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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
Commission File Number 000-22211
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 21-0398330
(State of incorporation) (IRS employer identification no.)
1 South Jersey Plaza, Folsom, NJ 08037
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(609) 561-9000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of November 9, 2004 there were 2,339,139 shares of the registrant's common
stock outstanding. All common shares are owned by South Jersey Industries, Inc.,
the parent company of South Jersey Gas Company.
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SJG-1
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements -- See Pages 3 through 15
SJG-2
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------------
2004 2003
-----------------------------------
Operating Revenues $ 72,231 $ 58,491
---------------- ---------------
Operating Expenses:
Gas Purchased for Resale 49,853 40,134
Operations 11,150 10,703
Maintenance 1,465 1,391
Depreciation 5,282 5,961
Energy and Other Taxes 1,653 1,349
---------------- ---------------
Total Operating Expenses 69,403 59,538
---------------- ---------------
Operating Income (Loss) 2,828 (1,047)
Other Income and Expense 72 6
Interest Charges 4,499 5,183
---------------- ---------------
Loss Before Income Taxes (1,599) (6,224)
Income Tax Benefit (519) (2,420)
---------------- ---------------
Net Loss Applicable to Common Stock $ (1,080) $ (3,804)
================ ===============
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-3
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------------
2004 2003
-----------------------------------
Operating Revenues $ 346,345 $ 373,973
---------------- ---------------
Operating Expenses:
Gas Purchased for Resale 232,517 268,346
Operations 35,488 32,001
Maintenance 4,249 4,331
Depreciation 17,748 17,618
Energy and Other Taxes 8,364 8,508
---------------- ---------------
Total Operating Expenses 298,366 330,804
---------------- ---------------
Operating Income 47,979 43,169
Other Income and Expense 631 (44)
Interest Charges 13,167 14,522
---------------- ---------------
Income Before Income Taxes 35,443 28,603
Income Taxes 14,994 12,304
---------------- ---------------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ 20,449 $ 16,299
================ ===============
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-4
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ (1,080) $ (3,804)
---------- ----------
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax:*
Change in Fair Value of Investments (54) 49
Change in Fair Value of Derivatives - (5)
---------- ----------
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Net of Tax* (54) 44
---------- ----------
Comprehensive Loss $ (1,134) $ (3,760)
========== ==========
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ 20,449 $ 16,299
----------- ----------
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax:*
Change in Fair Value of Investments (354) 140
Change in Fair Value of Derivatives 4 37
----------- ----------
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Net of Tax* (350) 177
----------- ----------
Comprehensive Income $ 20,099 $ 16,476
=========== ==========
* Determined using a combined statutory tax rate of 40.85%.
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-5
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-------------------------------
2004 2003
------------- --------------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ 20,449 $ 16,299
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Flows
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 19,377 20,008
Provision for Losses on Accounts Receivable (144) 1,226
Revenues and Fuel Costs Deferred - Net 8,048 17,373
Deferred and Non-Current Income Taxes and Credits - Net 10,086 793
Environmental Remediation Costs - Net (1,745) 3,412
Gas Plant Cost of Removal (679) (514)
Changes in:
Accounts Receivable 49,445 49,488
Inventories (25,194) (29,864)
Prepayments and Other Current Assets 2,107 (371)
Prepaid and Accrued Taxes - Net (20,705) (5,956)
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (2,963) (8,410)
Other - Net 454 2,543
------------- --------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 58,536 66,027
------------- --------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures and Salvage (48,048) (36,908)
Purchase of Available-for-Sale Securities (105) (238)
Proceeds from Sale of Segment 2,668 -
------------- --------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (45,485) (37,146)
------------- --------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Repayments of Lines of Credit (44,300) (117,900)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt 40,000 110,000
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt (21,773) (18,811)
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt (359) (1,629)
Additional Investment by Shareholder 15,000 -
------------- --------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (11,432) (28,340)
------------- --------------
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,619 541
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 3,210 3,580
------------- --------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 4,829 $ 4,121
============= ==============
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-6
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
-------------------------------- --------------
2004 2003 2003
-------------- -------------- --------------
ASSETS
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost $ 938,827 $ 879,842 $ 894,654
Accumulated Depreciation (221,158) (206,213) (209,831)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net 717,669 673,629 684,823
-------------- -------------- --------------
Investments:
Available-for-Sale Securities 4,632 4,050 4,497
Investment in Affiliate - 1,082 -
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Investments 4,632 5,132 4,497
-------------- -------------- --------------
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents 4,829 4,121 3,210
Accounts Receivable 18,300 34,394 48,412
Unbilled Revenues 5,625 4,298 31,070
Provision for Uncollectibles (2,233) (3,210) (3,263)
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost 82,116 71,433 59,432
Materials and Supplies, average cost 5,609 3,357 3,559
Prepaid Taxes 14,594 8,831 2,661
Prepaid Pension 15,447 - 18,206
Other Prepayments and Current Assets 2,419 3,806 2,317
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Current Assets 146,706 127,030 165,604
-------------- -------------- --------------
Regulatory Assets:
Environmental Remediation Costs:
Expended - Net 4,392 3,058 4,147
Liability for Future Expenditures 51,919 48,211 50,983
Gross Receipts and Franchise Taxes 1,035 1,478 1,367
Income Taxes - Flowthrough Depreciation 6,886 7,864 7,619
Deferred Fuel Cost - Net - 14,221 1,720
Deferred Postretirement Benefit Costs 3,119 3,496 3,402
Societal Benefit Costs 5,802 7,870 7,529
Other Regulatory Assets 870 580 732
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Regulatory Assets 74,023 86,778 77,499
-------------- -------------- --------------
Other Non-Current Assets:
Unamortized Debt Discount and Expense 8,081 6,965 8,122
Accounts Receivable - Merchandise 5,387 3,892 4,671
Other 677 3,304 1,066
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Other Non-Current Assets 14,145 14,161 13,859
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Assets $ 957,175 $ 906,730 $ 946,282
============== ============== ==============
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-7
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
-------------------------------- --------------
2004 2003 2003
-------------- -------------- --------------
Capitalization and Liabilities
Common Equity:
Common Stock, Par Value $2.50 per share:
Authorized - 4,000,000 shares
Outstanding - 2,339,139 shares $ 5,848 $ 5,848 $ 5,848
Other Paid-In Capital and Premium on Common Stock 170,316 135,317 155,317
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (70) (8,391) 279
Retained Earnings 124,244 98,047 108,356
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Common Equity 300,338 230,821 269,800
-------------- -------------- --------------
Preferred Stock:
Redeemable Cumulative Preferred - Par Value $100 per share,
Authorized 41,966 shares, Outstanding 16,904 shares 8% Series 1,690 1,690 1,690
-------------- -------------- --------------
Long-Term Debt 282,008 328,560 263,781
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Capitalization 584,036 561,071 535,271
-------------- -------------- --------------
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable 42,900 36,000 87,200
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 5,273 8,423 5,273
Accounts Payable 39,369 35,501 40,954
Deferred Income Taxes - Net 4,102 11,903 6,694
Customer Deposits 8,434 7,340 7,957
Environmental Remediation Costs 16,216 4,852 7,630
Taxes Accrued 549 4,647 9,321
Derivatives - 38 7
Interest Accrued and Other Current Liabilities 11,972 10,950 13,597
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Current Liabilities 128,815 119,654 178,633
-------------- -------------- --------------
Deferred Credits and Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net 131,903 107,138 118,894
Environmental Remediation Costs 35,703 43,359 43,353
Regulatory Liabilities 57,865 48,652 49,880
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 10,941 17,805 11,336
Investment Tax Credits 3,215 3,558 3,471
Other 4,697 5,493 5,444
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Deferred Credits and Other Non-Current Liabilities 244,324 226,005 232,378
-------------- -------------- --------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities $ 957,175 $ 906,730 $ 946,282
============== ============== ==============
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
SJG-8
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
The Entity - South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI) owns all of the
outstanding common stock of South Jersey Gas Company (SJG). SJG reclassified
some previously reported amounts to conform with current year classifications.
In our opinion, the condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments,
which are of a normal recurring nature, needed to fairly present SJG's financial
position and operating results at the dates and for the periods presented. Our
business is subject to seasonal fluctuations and, accordingly, this interim
financial information should not be the basis for estimating the full year's
operating results. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with
SJG's 2003 Form 10K.
Equity Investments - We classify equity investments purchased as
long-term investments as Available-for-Sale Securities on our balance sheets and
carry them at their fair value with any unrealized gains or losses included in
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Estimates and Assumptions - We prepare our financial statements to
conform with generally accepted accounting principles. Management makes
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and related disclosures. Therefore, actual results could differ from
those estimates.
Regulation - SJG is subject to the rules and regulations of the New
Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). We maintain our accounts according to
the BPU's prescribed Uniform System of Accounts (See Note 2). SJG follows the
accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation." In general, Statement No. 71 allows deferral of certain
costs and creation of certain obligations when it is probable that such items
will be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods.
Capitalized Interest - SJG capitalizes interest on construction at its
BPU-approved rate of return on rate base (See Note 2). SJG's capitalized
interest amounted to $0.2 million and $0.1 million in the three month periods,
and totaled $0.6 million and $0.4 million in the nine month periods, ended
September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Derivative Instruments and Hedge Accounting - SJG accounts for its
derivatives under the guidance of FASB Statement No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended. This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments,
including those embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It
requires that all derivatives, whether designated as hedging relationships or
not, must be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value unless the derivative
contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sale exemption. If the derivative
is designated as a fair value hedge, we recognize the changes in the fair value
of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in
earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, we record the
effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and recognize it in the income statement when
SJG-9
the hedged item affects earnings. We recognize ineffective portions of changes
in the fair value of cash flow hedges in earnings.
No commodity related activities of SJG are considered subject to the
fair value recognition requirements of Statement No. 133, as amended.
We have also identified other physical transactions that qualify as
derivatives. Management believes, however, based on its interpretation of
guidance issued, that as these derivative contracts relate to the purchase and
sale of natural gas, they qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales
exception and, therefore, are not required to be marked to market.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In January 2003, SJG adopted FASB
Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which
establishes accounting and reporting standards for legal obligations associated
with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset
retirement costs. We have certain easements and right-of-way agreements that
qualify as legal obligations under Statement No. 143. However, it is our intent
to maintain these agreements in perpetuity; therefore, no change in SJG's
current accounting practices is required related to these agreements.
SJG recovers certain asset retirement costs through rates charged to
customers. As of September 30, 2004 and 2003, SJG had accrued amounts in excess
of actual removal costs incurred totaling $47.4 million and $44.4 million,
respectively, which, in accordance with Statement No. 143, are recorded as
Regulatory Liabilities on the condensed balance sheets. The adoption of this
statement did not materially affect SJG's financial condition or results of
operations.
In December 2003, the FASB revised Statement No. 132, "Employers'
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This revised
statement requires certain interim period disclosures about pension and other
postretirement benefit plans (See Note 4).
Regulatory Assets & Regulatory Liabilities - All significant regulatory
assets are separately identified on the condensed balance sheets under the
caption Regulatory Assets. Each item that is separately identified is being
recovered through utility rate charges without a return on investment over the
following periods:
Years Remaining
Regulatory Asset As of September 30, 2004
Environmental Remediation Costs:
Expended - Net Various
Liability for Future Expenditures Not Applicable
Gross Receipts and Franchise Taxes 2
Income Taxes - Flowthrough Depreciation 7
Deferred Fuel Costs - Net Various
Deferred Postretirement Benefit Costs 8
Societal Benefit Costs Various
SJG-10
The remaining assets reflected under the caption Other Regulatory
Assets are being recovered from ratepayers as approved by the BPU (See Note 2).
Regulatory Liabilities consisted of the following items (in thousands):
September 30, December 31,
2004 2003 2003
------ -------- ----------
Deferred Revenues - Net $ 6,328 $ - $ -
Excess Plant Removal Costs 47,419 44,446 45,241
Overcollected State Taxes 3,832 3,920 4,353
Other 286 286 286
----------- ---------- -----------
Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 57,865 $ 48,652 $ 49,880
=========== ========== ===========
Deferred Revenues - Net reflects the overrecovery of gas costs from
ratepayers under SJG's gas cost clauses (See Note 2). Excess Plant Removal Costs
represent amounts accrued in excess of actual utility plant removal costs
incurred to date (See New Accounting Pronouncements). All other amounts are
subject to being returned to ratepayers in future rate proceedings.
Statements of Cash Flows - For purposes of reporting cash flows, highly
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are
considered cash equivalents.
Note 2. Regulatory Actions:
Base Rates - In January 1997, the BPU granted SJG rate relief, which
was predicated in part upon a 9.62% rate of return on rate base that included an
11.25% return on common equity. This rate relief provided for the recovery of
cost of service, including deferred costs, through base rates. Additionally, our
threshold for sharing pre-tax margins generated by interruptible and off-system
sales and transportation increased. As a result of this case, we kept 100% of
pre-tax margins up to the threshold level of $7.8 million. The next $750,000 was
credited to customers through the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) clause.
Thereafter, we kept 20% of the pre-tax margins as we had historically.
On July 7, 2004, the BPU granted SJG a base rate increase of $20.0
million, which was predicated in part upon a 7.97% rate of return on rate base
that included a 10.0% return on common equity. This increase was effective July
8, 2004 and designed to provide an incremental $8.5 million on an annualized
basis to net income. SJG was also permitted recovery of regulatory assets
contained in its petition and a reduction in its composite depreciation rate
from 2.9% to 2.4%.
Included in the base rate increase was a change to the sharing of
pre-tax margins on interruptible and off-system sales and transportation. SJG
now recovers through its base rates $7.8 million that it had previously
SJG-11
recovered through the sharing of pre-tax margins. As a result, the sharing of
pre-tax margins now begins from dollar one, with SJG retaining 20% as it has
historically. Moreover, SJG now shares pre-tax margins from on-system capacity
release sales, in addition to the interruptible and off-system sales and
transportation. Effective July 1, 2006, the 20% retained by SJG will decrease to
15% of such margins..
As part of the overall settlement effective July 8, 2004, SJG provided
customers with an offsetting $38.9 million rate reduction. These reductions were
provided to customers through the Company's various clauses and did not
negatively impact the Company's net income. Under those clauses, costs incurred
by SJG were billed to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Pending Audits - The BPU has issued an order under which it will
perform a competitive services audit and a management audit that includes a
focused review of SJG's gas supply and purchasing practices. The audits, which
commenced in October 2004, are mandated by statute to be conducted at
predetermined intervals. Management does not currently anticipate the outcome of
these audits to have a material effect on SJG's financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
Appliance Service Business - On July 23, 2004, the BPU approved SJG's
petition and related agreements to transfer its appliance service business from
the regulated utility. In anticipation of this transfer, SJI had formed South
Jersey Energy Service Plus, LLC, (SJESP) to perform appliance repair services
after BPU approval of the transfer. SJESP purchased certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities required to perform such repair services from SJG for the
net book value of $1.2 million on September 1, 2004. The agreements also called
for SJESP to pay an additional $1.5 million to SJG. This $1.5 million was
credited to customers through the Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC) and had no
earnings impact on SJG. This newly created company will have the flexibility to
be more responsive to competition and customer needs in an unregulated
environment. Furthermore, the transfer has no effect on the provision of
safety-related or emergency-related services to the public since the transferred
services include only non-safety related, competitive appliance services.
Other Regulatory Matters - In August 2002, SJG filed for a Societal
Benefits Clause (SBC) rate increase. The SBC recovers costs related to
BPU-mandated programs and environmental remediation costs that are recovered
through our Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC); energy efficiency and renewable
energy program costs that are recovered through our New Jersey Clean Energy
Programs; consumer education program costs; and the interim low income program
costs. In August 2003, the BPU approved a $6.7 million increase to our SBC,
effective September 1, 2003. This approval increased the annual recovery level
of $6.7 million to $13.4 million.
In September 2002, SJG filed with the BPU to maintain its current BGSS
rate through October 2003. However, due to price increases in the wholesale
market, in February 2003, we filed an amendment to the September 2002 filing. In
April 2003, the BPU approved a $16.6 million increase to our annual gas costs
recoveries.
In March 2003, the BPU approved a statewide Universal Service Fund
(USF) program on a permanent basis. In June 2003, the BPU established a
SJG-12
statewide program through which funds for the USF and Lifeline Credit and
Tenants Assistance (Lifeline) Programs would be collected from customers of all
electric and gas utilities in the state. The BPU ordered that utility rates be
set to recover a total statewide USF budget of $33.0 million, and a total
Lifeline budget of $72.0 million. Recovery rates for both programs were
implemented on August 1, 2003. In April 2004, SJG made its annual USF filing,
along with the state's other electric and gas utilities, proposing a statewide
USF budget of $105.5 million. The proposed statewide budget was updated to
$113.0 million and filed with the BPU in May 2004. In June 2004, the BPU
approved the budget of $113.0 million with new rates being implemented effective
July 1, 2004.
In July 2003, SJG made its annual BGSS filing, as amended, with the
BPU. Due to further price increases in the wholesale market, we filed for a
$24.0 million increase to our annual gas cost revenues. In August 2003, the BPU
approved SJG's price increase on a provisional basis, subject to refund with
interest, effective September 1, 2003. In October 2004, the provisional rate
increase was made final.
In August 2003, the BPU approved SJG's previously filed petition for
the recovery of a $5.7 million Temperature Adjustment Clause (TAC) deficiency,
effective September 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2004, the deferred TAC
deficiency has been reduced to $1.2 million.
In February 2004, SJG filed notice with the BPU to reduce its gas cost
revenues by approximately $5.0 million, via a rate reduction, in addition to
providing for a $21.8 million bill credit to customers. Both the rate reduction
and bill credit were approved and implemented in March 2004.
In June 2004, SJG made its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting a
$4.9 million increase in gas cost recoveries. In October 2004, the requested
increase was approved on a provisional basis.
Filings and petitions described above are still pending unless
otherwise indicated.
Note 3. Retained Earnings:
Restrictions exist under various loan agreements regarding the amount
of cash dividends or other distributions that we may pay on our common stock. As
of September 30, 2004, these restrictions did not affect the amount that may be
distributed from SJG's retained earnings.
We received equity infusions of $15.0 million during 2004 and $20.0
million during 2003 from SJI. Contributions of capital are credited to Other
Paid-In Capital and Premium on Common Stock. Future equity contributions will
occur on an as needed basis.
Note 4. Pensions & Other Postretirement Benefits:
We participate in the defined benefit pension plans and other
postretirement benefit plans of SJI. The pension plans provide annuity payments
to the majority of full-time, regular employees upon retirement. Newly hired
SJG-13
employees in certain classifications do not qualify for participation in the
defined benefit pension plan. The other postretirement benefit plans provide
health care and life insurance benefits to some retirees.
On December 8, 2003, the President signed into law the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (the "Act") of 2003. In
accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure
Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003," issued in December 2003, management elected to defer
any financial impact resulting from the Act pending the availability of more
information. With the assistance of the Company's actuary, management has
determined that the Act has no impact on the postretirement benefit plans of
SJI.
Net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2004 and 2003 related to the pension and other postretirement
benefit plans consisted of the following components (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003
------- ------- ------ ------
Service Cost $ 672 $ 579 $ 2,016 $ 1,737
Interest Cost 1,274 1,205 3,822 3,615
Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,580) (1,241) (4,740) (3,723)
Amortization of
Transition Obligation - 16 - 48
Amortization of Loss and Other 388 402 1,164 1,206
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 754 $ 961 $ 2,262 $ 2,883
========= ========= ========= =========
Other Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003
-------- ------- ------ ------
Service Cost $ 341 $ 290 $ 1,023 $ 870
Interest Cost 603 476 1,809 1,428
Expected Return on Plan Assets (351) (202) (1,053) (606)
Amortization of
Transition Obligation 189 144 567 432
Amortization of Loss and Other 37 74 111 222
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 819 $ 782 $ 2,457 $ 2,346
========= ========= ========= =========
Contributions - SJG is evaluating the impact of making contributions to
its pension plan and expects to contribute approximately $3.6 million in equal
quarterly installments to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2004.
SJG-14
Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies:
Construction and Environmental Commitments - Our estimated net cost of
construction and environmental remediation programs for 2004 totals $74.9
million. Commitments were made regarding some of these programs.
Gas Supply Contracts - SJG, in the normal course of conducting
business, has entered into long-term contracts for natural gas supplies, firm
transportation and gas storage service. During the next 12 months, no contracts
are expiring that would have a material negative impact, either alone or in
combination, on SJG. The transportation and storage service agreements between
us and our interstate pipeline suppliers were made under Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission approved tariffs. Our cumulative obligation for demand
charges and reservation fees paid to suppliers for these services is
approximately $4.2 million per month, recovered on a current basis through the
BGSS.
Pending Litigation - We are subject to claims arising in the ordinary
course of business and other legal proceedings. We accrue liabilities related to
these claims when we can determine the amount or range of amounts of likely
settlement costs for those claims. Among other actions, SJG has been named in a
breach of contract claim with a vendor, and a class action suit regarding the
proximity of gas meters to driveways. Management does not currently anticipate
the disposition of any known claims to have a material adverse effect on SJG's
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Environmental Remediation Costs - We incurred and recorded costs for
environmental cleanup of sites where the Company or its predecessors operated
gas manufacturing plants. We stopped manufacturing gas in the 1950s.
We successfully entered into settlements with all of our historic
comprehensive general liability carriers regarding the environmental remediation
expenditures at our sites. Also, we have purchased a Cleanup Cost Cap Insurance
Policy limiting the amount of remediation expenditures that we will be required
to make at 11 of our sites. This Policy will be in force until 2024 at 10 sites
and until 2029 at one site. The following minimum future cost estimate was not
reduced by projected insurance recoveries from the Cleanup Cost Cap Insurance
Policy.
Since the early 1980s, we accrued environmental remediation costs of
$142.4 million, of which $90.5 million has been spent as of September 30, 2004.
With the assistance of a consulting firm, we estimate that future costs to clean
up our sites will range from $51.9 million to $192.3 million. We recorded the
lower end of this range as a liability. It is reflected on the 2004 condensed
balance sheet under the captions Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and
Other Non-Current Liabilities (See Note 1). Recorded amounts include estimated
costs based on projected investigation and remediation work plans using existing
technologies. Actual costs could differ from the estimates due to the long-term
nature of the projects, changing technology, government regulations and
site-specific requirements.
We have two regulatory assets associated with environmental costs. The
first asset is titled Environmental Remediation Cost: Expended - Net. These
SJG-15
expenditures represent what was actually spent to clean up former gas
manufacturing plant sites. These costs meet the requirements of FASB Statement
No. 71. The BPU allows us to recover expenditures through the RAC (See Note 2).
The other asset titled Environmental Remediation Cost: Liability for
Future Expenditures relates to estimated future expenditures determined under
the guidance of FASB Statement No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." We
recorded this amount, which relates to former manufactured gas plant sites, as a
regulatory asset under Statement No. 71 with the corresponding amount reflected
on the condensed balance sheets under the captions, Current Liabilities and
Deferred Credits and Other Non-Current Liabilities. The BPU's intent, evidenced
by current practice, is to allow us to recover the deferred costs after these
costs are spent over 7-year periods. As of September 30, 2004, we reflected the
unamortized remediation costs of $4.4 million on the condensed balance sheet
under the caption Regulatory Assets. Since implementing the RAC in 1992, we have
recovered $43.5 million through rates (See Note 2).
Note 6. Financing Activities:
On July 15, 2004, SJG redeemed, at par, its 7.7% Medium Term Note (MTN)
due 2015. Subsequently, on August 4, 2004, SJG issued $40.0 million of debt
under its MTN program established in 2002. The debt was issued at an average
interest rate of 5.66% and an average maturity of 17 years. This represents the
final amount authorized to be issued under the 2002 MTN program.
Note 7. Subsequent Events:
On October 1, 2004, SJG and a large utility customer executed an
agreement for the buy-out of the customer's long-term energy contract. This
settlement will contribute approximately $1.6 million to SJG's net income in the
fourth quarter of 2004.
On November 5, 2004, SJG's largest bargaining unit voted to ratify a
new, four-year contract. The contract will cover the period from the expiration
of the old contract on January 15, 2005 through January 14, 2009. Terms of the
deal include wage increases ranging from 3% to 3.5% over the life of the
contract, health care plan redesign, the establishment of caps on payments for
postretirement medical benefits, and the implementation of separate wage and
benefit packages for new hires. With this agreement, all of SJG's unionized
personnel are operating under agreements that run through at least January 2008.
In order to manage interest rate risk associated with a planned
issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt, SJG purchased a "Treasury Lock" on
November 10, 2004 in the notional amount of $10.0 million. We designate the
Treasury Lock as a cash flow hedge. Gains or losses on the Treasury Lock will be
included in other comprehensive income and then reclassified to interest expense
as the interest expense on the associated debt issue affects earnings.
SJG-16
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Overview
South Jersey Gas Company (SJG), a wholly owned subsidiary of South
Jersey Industries, Inc., is a regulated natural gas utility. SJG distributed
natural gas in the seven southernmost counties of New Jersey to 308,205
customers at September 30, 2004 compared with 299,609 customers at September 30,
2003. SJG also:
o sells natural gas and pipeline transportation capacity (off-system
sales) on a wholesale basis to various customers on the interstate
pipeline system;
o transports natural gas purchased directly from producers or
suppliers for its own sales and for some of its customers; and
o serviced appliances via the sale of appliance warranty programs as
well as on a time and materials basis through September 1, 2004,
at which time the business line was transferred out of SJG and
into South Jersey Energy Service Plus, LLC.
Forward-Looking Statements - This report contains certain
forward-looking statements concerning projected financial and operating
performance, future plans and courses of action and future economic conditions.
All statements in this report other than statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based upon
management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the
Company and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that
forward-looking statements are not guarantees and actual results could differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Also, in making forward-looking statements, we assume no duty to update these
statements should expectations change or actual results and events differ from
current expectations.
A number of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially
from those anticipated including, but not limited to, the following: general
economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level;
weather conditions in our marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; changes
in the availability of natural gas; legislative, regulatory and court decisions;
competition; the availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal
proceedings and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers or suppliers
to fulfill their contractual obligations; and changes in business strategies.
Critical Accounting Policies
Estimates and Assumptions - As described in the footnotes to our
condensed financial statements, management must make estimates and assumptions
SJG-17
that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and related
disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Four types of
transactions presented in our condensed financial statements require a
significant amount of judgment and estimation. These relate to regulatory
assets, environmental remediation costs, pension and postretirement employee
benefit costs and unbilled revenues.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has reviewed and
approved, through specific orders, most of the items shown as regulatory assets.
In recording these costs as regulatory assets, management believes the costs are
probable of recovery under existing rate-making concepts that are embodied in
current rate orders received by SJG. However, ultimate recovery is subject to
BPU approval.
An outside consulting firm assists us in estimating future costs for
environmental remediation activities. We estimate future costs based on
projected investigation and work plans using existing technologies. Developing a
single reliable estimation point is not feasible because of the amount of
uncertainty involved in the nature of projected remediation efforts and the long
period over which remediation efforts will continue. Therefore, we estimate the
range of future costs at $51.9 million to $192.3 million. In preparing financial
statements, we record liabilities for future costs using the lower end of the
range. We update estimates each quarter to take into account past efforts,
changes in work plans and remediation technologies.
The costs of providing pension and other postretirement employee
benefits are impacted by actual plan experience as well as assumptions of future
experience. Employee demographics, plan contributions, investment performance,
and assumptions concerning return on plan assets, discount rates and health care
cost trends all have a significant impact on determining our projected benefit
obligations. We evaluate these assumptions annually with the assistance of our
investment manager and actuary and adjust them accordingly. These adjustments
could result in significant changes to the net periodic benefit costs of
providing such benefits and the related liabilities recognized by SJG.
A majority of SJG's customers have their meters read on a cycle basis
throughout the month. As a result, recognized revenues include estimates as
described below.
Revenue Recognition - SJG bills customers monthly for gas delivered and
recognizes those revenues during the month. For SJG customers that are not
billed at the end of each month, we make an accrual to recognize estimated
revenues for gas delivered from the date of the last meter reading to the end of
the month. We bill our customers at rates approved by the BPU.
We previously deferred and recognized revenues related to SJG's
appliance service contracts over the full 12-month term of the contract as
earned.
The BPU allows us to recover gas costs in rates through the Basic Gas
Supply Service (BGSS) price structure (which replaced the Levelized Gas
Adjustment Clause). We defer over/under-recoveries of gas costs and include them
in subsequent adjustments to the BGSS rate or other similar rate recovery
SJG-18
mechanism. These adjustments result in over/under-recoveries of gas costs being
included in rates during future periods. As a result of these deferrals, utility
revenue recognition does not directly translate to profitability. While we
realize profits on gas sales during the month of providing the utility service,
significant shifts in revenue recognition may result from the various recovery
clauses approved by the BPU (See Regulatory Actions) without shifting profits
between periods, as these clauses provide for recovery of costs on a
dollar-for-dollar basis.
New Accounting Pronouncements - See detailed discussions concerning New
Accounting Pronouncements and their impact on SJG in Note 1 to the condensed
financial statements.
Temperature Adjustment Clause - A Board of Public Utilities approved
Temperature Adjustment Clause (TAC) increased(decreased) SJG's net income by
$0.2 million and $(2.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and
2003, respectively. The clause is designed to mitigate the effect of variations
in heating season temperatures from historical norms. While we record the
revenue and income impacts of TAC adjustments as incurred, cash inflows or
outflows directly attributable to TAC adjustments generally do not begin until
the next clause year. Each TAC year begins October 1.
Regulatory Actions - In August 2002, SJG filed for a Societal Benefits
Clause (SBC) rate increase. The SBC recovers costs related to BPU-mandated
programs and environmental remediation costs that are recovered through SJG's
Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC); energy efficiency and renewable energy
program costs that are recovered through SJG's New Jersey Clean Energy Programs;
consumer education program costs; and the interim low income program costs. In
August 2003, the BPU approved a $6.7 million increase to SJG's SBC, effective
September 1, 2003. This approval increased the annual recovery level of $6.7
million to $13.4 million.
Also in August 2002, SJG filed a petition with the BPU to transfer its
appliance service business from the regulated utility into a newly created
unregulated company. On July 23, 2004, the BPU approved SJG's petition and
related agreements to transfer its appliance service business from the regulated
utility. In anticipation of this transfer, SJI had formed South Jersey Energy
Service Plus, LLC (SJESP), to perform appliance repair services after BPU
approval of the transfer. SJESP purchased certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities required to perform such repair services from SJG for the net book
value of $1.2 million on September 1, 2004. The agreements also called for SJESP
to pay an additional $1.5 million to SJG. This $1.5 million was credited to
customers through the RAC and had no earnings impact on SJG. It is anticipated
that SJESP will have the flexibility to be more responsive to competition and
customer needs by expanding and modifying its service offerings in an
unregulated environment. Furthermore, the transfer has no effect on the
provision of safety-related or emergency-related services to the public since
the services transferred include only non-safety related, competitive appliance
services.
In September 2002, SJG filed with the BPU to maintain its current Basic
Gas Supply Service (BGSS) rate through October 2003. However, due to price
increases in the wholesale market, in February 2003, SJG filed an amendment to
the September 2002 filing. In April 2003, the BPU approved a $16.6 million
increase to SJG's annual gas cost revenues.
SJG-19
In March 2003, the BPU approved a statewide Universal Service Fund
(USF) program on a permanent basis. In June 2003, the BPU established a
statewide program through which funds for the USF and Lifeline Credit and
Tenants Assistance (Lifeline) Programs would be collected from customers of all
electric and gas utilities in the state. The BPU ordered that utility rates be
set to recover a total statewide USF budget of $33.0 million, and a total
Lifeline budget of $72.0 million. Recovery rates for both programs were
implemented on August 1, 2003. In April 2004, SJG made its annual USF filing,
along with the state's other electric and gas utilities, proposing a statewide
USF budget of $105.5 million. The proposed statewide budget was updated to
$113.0 million and filed with the BPU in May 2004. In June 2004, the BPU
approved the budget of $113.0 million with new rates being implemented effective
July 1, 2004.
In July 2003, SJG made its annual BGSS filing, as amended, with the
BPU. Due to further price increases in the wholesale market, SJG filed for a
$24.0 million increase to its annual gas cost revenues. In August 2003, the BPU
approved SJG's price increase on a provisional basis, subject to refund with
interest, effective September 1, 2003. In October 2004, the provisional rate
increase was made final.
In August 2003, the BPU approved SJG's previously filed petition for
the recovery of a $5.7 million Temperature Adjustment Clause (TAC) deficiency,
effective September 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2004, the deferred TAC
deficiency has been reduced to $1.2 million.
Also in August 2003, SJG filed a base rate case with the BPU to
increase its base rate to obtain a certain level of return on its investment of
capital. We had not sought a base rate increase from the BPU since the
implementation of its base rate case approval in January 1997. On July 7, 2004,
the BPU approved an increase to SJG's base rates totaling $20.0 million, which
was predicated in part upon a 7.97% rate of return on rate base that included a
10.0% return on common equity. The increase was effective July 8, 2004 and SJG
expects the settlement of the case to provide an incremental $8.5 million on an
annualized basis to net income. SJG was also permitted recovery of regulatory
assets contained in its petition and a reduction in its composite depreciation
rate from 2.9% to 2.4%.
Included in the base rate increase was a change to the sharing of
pre-tax margins on interruptible and off-system sales and transportation. SJG
now recovers through its base rates $7.8 million that it previously had
recovered through the sharing of pre-tax margins. As a result, the sharing of
pre-tax margins begins from dollar one, with SJG retaining 20% as it has
historically. Moreover, SJG now shares pre-tax margins from on-system capacity
release sales, in addition to the interruptible and off-system sales and
transportation. Effective July 1, 2006, the 20% retained by SJG will decrease to
15% of such margins.
As part of the tariff changes, SJG further expanded service choices
available to commercial and industrial customers. SJG added two electric
generation services for small and large users, and restructured its existing
Firm Electric Service so it is applicable to electric generation. The addition
of these services allowed SJG to eliminate its existing cogeneration services
since these services will be provided under one of the three electric generation
services, based on customer needs. SJG also split its existing commercial
service into two classes to separate large and small users, resulting in two
distinct price structures.
SJG-20
As part of the overall settlement effective July 8, 2004, SJG provided
customers with an offsetting $38.9 million rate reduction. These reductions were
provided to customers through the Company's various clauses and did not
negatively impact the Company's net income. Under those clauses, costs incurred
by SJG were billed to customers on a dollar for dollar basis.
In February 2004, SJG filed notice with the BPU to reduce its gas cost
revenues by approximately $5.0 million, via a rate reduction, in addition to
providing for a $21.8 million bill credit to customers. Both the rate reduction
and bill credit were approved and implemented in March 2004. In June 2004, SJG
made its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting a $4.9 million increase in
gas cost recoveries. In October 2004, the requested increase was approved on a
provisional basis.
Pending Audits - The BPU has issued an order under which it will
perform a competitive services audit and a management audit that includes a
focused review of SJG's gas supply and purchasing practices. The audits, which
commenced in October 2004, are mandated by statute to be conducted at
predetermined intervals. Management does not currently anticipate the outcome of
these audits to have a material effect on SJG's financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
Filings and petitions described above are still pending unless
otherwise indicated. Additional discussion concerning Regulatory Actions can be
found in Note 2 to the condensed financial statements.
Environmental Remediation - We incurred and recorded costs for
environmental clean up of sites where SJG or its predecessors operated
manufactured gas plants (MGP). SJG stopped manufacturing gas in the 1950s. We
successfully entered into settlements with all of SJG's historic comprehensive
general liability carriers regarding environmental remediation expenditures at
former MGP sites. As part of these settlements, SJG purchased an insurance
policy that caps its remediation expenditures at 11 of these sites. The
insurance policy is in force until 2024 at 10 sites and until 2029 at one site.
We believe that all costs incurred net of insurance recoveries relating
to the MGP sites will be recovered through rates under SJG's Remediation
Adjustment Clause (RAC). The RAC currently permits SJG to recover incurred costs
in equal installments over 7-year periods with carrying costs. As of September
30, 2004, SJG had $4.4 million of remediation costs not yet recovered through
rates.
Other matters are discussed in detail in Note 5 to the condensed
financial statements included as part of this report.
Competition - SJG's franchises are non-exclusive. Currently, no other
utility provides retail gas distribution services within our territory. We do
not expect any other utilities to do so in the foreseeable future because of the
extensive investment required for utility plant and related costs. SJG competes
with oil, propane and electricity suppliers for residential, commercial and
industrial users. The market for natural gas sales is subject to competition due
SJG-21
to deregulation. We enhanced SJG's competitive position while maintaining
margins by using an unbundled tariff. This tariff allows full cost-of-service
recovery, except for the variable cost of the gas commodity, when transporting
gas for our customers. Under this tariff, SJG profits from transporting, rather
than selling, the commodity. SJG's residential, commercial and industrial
customers can choose their supplier while we recover the cost of service through
transportation service (see Customer Choice Legislation).
Customer Choice Legislation -All residential natural gas customers in
New Jersey can choose their gas supplier under the terms of the Electric
Discount and Energy Competition Act of 1999. As of September 30, 2004, 103,121
SJG residential customers chose a natural gas commodity supplier other than the
utility. This number increased from 98,149 at September 30, 2003 as marketers
were able to offer natural gas at prices competitive with those available under
regulated utility tariffs. Customers purchasing natural gas from providers other
than SJG are charged for gas costs by the marketer, not SJG. The resulting
decrease in SJG's revenues is offset by a corresponding decrease in SJG's gas
costs. While customer choice can reduce utility revenues, it does not negatively
affect SJG's net income or financial condition. The BPU continues to allow for
full recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs through the Basic Gas
Supply Service clause as well as other costs of service including deferred
costs, through tariffs.
Results of Operations
Operating Revenues - Revenues increased $13.7 million during the third
quarter compared with the same period in 2003. The increase was due to several
factors. First, revenue from a major customer increased by $3.1 million as their
consumption more than doubled in comparison with the third quarter of 2003. It
should be noted that a corresponding increase in margin would not result from
such increased sales based on SJG's tariff. Second, gas cost recoveries under
the BGSS increased significantly due to the BGSS increase effective September 1,
2003. Gas costs charged to the BGSS rose by $7.5 million when compared to the
same quarter last year. As a result of the increased level of recoveries, SJG
recognized previously deferred overcollections (revenue) in an amount equal to
the increase in gas costs. This process, as previously described under the
caption "Revenue Recognition," resulted in a significant shift in revenue into
the third quarter of 2004 without a corresponding impact on the Company's
profitability. Third, SJG's recovery of previously deferred costs under its New
Jersey Clean Energy Program increased revenues by $0.9 million. As there is a
corresponding increase in expense (see discussion of Operations), there is no
resulting impact on SJG's net income. Finally, the addition of 8,596 customers
also contributed to the revenue increase (See Regulatory Actions).
Revenues decreased $27.6 million for the nine months ended September
30, 2004 compared with the same period last year. The year-to-date decrease was
primarily due to three factors. First, OSS revenues decreased $25.9 million as a
direct result of lower sales volume and lower prices for natural gas in this
market in 2004 compared with the same period in 2003. Second, weather was 9.8%
warmer than last year resulting in lower utility sales. Finally, there was an
increase in the number of residential customers purchasing their gas from a
source other than SJG. The decline in customers who purchased their natural gas
from SJG directly impacted utility revenues. However, since gas costs are passed
SJG-22
on directly to customers without any profit margin added by SJG, the increased
customer usage of gas marketers did not impact SJG's profitability. Partially
offsetting these negative factors were the impacts of 8,596 additional customers
and higher rates in effect over a majority of the past 12 months.
As a result of SJG's Temperature Adjustment Clause (TAC), revenues from
utility ratepayers are closely tied to 20-year normal temperatures calculated
under the clause and not actual temperatures. While the clause significantly
reduces fluctuations in revenues related to temperature, as a general rule,
revenues continue to be positively impacted by colder weather and negatively
impacted by warmer weather. Weather during the third quarter of any year
generally has little impact on revenues during the period. Weather during the
first nine months of 2004 was 9.8% warmer than in 2003 and 0.6% warmer than the
20-year TAC average.
The following is a comparison of operating revenue and throughput for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 vs. the same periods ended
September 30, 2003:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003
--------- --------- -------------------------
Operating Revenues (thousands):
Firm
Residential $ 23,052 $ 16,523 $ 122,160 $ 131,529
Commercial 7,331 5,595 36,311 40,311
Industrial 787 662 3,819 4,002
Cogeneration & Electric Generation 5,503 2,384 7,926 5,675
Firm Transportation 10,921 8,933 57,331 50,135
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Firm Operating Revenues 47,594 34,097 227,547 231,652
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Interruptible 421 268 1,178 1,317
Interruptible Transportation 369 252 933 747
Off-System 20,934 21,532 107,310 133,247
Capacity Release & Storage 2,184 1,559 6,848 4,372
Other 729 783 2,529 2,638
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Operating Revenues $ 72,231 $ 58,491 $ 346,345 $ 373,973
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Throughput (MMcf):
Firm
Residential 1,051 912 10,340 11,416
Commercial 429 395 3,447 3,917
Industrial 15 13 131 161
Cogeneration & Electric Generation 701 341 944 689
Firm Transportation 5,794 5,541 24,568 23,031
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Firm Throughput 7,990 7,202 39,430 39,214
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
SJG-23
Interruptible 40 38 128 170
Interruptible Transportation 581 511 1,746 1,469
Off-System 3,349 3,945 15,971 19,419
Capacity Release & Storage 14,462 12,613 39,657 29,008
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Throughput 26,422 24,309 96,932 89,280
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Gas Purchased for Resale - Gas purchased for resale increased $9.7
million in the third quarter of 2004 compared with the same period in 2003. This
primarily resulted from the increased sales volume to a major customer and a
significant increase in gas costs during the three-month period ended September
30, 2004 compared with the same period in 2003 as discussed under "Operating
Revenues." In addition, customer growth has contributed toward the increased
consumption in firm sales to both the residential and commercial markets.
Gas purchased for resale decreased $35.8 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2004 compared with 2003 due principally to a significant
decrease in sales volumes and lower gas costs for Off-System Sales (OSS). Gas
Costs associated with Off-System Sales decreased by $23.6 million as compared
with the same period last year. Unlike gas costs associated with OSS, changes in
the unit cost of gas sold to utility ratepayers do not always directly affect
cost of gas sold. We defer fluctuations in gas costs to ratepayers not reflected
in current rates to future periods under a BPU-approved Basic Gas Supply Service
(BGSS) price structure, formerly known as the Levelized Gas Adjustment Clause.
SJG also experienced a decrease in gas costs as a result of the continued
migration of customers from sales to transportation services as previously
discussed. As a result of this migration and the impact of warmer weather, firm
sales volume in the residential and commercial markets decreased by 10.1% for
the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period last year.
Gas supply sources include contract and open-market purchases. SJG
secures and maintains its own gas supplies to serve its sales customers. We do
not anticipate any difficulty renewing or replacing expiring contracts under
substantially similar terms and conditions.
Operations - A summary of net changes in operations (in thousands):
Increase (Decrease)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2004 vs. 2003 2004 vs. 2003
------------- -------------
Other Production Expense $ (29) $ (34)
Transmission - 35
Distribution 67 (161)
Customer Accounts and Services (67) 3,895
Sales (23) (74)
Administration and General 499 (174)
------------ ------------
Total Operations $ 447 $ 3,487
============ ============
SJG-24
Customer Accounts and Services expense increased significantly in 2004
as a result of the BPU-approved increase in SJG's Societal Benefits Clause (SBC)
in August 2003 (See Regulatory Actions). With this approval, recoveries and a
corresponding charge to expense for previously deferred costs under SJG's New
Jersey Clean Energy Programs (NJCEP) increased by $0.9 million in the third
quarter and $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 when
compared with the respective periods in 2003. The BPU-approved SBC clause allows
for full recovery of these deferred costs including carrying costs and, as a
result, the increase in expense has no impact on SJG's net income. Lower bad
debt expense during 2004 completely offset the previously noted increase for the
quarter, and partially offset the year-to-date NJCEP increase. A March 2004 BGSS
refund improved SJG's accounts receivable aging significantly during the year
(See Regulatory Actions). As a result, SJG benefited from lower uncollectible
account write-offs coupled with the ability to reduce its reserve for future
doubtful accounts.
Administrative and General (A&G) expenses increased in the three months
ended September 30, 2004 compared with the same period of 2003 primarily as a
result of deferred cost amortizations approved as part of SJG's July 2004 rate
case settlement. The resulting amortizations of approximately $0.2 million for
the three months ended September 30, 2004 were included in rate recovery from
its customers and have no impact on SJG's net income. In addition, SJG has
incurred significant expense during the third quarter to improve controls to
ensure compliance with both SEC and New Jersey Board of Public Utility rules and
regulations. Partially offsetting these increases during the quarter and
throughout 2004 is the continued reduction in pension expense as a result of SJG
making a $9.1 million pension contribution in December 2003.
Other Operating Expenses - A summary of principal changes in other
operating expenses (in thousands):
Increase (Decrease)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2004 vs. 2003 2004 vs. 2003
------------- -------------
Maintenance $ 74 $ (82)
Depreciation (679) 130
Energy and Other Taxes 304 (144)
Depreciation decreased significantly during the third quarter of 2004
as a result of lower depreciation rates approved by the BPU as part of its
recent rate case settlement. SJG's composite depreciation rate was reduced from
2.9% to 2.4% effective July 8, 2004. Year-to-date results reflect a net increase
due to SJG's increased investment in property, plant and equipment. The increase
in Energy and Other Taxes during the quarter relates primarily to higher
revenue-based taxes and increases in taxable volumes of gas sold and transported
by SJG (See table under the caption, "Operating Revenues").
SJG-25
Other Income and Expense - Other income and expense was higher during
the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared with 2003 due to a pre-tax
gain of $686,000 on SJG's postretirement healthcare plan trust. The movement of
plan assets to a new investment manager triggered the recognition of gains on
investments.
Interest Charges - Interest charges decreased in both the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 compared with the respective periods
of the prior year due to reductions in short-term rates on line of credit
borrowings, the refunding of higher priced, fixed rate, long-term debt with
lower cost debt, and a lower total debt level. These refundings occurred
primarily during the second half of 2003 and were financed with long-term debt
issuances under our Medium Term Note program at significantly lower interest
rates compared with the previous long-term interest rates. We have incurred debt
primarily to expand and upgrade SJG's gas transmission and distribution system,
and to support seasonal working capital needs related to gas inventories and
customer receivables.
Income Taxes - SJG's total income taxes applicable to operations differ
from the tax that would have resulted by applying the statutory federal and
state income tax rates to pre-tax income as a result of various deferred tax
items. The account of Income Taxes - Flowthrough Depreciation, as shown on the
condensed balance sheets, is amortized at a rate of $245,000 per quarter and is
the primary cause of these differences. Due to the seasonal nature of our
operations, these tax variances may appear larger relative to the pre-tax income
during the second and third quarters when operating results are historically
lower.
Net (Loss) Income Applicable to Common Stock - During the third quarter
of 2004, SJG's net loss decreased $2.7 million, or 71%, to $(1.1) million as
compared with $(3.8) million in the same period of 2003. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2004, net income increased $4.1 million, or 25%, to $20.4
million compared with $16.3 million last year. Reasons for the increase in net
income in 2004 are discussed in detail above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources - Liquidity needs at SJG are driven by
factors that include natural gas commodity prices; the impact of weather on
customer bills; lags in fully collecting gas costs from customers under the
Basic Gas Supply Service charge; the timing of construction and remediation
expenditures and related permanent financings; mandated tax payment dates; and
both discretionary and required repayments of long-term debt.
We first seek to meet liquidity needs with net cash provided by
operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities varies from year
to year primarily due to the impact of weather on customer demand and related
gas purchases, inventory utilization and gas cost recoveries. We utilize
short-term borrowings under credit facilities provided by commercial banks to
supplement cash from operations where necessary.
Bank credit available to SJG totaled $176.0 million at September 30,
2004, of which $42.9 million was used. Those bank facilities consist of a $100.0
million revolving credit facility that expires in August 2006 and $76.0 million
of uncommitted bank lines. The revolving credit facility was established in
August 2003 with a syndicate of banks to enhance the liquidity position of SJG.
SJG-26
The revolving credit contains certain financial covenants measured on a
quarterly basis. SJG was in compliance with these covenants as of September 30,
2004. Based upon the existing credit facilities and a regular dialogue with our
banks, we believe that there will continue to be sufficient credit available to
meet our business' future liquidity needs.
SJG supplements its operating cash flow and credit lines with both debt
and equity capital. Over the years, SJG has used long-term debt, primarily in
the form of First Mortgage Bonds and Medium Term Notes (MTN), secured by the
same pool of assets as the First Mortgage Bonds, to finance its long-term
borrowing needs. These needs are primarily capital expenditures for property,
plant and equipment. Under a $150.0 million MTN program established in December
2002, SJG issued $85.5 million of long-term debt in July 2003. In September
2003, SJG issued an additional $24.5 million of MTNs. SJG issued the remaining
$40.0 million of notes under the MTN program in August 2004 at an average
interest rate of 5.66% and an average maturity of 17 years. All proceeds of the
issues were used to refinance short-term debt outstanding to commercial banks
and for the redemption of certain high-rate Securities. Maturities of long-term
debt in 2004 have totaled $6.8 million. In addition, SJG redeemed $15.0 million
of its 7.7% Medium Term Notes in July 2004. No additional maturities are
scheduled or redemptions are anticipated for the remainder of 2004. Maturities
of long-term debt over the next five calendar years are $5.3 million per year in
2005 through 2007, $1.5 million in 2008 and $0 in 2009.
SJG's capital structure was as follows:
As of As of
September 30, December 31,
2004 2003 2003
------ ------ ------
Common and Preferred Stock Equity 48% 38% 43%
Long-Term Debt 45% 56% 43%
Short-Term Debt 7% 6% 14%
--- ----- ----
Total 100% 100% 100%
==== ==== ====
SJG typically experiences seasonal fluctuations in leverage as
short-term debt has historically peaked in the November to January period in
support of high inventory and receivable levels. The seasonal low point for
short-term debt incurred in support of working capital usually occurs between
the end of March and the end of May each year. The ratios presented in the chart
above reflect a conscious effort by management to increase the percentage of
equity in SJG's capital structure over the past year.
SJI contributed $15.0 million and $20.0 million of capital to SJG
during 2004 and 2003, respectively. Contributions of capital are credited to
Other Paid-in Capital and Premium on Common Stock.
Capital Expenditures, Commitments and Contingencies
Capital Expenditures - SJG has a continuing need for cash resources and
capital, primarily to invest in new and replacement facilities and equipment and
SJG-27
for environmental remediation costs. Net construction and remediation
expenditures for the first nine months of 2004 amounted to $48.3 million. We
estimate the net costs for 2004, 2005 and 2006 at approximately $74.9 million,
$54.9 million and $50.5 million, respectively.
Commitments and Contingencies - SJG has certain commitments for both
pipeline capacity and gas supply for which it pays fees regardless of usage.
Those commitments as of September 30, 2004 averaged $44.7 million annually and
totaled $221.7 million over the contracts' lives, with expirations ranging from
one to 13 years. We expect to renew each of these contracts under renewal
provisions as provided in each contract. SJG recovers all prudently incurred
fees through rates via the Basic Gas Supply Service clause.
SJG's long-term, senior secured debt is rated "A" and "Baa1" by
Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services, respectively. These ratings
have not changed in the past five years.
The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and
their applicable payment due dates (in thousands):
Up to Years Years More than
Contractual Obligations Total 1 Year 2 & 3 4 & 5 5 Years
----------------------- ----- ------ ----- ----- -------
Long-Term Debt $ 287,281 $ 5,273 $ 10,543 $ 1,500 $ 269,965
Operating Leases 701 373 262 47 19
Construction Obligations 10,700 10,700 - - -
Commodity Supply
Purchase Obligations 221,686 43,174 80,340 66,092 32,080
Other Purchase Obligations 4,297 3,594 703 - -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Contractual Cash Obligations $ 524,665 $ 63,114 $ 91,848 $ 67,639 $ 302,064
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Expected environmental remediation costs are not included in the table
above due to the subjective nature of such costs and time of anticipated
payments.
SJG is evaluating the impact of making contributions to its pension
plan and expects to contribute approximately $3.6 million in equal quarterly
installments to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2004.
SJG is subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of business and
other legal proceedings. We accrue liabilities related to claims when we can
determine the amount or range of amounts of likely settlement costs for those
claims. Among other actions, SJG was named in a breach of contract claim with a
vendor and a class action suit regarding the proximity of gas meters to
driveways. Management does not currently anticipate the disposition of any known
claims to have a material adverse effect on SJG's financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
SJG-28
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for each of the periods indicated is as follows:
Twelve Months
Ended Year Ended December 31,
September 30, ----------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
3.8x 3.3x 2.9x 2.6x 2.6x 2.5x
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges represents, on a pre-tax basis,
the number of times earnings covers fixed charges. Earnings consist of net
income, to which has been added fixed charges and taxes based on income of the
Company before discontinued operations. Fixed charges consist of interest
charges and preferred securities dividend requirements and an interest factor in
rentals.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risks of the Company (Unaudited)
Commodity Market Risks - SJG is a regulated utility. As such, we
recover gas commodity costs under the Basic Gas Supply Service Clause that is
part of our tariff and are protected from gas cost fluctuations by the clause.
Interest Rate Risk - Our exposure to interest rate risk relates
primarily to short-term, variable rate borrowings. Our short-term, variable rate
debt outstanding at September 30, 2004 was $42.9 million and averaged $35.0
million for the first nine months of 2004. A hypothetical 100 basis point
(b.p.), or 1%, increase in interest rates on our average variable rate debt
outstanding would result in a $207,000 increase in our annual interest expense,
net of tax. We chose the 100 basis point increase for illustrative purposes, as
it provides a simple basis for calculating the impact of interest rate changes
under a variety of interest rate scenarios. Over the past five years, the change
in basis points (b.p.) of our average monthly interest rates from the beginning
to end of each year was as follows: 2003 - 31 b.p. decrease; 2002 - 74 b.p.
decrease; 2001 - 383 b.p. decrease; 2000 - 83 b.p. increase; and 1999 - 81 b.p.
increase. For September 2004, our average interest rate on variable rate debt
was 2.17%.
SJG primarily issues long-term debt at fixed rates and, consequently,
interest expense on existing debt is not significantly impacted by changes in
market interest rates. SJG redeemed, at par, $1.5 million of 8.6% debenture
notes in February 2004 and $15.0 million of 7.7% Medium Term Notes in July 2004.
SJG-29
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
SJG management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based
on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring
that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has
been made known to them in a timely fashion.
No change in SJG's internal control over financial reporting occurred
during SJG's third fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial
reporting.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item l. Legal Proceedings
Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Part
I, Item 1, Note 5, beginning on page 15.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
10.1 First Amendment to Three-Year Revolving
Credit Agreement.
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and
(b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18,
United States Code).
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and
(b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18,
United States Code).
SJG-30
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated: November 15, 2004 By: /s/ Edward J. Graham
-----------------------------------------
Edward J. Graham
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dated: November 15, 2004 By: /s/ David A. Kindlick
------------------------------------------
David A. Kindlick
Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
SJG-31