |
|
|
11,848 |
|
|
|
11,633 |
|
|
|
54,300 |
|
|
|
192,331 |
|
|
|
8,914 |
|
Dividends on common stock |
|
|
58,023 |
|
|
|
51,139 |
|
|
|
45,807 |
|
|
|
39,917 |
|
|
|
36,789 |
|
Number of utility customers
served (d) |
|
|
927,235 |
|
|
|
864,894 |
|
|
|
835,512 |
|
|
|
749,491 |
|
|
|
605,474 |
|
Number of shareholders of common stock |
|
|
28,348 |
|
|
|
27,054 |
|
|
|
24,082 |
|
|
|
22,726 |
|
|
|
21,389 |
|
Common shares outstanding (000) |
|
|
132,326 |
|
|
|
128,970 |
|
|
|
127,180 |
|
|
|
123,452 |
|
|
|
113,194 |
|
Employees (full-time) |
|
|
1,540 |
|
|
|
1,489 |
|
|
|
1,442 |
|
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
2004 includes a partial year of financial results for the mid-year acquisition of Heater Utilities, Inc.
and certain utility assets of Florida Water Services Corporation. |
|
(b) |
|
2003 includes five months of financial results for the AquaSource operations acquired in July 2003. |
|
(c) |
|
Net of allowance for funds used during construction and interest income. |
|
(d) |
|
2006 includes 44,792 customers associated with the New York Water Service Corporation. The
operating results of this acquisition will be reported in our consolidated financial statements
beginning January 1, 2007. |
54
exv21w1
Exhibit 21.1
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following table lists the significant subsidiaries and other active subsidiaries of Aqua America, Inc. at December
31, 2006:
|
Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (Pennsylvania) |
Aqua Resources, Inc. (Pennsylvania) |
Aqua Services, Inc. (Delaware) |
Aqua Ohio, Inc. (Ohio) |
Aqua Illinois, Inc. (Illinois) |
Aqua New Jersey, Inc. (New Jersey) |
Aqua Maine, Inc. (Maine) |
Aqua North Carolina, Inc. (North Carolina) |
Aqua Texas, Inc. (Texas) |
Aqua Indiana, Inc. (Indiana) |
Aqua Utilities, Inc. (Texas) |
Aqua Virginia, Inc. (Virginia) |
Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc. (Florida) |
Aqua Missouri, Inc. (Missouri) |
Aqua South Carolina, Inc. (South Carolina) |
Heater Utilities, Inc. (North Carolina) |
Aqua New York, Inc. (New York) |
Aqua Wastewater Management, Inc. |
exv23w1
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-61772,
333-42275, 333-104290, 333-122900 and 333-130400), on Form S-4 (No. 333-93243), and on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-61768,
333-70859, 033-52557, 033-53689, 333-26613, 333-81085, 333-107673, 333-113502, 333-116776 and 333-126042) of Aqua
America, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 2007 relating to the consolidated financial statements, managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
/S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 27, 2007
1
exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Nicholas DeBenedictis, certify that:
1. |
|
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Aqua America, Inc.; |
2. |
|
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. |
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have: |
a) |
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this annual report is being prepared; |
b) |
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a) |
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and |
b) |
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 27, 2007
NICHOLAS DEBENEDICTIS
Nicholas DeBenedictis
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, David P. Smeltzer, certify that:
1. |
|
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Aqua America, Inc.; |
2. |
|
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. |
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have: |
a) |
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this annual report is being prepared; |
b) |
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
|
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a) |
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and |
b) |
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 27, 2007
DAVID P. SMELTZER
David P. Smeltzer
Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 of Aqua America, Inc. (the
Company) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Nicholas
DeBenedictis, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
|
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. Section 78m(a) or Section 78o(d)); and |
(2) |
|
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company. |
NICHOLAS DEBENEDICTIS
Nicholas DeBenedictis
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
February 27, 2007
exv32w2
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 of Aqua America, Inc. (the
Company) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, David P.
Smeltzer, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
|
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. Section 78m(a) or Section 78o(d)); and |
(2) |
|
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company. |
DAVID P. SMELTZER
David P. Smeltzer
Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
February 27, 2007