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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 20192020
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 1-3880
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey13-1086010
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6363 Main Street
Williamsville,New York14221
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(716) (716) 857-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per shareNFGNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes      No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes    No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.      
Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES    NO 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding at January 31, 2020: 86,560,8982021: 91,163,446 shares.



GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
Frequently used abbreviations, acronyms, or terms used in this report:
 
National Fuel Gas Companies
CompanyThe Registrant, the Registrant and its subsidiaries or the Registrant’s subsidiaries as appropriate in the context of the disclosure
Distribution CorporationNational Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
EmpireEmpire Pipeline, Inc.
Midstream CompanyNational Fuel Gas Midstream Company, LLC
National FuelNational Fuel Gas Company
NFRNational Fuel Resources, Inc.
RegistrantNational Fuel Gas Company
SenecaSeneca Resources Company, LLC
Supply CorporationNational Fuel Gas Supply Corporation
Regulatory Agencies
CFTCRegulatory Agencies
CFTCCommodity Futures Trading Commission
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
NYDECNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation
NYPSCState of New York Public Service Commission
PaDEPPennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
PaPUCPennsylvania Public Utility Commission
SECPHMSAPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
Other
20192020 Form 10-KThe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 20192020
2017 Tax Reform ActTax legislation referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act," enacted December 22, 2017.
BblBarrel (of oil)
BcfBillion cubic feet (of natural gas)
Bcfe (or Mcfe) –  represents Bcf (or Mcf) EquivalentThe total heat value (Btu) of natural gas and oil expressed as a volume of natural gas. The Company uses a conversion formula of 1 barrel of oil = 6 Mcf of natural gas.
BtuBritish thermal unit; the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit
Capital expenditureRepresents additions to property, plant, and equipment, or the amount of money a company spends to buy capital assets or upgrade its existing capital assets.
Cashout revenuesA cash resolution of a gas imbalance whereby a customer (e.g. a marketer) pays for gas the customer receives in excess of amounts delivered into pipeline/storage or distribution systems by the customer’s shipper.
CLCPALegislation referred to as the "Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act," enacted by the State of New York on July 18, 2019.
Degree dayA measure of the coldness of the weather experienced, based on the extent to which the daily average temperature falls below a reference temperature, usually 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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DerivativeA financial instrument or other contract, the terms of which include an underlying variable (a price, interest rate, index rate, exchange rate, or other variable) and a notional amount (number of units, barrels, cubic feet, etc.).  The terms also permit for the instrument or contract to be settled net and no initial net investment is required to enter into the financial instrument or contract.  Examples include futures contracts, forward contracts, options, no cost collars and swaps.
Development costsCosts incurred to obtain access to proved oil and gas reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas
Dodd-Frank ActDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
DthDecatherm; one Dth of natural gas has a heating value of 1,000,000 British thermal units, approximately equal to the heating value of 1 Mcf of natural gas.
Exchange ActSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Expenditures for long-lived assetsIncludes capital expenditures, stock acquisitions and/or investments in partnerships.
Exploration costsCosts incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination, as well as costs incurred in examining specific areas, including drilling exploratory wells.
Exploratory wellA well drilled in unproven or semi-proven territory for the purpose of ascertaining the presence underground of a commercial hydrocarbon deposit.
FERC 7(c) applicationAn application to the FERC under Section 7(c) of the federal Natural Gas Act for authority to construct, operate (and provide services through) facilities to transport or store natural gas in interstate commerce.
Firm transportation and/or storageThe transportation and/or storage service that a supplier of such service is obligated by contract to provide and for which the customer is obligated to pay whether or not the service is utilized.
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GoodwillAn intangible asset representing the difference between the fair value of a company and the price at which a company is purchased.
HedgingA method of minimizing the impact of price, interest rate, and/or foreign currency exchange rate changes, often times through the use of derivative financial instruments.
HubLocation where pipelines intersect enabling the trading, transportation, storage, exchange, lending and borrowing of natural gas.
ICEIntercontinental Exchange. An exchange which maintains a futures market for crude oil and natural gas.
Interruptible transportation and/or storageThe transportation and/or storage service that, in accordance with contractual arrangements, can be interrupted by the supplier of such service, and for which the customer does not pay unless utilized.
LDCLocal distribution company
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
LIFOLast-in, first-out
Marcellus ShaleA Middle Devonian-age geological shale formation that is present nearly a mile or more below the surface in the Appalachian region of the United States, including much of Pennsylvania and southern New York.
MbblThousand barrels (of oil)
McfThousand cubic feet (of natural gas)
MD&AManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MDthThousand decatherms (of natural gas)
MMBtuMillion British thermal units (heating value of one decatherm of natural gas)
MMcfMillion cubic feet (of natural gas)

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NGAThe Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended; the federal law regulating interstate natural gas pipeline and storage companies, among other things, codified beginning at 15 U.S.C. Section 717.
NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange.  An exchange which maintains a futures market for crude oil and natural gas.
Open SeasonA bidding procedure used by pipelines to allocate firm transportation or storage capacity among prospective shippers, in which all bids submitted during a defined time period are evaluated as if they had been submitted simultaneously.
Precedent AgreementAn agreement between a pipeline company and a potential customer to sign a service agreement after specified events (called “conditions precedent”) happen, usually within a specified time.
Proved developed reservesReserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
Proved undeveloped (PUD) reservesReserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required to make these reserves productive.
ReservesThe unproduced but recoverable oil and/or gas in place in a formation which has been proven by production.
Revenue decoupling mechanismA rate mechanism which adjusts customer rates to render a utility financially indifferent to throughput decreases resulting from conservation.
S&PStandard & Poor’s Rating Service
SARStock appreciation right
Service agreementThe binding agreement by which the pipeline company agrees to provide service and the shipper agrees to pay for the service.
Stock acquisitionsInvestments in corporations
Utica ShaleA Middle Ordovician-age geological formation lying several thousand feet below the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian region of the United States, including much of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and southern New York.
VEBAVoluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association
WNCWeather normalization clause; a clause in utility rates which adjusts customer rates to allow a utility to recover its normal operating costs calculated at normal temperatures.  If temperatures during the measured period are warmer than normal, customer rates are adjusted upward in order to recover projected operating costs.  If temperatures during the measured period are colder than normal, customer rates are adjusted downward so that only the projected operating costs will be recovered.




4



INDEXPage
INDEXPage
6 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities 
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 
Item 5.  Other Information 
 
The Company has nothing to report under this item.
 
All references to a certain year in this report are to the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30 of that year, unless otherwise noted.


5



Part I.  Financial Information
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings
Reinvested in the Business
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Common Share Amounts)2019 2018(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Common Share Amounts)20202019
INCOME   INCOME
Operating Revenues:   Operating Revenues:
Utility and Energy Marketing Revenues$228,026
 $272,092
Utility and Energy Marketing Revenues$189,466 $228,026 
Exploration and Production and Other Revenues167,193
 163,937
Exploration and Production and Other Revenues192,035 167,193 
Pipeline and Storage and Gathering Revenues48,969
 54,218
Pipeline and Storage and Gathering Revenues59,659 48,969 
444,188
 490,247
441,160 444,188 
   
Operating Expenses:   Operating Expenses:
Purchased Gas92,272
 138,660
Purchased Gas51,620 92,272 
Operation and Maintenance:   Operation and Maintenance:
Utility and Energy Marketing43,256
 43,915
Utility and Energy Marketing44,886 43,256 
Exploration and Production and Other36,693
 32,795
Exploration and Production and Other42,027 36,693 
Pipeline and Storage and Gathering25,885
 24,934
Pipeline and Storage and Gathering28,098 25,885 
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes23,144
 24,005
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes22,781 23,144 
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization74,918
 64,255
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization83,120 74,918 
Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing PropertiesImpairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties76,152 
296,168
 328,564
348,684 296,168 
Gain on Sale of Timber PropertiesGain on Sale of Timber Properties51,066 
Operating Income148,020
 161,683
Operating Income143,542 148,020 
Other Income (Expense):   Other Income (Expense):
Other Income (Deductions)(3,040) (9,602)Other Income (Deductions)(2,176)(3,040)
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt(25,443) (25,439)Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt(32,256)(25,443)
Other Interest Expense(1,551) (1,073)Other Interest Expense(1,919)(1,551)
Income Before Income Taxes117,986
 125,569
Income Before Income Taxes107,191 117,986 
Income Tax Expense31,395
 22,909
Income Tax Expense29,417 31,395 
   
Net Income Available for Common Stock86,591
 102,660
Net Income Available for Common Stock77,774 86,591 
   
EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS   EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS
Balance at Beginning of Period1,272,601
 1,098,900
Balance at Beginning of Period991,630 1,272,601 
1,359,192
 1,201,560
1,069,404 1,359,192 
   
Dividends on Common Stock(37,650) (36,663)Dividends on Common Stock(40,560)(37,650)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging(950) 
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging(950)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for
Financial Assets and Liabilities

 7,437
Balance at December 31$1,320,592
 $1,172,334
Balance at December 31$1,028,844 $1,320,592 
   
Earnings Per Common Share:   Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic:   Basic:
Net Income Available for Common Stock$1.00
 $1.19
Net Income Available for Common Stock$0.85 $1.00 
Diluted:   Diluted:
Net Income Available for Common Stock$1.00
 $1.18
Net Income Available for Common Stock$0.85 $1.00 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:   Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Used in Basic Calculation86,378,450
 86,032,729
Used in Basic Calculation91,007,657 86,378,450 
Used in Diluted Calculation86,883,152
 86,708,814
Used in Diluted Calculation91,508,259 86,883,152 
Dividends Per Common Share:   Dividends Per Common Share:
Dividends Declared$0.435
 $0.425
Dividends Declared$0.445 $0.435 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6



National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars) 2019 2018(Thousands of U.S. Dollars) 20202019
Net Income Available for Common Stock$86,591
 $102,660
Net Income Available for Common Stock$77,774 $86,591 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax:

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax:
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period495
 44,518
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period48,021 495 
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized (Gains) Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income(7,352) 20,517
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized (Gains) Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income311 (7,352)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging1,313
 
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging1,313 
Reclassification Adjustment for the Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Financial Assets and Liabilities to Earnings Reinvested in the Business
 (11,738)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax(5,544) 53,297
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax48,332 (5,544)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period119
 12,744
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period13,230 119 
Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Realized Losses (Gains) from Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income(2,031) 5,794
Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Realized Losses (Gains) from Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income86 (2,031)
Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging363
 
Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging363 
Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on the Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Financial Assets and Liabilities to Earnings Reinvested in the Business
 (4,301)
Income Taxes – Net(1,549) 14,237
Income Taxes – Net13,316 (1,549)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(3,995) 39,060
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)35,016 (3,995)
Comprehensive Income$82,596
 $141,720
Comprehensive Income$112,790 $82,596 
 































See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7



National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
December 31,
2020
September 30, 2020
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
ASSETS  
Property, Plant and Equipment$12,495,227 $12,351,852 
Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization6,503,561 6,353,785 
 5,991,666 5,998,067 
Assets Held for Sale, Net53,424 
Current Assets  
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments109,413 20,541 
Receivables – Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $26,221 and $22,810, Respectively178,584 143,583 
Unbilled Revenue45,829 17,302 
Gas Stored Underground19,648 33,338 
Materials, Supplies and Emission Allowances51,694 51,877 
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs367 
Other Current Assets47,904 47,557 
           453,439 314,198 
Other Assets  
Recoverable Future Taxes117,431 118,310 
Unamortized Debt Expense11,870 12,297 
Other Regulatory Assets153,172 156,106 
Deferred Charges61,986 67,131 
Other Investments145,921 154,502 
Goodwill5,476 5,476 
Prepaid Post-Retirement Benefit Costs80,032 76,035 
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments18,094 9,308 
Other81 81 
                   594,063 599,246 
Total Assets$7,039,168 $6,964,935 
 December 31,
2019
 September 30, 2019
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)   
ASSETS   
Property, Plant and Equipment$11,402,308
 $11,204,838
Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization5,756,084
 5,695,328
 5,646,224
 5,509,510
Current Assets 
  
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments34,966
 20,428
Hedging Collateral Deposits9,666
 6,832
Receivables – Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $26,717and $25,788, Respectively158,944
 139,956
Unbilled Revenue58,306
 18,758
Gas Stored Underground29,991
 36,632
Materials and Supplies - at average cost40,373
 40,717
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs1,619
 2,246
Other Current Assets96,831
 97,054
           430,696
 362,623
    
Other Assets 
  
Recoverable Future Taxes116,188
 115,197
Unamortized Debt Expense13,578
 14,005
Other Regulatory Assets165,409
 167,320
Deferred Charges56,936
 33,843
Other Investments141,229
 144,917
Goodwill5,476
 5,476
Prepaid Post-Retirement Benefit Costs64,999
 60,517
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments40,569
 48,669
Other                  21,354
 80
                   625,738
 590,024
    
Total Assets$6,702,658
 $6,462,157












See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



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National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
December 31,
2019
 September 30, 2019 December 31,
2020
September 30, 2020
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)   (Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES   CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES  
Capitalization:   Capitalization:  
Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity   Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity  
Common Stock, $1 Par Value   Common Stock, $1 Par Value  
Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued And Outstanding – 86,551,528 Shares
and 86,315,287 Shares, Respectively
$86,552
 $86,315
Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued And Outstanding – 91,152,710 Shares
and 90,954,696 Shares, Respectively
Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued And Outstanding – 91,152,710 Shares
and 90,954,696 Shares, Respectively
$91,153 $90,955 
Paid in Capital831,146
 832,264
Paid in Capital1,004,369 1,004,158 
Earnings Reinvested in the Business1,320,592
 1,272,601
Earnings Reinvested in the Business1,028,844 991,630 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(56,150) (52,155)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(79,741)(114,757)
Total Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity
2,182,140
 2,139,025
Total Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity2,044,625 1,971,986 
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion and Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs2,134,339
 2,133,718
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion and Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs2,130,473 2,629,576 
Total Capitalization
4,316,479
 4,272,743
Total Capitalization4,175,098 4,601,562 
   
Current and Accrued Liabilities 
  
Current and Accrued Liabilities  
Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper139,800
 55,200
Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper25,000 30,000 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt500,000 
Accounts Payable126,985
 132,208
Accounts Payable96,905 134,126 
Amounts Payable to Customers3,444
 4,017
Amounts Payable to Customers5,823 10,788 
Dividends Payable37,650
 37,547
Dividends Payable40,560 40,475 
Interest Payable on Long-Term Debt29,461
 18,508
Interest Payable on Long-Term Debt45,350 27,521 
Customer Advances13,727
 13,044
Customer Advances16,032 15,319 
Customer Security Deposits15,510
 16,210
Customer Security Deposits17,623 17,199 
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities173,603
 139,600
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities154,377 140,176 
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments6,282
 5,574
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments4,513 43,969 
546,462
 421,908
906,183 459,573 
   
Deferred Credits 
  
Deferred Credits  
Deferred Income Taxes708,774
 653,382
Deferred Income Taxes735,236 696,054 
Taxes Refundable to Customers361,556
 366,503
Taxes Refundable to Customers357,354 357,508 
Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability222,172
 221,699
Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability234,641 230,079 
Other Regulatory Liabilities148,350
 142,367
Other Regulatory Liabilities168,188 161,573 
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liabilities129,616
 133,729
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liabilities124,097 127,181 
Asset Retirement Obligations128,382
 127,458
Asset Retirement Obligations192,682 192,228 
Other Deferred Credits140,867
 122,368
Other Deferred Credits145,689 139,177 
1,839,717
 1,767,506
1,957,887 1,903,800 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
   
Total Capitalization and Liabilities$6,702,658
 $6,462,157
Total Capitalization and Liabilities$7,039,168 $6,964,935 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

9



National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
                                                        Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)20202019
OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
Net Income Available for Common Stock$77,774 $86,591 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:  
Gain on Sale of Timber Properties(51,066)
Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties76,152 
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization83,120 74,918 
Deferred Income Taxes26,591 51,366 
Stock-Based Compensation3,933 3,266 
Other2,887 1,911 
Change in:  
Receivables and Unbilled Revenue(63,606)(58,655)
Gas Stored Underground and Materials, Supplies and Emission Allowances13,873 6,985 
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs(367)627 
Other Current Assets(251)14 
Accounts Payable(541)8,280 
Amounts Payable to Customers(4,965)(573)
Customer Advances713 683 
Customer Security Deposits424 (700)
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities27,615 15,438 
Other Assets10,066 (28,259)
Other Liabilities2,391 5,857 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities204,743 167,749 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
Capital Expenditures(183,301)(198,495)
Net Proceeds from Sale of Timber Properties104,582 
Other11,849 5,212 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(66,870)(193,283)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
Changes in Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper(5,000)84,600 
Dividends Paid on Common Stock(40,475)(37,547)
Net Repurchases of Common Stock(3,526)(4,147)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities(49,001)42,906 
Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash88,872 17,372 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at October 120,541 27,260 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at December 31$109,413 $44,632 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Non-Cash Investing Activities:  
Non-Cash Capital Expenditures$52,142 $93,838 
                                                        Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)                                  2019 2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
  
Net Income Available for Common Stock$86,591
 $102,660
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: 
  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization74,918
 64,255
Deferred Income Taxes51,366
 64,175
Stock-Based Compensation3,266
 5,311
Other1,911
 2,182
Change in: 
  
Receivables and Unbilled Revenue(58,655) (101,541)
Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies6,985
 8,353
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs627
 (4,496)
Other Current Assets14
 (1,195)
Accounts Payable8,280
 1,502
Amounts Payable to Customers(573) (3,394)
Customer Advances683
 (6,258)
Customer Security Deposits(700) (1,861)
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities15,438
 38,412
Other Assets(28,259) (42,400)
Other Liabilities5,857
 (21,333)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities167,749
 104,372
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
  
Capital Expenditures(198,495) (177,567)
Other                                             5,212
 (2,549)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(193,283) (180,116)
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
  
Changes in Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper84,600
 
Dividends Paid on Common Stock(37,547) (36,532)
Net Repurchases of Common Stock(4,147) (8,233)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities42,906
 (44,765)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash17,372
 (120,509)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at October 127,260
 233,047
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at December 31$44,632
 $112,538
    
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information   
Non-Cash Investing Activities: 
  
Non-Cash Capital Expenditures$93,838
 $86,175






 See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

10



National Fuel Gas Company
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation.The Company consolidates all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The Company uses proportionate consolidation when accounting for drilling arrangements related to oil and gas producing properties accounted for under the full cost method of accounting.
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.

Earnings for Interim Periods.  The Company, in its opinion, has included all adjustments (which consist of only normally recurring adjustments, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-Q) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the reported periods. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included herein, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 20172018 that are included in the Company's 20192020 Form 10-K.  The consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 20202021 will be audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm after the end of the fiscal year.
 
The earnings for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 should not be taken as a prediction of earnings for the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2020.2021.  Most of the business of both the Utility segment and the Company's NFR operations (included in the All Other category) is seasonal in nature and is influenced by weather conditions.  Due to the seasonal nature of the heating business in the Utility segment, and in the Company's NFR operations, earnings during the winter months normally represent a substantial part of the earnings that those businesses arethis business is expected to achieve for the entire fiscal year.  The Company’s business segments are discussed more fully in Note 9 Business Segment Information.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  The components, as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, of the total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash presented on the Statement of Cash Flows are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
 Balance at
October 1, 2020
Balance at
December 31, 2020
Balance at
October 1, 2019
Balance at
December 31, 2019
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments$20,541 $109,413 $20,428 $34,966 
Hedging Collateral Deposits6,832 9,666 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$20,541 $109,413 $27,260 $44,632 
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31, 2019
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31, 2018
 Balance at October 1, 2019 Balance at December 31, 2019 Balance at October 1, 2018 Balance at December 31, 2018
        
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments$20,428
 $34,966
 $229,606
 $109,754
Hedging Collateral Deposits6,832
 9,666
 3,441
 2,784
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$27,260
 $44,632
 $233,047
 $112,538


The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity date of generally three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s restricted cash is composed entirely of amounts reported as Hedging Collateral Deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Hedging Collateral Deposits is an account title for cash held in margin accounts funded by the Company to serve as collateral for hedging positions. In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company does not offset hedging collateral deposits paid or received against related derivative financial instruments liability or asset balances.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The allowance is determined based on historical experience, the age of customer accounts, other specific information about customer accounts, and the economic environment. Account balances are charged off against the allowance twelve months after the account is final billed or when it is anticipated that the receivable will not be recovered. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has suspended collection and termination activity for non-payments in its Utility service territories. To date, despite the economic conditions that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has not experienced a significant reduction in the rate at which its customers pay their bills. However, as the winter heating season progresses, the Company is anticipating that customer non-payment may increase given higher natural gas usage and the resulting increase in costs for customers.
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Activity in the allowance for uncollectible accounts for the three months ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:

Balance at Beginning of PeriodAdditions Charged to Costs and ExpensesAdd:
Discounts on Purchased Receivables
Deduct:
Net Accounts Receivable Written-Off
Balance at End of Period
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts$22,810 $4,679 $170 $1,438 $26,221 

Gas Stored Underground.  In the Utility segment, gas stored underground is carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, on a LIFO method.  Gas stored underground normally declines during the first and second quarters of the year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters.  In the Utility segment, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.”  Such reserve, which amounted to $1.1$1.8 million at December 31, 2019,2020, is reduced to 0 by September 30 of each year as the inventory is replenished.

Materials, Supplies and Emission Allowances. The components of the Company's materials, supplies and emission allowances are as follows:
At December 31, 2020At September 30, 2020
Materials and Supplies - at average cost$33,676 $33,859 
Emission Allowances18,018 18,018 
$51,694 $51,877 

Property, Plant and Equipment. In the Company’s Exploration and Production segment, oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development costs are capitalized under the full cost method of accounting. Under this methodology, all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized, including internal costs directly identified with acquisition, exploration and development activities. The internal costs that are capitalized do not include any costs

11

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related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities. The Company does not recognize any gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to a cost center. The Company's capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, were $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion at both December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019.2020, respectively.
 
Capitalized costs include costs related to unproved properties, which are excluded from amortization until proved reserves are found or it is determined that the unproved properties are impaired.  Such costs amounted to $57.9$134.9 million and $53.5$148.1 million at December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019,2020, respectively.  All costs related to unproved properties are reviewed quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is transferred to the pool of capitalized costs being amortized.
 
Capitalized costs are subject to the SEC full cost ceiling test. The ceiling test, which is performed each quarter, determines a limit, or ceiling, on the amount of property acquisition, exploration and development costs that can be capitalized. The ceiling under this test represents (a) the present value of estimated future net cash flows, excluding future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet, using a discount factor of 10%, which is computed by applying prices of oil and gas (as adjusted for hedging) to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet, less estimated future expenditures, plus (b) the cost of unevaluated properties not being depleted, less (c) income tax effects related to the differences between the book and tax basis of the properties. The gas and oil prices used to calculate the full cost ceiling are based on an unweighted arithmetic average of the first day of the month oil and gas prices for each month within the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period. If capitalized costs, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the ceiling at the end of any quarter, a permanent non-cash impairment is required to be charged to earnings in that quarter.  At December 31, 2019, the ceiling exceeded theThe book value of the oil and gas properties by approximately $59.1 million.exceeded the ceiling at December 31, 2020. As such, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $76.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. A deferred income tax benefit of $21.0 million related to the non-cash impairment charge was also recognized for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. In
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adjusting estimated future cash flows for hedging under the ceiling test at December 31, 2019,2020, estimated future net cash flows were increased by $9.1$183.0 million.
    
    The principal assets of the Utility, Pipeline and Storage and Gathering segments, consisting primarily of gas distribution pipelines, transmission pipelines, storage facilities, gathering lines and compressor stations, are recorded at historical cost. Despite the economic conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no indications of any impairments to property, plant and equipment in the Utility, Pipeline and Storage and Gathering segments at December 31, 2020. Management will continue to monitor the situation on a quarterly basis.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.Income (Loss).  The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss) and changes for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, net of related tax effect, are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits) (in thousands): 
 Gains and Losses on Derivative Financial InstrumentsFunded Status of the Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit PlansTotal
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
Balance at October 1, 2020$(24,865)$(89,892)$(114,757)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications34,791 34,791 
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)225 225 
Balance at December 31, 2020$10,151 $(89,892)$(79,741)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
Balance at October 1, 2019$34,675 $(86,830)$(52,155)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications376 376 
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(5,321)(5,321)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging950 950 
Balance at December 31, 2019$30,680 $(86,830)$(56,150)
 Gains and Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Gains and Losses on Securities Available for Sale Funded Status of the Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Total
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019       
Balance at October 1, 2019$34,675
 $
 $(86,830) $(52,155)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications376
 
 
 376
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(5,321) 
 
 (5,321)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging950
 
 
 950
Balance at December 31, 2019$30,680
 $
 $(86,830) $(56,150)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018       
Balance at October 1, 2018$(28,611) $7,437
 $(46,576) $(67,750)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications31,774
 
 
 31,774
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)14,723
 
 
 14,723
Reclassification Adjustment for the Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Financial Assets and Liabilities
 (7,437) 
 (7,437)
Balance at December 31, 2018$17,886
 $
 $(46,576) $(28,690)


In August 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changeschanged the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities and to simplify the application of hedge accounting.

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The Company adopted this authoritative guidance effective October 1, 2019, recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings by $1.0 million and increased accumulated other comprehensive income by the same amount.

In January 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the recognition and measurement
13

Table of financial assets and liabilities. The authoritative guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. All equity investments in unconsolidated entities will be measured at fair value through earnings rather than through accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted this authoritative guidance effective October 1, 2018 and, as called for by the modified retrospective method of adoption, recorded a cumulative effect adjustment during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 to increase retained earnings by $7.4 million and decrease accumulated other comprehensive income by the same amount.Contents

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.Income (Loss). The details about the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive lossincome (loss) for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the income statement) (in thousands):
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ComponentsAmount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instrument Cash Flow Hedges: 
     Commodity Contracts($310)$7,541 Operating Revenues
     Commodity ContractsPurchased Gas
     Foreign Currency Contracts(1)(191)Operating Revenues
 (311)7,352 Total Before Income Tax
 86 (2,031)Income Tax Expense
 ($225)$5,321 Net of Tax
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 Three Months Ended December 31, 
 2019 2018 
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instrument Cash Flow Hedges:      
     Commodity Contracts 
$7,541
 
($18,522) Operating Revenues
     Commodity Contracts 2
 (902) Purchased Gas
     Foreign Currency Contracts (191) (1,093) Operating Revenues
  7,352
 (20,517) Total Before Income Tax
  (2,031) 5,794
 Income Tax Expense
  
$5,321
 
($14,723) Net of Tax

Other Current Assets.  The components of the Company’s Other Current Assets are as follows (in thousands):
                            At December 31, 2019 At September 30, 2019
    
Prepayments$9,135
 $12,728
Prepaid Property and Other Taxes15,340
 14,361
Federal Income Taxes Receivable42,389
 42,388
State Income Taxes Receivable5,576
 8,579
Fair Values of Firm Commitments9,803
 7,538
Regulatory Assets14,588
 11,460
 $96,831
 $97,054

                            At December 31, 2020At September 30, 2020
Prepayments$10,203 $12,851 
Prepaid Property and Other Taxes14,821 14,269 
State Income Taxes Receivable1,439 3,828 
Regulatory Assets21,441 16,609 
 $47,904 $47,557 

Other Assets.  The components of the Company’s Other Assets are as follows (in thousands):
                            At December 31, 2019 At September 30, 2019
    
Federal Income Taxes Receivable$21,273
 $
Other81
 80
 $21,354
 $80

 

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Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.  The components of the Company’s Other Accruals and Current Liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
                            At December 31, 2019 At September 30, 2019
    
Accrued Capital Expenditures$59,933
 $33,713
Regulatory Liabilities50,713
 50,332
Reserve for Gas Replacement1,100
 
Liability for Royalty and Working Interests20,052
 18,057
Non-Qualified Benefit Plan Liability13,194
 13,194
Other28,611
 24,304
 $173,603
 $139,600

                            At December 31, 2020At September 30, 2020
Accrued Capital Expenditures$34,840 $33,344 
Regulatory Liabilities41,402 44,890 
Reserve for Gas Replacement1,778 
Liability for Royalty and Working Interests22,869 15,665 
Non-Qualified Benefit Plan Liability14,460 14,460 
Other39,028 31,817 
 $154,377 $140,176 
 
Earnings Per Common Share.  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  For purposes of determining earnings per common share, the potentially dilutive securities the Company had outstanding were SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares. For the quarter ended December 31, 2019,2020, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding shown on the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects the potential dilution as a result of these securities as determined using the Treasury Stock Method. SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares that are antidilutive are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. There were 733,617373,378 securities and 318,106733,617 securities excluded as being antidilutive for the quarterquarters ended December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, respectively.

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Stock-Based Compensation. The Company granted 254,608309,470 performance shares during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020. The weighted average fair value of such performance shares was $43.32$39.19 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020. Performance shares are an award constituting units denominated in common stock of the Company, the number of which may be adjusted over a performance cycle based upon the extent to which performance goals have been satisfied.  Earned performance shares may be distributed in the form of shares of common stock of the Company, an equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company. The performance shares do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period.
 
Half of the performance shares granted during the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 must meet a performance goal related to relative return on capital over a three-year performance cycle.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s total return on capital relative to the total return on capital of other companies in a group selected by the Compensation Committee (“Report Group”).  Total return on capital for a given company means the average of the Report Group companies’ returns on capital for each twelve month period corresponding to each of the Company’s fiscal years during the performance cycle, based on data reported for the Report Group companies in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these performance shares that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value of these performance shares is calculated by multiplying the expected number of shares that will be issued by the average market price of Company common stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  The fair value is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.  The other half of the performance shares granted during the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 must meet a performance goal related to relative total shareholder return over a three-year performance cycle.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s three-year total shareholder return relative to the three-year total shareholder return of the other companies in the Report Group.  Three-year total shareholder return for a given company will be based on the data reported for that company (with the starting and ending stock prices over the performance cycle calculated as the average closing stock price for the prior calendar month and with dividends reinvested in that company’s securities at each ex-dividend date) in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these total shareholder return performance shares ("TSR performance shares") that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value price at the date of grant for the TSR performance shares is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique, which includes a reduction in value for the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  This price is multiplied by the number of TSR performance shares awarded, the result of which is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.
 
The Company granted 150,839 nonperformance-based170,113 restricted stock units during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020.  The weighted average fair value of such nonperformance-based restricted stock units was $40.38$38.00 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020.  Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (or the

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equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company) at the end of a specified time period. These nonperformance-based restricted stock units do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period. The accounting for nonperformance-based restricted stock units is the same as the accounting for restricted share awards, except that the fair value at the date of grant of the restricted stock units must be reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.

New Authoritative Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance. On October 1, 2020, the Company adopted authoritative guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. The new guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, which means that companies are required to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of the financial asset and the amount expected to be collected over the contractual life of the asset. Prior to adoption, the Company analyzed its financial assets measured at amortized cost, primarily trade receivables. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.

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Note 2 – Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures

    On December 10, 2020, the Company completed the sale of substantially all timber properties in Pennsylvania to Lyme Emporium Highlands III LLC and Lyme Allegheny Land Company II LLC for net proceeds of $104.6 million. At September 30, 2020, these assets, amounting to $53.4 million, which previously were recorded as Net Property, Plant and Equipment, were presented as Assets Held for Sale, Net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The assets were a component of the Company’s All Other category and did not have a major impact on the Company’s operations or financial results. After purchase price adjustments and transaction costs, a gain of $51.1 million was recognized on the sale of these assets. Since the sale did not represent a strategic shift in focus for the Company, the financial results associated with operating these assets as well as the gain on sale have not been reported as discontinued operations.

    The sale of the timber properties completed a reverse like-kind exchange pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (“Reverse 1031 Exchange”). On July 31, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain upstream assets and midstream gathering assets in Pennsylvania from SWEPI LP, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) for total consideration of $506.3 million. The purchase and sale agreement with Shell was structured, in part, as a Reverse 1031 Exchange. In connection with the Reverse 1031 Exchange, the Company, through a subsidiary, assigned the rights to acquire legal title to certain oil and natural gas properties to a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") formed by an exchange accommodation titleholder. From July 31, 2020 to December 10, 2020, a subsidiary of the Company operated the properties pursuant to a lease agreement with the VIE. As the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the VIE was included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Upon completion of the sale of the timber properties on December 10, 2020, the affected properties were conveyed to the Company and the VIE structure was terminated. Refer to Note B – Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures of the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K for additional information concerning the Company’s acquisition of certain upstream assets and midstream gathering assets from Shell.

Note 23 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers
 
The Company adopted authoritative guidance regarding revenue recognition on October 1, 2018 usingfollowing tables provide a disaggregation of the modified retrospective methodCompany's revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, presented by type of adoption for open contracts asservice from each reportable segment.
Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 (Thousands)   
Revenues By Type of ServiceExploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Production of Natural Gas$166,442 $$$$$$166,442 
Production of Crude Oil24,499 24,499 
Natural Gas Processing553 553 
Natural Gas Gathering Service47,009 (46,658)351 
Natural Gas Transportation Service64,825 29,021 (19,590)74,256 
Natural Gas Storage Service20,517 (8,763)11,754 
Natural Gas Residential Sales137,881 137,881 
Natural Gas Commercial Sales17,195 17,195 
Natural Gas Industrial Sales922 922 
Natural Gas Marketing585 (20)565 
Other211 2,422 (1,612)545 (108)1,458 
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers191,705 87,764 47,009 183,407 1,130 (75,139)435,876 
Alternative Revenue Programs5,594 5,594 
Derivative Financial Instruments(310)(310)
Total Revenues$191,395 $87,764 $47,009 $189,001 $1,130 $(75,139)$441,160 
16

Table of October 1, 2018. A cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was not necessary since no revenue recognition differences were identified when comparing the revenue recognition criteria under the new authoritative guidance to the previous guidance.Contents

Quarter Ended December 31, 2019 (Thousands)   
Revenues By Type of ServiceExploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Production of Natural Gas$119,874 $$$$$$119,874 
Production of Crude Oil37,664 37,664 
Natural Gas Processing688 688 
Natural Gas Gathering Service34,788 (34,788)
Natural Gas Transportation Service53,452 32,808 (16,986)69,274 
Natural Gas Storage Service18,426 (7,993)10,433 
Natural Gas Residential Sales144,370 144,370 
Natural Gas Commercial Sales18,841 18,841 
Natural Gas Industrial Sales1,270 1,270 
Natural Gas Marketing34,108 (177)33,931 
Other172 342 (3,324)1,120 (52)(1,742)
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers158,398 72,220 34,788 193,965 35,228 (59,996)434,603 
Alternative Revenue Programs2,860 2,860 
Derivative Financial Instruments7,541 (816)6,725 
Total Revenues$165,939 $72,220 $34,788 $196,825 $34,412 $(59,996)$444,188 
    The Company records revenue related to its derivative financial instruments in the Exploration and Production segment as well as in its NFR operations (included in the All Other category). The Company discontinued use of derivative financial instruments in its NFR operations upon completing the sale of its commercial and industrial contracts and certain other assets on August 1, 2020. The Company has been winding down its NFR operations since August 1, 2020 which has resulted in a significant reduction in natural gas marketing revenues as shown in the tables above. The Company also records revenue related to alternative revenue programs in its Utility segment. Revenue related to derivative financial instruments and alternative revenue programs are excluded from the scope of the new authoritative guidance since they are accounted for under other existing accounting guidance.

The following tables provide a disaggregation of the Company's revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, presented by type of service from each reportable segment. As reported in the Company's 2019 Form 10-K, the Company's NFR operations were previously reported as the Energy Marketing segment, however the Company is no longer reporting the energy marketing operations as a separate reportable segment. Prior year disaggregation of revenue information shown below has been restated to reflect this change in presentation.
Quarter Ended December 31, 2019 (Thousands)      
  
  
Revenues By Type of ServiceExploration and Production Pipeline and Storage Gathering Utility All Other Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations Total Consolidated
Production of Natural Gas$119,874
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $119,874
Production of Crude Oil37,664
 
 
 
 
 
 37,664
Natural Gas Processing688
 
 
 
 
 
 688
Natural Gas Gathering Services
 
 34,788
 
 
 (34,788) 
Natural Gas Transportation Service
 53,452
 
 32,808
 
 (16,986) 69,274
Natural Gas Storage Service
 18,426
 
 
 
 (7,993) 10,433
Natural Gas Residential Sales
 
 
 144,370
 
 
 144,370
Natural Gas Commercial Sales
 
 
 18,841
 
 
 18,841
Natural Gas Industrial Sales
 
 
 1,270
 
 
 1,270
Natural Gas Marketing
 
 
 
 34,108
 (177) 33,931
Other172
 342
 
 (3,324) 1,120
 (52) (1,742)
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers158,398
 72,220
 34,788
 193,965
 35,228
 (59,996) 434,603
Alternative Revenue Programs
 
 
 2,860
 
 
 2,860
Derivative Financial Instruments7,541
 
 
 
 (816) 
 6,725
Total Revenues$165,939
 $72,220
 $34,788
 $196,825
 $34,412
 $(59,996) $444,188

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Quarter Ended December 31, 2018 (Thousands)      
  
  
Revenues By Type of ServiceExploration and Production Pipeline and Storage Gathering Utility All Other Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations Total Consolidated
Production of Natural Gas$135,911
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $135,911
Production of Crude Oil37,555
 
 
 
 
 
 37,555
Natural Gas Processing975
 
 
 
 
 
 975
Natural Gas Gathering Services
 
 29,690
 
 
 (29,690) 
Natural Gas Transportation Service
 56,135
 
 35,631
 
 (17,065) 74,701
Natural Gas Storage Service
 18,929
 
 
 
 (7,973) 10,956
Natural Gas Residential Sales
 
 
 166,867
 
 
 166,867
Natural Gas Commercial Sales
 
 
 22,047
 
 
 22,047
Natural Gas Industrial Sales
 
 
 1,501
 
 
 1,501
Natural Gas Marketing
 
 
 
 49,287
 (332) 48,955
Other382
 2,005
 
 (2,861) 1,007
 (404) 129
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers174,823
 77,069
 29,690
 223,185
 50,294
 (55,464) 499,597
Alternative Revenue Programs
 
 
 (528) 
 
 (528)
Derivative Financial Instruments(11,947) 
 
 
 3,125
 
 (8,822)
Total Revenues$162,876
 $77,069
 $29,690
 $222,657
 $53,419
 $(55,464) $490,247

The Company’s Pipeline and Storage segment expects to recognize the following revenue amounts in future periods related to “fixed” charges associated with remaining performance obligations for transportation and storage contracts: $125.6$142.5 million for the remainder of fiscal 2020; $148.7 million for fiscal 2021; $121.8$170.7 million for fiscal 2022; $87.6$134.7 million for fiscal 2023; $77.4$123.5 million for fiscal 2024; $117.0 million for fiscal 2025; and $318.6$517.5 million thereafter.

Note 3 – Leases
On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted authoritative guidance regarding lease accounting, which requires entities that lease the use of property, plant and equipment to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by all leases, including leases classified as operating leases. The Company implemented the new standard using the optional transition method and elected to apply the following practical expedients provided in the authoritative guidance:

1.For contracts that commenced prior to and existed as of October 1, 2019, a package of practical expedients to not reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease, lease classification, and initial direct costs under the new authoritative guidance;
2.An election not to apply the recognition requirements in the new authoritative guidance to short-term leases (a lease that at commencement date has a lease term of one year or less);
3.A practical expedient to not reassess certain land easements that existed prior to October 1, 2019 and were not previously accounted for as leases under the prior authoritative guidance; and
4.A practical expedient that permits combining lease and non-lease components in a contract and accounting for the combination as a lease (elected by asset-class).

Upon adoption, the Company increased assets and liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet by $19.7 million. The adoption did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment to earnings reinvested in the business or have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income or Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Comparative periods, including disclosures relating to those periods, were not restated.


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Nature of Leases

The Company primarily leases building space and drilling rigs, and on a limited basis compressor equipment and other miscellaneous assets. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the arrangement. To the extent that an arrangement represents a lease, the Company classifies that lease as an operating or a finance lease in accordance with the authoritative guidance. As of December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any finance leases. Aside from a sublease of office space at the Company’s corporate headquarters, the Company does not have any material arrangements where the Company is the lessor.

Buildings and Property

The Company enters into building and property rental agreements with third parties for office space, certain field locations and other properties used in the Company’s operations. Building and property leases include the Company’s corporate headquarters in Williamsville, New York, and Exploration and Production segment offices in Houston, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The primary non-cancelable terms of the Company’s building and property leases range from six months to eleven years. Most building leases include one or more options to renew, generally at the Company’s sole discretion, with renewal terms that can extend the lease terms from one year to fourteen years. Renewal options are included in the lease term if they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The agreements do not contain any material restrictive covenants.

Drilling Rigs

The Company enters into contracts for drilling rig services with third party contractors to support Seneca’s development activities in Pennsylvania and California. Seneca’s drilling rig arrangements are structured with a non-cancelable primary term of one year or less. Upon mutual agreement with the contractor, Seneca has the option to extend the contract with amended terms and conditions, including a renegotiated day rate fee.

The Company has strategically entered into shorter-term drilling rig arrangements to allow for operational and financial flexibility to respond to changes in its operating and economic environment. The Company uses discretion in choosing to extend or not extend drilling rig contracts on a rig by rig basis depending on market and operating conditions present at the time the contract expires, including prices for natural gas and oil.

Due to these considerations, the Company concluded that it is not reasonably certain that it will elect to extend any of its drilling rig arrangements beyond their primary non-cancelable terms of one year or less. Consequently, the Company’s drilling rig leases are deemed to be short-term leases subject to the exemption for balance sheet recognition. These costs are capitalized as part of oil and natural gas properties on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when incurred.

Significant Judgments

Lease Identification

The Company uses judgment when determining whether or not an arrangement is or contains a lease. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to use an explicitly or implicitly identified asset that is physically distinct and the Company has the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period of time. When determining right of control, the Company evaluates whether it directs the use of the asset and obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset.

Discount Rate

The Company uses a discount rate to calculate the present value of lease payments in order to determine lease classification and measurement of the lease asset and liability. In the absence of a rate of interest that is readily determinable in the contract, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) for each lease. The IBR reflects the rate of interest that the Company would pay on the lease commencement date to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term in similar economic environments.

Firm Transportation and Storage Contracts

The Company’s subsidiaries enter into long-term arrangements to both reserve firm transportation capacity on third party pipelines and provide firm transportation and storage services to third party shippers. The Company’s firm capacity contracts with non-affiliated entities do not provide rights to use substantially all of the underlying pipeline or storage asset. As such, the Company has concluded that these arrangements are not leases under the authoritative guidance.

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Oil and Gas Leases

The new authoritative guidance does not apply to leases to explore for or use minerals, oil or natural gas resources, including the right to explore for those natural resources and rights to use the land in which those natural resources are contained. As such, the Company has concluded that its oil and gas exploration and production leases and gas storage leases are not leases under the authoritative guidance.

Amounts Recognized in the Financial Statements

Operating lease costs, excluding those relating to short-term drilling rig leases that are capitalized as part of oil and natural gas properties under full cost pool accounting, are presented in Operations and Maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s total operating lease costs (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31, 2019
  
Operating Lease Expense$974
Variable Lease Expense (1)
134
Short-Term Lease Expense (2)
64
Sublease Income(80)
Total Lease Expense$1,092
  
Short-Term Lease Costs Recorded to Property, Plant and Equipment (3)
$7,512

(1)
Variable lease payments that are not dependent on an index or rate are not included in the lease liability.
(2)
Short-term lease costs exclude expenses related to leases with a lease term of one month or less.
(3)
Short-term lease costs relating to drilling rig leases that are capitalized as part of oil and natural gas properties under full cost pool accounting.

Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of a leasing arrangement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As of December 31, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term was 8.7 years and the weighted average discount rate was 3.49%.

The Company’s right-of-use operating lease assets are reflected as Deferred Charges on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The corresponding operating lease liabilities are reflected in Other Accruals and Current Liabilities (current) and Other Deferred Credits (noncurrent). Short-term leases that have a lease term of one year or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following amounts related to operating leases were recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
Assets: 
Deferred Charges$18,940
  
Liabilities: 
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities$3,298
Other Deferred Credits$15,434


For the three months ended December 31, 2019, cash paid for operating liabilities, and reported in cash flows provided by operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, was $1.1 million. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company did not record any right-of-use assets in exchange for new lease liabilities.


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The following schedule of operating lease liability maturities summarizes the undiscounted lease payments owed by the Company to lessors pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019
  
2020 (remaining 9 months)$2,575
20212,813
20222,264
20232,270
20242,237
Thereafter9,717
Total Lease Payments21,876
Less: Interest(3,144)
Total Lease Liability$18,732

The future minimum operating lease payments as of September 30, 2019, as reported in the Company's 2019 Form 10-K, under the prior authoritative guidance are as follows (in thousands):
 At September 30, 2019
  
2020 (1)
$12,356
20212,813
20222,264
20232,270
20242,237
Thereafter9,717
Total Operating Lease Obligations$31,657

(1)
The future minimum operating lease payment amount for 2020 includes short-term leases, including drilling rigs, that are not included in the schedule of operating lease liability maturities above under the new authoritative guidance.

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements
 
The FASB authoritative guidance regarding fair value measurements establishes a fair-value hierarchy and prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques that measure fair value. Those inputs are prioritized into three levels. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly at the measurement date. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
 

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The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's financial assets and liabilities (as applicable) that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019.2020.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value presentation for over the counterover-the-counter swaps combines gas and oil swaps because a significant number of the counterparties enter into both gas and oil swap agreements with the Company.  
Recurring Fair Value MeasuresAt fair value as of December 31, 2020
(Thousands of Dollars)   Level 1Level 2Level 3
Netting
Adjustments(1)
Total(1)
Assets:     
Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds$89,114 $$$$89,114 
Derivative Financial Instruments:     
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil37,571 (19,204)18,367 
Over the Counter No Cost Collars – Gas(444)(444)
Foreign Currency Contracts1,027 (856)171 
Other Investments:     
Balanced Equity Mutual Fund32,226 32,226 
Fixed Income Mutual Fund70,223 70,223 
Common Stock – Financial Services Industry819 819 
Total$192,382 $38,598 $$(20,504)$210,476 
Liabilities:     
Derivative Financial Instruments:     
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil22,966 (19,204)3,762 
Over the Counter No Cost Collars – Gas1,734 (444)1,290 
Foreign Currency Contracts317 (856)(539)
Total$$25,017 $$(20,504)$4,513 
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)$192,382 $13,581 $$$205,963 
Recurring Fair Value MeasuresAt fair value as of September 30, 2020
(Thousands of Dollars)   Level 1Level 2Level 3
Netting
Adjustments(1)
Total(1)
Assets:
Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds$12,285 $$$$12,285 
Derivative Financial Instruments:
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil36,418 (26,400)10,018 
Over the Counter No Cost Collars – Gas(720)(720)
Foreign Currency Contracts259 (338)(79)
Other Investments:
Balanced Equity Mutual Fund39,618 39,618 
Fixed Income Mutual Fund72,253 72,253 
Common Stock – Financial Services Industry639 639 
Total$124,795 $36,677 $$(27,458)$134,014 
Liabilities:
Derivative Financial Instruments:
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil61,280 (26,400)34,880 
Over the Counter No Cost Collars – Gas8,171 (720)7,451 
Foreign Currency Contracts1,976 (338)1,638 
Total$$71,427 $$(27,458)$43,969 
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)$124,795 $(34,750)$$$90,045 

Recurring Fair Value MeasuresAt fair value as of December 31, 2019
(Thousands of Dollars)   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds$20,924
 $
 $
 $
 $20,924
Derivative Financial Instruments: 
  
  
  
  
Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas2,096
 
 
 (2,096) 
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil
 46,686
 
 (5,031) 41,655
Foreign Currency Contracts
 118
 
 (1,204) (1,086)
Other Investments: 
  
  
  
  
Balanced Equity Mutual Fund36,740
 
 
 
 36,740
Fixed Income Mutual Fund62,220
 
 
 
 62,220
Common Stock – Financial Services Industry933
 
 
 
 933
Hedging Collateral Deposits9,666
 
 
 
 9,666
Total                                           $132,579
 $46,804
 $
 $(8,331) $171,052
          
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
Derivative Financial Instruments: 
  
  
  
  
Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas$7,741
 $
 $
 $(2,096) $5,645
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil
 5,524
 
 (5,031) 493
Foreign Currency Contracts
 1,348
 
 (1,204) 144
Total$7,741
 $6,872
 $
 $(8,331) $6,282
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)$124,838
 $39,932
 $
 $
 $164,770
(1)Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
 
18
Recurring Fair Value MeasuresAt fair value as of September 30, 2019
(Thousands of Dollars)   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds$10,521
 $
 $
 $
 $10,521
Derivative Financial Instruments: 
  
  
  
  
Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas2,055
 
 
 (2,055) 
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil
 52,076
 
 (1,483) 50,593
Foreign Currency Contracts
 5
 
 (2,052) (2,047)
Other Investments: 
  
  
  
  
Balanced Equity Mutual Fund40,660
 
 
 
 40,660
Fixed Income Mutual Fund62,339
 
 
 
 62,339
Common Stock – Financial Services Industry844
 
 
 
 844
Hedging Collateral Deposits6,832
 
 
 
 6,832
Total                                           $123,251
 $52,081
 $
 $(5,590) $169,742
          
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
Derivative Financial Instruments: 
  
  
  
  
Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas$7,149
 $
 $
 $(2,055) $5,094
Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil
 1,671
 
 (1,483) 188
     Foreign Currency Contracts
 2,344
 
 (2,052) 292
Total$7,149
 $4,015
 $
 $(5,590) $5,574
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)$116,102
 $48,066
 $
 $
 $164,168

(1)
Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.

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Derivative Financial Instruments
 
At December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, the derivative financial instruments reported in Level 1 consist of natural gas NYMEX and ICE futures contracts used by NFR (included in the All Other category). Hedging collateral deposits of $9.7 million (at December 31, 2019) and $6.8 million (at September 30, 2019), which were associated with these futures contracts, have been reported in Level 1 as well.    The derivative financial instruments reported in Level 2 at December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 20192020 consist of natural gas price swap agreements, used in the Company’s Exploration and Production segment and in its NFR operations,natural gas no cost collars, crude oil price swap agreements, used in the Company’s Exploration and Production segment, basis hedge swap agreements used by NFR and foreign currency contracts, all of which are used in the Company'sCompany’s Exploration and Production segment. The fair value of the Level 2 price swap agreements and no cost collars is based on an internal, discounted cash flow model that uses observable inputs (i.e. LIBOR based discount rates and basis differential information, if applicable, at active natural gas and crude oil trading markets). The fair value of the Level 2 foreign currency contracts is determined using the market approach based on observable market transactions of forward Canadian currency rates. 
 
The accounting rules for fair value measurements and disclosures require consideration of the impact of nonperformance risk (including credit risk) from a market participant perspective in the measurement of the fair value of assets and liabilities.  At December 31, 2019,2020, the Company determined that nonperformance risk would have no material impact on its financial position or results of operation.  To assess nonperformance risk, the Company considered information such as any applicable collateral posted, master netting arrangements, and applied a market-based method by using the counterparty's (assuming the derivative is in a gain position) or the Company’s (assuming the derivative is in a loss position) credit default swaps rates.
 
For the quarters ended December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, there were 0 assets or liabilities measured at fair value and classified as Level 3. For the quarters ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 0 transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 occurred.

Note 5 – Financial Instruments
 
Long-Term Debt. The fair market value of the Company’s debt, as presented in the table below, was determined using a discounted cash flow model, which incorporates the Company’s credit ratings and current market conditions in determining the yield, and subsequently, the fair market value of the debt.  Based on these criteria, the fair market value of long-term debt, including current portion, was as follows (in thousands): 
 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
Long-Term Debt$2,134,339
 $2,253,232
 $2,133,718
 $2,257,085

 December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
 Carrying
Amount
Fair ValueCarrying
Amount
Fair Value
Long-Term Debt$2,630,473 $2,868,429 $2,629,576 $2,778,556 
 
The fair value amounts are not intended to reflect principal amounts that the Company will ultimately be required to pay. Carrying amounts for other financial instruments recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value. The fair value of long-term debt was calculated using observable inputs (U.S. Treasuries/LIBOR for the risk free component and company specific credit spread information – generally obtained from recent trade activity in the debt).  As such, the Company considers the debt to be Level 2.
 
Any temporary cash investments, notes payable to banks and commercial paper are stated at cost. Temporary cash investments are considered Level 1, while notes payable to banks and commercial paper are considered to be Level 2.  Given the short-term nature of the notes payable to banks and commercial paper, the Company believes cost is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Other Investments. The components of the Company's Other Investments are as follows (in thousands):
 At December 31, 2019 At September 30, 2019
    
Life Insurance Contracts$41,336
 $41,074
Equity Mutual Fund36,740
 40,660
Fixed Income Mutual Fund62,220
 62,339
Marketable Equity Securities933
 844
 $141,229
 $144,917


21



At December 31, 2020At September 30, 2020
Life Insurance Contracts$42,653 $41,992 
Equity Mutual Fund32,226 39,618 
Fixed Income Mutual Fund70,223 72,253 
Marketable Equity Securities819 639 
$145,921 $154,502 
 
Investments in life insurance contracts are stated at their cash surrender values or net present value. Investments in an equity mutual fund, a fixed income mutual fund and the stock of an insurance company (marketable equity securities) are stated
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at fair value based on quoted market prices with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The insurance contracts and marketable equity and fixed income securities are primarily informal funding mechanisms for various benefit obligations the Company has to certain employees.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage commodity price risk in the Exploration and Production segment as well as by NFR (included in the All Other category).segment. The Company enters into futures contractsover-the-counter no cost collars and over-the-counter swap agreements for natural gas and crude oil to manage the price risk associated with forecasted sales of gas and oil. In addition, the Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the risk of currency fluctuations associated with transportation costs denominated in Canadian currency in the Exploration and Production segment. These instruments are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company also enters into futures contracts and swaps, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges, to manage the price risk associated with forecasted gas purchases. The Company enters into futures contracts and swaps to mitigate risk associated with fixed price sales commitments, fixed price purchase commitments, and the decline in value of natural gas held in storage. These instruments are accounted for as fair value hedges. The duration of the Company’s combined cash flow and fair value commodity hedges does not typically exceed 5 years while the foreign currency forward contracts do not exceed 710 years. The Exploration and Production segment holds the majority of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

The Company has presented its net derivative assets and liabilities as “Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019.2020.  Substantially all of the derivative financial instruments reported on those line items relate to commodity contracts and a small portion relates to foreign currency forward contracts.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Prior to October 1, 2019, gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the the assessment

    As of effectiveness were recognized in current earnings rather than as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $6.5 million hedging ineffectiveness gain that impacted operating revenue. With the October 1, 2019 adoption of the authoritative guidance that changes the financial reporting of hedging relationships and simplifies the application of hedge accounting, derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge will no longer have hedge ineffectiveness or a component excluded from the assessment of the effectiveness.

As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had the following commodity derivative contracts (swaps and futures contracts)no cost collars) outstanding:
CommodityUnits
Natural Gas88.1282.0 
 Bcf (short positions)
Natural Gas2.7
 Bcf (long positions)
Crude Oil2,376,0001,605,000 
 Bbls (short positions)
As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company was hedging a total of $77.3$73.7 million of forecasted transportation costs denominated in Canadian dollars with foreign currency forward contracts (long positions).contracts.

As of December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had $41.8$13.6 million ($30.710.2 million after tax)after-tax) of net hedging gains included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance. It is expected that $39.1$3.3 million ($28.72.4 million after tax)after-tax) of unrealized gains will be reclassified into the Consolidated Statement of Income within the next 12 months as the underlying hedged transactions are recorded in earnings.

The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsAmount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on
the Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the
 Three Months Ended
 December 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of IncomeAmount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
 Three Months Ended
 December 31,
 20202019 20202019
Commodity Contracts$45,595 $(1,555)Operating Revenue$(310)$7,541 
Commodity Contracts1,131 Purchased Gas
Foreign Currency Contracts2,426 919 Operating Revenue(1)(191)
Total$48,021 $495  $(311)$7,352 
22



The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20192018 20192018
Commodity Contracts$(1,555)$50,052
Operating Revenue$7,541
$(18,522)
Commodity Contracts1,131
(1,279)Purchased Gas2
(902)
Foreign Currency Contracts919
(4,255)Operating Revenue(191)(1,093)
Total$495
$44,518
 $7,352
$(20,517)
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Fair Value Hedges
The Company utilizes fair value hedges to mitigate risk associated with fixed price sales commitments, fixed price purchase commitments and the decline in the value of certain natural gas held in storage. With respect to fixed price sales commitments, the Company enters into long positions to mitigate the risk of price increases for natural gas supplies that could occur after the Company enters into fixed price sales agreements with its customers. With respect to fixed price purchase commitments, the Company enters into short positions to mitigate the risk of price decreases that could occur after the Company locks into fixed price purchase deals with its suppliers. With respect to storage hedges, the Company enters into short positions to mitigate the risk of price decreases that could result in a lower of cost or net realizable value writedown of the value of natural gas in storage that is recorded in the Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2019, NFR had fair value hedges covering approximately 23.5 Bcf (23.3 Bcf of fixed price sales commitments and 0.2 Bcf of commitments related to the withdrawal of storage gas). For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk completely offset each other in current earnings, as shown below.

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging RelationshipsLocation of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative and Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
(In Thousands)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
(In Thousands)
Commodity ContractsOperating Revenues$(732)$732
Commodity ContractsPurchased Gas$
$
  $(732)$732
Credit Risk
 
The Company may be exposed to credit risk on any of the derivative financial instruments that are in a gain position. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that the Company would incur as a result of nonperformance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. To mitigate such credit risk, management performs a credit check, and then on a quarterly basis monitors counterparty credit exposure. The majority of the Company’s counterparties are financial institutions and energy traders. The Company has over-the-counter swap positions, no cost collars and applicable foreign currency forward contracts with 1416 counterparties of which 1210 are in a net gain position. On average, the Company had $3.4$1.8 million of credit exposure per counterparty in a gain position at December 31, 2019.2020. The maximum credit exposure per counterparty in a gain position at

23



December 31, 20192020 was $6.9$4.2 million. As of December 31, 2019,2020, 0 collateral was received from the counterparties by the Company. The Company's gain position on such derivative financial instruments had not exceeded the established thresholds at which the counterparties would be required to post collateral, nor had the counterparties' credit ratings declined to levels at which the counterparties were required to post collateral.
 
As of December 31, 2019, 112020, 14 of the 1416 counterparties to the Company’s outstanding derivative instrument contracts (specifically the over-the-counter swaps, over-the-counter no cost collars and applicable foreign currency forward contracts) had a common credit-risk related contingency feature. In the event the Company’s credit rating increases or falls below a certain threshold (applicable debt ratings), the available credit extended to the Company would either increase or decrease. A decline in the Company’s credit rating, in and of itself, would not cause the Company to be required to increase the level of its hedging collateral deposits (in the form of cash deposits, letters of credit or treasury debt instruments). If the Company’s outstanding derivative instrument contracts were in a liability position (or if the liability were larger) and/or the Company’s credit rating declined, then additional hedging collateral deposits may be required.  At December 31, 2019,2020, the fair market value of the derivative financial instrument assets with a credit-risk related contingency feature was $31.3$14.4 million according to the Company’s internal model (discussed in Note 4 Fair Value Measurements).  At December 31, 2019,2020, the fair market value of the derivative financial instrument liabilities with a credit-risk related contingency feature was $0.6$4.5 million according to the Company's internal model. For its over-the-counter swap agreements and foreign currency forward contracts, 0 hedging collateral deposits were required to be posted by the Company at December 31, 2019.2020.
    
For its exchange traded futures contracts, the Company was required to post $9.7 million in hedging collateral deposits as of December 31, 2019. As these are exchange traded futures contracts, there are no specific credit-risk related contingency features. The Company posts or receives hedging collateral based on open positions and margin requirements it has with its counterparties.
The Company’s requirement to post hedging collateral deposits and the Company's right to receive hedging collateral deposits is based on the fair value determined by the Company’s counterparties, which may differ from the Company’s assessment of fair value. Hedging collateral deposits may also include closed derivative positions in which the broker has not cleared the cash from the account to offset the derivative liability. The Company records liabilities related to closed derivative positions in Other Accruals and Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These liabilities are relieved when the broker clears the cash from the hedging collateral deposit account.

Note 6 – Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 were 26.6%27.4% and 18.2%26.6%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate wasis primarily the result of the reversal of a $5.0 million valuation allowance in fiscal 2019 related to sequestration of AMT credit refundsrecorded against certain state deferred tax assets, discussed below, differences between the book and tax treatment of stock compensation, and a decrease in the allowance for funds used during construction (which is not taxable)as well asa result of certain ongoing projects in the eliminationCompany's Pipeline and Storage segment being placed in service in fiscal 2020.

    A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses and tax credits, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the Enhanced Oil Recoverybenefit from the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company continually assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets, including factors such as future taxable income, reversal of existing temporary differences, and tax planning strategies. The Company considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of the realization of the deferred tax assets. As of March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against certain state deferred tax assets in the amount of $56.8 million based on its conclusion, considering all available objective evidence and the Company’s history of subsidiary state tax losses, that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized. The valuation allowance increased to $63.6 million as of December 31, 2020 as a result of certain state net operating loss and tax credit activity. Changes in fiscal 2020.judgment regarding future realization of these deferred tax assets may result in a reversal of all or a portion of the valuation allowance. The Company will continue to re-assess this position each quarter.

    On March 27, 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act” was signed into law.The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to AMT credit refunds, refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, and modifications to the net interest deduction limitation. The 2017 Tax Reform Act had repealed the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) and providesprovided that the Company’s existing AMT credit carryovers arewere refundable if not utilized to reduce tax, beginning in fiscal 2019.over a four year period. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $85.0 million of AMT credit carryovers that are expected to be refunded between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2023, if not previously utilized. During fiscal 2018, the Department of Treasury indicated that a portion of the refundable AMT credit carryovers would be subject to sequestration. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $5.0 million valuation allowance related to this sequestration in fiscal 2018. During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Office of Management and Budget determined that these AMT refunds would not be subject to sequestration. As such, the Company removed the valuation allowance. These amounts are recorded in Deferred Income Taxes and will be reclassified to a receivable when the amounts are expected to be realized in cash.carryovers. The Company reclassified AMT credit refunds of $21.3 million and $42.1 million from Deferred Income Taxes to Other Assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company received the first installment for $42.5 million of AMT credit refunds related
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to fiscal 2019 in January 2020.
The SEC issued guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118) which provides for up to a one year period (the measurement period) in which to complete the required analysis2020 and income tax accountingfiled for the 2017 Tax Reformacceleration of the remaining AMT credit refunds of $42.5 million, which were received in June 2020.

    On December 27, 2020, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA)” was signed into law. The CAA clarifies and expands the Paycheck Protection Program loans and the Employee Retention Credit as well as several other tax provisions first outlined in the CARES Act. Based upon the available guidance,The CAA is currently being evaluated, however, the Company completed the remeasurementdoes not anticipate a material impact as a result of deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2018. Any subsequent guidance or clarification related to the 2017 Tax Reform Act will be accounted for in the period that the guidance is issued.this legislation.

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Note 7 – Capitalization

Summary of Changes in Common Stock Equity
 Common StockPaid In
Capital
Earnings
Reinvested
in the
Business
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
SharesAmount
 (Thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at October 1, 202090,955 $90,955 $1,004,158 $991,630 $(114,757)
Net Income Available for Common Stock77,774 
Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($0.445 Per Share)(40,560)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax35,016 
Share-Based Payment Expense (1)
3,496 
Common Stock Issued (Repurchased) Under Stock and Benefit Plans198 198 (3,285)
Balance at December 31, 202091,153 $91,153 $1,004,369 $1,028,844 $(79,741)
Balance at October 1, 201986,315 $86,315 $832,264 $1,272,601 $(52,155)
Net Income Available for Common Stock86,591 
Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($0.435 Per Share)(37,650)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging(950)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax(3,995)
Share-Based Payment Expense (1)
2,828 
Common Stock Issued (Repurchased) Under Stock and Benefit Plans237 237 (3,946)
Balance at December 31, 201986,552 $86,552 $831,146 $1,320,592 $(56,150)
 Common Stock 
Paid In
Capital
 
Earnings
Reinvested
in the
Business
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Shares Amount 
 (Thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at October 1, 201986,315
 $86,315
 $832,264
 $1,272,601
 $(52,155)
Net Income Available for Common Stock      86,591
  
Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($0.435 Per Share)      (37,650)  
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Hedging      (950)  
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax        (3,995)
Share-Based Payment Expense (1)
    2,828
    
Common Stock Issued (Repurchased) Under Stock and Benefit Plans237
 237
 (3,946)    
Balance at December 31, 201986,552
 $86,552
 $831,146
 $1,320,592
 $(56,150)
          
Balance at October 1, 201885,957
 $85,957
 $820,223
 $1,098,900
 $(67,750)
Net Income Available for Common Stock      102,660
  
Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($0.425 Per Share)      (36,663)  
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Financial Assets and Liabilities      7,437
  
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax        39,060
Share-Based Payment Expense (1)
    4,917
    
Common Stock Issued (Repurchased) Under Stock and Benefit Plans314
 314
 (8,064)    
Balance at December 31, 201886,271
 $86,271
 $817,076
 $1,172,334
 $(28,690)


(1)(1)Paid in Capital includes compensation costs associated with performance shares and/or restricted stock awards. The expense is included within Net Income Available For Common Stock, net of tax benefits.
Paid in Capital includes compensation costs associated with performance shares and/or restricted stock awards. The expense is included within Net Income Available For Common Stock, net of tax benefits.
 
Common Stock.  During the three months ended December 31, 2019,2020, the Company issued 86,635104,760 original issue shares of common stock for restricted stock units that vested and 231,246165,161 original issue shares of common stock for performance shares that vested.  The Company also issued 9,48010,880 original issue shares of common stock to the non-employee directors of the Company who receive compensation under the Company’s 2009 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, as partial consideration for the directors’ services during the three months ended December 31, 2019.2020.  Holders of stock-based compensation awards will often tender shares of common stock to the Company for payment of applicable withholding taxes.  During the three months ended December 31, 2019, 91,1202020, 82,787 shares of common stock were tendered to the Company for such purposes.  The Company considers all shares tendered as cancelled shares restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares, in accordance with New Jersey law.
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt.  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2020 consists of $500.0 million of 4.90% notes that mature in December 2021. NaN of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 20192020 had a maturity date within the following twelve-month period.

Short-Term Borrowings. On February 3, 2021, the Company amended its existing 364-day credit facility agreement. The amendment extends the maturity date of the facility from May 3, 2021 to December 30, 2022, and increases the commitment provided under the facility from $200.0 million to $250.0 million of unsecured committed revolving credit access. The
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Company entered into the amendment with a syndicate of twelve banks, all of which are also lenders under the Company's existing $750.0 million multi-year credit facility.

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies
 
Environmental Matters. The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and to comply with regulatory requirements.  It is the Company’s policy to accrue estimated environmental clean-up costs (investigation and remediation) when such amounts can reasonably be estimated and it is probable that the Company will be required to incur such costs. 
    
At December 31, 2019,2020, the Company has estimated its remaining clean-up costs related to former manufactured gas plant sites will be approximately $6.9$6.0 million, which includes a $3.7$3.1 million estimated minimum liability to remediate a former

25



manufactured gas plant site located in New York.  In March 2018, the NYDEC issued a Record of Decision for this New York site and the minimum liability reflects the remedy selected in the Record of Decision. The Company's liability for such clean-up costs has been recorded in Other Deferred Credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019.2020. The Company expects to recover its environmental clean-up costs through rate recovery over a period of approximately 32 years and is currently not aware of any material additional exposure to environmental liabilities.  However, changes in environmental laws and regulations, new information or other factors could have an adverse financial impact on the Company.
    
Northern Access Project. On February 3, 2017, Supply Corporation and Empire received FERC approval of the Northern Access project described herein. Shortly thereafter, the NYDEC issued a Notice of Denial of the federal Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and other state stream and wetland permits for the New York portion of the project (the Water Quality Certification for the Pennsylvania portion of the project was received in January of 2017). The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit Court of Appeals”) held in the Company’s favor in its appeal of this decision, vacating the NYDEC denial and remanding to the NYDEC. The NYDEC subsequently issued a second denial, which the Company has appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The court has held this appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of the FERC waiver appeal, described below. While the Company’s initial appeal was pending before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, the FERC issued an Order finding that the NYDEC exceeded the statutory time frame to take action under the Clean Water Act and, therefore, waived its opportunity to approve or deny the Water Quality Certification. FERC denied rehearing requests associated with its Order and FERC's decisions have been appealed and are pending in a separate action before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, in the Company commenced legal action in New York State Supreme CourtCompany's state court litigation challenging the NYDEC's actions with regard to various state permits.permits, the New York State Supreme Court issued a decision finding these permits to be preempted. The Company remains committed to the project. In light of these pending legal actions and the need to complete necessary project development activities in advance of construction, the in-service date for the project is expected to be no earlier than fiscal 2022.
 
Other.  The Company is involved in other litigation and regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business.  These other matters may include, for example, negligence claims and tax, regulatory or other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings.  These matters may involve state and federal taxes, safety, compliance with regulations, rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues, among other things.  While these other matters arising in the normal course of business could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in the period in which they are resolved, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if any, cannot be made at this time.
 
Note 9 – Business Segment Information    
 
The Company reports financial results for 4 segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering and Utility.  The division of the Company’s operations into reportable segments is based upon a combination of factors including differences in products and services, regulatory environment and geographic factors. As reported in the Company's 2019 Form 10-K, the Company previously reported financial results for five business segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, Utility and Energy Marketing. However, management made the decision to eliminate the Energy Marketing segment as a reportable segment based on the fact that the energy marketing operations do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds specified by authoritative guidance related to segment reporting. Furthermore, from a qualitative standpoint, management’s focus has changed regarding the energy marketing operations, and management no longer considers the energy marketing operations to be integral to the overall operations of the Company. As a result of this change in focus and the fact that the energy marketing operations cannot be aggregated into one of the other four reportable business segments, the energy marketing operations have been included in the All Other category in the disclosures that follow. Prior year segment information shown below has been restated to reflect this change in presentation.
 
The data presented in the tables below reflect financial information for the segments and reconciliations to consolidated amounts.  As stated in the 20192020 Form 10-K, the Company evaluates segment performance based on income before discontinued operations (when applicable).  When this is not applicable, the Company evaluates performance based on net income.  There have not been any changes in the basis of segmentation nor in the basis of measuring segment profit or loss from those used in the Company’s 20192020 Form 10-K.  A listing of segment assets at December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 20192020 is shown in the tables below.  

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23


Quarter Ended December 31, 2019 (Thousands)     
 Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers$165,939$48,969$—$194,910$409,818$34,235$135$444,188
Intersegment Revenues$—$23,251$34,788$1,915$59,954$177$(60,131)$—
Segment Profit: Net Income$23,977$18,105$15,944$26,583$84,609$371$1,611$86,591

 

 



Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 (Thousands)    
 Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers$191,395$59,308$351$188,901$439,955$1,110$95$441,160
Intersegment Revenues$0$28,456$46,658$100$75,214$20$(75,234)$0
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)$(29,623)$24,183$20,550$23,037$38,147$37,560$2,067$77,774
(Thousands)Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Segment Assets:      
At December 31, 2020$1,875,697$2,219,331$823,415$2,113,416$7,031,859$156,905$(149,596)$7,039,168
At September 30, 2020$1,979,028$2,204,971$945,199$2,067,852$7,197,050$113,571$(345,686)$6,964,935
(Thousands)Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Segment Assets:        
At December 31, 2019$2,059,681$1,926,766$559,064$2,043,246$6,588,757$143,890$(29,989)$6,702,658
At September 30, 2019$1,972,776$1,893,514$547,995$1,991,338$6,405,623$122,241$(65,707)$6,462,157
Quarter Ended December 31, 2019 (Thousands)    
 Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers$165,939$48,969$0$194,910$409,818$34,235$135$444,188
Intersegment Revenues$0$23,251$34,788$1,915$59,954$177$(60,131)$0
Segment Profit: Net Income$23,977$18,105$15,944$26,583$84,609$371$1,611$86,591

Quarter Ended December 31, 2018 (Thousands)     
 Exploration and ProductionPipeline and StorageGatheringUtilityTotal Reportable SegmentsAll OtherCorporate and Intersegment EliminationsTotal Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers$162,876$54,218$—$220,012$437,106$53,087$54$490,247
Intersegment Revenues$—$22,851$29,690$2,645$55,186$332$(55,518)$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)$38,214$25,102$14,183$25,649$103,148$82$(570)$102,660


Note 10 – Retirement Plan and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in thousands):
 
 Retirement Plan Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended December 31,20192018 20192018





 



Service Cost$2,330
$2,120
 $402
$380
Interest Cost7,483
9,594
 3,228
4,286
Expected Return on Plan Assets(15,016)(15,591) (7,308)(7,539)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)182
206
 (107)(107)
Amortization of Losses9,846
8,024
 134
1,490
Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
1,527
819
 6,249
3,971





 



Net Periodic Benefit Cost$6,352
$5,172
 $2,598
$2,481
 Retirement PlanOther Post-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended December 31,2020201920202019
Service Cost$2,466 $2,330 $400 $402 
Interest Cost5,422 7,483 2,326 3,228 
Expected Return on Plan Assets(14,537)(15,016)(7,241)(7,308)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)158 182 (107)(107)
Amortization of Losses9,203 9,846 212 134 
Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
3,713 1,527 6,854 6,249 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost$6,425 $6,352 $2,444 $2,598 
(1)
The Company’s policy is to record retirement plan and other post-retirement benefit costs in the Utility segment on a volumetric basis to reflect the fact that the Utility segment experiences higher throughput of natural gas in the winter months and lower throughput of natural gas in the summer months.
(1)The Company’s policy is to record retirement plan and other post-retirement benefit costs in the Utility segment on a volumetric basis to reflect the fact that the Utility segment experiences higher throughput of natural gas in the winter months and lower throughput of natural gas in the summer months.
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are presented in Other Income (Deductions) on the Consolidated Statements of Income.


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Employer Contributions.    During the three months ended December 31, 2019,2020, the Company contributed $7.8$5.2 million to its tax-qualified, noncontributory defined-benefit retirement plan (Retirement Plan) and $0.7 million to its VEBA trusts for its other post-retirement benefits.  In the remainder of 2020,2021, the Company expects its contributions to the Retirement Plan to be in the range of $17.0$10.0 million to $22.0$20.0 million. In the remainder of 2020,2021, the Company expects its contributions to its VEBA trusts to be in the range of $2.0 million to $2.5 million.

Note 11 – Regulatory Matters

New York Jurisdiction
    
Distribution Corporation's current delivery rates in its New York jurisdiction were approved by the NYPSC in an order issued on April 20, 2017 with rates becoming effective May 1, 2017. The order provided for a return on equity of 8.7%. The order also directed the implementation of an earnings sharing mechanism to be in place beginning on April 1, 2018.

    In New York, on March 13, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company agreed to NYPSC Staff’s request that the Company suspend service terminations and disconnections. Thereafter, on June 17, 2020, New York enacted a new law that prohibits utilities from terminating or disconnecting services to any residential customer for non-payment for the duration of the state disaster emergency. In addition, the law prohibits residential terminations for non-payment for a period of 180 days running from the end of the state disaster emergency for customers that have experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. Governor Cuomo, through the issuance of executive orders, has extended the declaration of the state disaster emergency through February 26, 2021. The law currently sunsets on March 31, 2021, but legislation extending the moratorium is anticipated. The duration of the aforementioned suspension in New York and its related impact on the Company is uncertain. The Company is anticipating that customer non-payment may increase given higher natural gas usage and the resulting increase in costs for customers. It is uncertain at this point as to whether there would be any regulatory relief for utilities with regard to an increase in costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is one of many issues currently being considered in a generic NYPSC proceeding entitled “Proceeding on Motion of the Commission Regarding the Effects of COVID-19 on Utility Service” (Case No. 20-M-0266). Correspondence from NYPSC Staff has recommended that utilities rely on existing avenues of relief for these costs, and has identified additional, more stringent requirements that must be met to achieve relief.

Pennsylvania Jurisdiction

Distribution Corporation’s current delivery rates in its Pennsylvania jurisdiction delivery rates are being charged to customers in accordance with a rate settlementwere approved by the PaPUC.PaPUC on November 30, 2006 as part of a settlement agreement that became effective January 1, 2007. The rate settlement does not specify any requirement to file a future rate case.

    On March 26, 2020, the PaPUC ratified an Emergency Order that established a Service Termination Moratorium intended to continue during the pendency of Governor Wolf’s March 6, 2020 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 13, 2020, the Company (and other Pennsylvania local distribution companies) received a Secretarial Letter from the PaPUC regarding COVID-19 pandemic cost tracking and regulatory assets. The Secretarial Letter directs utilities to track “extraordinary, nonrecurring incremental COVID-19 related expenses” so the Commission can understand the impact of these expenses on the utilities’ finances. It also authorizes the creation of a utility regulatory asset, but only for incremental uncollectible expenses incurred above those embedded in rates (and incurred since the issuance of the Emergency Order). The Company currently does not anticipate a need to create a regulatory asset for these expenses. On October 8, 2020, the Commission issued an order ending the moratorium effective November 9, 2020, imposing a list of enhanced customer protections that expire on March 31, 2021 and calling for comments by February 16, 2021 regarding policies the Commission should adopt after March 31, 2021. The order also appears to expand the aforementioned potential utility regulatory asset to all incremental COVID-19 related expenses incurred above those embedded in rates. The Company continues to monitor this item for potential deferral opportunity.

FERC Jurisdiction

    Supply Corporation’s rate settlement, approved June 1, 2020, provides that no party may make a rate filing for new rates to be effective before February 1, 2024, except that Supply Corporation filed amay file an NGA general Section 4 rate case on July 31, 2019 proposingto change rates if the corporate federal income tax rate increasesis increased. If no case has been filed, Supply Corporation must file for rates to be effective September 1, 2019. The proposed rates reflect an annual cost of service of $295.4 million, a rate base of $970.8 million and a proposed cost of equity of 15%. The FERC has accepted the filed rates and suspended the effective date of the increases until February 1, 2020, when the rates will be made effective, subject to refund. If the rates finally approved at the end of the proceeding exceed the rates that were in effect at July 31, 2019, but are less than rates put into effect subject to refund2025. Supply has no rate case currently on February 1, 2020, Supply Corporation would be required to refund the difference between the rates collected subject to refund and the final approved rates, with interest at the FERC-approved rate. If the rates approved at the end of the proceeding are lower than the rates in effect at July 31, 2019, such lower rates will become effective prospectively from the date of the applicable FERC order, and refunds with interest will be limited to the difference between the rates collected subject to refund and the rates in effect at July 31, 2019.file.

Empire's    Empire’s 2019 rate settlement requiresprovides that no party may make a Section 4filing for new rates before March 31, 2021. If no rate case has been filed, Empire must make a rate case filing no later than May 1, 2025. Empire has no rate case currently on file.

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25



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

OVERVIEW
 
Please note that this overview is a high-level summary of items that are discussed in greater detail in subsequent sections of this report.

The Company is a diversified energy company engaged principally in the production, gathering, transportation distribution and marketingdistribution of natural gas. The Company operates an integrated business, with assets centered in western New York and Pennsylvania, being utilized for, and benefiting from, the production and transportation of natural gas from the Appalachian basin. Current development activities are focused primarily in the Marcellus and Utica Shale.shales. The common geographic footprint of the Company’s subsidiaries enables them to share management, labor, facilities and support services across various businesses and pursue coordinated projects designed to produce and transport natural gas from the Appalachian basin to markets in Canada and the eastern United States.States and Canada. The Company's efforts in this regard are not limited to affiliated projects. The Company has also been designing and building pipeline projects for the transportation of natural gas for non-affiliated natural gas producers in the Appalachian basin. The Company also develops and produces oil reserves, primarily in California. The Company reports financial results for four business segments. For a discussion of the Company's earnings, refer to the Results of Operations section below.

The Company continuesis closely monitoring and responding to pursue development projectsdevelopments related to expand its Pipelinethe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and Storage segment. One project on Empire’s system, referredis taking steps to as the Empire North Project, would allow for the transportation of 205,000 Dth per day of additional shale supplies from interconnections in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, to TransCanada Pipeline,limit operational impacts and the TGP 200 Line. Project construction ispotential exposure for our workforce and customers. Refer to Risk Factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-Q as well as Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, under way. The Empire North Project has a projected in-service dateOperational Risks in the fourth quarter of fiscalCompany's 2020 and an estimated cost of approximately $145 million. Another project on Supply Corporation’s system, referred to as the FM100 Project, will upgradeForm 10-K for a 1950’s era pipeline in northwestern Pennsylvania and create approximately 330,000 Dth per day of additional transportation capacity on Supply Corporation’s system in Pennsylvania from a receipt point with NFG Midstream Clermont, LLC in McKean County, Pennsylvania to the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC system at Leidy, Pennsylvania. The FM100 Project has a target in-service date in late calendar 2021 and a preliminary cost estimate of approximately $280 million. These and other projects are discussed in more detail in the Capital Resources and Liquidity section that follows.

On February 3, 2017, the Company, in its Pipeline and Storage segment, received FERC approval of a project to move significant prospective Marcellus production from Seneca’s Western Development Area at Clermont to an Empire interconnection with TransCanada Pipeline at Chippawa and an interconnection with Tennessee Gas Pipeline’s 200 Line in East Aurora, New York (“Northern Access project”). In light of numerous legal actions and the need to complete necessary project development activities in advance of construction, the in-service date for the project is expected to be no earlier than fiscal 2022. For further discussion of the Northern Access project, referrisks to Item 1 at Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies.the Company associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the current low commodity price environment, the Company's Exploration and Production segment moved from a 3-rig development program to a 2-rig development program in the Appalachian region in January 2020, and intends to move to a single-rig development program during the second half of fiscal 2020. While this will result in lower capital spending in this segment (expected to be in the range of $375 million to $410 million for fiscal 2020), Seneca still anticipates an increase in natural gas production when comparing fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2019.

As discussed in the following Critical Accounting Estimates section, the    The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for determining the book value of its oil and natural gas properties in the Exploration and Production segment and that book value is subject to a quarterly ceiling test. WhileThis is discussed in more detail in the Company did not record anCritical Accounting Estimates section that follows. In addition to the significant non-cash impairment charges under the ceiling test that the Company recorded during fiscal 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge under the ceiling test for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, it is anticipated that2020 of $76.2 million ($55.2 million after-tax). Given the current low commodity price environment will lead tosignificant non-cash impairments recorded during fiscal 2020 and in the remaining quartersfirst quarter of fiscal 2020.

From2021, under its existing indenture covenants contained in the Company's 1974 indenture, the Company is precluded from issuing incremental unsubordinated long-term indebtedness for a rate perspective, Supply Corporation filed a Section 4 rate case on July 31, 2019. Theperiod beginning in January 2021 and expected to extend into the second half of fiscal 2021. However, the Company expects that it could borrow under its existing credit facilities. Additionally, the 1974 indenture would not preclude the Company from issuing new rates are scheduled to become effective on February 1, 2020, subjectindebtedness to refund if the case is not settled before then. For further discussion of Supply Corporation's rate matters,existing debt. Please refer to the RateCritical Accounting Estimates section below for a sensitivity analysis concerning commodity price changes.

    In advance of the expected late calendar 2021 online date for Seneca’s 330,000 decatherms per day of incremental capacity on the Leidy South Project, the Company's Exploration and Regulatory MattersProduction segment added a second horizontal drilling rig in the Appalachian region in January 2021. Production from the first pad that will be drilled in connection with this additional activity is expected in early fiscal 2022, allowing Seneca to utilize its incremental capacity to reach premium markets during the winter heating season.

    On December 10, 2020, the Company completed the sale of substantially all timber properties in Pennsylvania to Lyme Emporium Highlands III LLC and Lyme Allegheny Land Company II LLC for net proceeds of $104.6 million. After purchase price adjustments and transaction costs, a gain of $51.1 million was recognized on the sale of these assets ($37.0 million after-tax). Refer to Note 2 – Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information concerning this sale.

    On February 3, 2021, the Company amended its existing 364-day credit facility agreement. The amendment extends the maturity date of the facility from May 3, 2021 to December 30, 2022, and increases the commitment provided under the facility from $200.0 million to $250.0 million of unsecured committed revolving credit access. The Company entered into the amendment with a syndicate of twelve banks, all of which are also lenders under the Company's existing $750.0 million multi-year credit facility.

    The sale of timber properties discussed above, combined with cash on hand, cash from operations and short-term borrowings, are expected to meet the Company’s financing needs for fiscal 2021. The Company plans to issue long-term debt during fiscal 2021 to replace all or a portion of its December 2021 debt maturity.

    The Company continues to pursue development projects to expand its Pipeline and Storage segment. The Company is monitoring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on its supply chains and development projects in this segment. To date, the
26

COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material impact on the target in-service dates of these development projects. However, the unpredictable extent and duration of the pandemic, and the government imposition of certain significant restrictions associated therewith, could delay receipt of necessary equipment or delay construction. The Company will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and mitigate where possible. One project on Empire’s system, referred to as the Empire North Project, which allows for the transportation of 205,000 Dth per day of additional shale supplies from interconnections in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, to the TC Energy pipeline, and the TGP 200 Line, was placed in-service during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Another project on Supply Corporation’s system, referred to as the FM100 Project, will upgrade a 1950’s era pipeline in northwestern Pennsylvania and create approximately 330,000 Dth per day of additional transportation capacity in Pennsylvania from a receipt point with NFG Midstream Clermont, LLC in McKean County, Pennsylvania to the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC system at Leidy, Pennsylvania. The FM100 Project has a target in-service date of late calendar 2021 and a preliminary cost estimate of approximately $280 million. This project is discussed in more detail in the Capital Resources and Liquidity section below.that follows.

From a legislation perspective, in July 2019, New York State enacted legislation known as the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA). This climate legislation mandates reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 60% of 1990 levels by 2030, and to 15% of 1990 levels by 2050, with the remaining emission reduction achieved by controlled offsets. The legislation also requires electric generators to meet 70% of demand with renewable energy by 2030 and 100% with zero emissions generation by 2040. In the near-term,

29



theThe CLCPA establishesestablished a climate action council and a series of advisory panels and working groups to study how the state will achieve the aggressive emission reduction targets. Thus far, the only regulations promulgated in connection with the CLCPA are greenhouse gas limits established by the NYDEC on December 30, 2020. For further discussion of the CLCPA, refer to the Environmental Matters section below.

From a financing perspective, the Company expects to use cash on hand, cash from operations and short-term debt to meet its capital expenditure needs for fiscal 2020 and may issue long-term debt during fiscal 2020 as needed.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
For a complete discussion of critical accounting estimates, refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates" in Item 7 of the Company's 20192020 Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes to that disclosure other than as set forth below.  The information presented below updates and should be read in conjunction with the critical accounting estimates in that Form 10-K.
 
Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Costs.  The Company, in its Exploration and Production segment, follows the full cost method of accounting for determining the book value of its oil and natural gas properties.  In accordance with this methodology, the Company is required to perform a quarterly ceiling test.  Under the ceiling test, the present value of future revenues from the Company's oil and gas reserves based on an unweighted arithmetic average of the first day of the month oil and gas prices for each month within the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period (the “ceiling”) is compared with the book value of the Company’s oil and gas properties at the balance sheet date. The present value of future revenues is calculated using a 10% discount factor.  If the book value of the oil and gas properties exceeds the ceiling, a non-cash impairment charge must be recorded to reduce the book value of the oil and gas properties to the calculated ceiling.  At December 31, 2019, the ceiling exceeded theThe book value of the oil and gas properties by approximately $59.1 million.exceeded the ceiling at December 31, 2020, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $76.2 million ($55.2 million after-tax) for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. The 12-month average of the first day of the month price for crude oil for each month during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019,2020, based on posted Midway Sunset prices, was $59.50$38.31 per Bbl.  The 12-month average of the first day of the month price for natural gas for each month during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019,2020, based on the quoted Henry Hub spot price for natural gas, was $2.58$1.99 per MMBtu. (Note – because(Note: Because actual pricing of the Company’s various producing properties variesvary depending on their location and hedging, the prices used to calculate the ceiling may differ from the Midway Sunset and HenryHub prices, which are only indicative of the 12-month average prices for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Pricing differences would include2020. Actual realized pricing includes adjustments for regional market differentials, transportation fees and contractual arrangements.)  The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the ceiling test calculation to commodity price changes, specifically showing the amountadditional non-cash impairment that the ceilingCompany would have exceeded the book value of the Company's oil and gas propertiesrecorded at December 31, 20192020 if natural gas prices were $0.25 per MMBtu lower than the average prices used at December 31, 2020, the additional non-cash impairment that the Company would have recorded at December 31, 2020 if crude oil prices were $5 per Bbl lower than the average prices used at December 31, 2019, as well as showing2020, and the additional non-cash impairment that the Company would have recorded at December 31, 2019 if natural gas prices were $0.25 per MMBtu lower than the average prices used at December 31, 2019, and the impairment that the Company would have recorded at December 31, 20192020 if both natural gas prices and crude oil prices were $0.25 per MMBtu and $5 per Bbl lower than the average prices used at December 31, 20192020 (all amounts are presented after-tax). These calculated amounts are based solely on price changes and do not take into account any other changes to the ceiling test calculation, including, among others, changes in reserve quantities and future cost estimates.   Looking ahead,
27

      Ceiling Testing Sensitivity to Commodity Price Changes
(Millions)$0.25/MMBtu
Decrease in
Natural Gas Prices
$5.00/Bbl
Decrease in
Crude Oil Prices
$0.25/MMBtu
Decrease in
Natural Gas Prices
and $5.00/Bbl
Decrease in
Crude Oil Prices
Calculated Impairment under Sensitivity Analysis$325.3 $91.0 $361.1 
Actual Impairment Recorded at December 31, 202055.2 55.2 55.2 
Additional Impairment$270.1 $35.8 $305.9 

    It is difficult to predict what factors could lead to future non-cash impairments under the first daySEC's full cost ceiling test. Fluctuations in or subtractions from proved reserves, increases in development costs for undeveloped reserves and significant fluctuations in oil and gas prices have an impact on the amount of the month Henry Hub spot price for natural gasceiling at any point in January 2020 was $2.05 per MMBtu. Given these January prices, the potential that prices could stay at this level in future months, and the expected loss of higher gas and oil prices from the 12-month average that will be used in the ceiling test at March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Company expects to experience ceiling test impairments in each of these quarters.   
      Ceiling Testing Sensitivity to Commodity Price Changes
(Millions)
$0.25/MMBtu
Decrease in
Natural Gas Prices
 
$5.00/Bbl
Decrease in
Crude Oil Prices
 
$0.25/MMBtu
Decrease in
Natural Gas Prices
and $5.00/Bbl
Decrease in
Crude Oil Prices
Excess of Ceiling over Book Value under Sensitivity Analysis$
 $22.9
 $
Calculated Impairment under Sensitivity Analysis$186.2
 $
 $222.4

time. For a more complete discussion of the full cost method of accounting, refer to "Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Costs" under "Critical Accounting Estimates" in Item 7 of the Company's 20192020 Form 10-K.


30



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Earnings
 
The Company's earnings were $77.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to earnings of $86.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to earnings of $102.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019.  The decrease in earnings of $16.1 million is primarily athe result of lower earningsa loss recognized in the Exploration and Production segment. Lower earnings in the Utility segment and Pipeline and Storage segment.also contributed to the decrease. Higher earnings in the GatheringPipeline and Storage segment, UtilityGathering segment and Corporate and All Other categories partially offset these decreases.

    The Company's earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 include a non-cash $76.2 million impairment charge ($55.2 million after-tax) recorded during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 for the Exploration and Production segment's oil and gas producing properties, as discussed above. The Company's earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 also include a gain recognized on the sale of timber properties of $51.1 million ($37.0 million after-tax) in the Company's All Other category, as discussed above. Additional discussion of earnings in each of the business segments can be found in the business segment information that follows. Note that all amounts used in the earnings discussions are after-tax amounts, unless otherwise noted.
    
Earnings (Loss) by Segment
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands)20192018Increase (Decrease)(Thousands)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Exploration and Production$23,977
$38,214
$(14,237)Exploration and Production$(29,623)$23,977 $(53,600)
Pipeline and Storage18,105
25,102
(6,997)Pipeline and Storage24,183 18,105 6,078 
Gathering15,944
14,183
1,761
Gathering20,550 15,944 4,606 
Utility26,583
25,649
934
Utility23,037 26,583 (3,546)
Total Reportable Segments84,609
103,148
(18,539)Total Reportable Segments38,147 84,609 (46,462)
All Other371
82
289
All Other37,560 371 37,189 
Corporate1,611
(570)2,181
Corporate2,067 1,611 456 
Total Consolidated$86,591
$102,660
$(16,069)Total Consolidated$77,774 $86,591 $(8,817)
 
28

Exploration and Production
 
Exploration and Production Operating Revenues
 
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands)20192018Increase (Decrease)(Thousands)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Gas (after Hedging)$127,238
$119,750
$7,488
Gas (after Hedging)$162,507 $127,238 $35,269 
Oil (after Hedging)37,841
35,264
2,577
Oil (after Hedging)28,124 37,841 (9,717)
Gas Processing Plant688
975
(287)Gas Processing Plant553 688 (135)
Other172
6,887
(6,715)Other211 172 39 
$165,939
$162,876
$3,063
$191,395 $165,939 $25,456 
 
Production Volumes
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Gas Production (MMcf)
Appalachia75,669 54,284 21,385 
West Coast441 487 (46)
Total Production76,110 54,771 21,339 
Oil Production (Mbbl)
Appalachia— — — 
West Coast563 601 (38)
Total Production563 601 (38)
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
 20192018Increase (Decrease)
Gas Production (MMcf)
   
Appalachia54,284
45,305
8,979
West Coast487
502
(15)
Total Production54,771
45,807
8,964
    
Oil Production (Mbbl)
   
Appalachia
1
(1)
West Coast601
571
30
Total Production601
572
29


31



Average Prices
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Average Gas Price/Mcf
Appalachia$2.17 $2.16 $0.01 
West Coast$5.03 $4.98 $0.05 
Weighted Average$2.19 $2.19 $— 
Weighted Average After Hedging$2.14 $2.32 $(0.18)
Average Oil Price/Bbl
Appalachia$38.53 $54.49 $(15.96)
West Coast$43.48 $62.63 $(19.15)
Weighted Average$43.48 $62.63 $(19.15)
Weighted Average After Hedging$49.91 $62.92 $(13.01)


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 Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
 20192018Increase (Decrease)
Average Gas Price/Mcf   
Appalachia$2.16
$2.93
$(0.77)
West Coast$4.98
$6.73
$(1.75)
Weighted Average$2.19
$2.97
$(0.78)
Weighted Average After Hedging$2.32
$2.61
$(0.29)
    
Average Oil Price/Bbl   
Appalachia$54.49
$66.31
$(11.82)
West Coast$62.63
$65.71
$(3.08)
Weighted Average$62.63
$65.71
$(3.08)
Weighted Average After Hedging$62.92
$61.70
$1.22


20192020 Compared with 20182019
 
Operating revenues for the Exploration and Production segment increased $3.1$25.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019. Gas revenuesproduction revenue after hedging increased $7.5$35.3 million due to the impact of a 9.021.3 Bcf increase in natural gas production, which was largelypartially offset by the impact of a $0.29$0.18 per Mcf decrease in the weighted average price of natural gas after hedging. The increase inNatural gas production wasincreased, despite approximately 4 Bcf of price-related curtailments, largely due to additional production from the Company's fourth quarter fiscal 2020 acquisition of Appalachian upstream assets from Shell coupled with new Marcellus and Utica wells completed and connected to sales in the Western and Eastern Development AreasArea in the Appalachian region during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2018.region. Oil revenuesproduction revenue after hedging increased $2.6decreased $9.7 million due to a 29 Mbbl increase in crude oil production coupled with the impact of a $1.22$13.01 per Bbl increasedecrease in the weighted average price of oil after hedging. The increasehedging, coupled with the impact of a 38 Mbbl decrease in oil production. The decrease in oil production revenue was largely due to higher productionnatural declines in the West Coast region. These increases to operating revenues were partially offset by a $6.7 million decrease in other revenue primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments related to hedging ineffectiveness that were recorded during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that did not recur during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.

The Exploration and Production segment's earningsloss for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 were $24.02020 was $29.6 million, a decrease of $14.2$53.6 million when compared with earnings of $38.2$24.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019. The decrease in earnings was dueloss can be attributed to a non-cash impairment of oil and gas properties ($55.2 million), lower natural gas prices after hedging ($12.611.3 million), lower oil production ($1.9 million), lower oil prices after hedging ($5.8 million), higher depletion expense ($7.50.9 million), higher productionlease operating and transportation expenses ($6.511.7 million), higher other operating expenses ($0.61.8 million), higher interest expense ($0.71.1 million), and a higher effective income tax rate ($1.33.2 million). The earnings impact of these items was partially offset by higher natural gas production ($39.2 million), the impact of the aforementioned prior year quarter mark-to-market adjustments related to hedging ineffectiveness ($5.1 million) and the impact of a remeasurement of the segment's accumulated deferred income taxes in the prior year quarter that did not recur in fiscal 2020 ($1.0 million).as discussed above. The increase in depletion expense was primarily due to the net increase in production coupled withoffset by a $0.06$0.19 per Mcfe increaseMcf decrease in the depletion rate which was driven by an increase in capitalized costs in Seneca’s full cost pool.due to prior year non-cash ceiling test impairments coupled with the impact of the asset acquisition from Shell. The increase in productionlease operating and transportation expenses was primarily duelargely attributed to increased gathering and transportation costs in the Appalachian region.higher natural gas production. The increase in other operating expenses was largely due to an increaseincreases in purchased emissions credits in the West Coast region.accretion costs associated with asset retirement obligations coupled with higher compensation and personnel costs. The increase in interest expense was largely due to increased intercompany borrowings. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to interest on additional intercompany long-term borrowings associated with the impact of the Enhanced Oil Recovery tax credit that was applicable in the quarter ended December 31, 2018 but was not available in the quarter ended December 31, 2019. These factors, which decreased earnings during the quarter ended December 31, 2019, were partially offset by the positive impacts of higher natural gas production ($18.5 million), higher crude oil production ($1.5 million), higher crude oil prices after hedging ($0.6 million) and lower other taxes ($1.3 million). The decrease in other taxes was primarily due to a lower Pennsylvania impact fee accrual for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 as a result of lower NYMEX natural gas prices.Company's June 2020 debt issuance.


32



Pipeline and Storage
 
Pipeline and Storage Operating Revenues
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands)20192018Increase (Decrease)(Thousands)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Firm Transportation$53,191
$55,714
$(2,523)Firm Transportation$64,599 $53,191 $11,408 
Interruptible Transportation261
421
(160)Interruptible Transportation226 261 (35)
53,452
56,135
(2,683) 64,825 53,452 11,373 
Firm Storage Service18,420
18,928
(508)Firm Storage Service20,485 18,420 2,065 
Interruptible Storage Service6
1
5
Interruptible Storage Service32 26 
Other342
2,005
(1,663)Other2,422 342 2,080 
$72,220
$77,069
$(4,849) $87,764 $72,220 $15,544 
 
Pipeline and Storage Throughput
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(MMcf)20192018Increase (Decrease)(MMcf)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Firm Transportation208,648
191,901
16,747
Firm Transportation203,028 208,648 (5,620)
Interruptible Transportation714
916
(202)Interruptible Transportation590 714 (124)
209,362
192,817
16,545
203,618 209,362 (5,744)
 
20192020 Compared with 20182019
 
Operating revenues for the Pipeline and Storage segment decreased $4.8increased $15.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019.  The decreaseincrease in operating revenues was primarily due to a decrease in transportation revenues of $2.7 million and a decrease in other revenues of $1.7 million. The decrease in transportation revenues was primarily attributable to an Empire system transportation contract termination in December 2018. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in transportation revenues dueof $11.4 million, an increase in storage revenues of $2.1 million and an increase in other
30

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revenues of $2.1 million. The increase in transportation revenues was partially attributable to an increase in Empire'sSupply Corporation's transportation and storage rates effective JanuaryFebruary 1, 20192020 in accordance with Empire'sSupply Corporation's rate case settlement. The settlement which was approved by the FERC on May 3, 2019, combined with an increase inJune 1, 2020. Transportation revenues also increased due to new demand charges for transportation service from the Empire North project, which was placed into service during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and Supply Corporation's Line N to Monaca project, which was placedProject that went into service in service on November 1, 2019. The increase in transportation revenues was partially offset by contract terminations and restructurings and also by a decrease in revenues from short-term seasonal contracts. The increase in storage revenues was also primarily attributable to the increase in Supply Corporation's rates related to its rate case settlement discussed above. The increase in other revenues was primarily due to proceeds received by Supply Corporation induring the first quarter of fiscal 2019 related to a contract terminationended December 31, 2020 as a result of a shipper's bankruptcy that did not recur in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.contract buyout.

Transportation volume for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 increased2020 decreased by 16.55.7 Bcf from the prior year's quarter. The increase in transportation volume for the quarter, primarily reflects an increasedue to warmer weather than the prior year, a decline in capacity utilization by certain contract shippers.shippers, as well as contract terminations and restructurings. These volume decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume from incremental transportation volume from the Empire North project. Volume fluctuations, other than those caused by the addition or termination of contracts, generally do not have a significant impact on revenues as a result of the straight fixed-variable rate design utilized by Supply Corporation and Empire.

The Pipeline and Storage segment’s earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 were $18.1$24.2 million, a decreasean increase of $7.0$6.1 million when compared with earnings of $25.1$18.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019. The decreaseincrease in earnings was primarily due to the earnings impact of lowerhigher operating revenues of $3.8$12.3 million, as discussed above, combined with higher income tax expense ($2.5 million) and higher property taxes ($0.8 million). The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to permanent differences related to stock compensation activity. The increase in property taxes was due to an increase in scheduled payments in lieu of taxes in accordance with agreements in place, as well as higher town, county and school taxes due to an increase in assessed values from new projects placed in service. These earnings decreases were slightly offset by a decrease in operating expenses ($0.6 million) primarily due to a decrease in personnel and compensation costs as well as costs associated with maintenance of compressor stations, partially offset by an increase in pipeline integrity program expenses.depreciation expense ($3.1 million), higher interest expense ($2.9 million) and a decrease in other income ($0.5 million). The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to an increase in Supply Corporation's depreciation rates associated with its rate case settlement as well as incremental depreciation from the Empire North project going into service, both mentioned above. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to interest on additional intercompany long-term borrowings associated with the Company's June 2020 debt issuance. The decrease in other income was mainly due to a decrease in allowance for funds used during construction (equity component) as a result of the Empire North project being placed in service during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, partially offset by higher non-service pension and post-retirement benefit costs in the current quarter compared to non-service pension and post-retirement income in the prior year's quarter.


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Gathering
 
Gathering Operating Revenues
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Gathering Revenues$47,009 $34,788 $12,221 
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
(Thousands)20192018Increase (Decrease)
Gathering Revenues$34,788
$29,690
$5,098

Gathering Volume
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
 20192018Increase (Decrease)
Gathered Volume - (MMcf)64,392
54,688
9,704
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Gathered Volume - (MMcf)87,135 64,392 22,743 
 
20192020 Compared with 20182019
 
Operating revenues for the Gathering segment increased $5.1$12.2 million forfor the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019, which was driven primarily by a 22.7 Bcf increase in gathered volume. The July 31, 2020 acquisition of midstream gathering assets from Shell was the primary driver of this increase was primarily dueas the Tioga gathering system (the name given to the acquired assets) recorded 20.5 Bcf of gathered volume for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. Other contributors to the increase included the Clermont gathering system, which experienced a 9.74.2 Bcf net increase in gathered volume resulting fromand the Wellsboro gathering system, which experienced a 4.0 Bcf, 3.8 Bcf and 3.50.9 Bcf increase in volume on Midstream Company's Trout Run, Wellsboro and Clermont gathering systems, respectively,gathered volume. These increases were partially offset by a 1.61.8 Bcf decline ondecrease in gathered volume at the Trout Run gathering system and a 1.0 Bcf decrease in volume at the Covington gathering system. The net increase in gathered volume can be attributed primarily to the
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increase in Seneca's gross natural gas production in the Appalachian region.region, which increased despite price-related curtailments initiated by Seneca, as discussed above.

The Gathering segment’s earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 were $15.9$20.6 million, an increase of $1.7$4.7 million when compared with earnings of $14.2$15.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019. The increase in earnings was mainly dueprimarily attributable to the impact of higher gathering revenues discussed above ($4.09.7 million), which driven by the increase in gathered volume (discussed above). This earnings increase was partially offset by higher depreciation expense ($2.2 million), higher interest expense ($1.5 million) and higher operating expenses ($1.31.5 million), higherwith each of these increases primarily being a result of the acquisition of midstream gathering assets from Shell on July 31, 2020. The increase in depreciation expense ($0.4 million), andwas largely due to a higher plant balance at the impact of a nonrecurring income tax benefit recordedCovington gathering system. The increase in the prior year quarter to adjust the remeasurement of deferred income taxes resultinginterest expense was primarily driven by additional intercompany long-term borrowings from the 2017 Tax Reform Act ($0.5 million).Company's long-term debt issuance in June 2020. The increase in operating expenses was due largely to increased preventative maintenance and overhaul activities at Covington and Trout Run compressor stations during the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The increase in depreciation expense was due to an increase inhigher lease compression expense associated with the average gross property, plant and equipment assets in service as compared to the prior year.Tioga gathering system.

Utility

Utility Operating Revenues
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
(Thousands)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Retail Sales Revenues:
Residential$140,844 $145,615 $(4,771)
Commercial18,207 19,661 (1,454)
Industrial 931 1,267 (336)
 159,982 166,543 (6,561)
Transportation      30,631 33,606 (2,975)
Other(1,612)(3,324)1,712 
                $189,001 $196,825 $(7,824)
 Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
(Thousands)20192018Increase (Decrease)
Retail Sales Revenues:   
Residential$145,615
$165,333
$(19,718)
Commercial19,661
22,742
(3,081)
Industrial 1,267
1,493
(226)
 166,543
189,568
(23,025)
Transportation      33,606
35,950
(2,344)
Other(3,324)(2,861)(463)
                $196,825
$222,657
$(25,832)


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Utility Throughput
Three Months Ended 
 December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(MMcf)20192018Increase (Decrease)(MMcf)20202019Increase
(Decrease)
Retail Sales:  Retail Sales:
Residential19,476
19,780
(304)Residential18,412 19,476 (1,064)
Commercial2,812
2,846
(34)Commercial2,528 2,812 (284)
Industrial 217
204
13
Industrial153 217 (64)
22,505
22,830
(325) 21,093 22,505 (1,412)
Transportation 20,556
22,270
(1,714)Transportation17,935 20,556 (2,621)
43,061
45,100
(2,039)
39,028 43,061 (4,033)
 
Degree Days
Three Months Ended December 31,   Percent Colder (Warmer) Than
Normal20192018
Normal(1)
Prior Year(1)
Buffalo2,253
2,232
2,325
(0.9)%(4.0)%
Erie2,044
1,906
2,030
(6.8)%(6.1)%
(1)
Percents compare actual 2019 degree days to normal degree days and actual 2019 degree days to actual 2018 degree days.
2019 Compared with 2018
Three Months Ended December 31,   Percent Colder (Warmer) Than
Normal20202019
Normal(1)
Prior Year(1)
Buffalo, NY2,253 1,921 2,232 (14.7)%(13.9)%
Erie, PA2,044 1,697 1,906 (17.0)%(11.0)%
 
(1)Percents compare actual 2020 degree days to normal degree days and actual 2020 degree days to actual 2019 degree days.
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2020 Compared with 2019
Operating revenues for the Utility segment decreased $25.8$7.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019.  The decrease primarily resulted from a $23.0$6.6 million decrease in retail gas sales revenue and a $2.3$3.0 million decrease in transportation revenues and a $0.5 million decrease in other revenues. The decreasereduction in retail gas sales revenue was largely due to a decrease in the cost of gas sold (per Mcf) coupled with slightly lower throughput due to warmer weather. The decline in transportation revenues was primarily due to a 1.72.6 Bcf decrease in transportation throughput dueas residential customers switched from transportation service to warmer weather and the migration of residential transportation customers to retail.retail service. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in other revenues. The decreaseincrease in other revenues was largely due to a smaller estimated refund provision recorded during the impact of regulatory adjustments, including an earnings sharing accrual recorded in fiscal 2020quarter for $0.5 million in the segment's New York service territory.income tax benefits resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform Act ($1.3 million) that are required to be passed back to ratepayers.

The Utility segment’s earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 were $26.6$23.0 million, an increasea decrease of $1.0$3.6 million when compared with earnings of $25.6$26.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.2019. The increasedecrease in earnings was largely attributable to higher operating expenses ($2.0 million), which were a result of higher personnel costs and an increase to the allowance for uncollectible accounts, partially offset by lower legal and consultant fees. Higher income tax expense ($1.4 million) and the impact of regulatory adjustmentslower usage and weather on customer margins ($0.91.2 million) andalso contributed to the decrease in earnings. The increase to the allowance for uncollectible accounts is related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the Company recorded incremental expense due to the potential for customer non-payment, given the current economic environment. These decreases were slightly offset by the positive earnings impact related to a system modernization tracker in New York ($0.30.9 million). These increases were slightly offset

    The impact of weather variations on earnings in the Utility segment's New York rate jurisdiction is mitigated by higher income tax expense ($0.8 million)that jurisdiction's weather normalization clause (WNC). The increaseWNC in income tax expenseNew York, which covers the eight-month period from October through May, has had a stabilizing effect on earnings for the New York rate jurisdiction. In addition, in periods of colder than normal weather, the WNC benefits the Utility segment's New York customers. For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the WNC increased earnings by approximately $1.6 million, as the weather was primarily due to permanent differences related to stock compensation activity.warmer than normal. For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the WNC decreased earnings by approximately $0.1 million, as the weather was colder than normal.

Corporate and All Other
 
20192020 Compared with 20182019
 
Corporate and All Other operations had earnings of $39.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $37.6 million when compared with earnings of $2.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $2.5 million when compared with a loss of $0.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. 2019. The increase in earnings was primarily attributable to lower unrealized lossesthe gain recognized on investmentsthe sale of timber properties by Seneca's Northeast Division for $51.1 million ($37.0 million after-tax) as discussed in equity securities recorded during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 ($4.2 million) coupled with higher other income ($1.5 million) that was driven largely by an increase in realized gains on investments in equity securities sold in the current quarter. These positive drivers of earnings were partially offset by the impact of the prior year remeasurement of deferred income taxes under the 2017 Tax Reform Act that lowered income tax expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 ($3.5 million).Item 1 at Note 2 – Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures.

Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt
 
Interest on long-term debt was relatively flatincreased $6.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 20192020, as compared withto the quarter ended December 31, 2018. No new additional debt was issued or repaid during2019 due in large part to the quarters ended December 31, 2019 andissuance of $500.0 million of 5.50% notes on June 3, 2020.

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December 31, 2018. In addition, amortization of debt premiums discount and expense and capitalized interest remained comparable year over year.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
 
The Company’s primary sources of cash during the three-month period ended December 31, 2020 consisted of cash provided by operating activities and net proceeds from the sale of timber properties. The Company's primary sources of cash during the three-month period ended December 31, 2019 consisted of cash provided by operating activities and net proceeds from short-term borrowings. The Company's primary source of cash during the three-month period ended December 31, 2018 consisted of cash provided by operating activities.

Operating Cash Flow

Internally generated cash from operating activities consists of net income available for common stock, adjusted for non-cash expenses, non-cash income and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash items include depreciation, depletion and amortization, impairment of oil and gas producing properties, gain on sale of timber properties, deferred income taxes and stock-based compensation.

Cash provided by operating activities in the Utility and Pipeline and Storage segments may vary substantially from period to period because of the impact of rate cases. In the Utility segment, supplier refunds, over- or under-recovered
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purchased gas costs and weather may also significantly impact cash flow. The impact of weather on cash flow is tempered in the Utility segment’s New York rate jurisdiction by its WNC and in the Pipeline and Storage segment by the straight fixed-variable rate design used by Supply Corporation and Empire.

Because of the seasonal nature of the heating business in the Utility segment, and in the Company's NFR operations (included in the All Other category), revenues in these businessesthis business are relatively high during the heating season, primarily the first and second quarters of the fiscal year, and receivable balances historically increase during these periods from the receivable balances at September 30.

The storage gas inventory normally declines during the first and second quarters of the fiscal year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters.  For storage gas inventory accounted for under the LIFO method, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption "Other Accruals and Current Liabilities." Such reserve is reduced as the inventory is replenished.

Cash provided by operating activities in the Exploration and Production segment may vary from period to period as a result of changes in the commodity prices of natural gas and crude oil as well as changes in production.  The Company uses various derivative financial instruments, including price swap agreements and futures contractsno cost collars, in an attempt to manage this energy commodity price risk.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $167.7$204.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019,2020, an increase of $63.3$37.0 million compared with $104.4$167.7 million provided by operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2018.2019. The increase in cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects higher cash provided by operating activities in the UtilityPipeline and Storage segment, the Exploration and Production segments.segment, and the Gathering segment. The increase in the UtilityPipeline and Storage segment iswas primarily due to higher cash receipts from transportation and storage service, which largely reflects an increase in Supply Corporation's transportation and storage rates effective February 1, 2020 and an increase in demand charges for transportation services from the timing of gas cost recoveryEmpire North project that was placed in service during September 2020 and the timing of receivable collections.Line N to Monaca Project that was placed in service in November 2019. The increase in the Exploration and Production segment isand the Gathering segment was primarily due to higher cash receipts from natural gas production. The increase in cash provided by operating activities also reflects a decrease in contributions made to the Retirement Plan, primarilyproduction and gathering services in the UtilityAppalachian region, largely stemming from the July 31, 2020 acquisition of upstream assets and Pipeline and Storage segments.midstream gathering assets from Shell.

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Investing Cash Flow
 
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company’s expenditures for long-lived assets totaled $150.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and $211.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2019 and $174.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2018.2019.  The table below presents these expenditures:
Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets     Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets  
Three Months Ended December 31,2019 2018 Increase (Decrease)Three Months Ended December 31,2020 2019 Increase (Decrease)
(Millions) (Millions) 
Exploration and Production:   
  Exploration and Production:    
Capital Expenditures$126.9
(1)$120.2
(2)$6.7
Capital Expenditures$81.3 (1)$126.9 (2)$(45.6)
Pipeline and Storage:   
  
Pipeline and Storage:    
Capital Expenditures57.1
(1)30.0
(2)27.1
Capital Expenditures43.7 (1)57.1 (2)(13.4)
Gathering:   
  
Gathering:    
Capital Expenditures9.8
(1)8.8
(2)1.0
Capital Expenditures8.3 (1)9.8 (2)(1.5)
Utility:   
  
Utility:    
Capital Expenditures17.2
(1)15.9
(2)1.3
Capital Expenditures17.3 (1)17.2 (2)0.1 
All Other:     All Other:
Capital Expenditures0.2
 
 0.2
Capital Expenditures0.1 0.2 (0.1)
EliminationsEliminations0.2 — 0.2 
$211.2
 $174.9
 $36.3
$150.9  $211.2  $(60.3)
 
(1)
At December 31, 2019,
(1)At December 31, 2020, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment include $35.1 million, $11.2 million, $2.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures. At September 30,
34

2020, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment included $45.8 million, $17.3 million, $13.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures. 
(2)At December 31, 2019, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment included $62.3 million, $22.7 million, $5.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures.  At September 30, 2019,, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment included $38.0 million, $23.8 million, $6.6 million and $12.7 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures.  
(2)
At December 31, 2018, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment included $66.1 million, $12.9 million, $4.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures.  At September 30, 2018, capital expenditures for the Exploration and Production segment, the Pipeline and Storage segment, the Gathering segment and the Utility segment included $51.3 million, $21.9 million, $6.1 million and $9.5 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures.  
 
Exploration and Production 
 
    The Exploration and Production segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were primarily well drilling and completion expenditures and included approximately $79.9 million for the Appalachian region (including $30.5 million in the Marcellus Shale area and $43.9 million in the Utica Shale area) and $1.4 million for the West Coast region.  These amounts included approximately $34.3 million spent to develop proved undeveloped reserves. 

The Exploration and Production segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were primarily well drilling and completion expenditures and included approximately $119.0 million for the Appalachian region (including $53.7 million in the Marcellus Shale area and $63.8 million in the Utica Shale area) and $7.9 million for the West Coast region. These amounts included approximately $86.2 million spent to develop proved undeveloped reserves.

Pipeline and Storage
The ExplorationPipeline and ProductionStorage segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 20182020 were primarily well drillingfor expenditures related to Supply Corporation's FM100 Project ($30.4 million), which is discussed below. In addition, the Pipeline and completionStorage segment capital expenditures and included approximately $114.7 million for the Appalachian region (including $36.5 million in the Marcellus Shale areathree months ended December 31, 2020 included additions, improvements and $75.5 million in the Utica Shale area)replacements to this segment’s transmission and $5.5 million for the West Coast region.  These amounts included approximately $61.1 million spent to develop proved undeveloped reserves. 
Pipeline and Storage
gas storage systems. The Pipeline and Storage segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were primarily for expenditures related to Empire'sthe Empire North Project ($29.1 million) and Supply Corporation's Line N to Monaca Project ($3.3 million), as discussed below.. In addition, the Pipeline and Storage segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2019 includeincluded additions, improvements and replacements to this segment’s transmission and gas storage systems. The Pipeline and Storage capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2018 were primarily for additions, improvements and replacements to this segment’s transmission and gas storage systems. In addition, the Pipeline and Storage segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2018 include expenditures related to Supply Corporation's Line N to Monaca Project ($1.1 million).
 
In light of the continuing demand for pipeline capacity to move natural gas from new wells being drilled in Appalachia, specifically in the Marcellus and Utica Shale producing areas, — Supply Corporation and Empire have completed and continue to pursue several expansion projects designed to move anticipated Marcellus and Utica production gas to other interstate pipelines

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and to on-system markets, and markets beyond the Supply Corporation and Empire pipeline systems. Preliminary survey and investigation costs for expansion, routine replacement or modernization projects are initially recorded as Deferred Charges on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Management may reserve for preliminary survey and investigation costs associated with large projects by reducing the Deferred Charges balance and increasing Operation and Maintenance Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. If it is determined that it is highly probable that a project for which a reserve has been established will be built, the reserve is reversed. This reversal reduces Operation and Maintenance Expense and reestablishes the original balance in Deferred Charges. The amounts remain in Deferred Charges until such time as capital expenditures for the project have been incurred and activities that are necessary to get the construction project ready for its intended use are in progress. At that point, the balance is transferred from Deferred Charges to Construction Work in Progress, a component of Property, Plant and Equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  

Supply Corporation completed a project to provide incremental natural gas transportation services from Line N to the ethane cracker facility being constructed by Shell Chemical Appalachia, LLC in Potter Township, Pennsylvania ("Line N to Monaca Project"), with transportation service beginning on November 1, 2019.  This project involved construction of a 4.5 mile pipeline extension from Line N to the facility and has resulted in Supply Corporation securing incremental firm transportation capacity commitments totaling 133,000 Dth per day on Line N and on the pipeline extension to the facility.  Supply Corporation was authorized to pursue the project by FERC under its blanket certificate as of May 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2019, approximately $22.1 million has been spent on the Line N to Monaca Project, all of which is included in Property, Plant and Equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019.

Empire concluded an Open Season on November 18, 2015, and has designed a project that would allow for the transportation of 205,000 Dth per day of additional shale supplies from interconnections in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, to TransCanada Pipeline, and the TGP 200 Line (“Empire North Project”). This project is fully subscribed under long term agreements and received the FERC Section 7(c) certificate on March 7, 2019. Project construction is under way. The Empire North Project has a projected in-service date in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and an estimated capital cost of approximately $145 million.  As of December 31, 2019, approximately $74.5 million has been capitalized as Construction Work in Progress for this project, including $19.9 million of costs transferred from the Northern Access Project, which is discussed below.

Supply Corporation has developed its FM100 Project, which will upgrade a 1950's era pipeline in northwestern Pennsylvania and create approximately 330,000 Dth per day of additional transportation capacity in Pennsylvania from a receipt point with NFG Midstream Clermont, LLC in McKean County to the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Transco”) system at Leidy, Pennsylvania. A precedent agreement has been executed by Supply Corporation and Transco whereby this additional capacity is expected to be leased by Transco and become part of a Transco expansion project ("Leidy South") that will create incremental transportation capacity to Transco Zone 6 markets. Seneca is thean anchor shipper on Leidy South, providing Senecawhich provides it with an outlet to premium markets for its Marcellus and Utica production from both its Eastern and Western development areas. FERC issued the Clermont-Rich ValleySection 7(c) certificate on July 17, 2020 and Trout Run-Gamble areas. Supply Corporation filed a Section 7(c) application with the FERC in July 2019.accepted it on August 14, 2020. The FM100 Project has a target in-service date inof late calendar 2021 and a preliminary cost estimate of approximately $280 million. As of December 31, 2019,2020, approximately $5.0$34.3 million has been spent to studycapitalized as Construction Work in Progress for this project, all of which has been included in Deferred Charges on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019.project.

Supply Corporation and Empire have developed a project which would move significant prospective Marcellus production from Seneca's Western Development Area at Clermont to an Empire interconnection with TransCanada Pipelinethe TC Energy pipeline at Chippawa and an interconnection with TGP's 200 Line in East Aurora, New York (the “Northern Access project”). The Northern Access project would provide an outlet to Dawn-indexed markets in Canada and to the TGP line serving the U.S.
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Northeast. The Northern Access project involves the construction of approximately 99 miles of largely 24” pipeline and approximately 27,500 horsepower of compression on the two systems. Supply Corporation, Empire and Seneca executed anchor shipper agreements for 350,000 Dth per day of firm transportation delivery capacity to Chippawa and 140,000 Dth per day of firm transportation capacity to a new interconnection with TGP's 200 Line on this project. On February 3, 2017, the Company received FERC approval of the project. Shortly thereafter, the NYDEC issued a Notice of Denial of the federal Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and other state stream and wetland permits for the New York portion of the project (the Water Quality Certification for the Pennsylvania portion of the project was received in January of 2017). The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit Court of Appeals”) held in the Company’s favor in its appeal of this decision, vacating the NYDEC denial and remanding to the NYDEC. The NYDEC subsequently issued a second denial, which the Company has appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The court has held this appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of the FERC waiver appeal, described below. While the Company’s initial appeal was pending before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, the FERC issued an Order finding that the NYDEC exceeded the statutory time frame to take action under the Clean Water Act and, therefore, waived its opportunity to approve or deny the Water Quality Certification. FERC denied rehearing requests associated with its Order, and FERC's decisions have been appealed and are pending in a separate action before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, in the Company commenced legal action in New York State Supreme CourtCompany's state court litigation challenging the NYDEC's actions with regard to various

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state permits.permits, the New York State Supreme Court issued a decision finding these permits to be preempted. The Company remains committed to the project. In light of these pending legal actions and the need to complete necessary project development activities in advance of construction, the in-service date for the project is expected to be no earlier than fiscal 2022. The Company will update the $500 million preliminary cost estimate and expected in-service date for the project when there is further clarity on that date.the pending legal actions. As of December 31, 2019,2020, approximately $57.8$58.7 million has been spent on the Northern Access project, including $23.3$24.0 million that has been spent to study the project, for which no reserve has been established. The remaining $34.5$34.7 million spent on the project has been capitalized as Construction Work in Progress.
 
Gathering
 
    The majority of the Gathering segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2020 included expenditures related to the continued expansion of Midstream Company's Clermont and Wellsboro gathering systems, as discussed below. Midstream Company spent $4.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2020 on the development of the Clermont and Wellsboro gathering systems. These expenditures were largely attributable to the continued development of centralized station facilities, including increased compression horsepower at the Clermont and Wellsboro gathering systems and additional dehydration on the Clermont gathering system.

The majority of the Gathering segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were for the continued expansion of Midstream Company’sCompany's Trout Run, gathering system, Midstream Company's Clermont gathering system and Midstream Company's Wellsboro gathering system, as discussed below.systems. Midstream Company spent $5.5 million, $3.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2019 on the development of the Trout Run, Clermont and Wellsboro gathering systems. These expenditures were largely attributable to new gathering pipelines and the continued development of centralized station facilities, including increased compression horsepower at the Trout Run gathering system.

The majority of the Gathering segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2018 were for the continued expansion of the Trout Run gathering system, Clermont gathering system and Wellsboro gathering system. Midstream Company spent $1.3 million, $3.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2018 on the development of the Trout Run, Clermont and Wellsboro gathering systems.

NFG Midstream Clermont, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream Company, continues to develop an extensive gathering system with compression in the Pennsylvania counties of McKean, Elk and Cameron. The Clermont gathering system was initially placed in service in July 2014. The current system consists of three compressor stations and backbone and in-field gathering pipelines. The total cost estimate for the continued buildout will be dependent on the nature and timing of Seneca's long-term plans.

NFG Midstream Wellsboro, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream Company, continues to develop its Wellsboro gathering system in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The current system consists of a dehydration and meteringone compressor station and backbone and in-field gathering pipelines.
 
NFG Midstream Trout Run, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midstream Company, continues to develop its Trout Run gathering system in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The Trout Run gathering system was initially placed in service in May 2012. The current system consists of three compressor stations and backbone and in-field gathering pipelines. Midstream Company intends to extend this system in 2020. Combining this extension with reduced drilling activity in the Exploration and Production segment, the Gathering segment's capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $50 million to $60 million for fiscal 2020. 

Utility 
 
The majority of the Utility segment capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 were made for main and service line improvements and replacements as well asthat enhance the reliability and safety of the system and reduce emissions. Expenditures were also made for main extensions.

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Other Investing Activities
 
    On December 10, 2020, the Company completed the sale of substantially all timber properties in Pennsylvania to Lyme Emporium Highlands III LLC and Lyme Allegheny Land Company II LLC for net proceeds of $104.6 million. After purchase price adjustments and transaction costs, a gain of $51.1 million was recognized on the sale of these assets ($37.0 million after-tax). The sale of the timber properties completed a reverse like-kind exchange pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (“Reverse 1031 Exchange”). On July 31, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain upstream assets and midstream gathering assets in Pennsylvania from Shell for total consideration of $506.3 million. The purchase and sale agreement with Shell was structured, in part, as a Reverse 1031 Exchange. Refer to Item 8, Note B – Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures, of the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K for additional information concerning the Company’s acquisition of certain upstream assets and midstream gathering assets from Shell.

Project Funding
 
Over the past two years, the Company has been financing the Pipeline and Storage segment and Gathering segment projects mentioned above, as well as the Exploration and Production segment and Utility segment capital expenditures with cash from operations, as well asshort-term and long-term debt, common stock, and proceeds received from the sale of oiltimber properties. During the quarters ended December 31, 2020 and gas assets.December 31, 2019, capital expenditures were funded with cash from operations and short-term debt. The Company issued long-term debt and common stock in June 2020 to help finance the acquisition of upstream assets and midstream gathering assets from Shell. The financing of the asset acquisition from Shell was completed in December 2020 when the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its timber properties, through the completion of the Reverse 1031 Exchange discussed above. Going forward, while the Company expects to use cash on hand, cash from operations and short-term debtborrowings to finance these projects, the Company may issue long-term debt as necessary during fiscal 2020 to help meet its capital expenditures needs.expenditures. The level of short-term and long-term borrowings will depend upon the amount of cash provided by operations, which, in turn, will likely be impacted by natural gas and crude oil prices combined with production from existing wells. As disclosed above, the Company is precluded from issuing incremental long-term debt beginning in January 2021 as a means of financing these projects. The Company expects this restriction to extend into the second half of fiscal 2021.

    
The Company continuously evaluates capital expenditures and potential investments in corporations, partnerships, and other business entities. The amounts are subject to modification for opportunities such as the acquisition of attractive oil and gas properties, natural gas storage facilities, natural gas gathering and compression facilities and the expansion of natural gas transmission line capacities, regulated utility assets and other opportunities as they may arise. While the majority of capital expenditures in the Utility segment are necessitated by the continued need for replacement and upgrading of mains and service lines, the magnitude of future capital expenditures or other investments in the Company’s other business segments depends, to a large degree, upon market and regulatory conditions.

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Financing Cash Flow
 
Consolidated short-term debt increased $84.6decreased $5.0 million when comparing the balance sheet at December 31, 20192020 to the balance sheet at September 30, 2019.2020. The maximum amount of short-term debt outstanding during the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 was $173.3$145.8 million. The Company continues to consider short-term debt (consisting of short-term notes payable to banks and commercial paper) an important source of cash for temporarily financing capital expenditures, gas-in-storage inventory, unrecovered purchased gas costs, margin calls on derivative financial instruments, exploration and development expenditures, other working capital needs and repayment of long-term debt. Fluctuations in these items can have a significant impact on the amount and timing of short-term debt. At December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of $139.8$25.0 million. The Company did not have any outstanding short-term notes payable to banks at December 31, 2019.2020.

    The Company maintains $1.0 billion of unsecured committed revolving credit access across two facilities. On October 25, 2018, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement)("Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of 12twelve banks. This Credit Agreement provides a $750.0 million multi-year unsecured committed revolving credit facility through October 25, 2023. In addition to the Credit Agreement, on February 3, 2021, the Company amended its existing 364-Day Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date thereof from May 3, 2021 to December 30, 2022, and to increase the lenders' commitments thereunder from $200.0 million to $250.0 million, among other changes (as amended, the "Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement"). Twelve banks are parties to the Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement, all of which are also lenders under the Credit Agreement. The Company also has uncommitted lines of credit with financial institutions for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under these uncommitted lines of credit would be made at competitive market rates. The uncommitted credit lines are revocable at the option of the financial institution and are reviewed on an annual basis. The Company anticipates that its uncommitted lines of credit generally will be renewed or substantially replaced by similar lines. Other financial institutions may also provide the Company with uncommitted or discretionary lines of credit in the future.

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The total amount available to be issued under the Company’s commercial paper program is $500.0 million. The commercial paper program is backed by the Credit Agreement, which provides that the Company's debt to capitalization ratio will not exceed .65 at the last day of any fiscal quarter. For purposes of calculating the debt to capitalization ratio, the Company's total capitalization will be increased by adding back 50% of the aggregate after-tax amount of non-cash charges directly arising from any ceiling test impairment occurring on or after July 1, 2018, not to exceed $250 million. AtThis provision also applies to the Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement. Since July 1, 2018, the Company recorded non-cash, after-tax ceiling test impairments totaling $381.4 million. As a result, at December 31, 2019,2020, $190.7 million was added back to the Company's total capitalization for purposes of the facility, and the Company’s debt to capitalization ratio, (asas calculated under the facility)facility, was .51..54. The constraints specified in both the Credit Agreement and Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement would have permitted an additional $1.77$1.49 billion in short-term and/or long-term debt to be outstanding at December 31, 20192020 (further limited by the indenture covenants discussed below) before the Company’s debt to capitalization ratio exceeded .65.

A downgrade in the Company’s credit ratings could increase borrowing costs, negatively impact the availability of capital from banks, commercial paper purchasers and other sources, and require the Company's subsidiaries to post letters of credit, cash or other assets as collateral with certain counterparties. If the Company is not able to maintain investment-grade credit ratings, it may not be able to access commercial paper markets. However, the Company expects that it could borrow under its credit facilities or rely upon other liquidity sources, including cash provided by operations.sources.

The Credit Agreement containsand Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement contain a cross-default provision whereby the failure by the Company or its significant subsidiaries to make payments under other borrowing arrangements, or the occurrence of certain events affecting those other borrowing arrangements, could trigger an obligation to repay any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement and the Amended 364-Day Credit Agreement. In particular, a repayment obligation could be triggered if (i) the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries fails to make a payment when due of any principal or interest on any other indebtedness aggregating $40.0 million or more or (ii) an event occurs that causes, or would permit the holders of any other indebtedness aggregating $40.0 million or more to cause, such indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity. As

    The Current Portion of Long-Term Debt at December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

2020 consists of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.90% notes that mature in December 2021. None of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 20192020 had a maturity date within the following twelve-month period.

The Company’s embedded cost of long-term debt was 4.85% and 4.69% at bothDecember 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018.respectively.

Under the Company’s existing indenture covenants at December 31, 2019, the Company would have been permitted to issue up to a maximum of $1.05 billion in additional long-term indebtedness at then current market interest rates in addition to being able to issue new indebtedness to replace maturing debt.    The Company's present liquidity position is believed to be adequate to satisfy known demands. However, ifUnder the Company’s existing indenture covenants at December 31, 2020, the Company were to experience a significant lossis precluded from issuing incremental unsubordinated long-term indebtedness beginning in the future (for example,January 2021 as a result of an impairmentnon-cash impairments of its oil and gas properties), it is possible, depending on factors includingproperties recognized during fiscal 2020 and the magnitudequarter ended December 31, 2020, as discussed above. The Company expects this restriction to extend into the second half of the loss, that these indenturefiscal 2021. The covenants would restrict the Company's ability to issue additional long-term unsecured indebtedness for a period of up to nine calendar months, beginning with the fourth calendar month following the loss. This would not preclude the Company from issuing new indebtednesslong-term debt to replace maturingrefund existing long-term debt. In this regard, the Company plans to issue long-term debt during fiscal 2021 to refund its 4.90% notes, in the principal amount of $500 million, that are scheduled to mature in December 2021. Please refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates section above for a sensitivity analysis concerning commodity price changes and their impact on the ceiling test.


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The Company’s 1974 indenture pursuant to which $99.0 million (or 4.6%3.7%) of the Company’s long-term debt (as of December 31, 2019)2020) was issued, contains a cross-default provision whereby the failure by the Company to perform certain obligations under other borrowing arrangements could trigger an obligation to repay the debt outstanding under the indenture. In particular, a repayment obligation could be triggered if the Company fails (i) to pay any scheduled principal or interest on any debt under any other indenture or agreement or (ii) to perform any other term in any other such indenture or agreement, and the effect of the failure causes, or would permit the holders of the debt to cause, the debt under such indenture or agreement to become due prior to its stated maturity, unless cured or waived.

OTHER MATTERS
 
In addition to the legal proceedings disclosed in Part II, Item 1 of this report, the Company is involved in other litigation and regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business. These other matters may include, for example, negligence claims and tax, regulatory or other governmental audits, inspections, investigations or other proceedings. These matters may involve state and federal taxes, safety, compliance with regulations, rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues, among other things. While these normal-course matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in
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the period in which they are resolved, they are not expected to change materially the Company’s present liquidity position, nor are they expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.
 
During the three months ended December 31, 2019,2020, the Company contributed $7.8$5.2 million to its tax-qualified, noncontributory defined-benefit retirement plan (Retirement Plan) and $0.7 million to its VEBA trusts for its other post-retirement benefits.  In the remainder of 2020,2021, the Company expects its contributions to the Retirement Plan to be in the range of $17.0$10.0 million to $22.0$20.0 million. In the remainder of 2020,2021, the Company expects its contributions to its VEBA trusts to be in the range of $2.0 million to $2.5 million.

    The Company, in its Exploration and Production segment, has extended the term of a contractual obligation related to hydraulic fracturing during the quarter ended December 31, 2020. This extension is valued at approximately $82.3 million and extends the contractual obligation through December 31, 2022.

Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
 
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law.  The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions related to the swaps and over-the-counter derivatives markets that are designed to promote transparency, mitigate systemic risk and protect against market abuse.  Although regulators have issued certain regulations, other rules that may impact the Company have yet to be finalized.

The CFTC’s Dodd-Frank regulations continue to preserve the ability of non-financial end users to hedge their risks using swaps without being subject to mandatory clearing.  In 2015, legislation was enacted to exempt from margin requirements swaps used by non-financial end users to hedge or mitigate commercial risk.  In 2016, the CFTC issued a reproposal to its position limit rules that would impose speculative position limits on positions in 28 core physical commodity contracts as well as economically equivalent futures, options and swaps.  While the Company does not intend to enter into positions on a speculative basis, such rules could nevertheless impact the ability of the Company to enter into certain derivative hedging transactions with respect to such commodities.  If the Company reduces its use of hedging transactions as a result of final regulations to be issued by the CFTC, results of operations may become more volatile and cash flows may be less predictable.  There may be other rules developed by the CFTC and other regulators that could impact the Company.  While many of those rules place specific conditions on the operations of swap dealers and major swap participants, concern remains that swap dealers and major swap participants will pass along their increased costs stemming from final rules through higher transaction costs and prices or other direct or indirect costs.

Finally, given the additional authority granted to the CFTC on anti-market manipulation, anti-fraud and disruptive trading practices, it is difficult to predict how the evolving enforcement priorities of the CFTC will impact our business.  Should the Company violate any laws or regulations applicable to our hedging activities, it could be subject to CFTC enforcement action and material penalties and sanctions.  The Company continues to monitor these enforcement and other regulatory developments, but cannot predict the impact that evolving application of the Dodd-Frank Act may have on its operations.
 
The accounting rules for fair value measurements and disclosures require consideration of the impact of nonperformance risk (including credit risk) from a market participant perspective in the measurement of the fair value of assets and liabilities.  At December 31, 2019,2020, the Company determined that nonperformance risk would have no material impact on its financial position or results of operation.  To assess nonperformance risk, the Company considered information such as any applicable collateral posted, master netting arrangements, and applied a market-based method by using the counterparty's (assuming the derivative is in a gain position) or the Company’s (assuming the derivative is in a loss position) credit default swaps rates.

For a complete discussion of all other market risk sensitive instruments used by the Company, refer to "Market“Market Risk Sensitive Instruments"Instruments” in Item 7 of the Company's 2019Company’s 2020 Form 10-K.  There have been no subsequent material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk sensitive instruments.

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Rate and Regulatory Matters
 
Utility Operation
 
Delivery rates for both the New York and Pennsylvania divisions are regulated by the states’ respective public utility commissions and typically are changed only when approved through a procedure known as a “rate case.” TheNeither the New York or Pennsylvania division does notdivisions currently have a rate case on file. See below for a description of the current rate proceedings affecting the New York division. In both jurisdictions, delivery rates do not reflect the recovery of
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purchased gas costs. Prudently-incurred gas costs are recovered through operation of automatic adjustment clauses, and are collected primarily through a separately-stated “supply charge” on the customer bill.
 
New York Jurisdiction
 
Distribution Corporation's current delivery rates in its New York jurisdiction were approved by the NYPSC in an order issued on April 20, 2017 with rates becoming effective May 1, 2017. The order directed the implementation of an earnings sharing mechanism to be in place beginning on April 1, 2018.

On April 24, 2019,    In New York, on March 13, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company agreed to NYPSC issued an orderStaff’s request that the Company suspend service terminations and disconnections. Thereafter, on June 17, 2020, New York enacted a new law that prohibits utilities from terminating or disconnecting services to any residential customer for non-payment for the duration of the state disaster emergency. In addition, the law prohibits residential terminations for non-payment for a period of 180 days running from the end of the state disaster emergency for customers that have experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. Governor Cuomo, through the issuance of executive orders, has extended the declaration of the state disaster emergency through February 26, 2021. The law currently sunsets on March 31, 2021, but legislation extending the sunset provisionmoratorium is anticipated. The duration of the tracker previously approved byaforementioned suspension in New York and its related impact on the Company is uncertain. The Company is anticipating that customer non-payment may increase given higher natural gas usage and the resulting increase in costs for customers. It is uncertain at this point as to whether there would be any regulatory relief for utilities with regard to an increase in costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is one of many issues currently being considered in a generic NYPSC proceeding entitled “Proceeding on Motion of the Commission Regarding the Effects of COVID-19 on Utility Service” (Case No. 20-M-0266). Correspondence from NYPSC Staff has recommended that allows Distribution Corporationutilities rely on existing avenues of relief for these costs, and has identified additional, more stringent requirements that must be met to recover increased investment in utility system modernization for one year (until March 31, 2021). The extension is contingent on a one year stay-out of a general rate case filing that would prevent new rates from becoming effective prior to April 1, 2021.achieve relief.

Pennsylvania Jurisdiction
 
Distribution Corporation’s current delivery rates in its Pennsylvania jurisdiction delivery rates are being charged to customers in accordance with a rate settlementwere approved by the PaPUC.PaPUC on November 30, 2006 as part of a settlement agreement that became effective January 1, 2007. The rate settlement does not specify any requirement to file a future rate case.

    On March 26, 2020, the PaPUC ratified an Emergency Order that established a Service Termination Moratorium intended to continue during the pendency of Governor Wolf’s March 6, 2020 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 13, 2020, the Company (and other Pennsylvania local distribution companies) received a Secretarial Letter from the PaPUC regarding COVID-19 pandemic cost tracking and regulatory assets. The Secretarial Letter directs utilities to track “extraordinary, nonrecurring incremental COVID-19 related expenses” so the Commission can understand the impact of these expenses on the utilities’ finances. It also authorizes the creation of a utility regulatory asset, but only for incremental uncollectible expenses incurred above those embedded in rates (and incurred since the issuance of the Emergency Order). The Company currently does not anticipate a need to create a regulatory asset for these expenses. On October 8, 2020, the Commission issued an order ending the moratorium effective November 9, 2020, imposing a list of enhanced customer protections that expire on March 31, 2021 and calling for comments by February 16, 2021 regarding policies the Commission should adopt after March 31, 2021. The order also appears to expand the aforementioned potential utility regulatory asset to all incremental COVID-19 related expenses incurred above those embedded in rates. The Company continues to monitor this item for potential deferral opportunity.
Pipeline and Storage
 
    Supply Corporation’s rate settlement, approved June 1, 2020, provides that no party may make a rate filing for new rates to be effective before February 1, 2024, except that Supply Corporation filed amay file an NGA general Section 4 rate case on July 31, 2019 proposingto change rates if the corporate federal income tax rate increasesis increased. If no case has been filed, Supply Corporation must file for rates to be effective September 1, 2019. The proposed rates reflect an annual cost of service of $295.4 million, a rate base of $970.8 million and a proposed cost of equity of 15%. The FERC has accepted the filed rates and suspended the effective date of the increases until February 1, 2020, when the rates will be made effective, subject to refund. If the rates finally approved at the end of the proceeding exceed the rates that were in effect at July 31, 2019, but are less than rates put into effect subject to refund2025. Supply has no rate case currently on February 1, 2020, Supply Corporation would be required to refund the difference between the rates collected subject to refund and the final approved rates, with interest at the FERC-approved rate. If the rates approved at the end of the proceeding are lower than the rates in effect at July 31, 2019, such lower rates will become effective prospectively from the date of the applicable FERC order, and refunds with interest will be limited to the difference between the rates collected subject to refund and the rates in effect at July 31, 2019.file.

Empire's    Empire’s 2019 rate settlement requiresprovides that no party may make a Section 4filing for new rates before March 31, 2021. If no rate case has been filed, Empire must make a rate case filing no later than May 1, 2025. Empire has no rate case currently on file.

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Environmental Matters
 
The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and comply with regulatory requirements. 

For further discussion of the Company's environmental exposures, refer to Item 1 at Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies under the heading “Environmental Matters.”

Legislative and regulatory measures to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are in various phases of discussion or implementation in the United States. These efforts include legislation, legislative proposals and new regulations at the state and federal level, and private party litigation related to greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Congress has not yet passed any federal climate change legislation and we cannot predict when or if Congress will pass such legislation and in what form. In the absence of such legislation, the EPA regulates greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. The regulations implemented by EPA impose more stringent leak detection and repair requirements, and further address reporting and control of methane and volatile organic compound emissions. The current administration has issued executive orders to review and potentially roll back

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many of these burdensome regulations, and, in turn, litigation (not involving the Company) has been instituted to challenge the administration's efforts. The Company must continue to comply with all applicable regulations. A number of states have adopted energy strategies or plans with aggressive goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Pennsylvania has a methane reduction framework with the stated goal of reducing methane emissions from well sites, compressor stations and pipelines and is in the process of evaluating cap-and-trade programs (e.g., Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative). In California, the Company currently complies with California cap-and-trade rules, which increases the Company's cost of environmental compliance in its Exploration and Production segment. Legislation or regulation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could also include emissions limits, reporting requirements, carbon taxes, restrictive permitting, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates to conserve energy or use renewable energy sources. Federal, state or local governments may provide tax advantages and other subsidies to support alternative energy sources, mandate the use of specific fuels or technologies, or promote research into new technologies to reduce the cost and increase the scalability of alternative energy sources. New YorkThe NYPSC, for example, initiated a proceeding to consider climate-related financial disclosures at the utility operating company level, and the NY State for example,legislature passed the CLCPA that mandates reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 60% of 1990 levels by 2030, and to 15% of 1990 levels by 2050, with the remaining emission reduction achieved by controlled offsets. The CLCPA also requires electric generators to meet 70% of demand with renewable energy by 2030 and 100% with zero emissions generation by 2040. These climate change and greenhouse gas initiatives could impact the Company's customer base and assets depending on the promulgation of final regulations and on regulatory treatment afforded in the process. TheseThus far, the only regulations promulgated in connection with the CLCPA are greenhouse gas emissions limits established by the NYDEC in 6 NYCRR Part 496, effective December 30, 2020. The NYDEC has until January 1, 2024 to issue further rules and regulations implementing the statute. The above-enumerated initiatives could also increase the Company’s cost of environmental compliance by increasing reporting requirements, requiring retrofitting of existing equipment, requiring installation of new equipment, and/or requiring the purchase of emission allowances. They could also delay or otherwise negatively affect efforts to obtain permits and other regulatory approvals. Changing market conditions and new regulatory requirements, as well as unanticipated or inconsistent application of existing laws and regulations by administrative agencies, make it difficult to predict a long-term business impact across twenty or more years.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
 
The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this Form 10-Q to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Certain statements contained in this report, including, without limitation, statements regarding future prospects, plans, objectives, goals, projections, estimates of oil and gas quantities, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions, capital structure, anticipated capital expenditures, completion of construction projects, projections for pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, impacts of the adoption of new accounting rules, and possible outcomes of litigation or regulatory proceedings, as well as statements that are identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “believes,” “seeks,” “will,” “may,” and similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and accordingly involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis,
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but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to other factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, the following are important factors that, in the view of the Company, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:
1.Changes in the price of natural gas or oil;
2.Impairments under the SEC’s full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil reserves;
3.Changes in laws, regulations or judicial interpretations to which the Company is subject, including those involving derivatives, taxes, safety, employment, climate change, other environmental matters, real property, and exploration and production activities such as hydraulic fracturing;
4.Delays or changes in costs or plans with respect to Company projects or related projects of other companies, including difficulties or delays in obtaining necessary governmental approvals, permits or orders or in obtaining the cooperation of interconnecting facility operators;
5.Governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those involving rate cases (which address, among other things, target rates of return, rate design and retained natural gas), environmental/safety requirements, affiliate relationships, industry structure, and franchise renewal;
6.Changes in price differentials between similar quantities of natural gas or oil at different geographic locations, and the effect of such changes on commodity production, revenues and demand for pipeline transportation capacity to or from such locations;

1.The length and severity of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, including its impacts across our businesses on demand, operations, global supply chains and liquidity;
2.Changes in economic conditions, including global, national or regional recessions, and their effect on the demand for, and customers’ ability to pay for, the Company’s products and services;
3.Changes in the price of natural gas or oil;
4.Impairments under the SEC’s full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil reserves;
5.The creditworthiness or performance of the Company’s key suppliers, customers and counterparties;
6.Financial and economic conditions, including the availability of credit, and occurrences affecting the Company’s ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms for working capital, capital expenditures and other investments, including any downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings and changes in interest rates and other capital market conditions;
7.Changes in laws, regulations or judicial interpretations to which the Company is subject, including those involving derivatives, taxes, safety, employment, climate change, other environmental matters, real property, and exploration and production activities such as hydraulic fracturing;
8.Delays or changes in costs or plans with respect to Company projects or related projects of other companies, including disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as difficulties or delays in obtaining necessary governmental approvals, permits or orders or in obtaining the cooperation of interconnecting facility operators;
9.The Company's ability to complete planned strategic transactions;
10.The Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets and achieve expected cost synergies;
11.Governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those involving rate cases (which address, among other things, target rates of return, rate design and retained natural gas), environmental/safety requirements, affiliate relationships, industry structure, and franchise renewal;
12.Changes in price differentials between similar quantities of natural gas or oil at different geographic locations, and the effect of such changes on commodity production, revenues and demand for pipeline transportation capacity to or from such locations;
13.The impact of information technology disruptions, cybersecurity or data security breaches;
14.Factors affecting the Company’s ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves, including among others geology, lease availability, title disputes, weather conditions, shortages, delays or unavailability of equipment and services required in drilling operations, insufficient gathering, processing and transportation capacity, the need to obtain governmental approvals and permits, and compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
15.Increasing health care costs and the resulting effect on health insurance premiums and on the obligation to provide other post-retirement benefits; 
16.Other changes in price differentials between similar quantities of natural gas or oil having different quality, heating value, hydrocarbon mix or delivery date;
17.The cost and effects of legal and administrative claims against the Company or activist shareholder campaigns to effect changes at the Company;
18.Uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates;
19.Significant differences between the Company’s projected and actual production levels for natural gas or oil;
20.Changes in demographic patterns and weather conditions;
21.Changes in the availability, price or accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments;
22.Changes in laws, actuarial assumptions, the interest rate environment and the return on plan/trust assets related to the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefits, which can affect future funding obligations and costs and plan liabilities;
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23.Economic disruptions or uninsured losses resulting from major accidents, fires, severe weather, natural disasters, terrorist activities or acts of war;
7.Financial and economic conditions, including the availability of credit, and occurrences affecting the Company’s ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms for working capital, capital expenditures and other investments, including any downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings and changes in interest rates and other capital market conditions;
8.Factors affecting the Company’s ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves, including among others geology, lease availability, title disputes, weather conditions, shortages, delays or unavailability of equipment and services required in drilling operations, insufficient gathering, processing and transportation capacity, the need to obtain governmental approvals and permits, and compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
9.Increasing health care costs and the resulting effect on health insurance premiums and on the obligation to provide other post-retirement benefits; 
10.Other changes in price differentials between similar quantities of natural gas or oil having different quality, heating value, hydrocarbon mix or delivery date;
11.The cost and effects of legal and administrative claims against the Company or activist shareholder campaigns to effect changes at the Company;
12.Uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates;
13.Significant differences between the Company’s projected and actual production levels for natural gas or oil;
14.Changes in demographic patterns and weather conditions;
15.Changes in the availability, price or accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments;
16.Changes in laws, actuarial assumptions, the interest rate environment and the return on plan/trust assets related to the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefits, which can affect future funding obligations and costs and plan liabilities;
17.Changes in economic conditions, including global, national or regional recessions, and their effect on the demand for, and customers’ ability to pay for, the Company’s products and services;
18.The creditworthiness or performance of the Company’s key suppliers, customers and counterparties;
19.The impact of information technology, cybersecurity or data security breaches;
20.Economic disruptions or uninsured losses resulting from major accidents, fires, severe weather, natural disasters, terrorist activities or acts of war;
21.Significant differences between the Company’s projected and actual capital expenditures and operating expenses; or
22.Increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage and the ability to obtain insurance.
24.Significant differences between the Company’s projected and actual capital expenditures and operating expenses; or
25.Increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage and the ability to obtain insurance.
The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Refer to the "Market Risk Sensitive Instruments" section in Item 2 – MD&A.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. These rules refer to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period

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covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2019.   2020.   
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 20192020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II.  Other Information
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
For a discussion of various environmental and other matters, refer to Part I, Item 1 at Note 8 Commitments and Contingencies, and Part I, Item 2 - MD&A of this report under the heading “Other Matters – Environmental Matters.”
 
For a discussion of certain rate matters involving the NYPSC, refer to Part I, Item 1 of this report at Note 11 Regulatory Matters.
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risk factors in Item 1A of the Company’s 20192020 Form 10-K have not materially changed.changed other than as set forth below. The risk factors presented below supersede the risk factors having the same caption in the 2020 Form 10-K and should otherwise be read in conjunction with all of the risk factors disclosed in the 2020 Form 10-K. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks discussed in Item 1A of the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.

Climate change, and the regulatory, legislative and capital access developments related to climate change, may adversely affect operations and financial results.

    Climate change could create physical risks, which may adversely affect the Company’s operations. Physical risks include changes in weather conditions, which could cause demand for gas to increase or decrease. If there were to be any impacts from climate change to the Company’s operations and financial results, the Company expects that they would likely
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occur over a long period of time and thus are difficult to quantify with any degree of specificity. Extreme weather events may result in adverse physical effects on portions of the country’s gas infrastructure, which could disrupt the Company’s supply chain and ultimately its operations. Disruption of production activities, and transportation and distribution systems could result in reduced operational efficiency, and customer service interruption.

    Climate change, and the laws, regulations and other initiatives to address climate change, may impact the Company’s financial results. On January 20, 2021, the federal administration executed the instrument stating the country's intent to rejoin the Paris Agreement, the international effort to establish emissions reduction goals for signatory countries, thus allowing for the U.S. to reenter the Paris Agreement as an official party thirty days later. Under the Paris Agreement, signatory countries are expected to submit their nationally determined contributions to curb greenhouse gas emissions and meet the agreed temperature objectives every five years. In addition to the recent federal intent to reenter the Paris Agreement, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and financial institutions have made, and will likely continue to make, more aggressive efforts to reduce emissions and advance the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Recent executive orders from the new federal administration, in addition to federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives proposed or adopted in an attempt to limit the effects of climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, could have significant impacts on the energy industry including government-imposed limitations, prohibitions or moratoriums on the use and development and production of gas and oil, establishment of a carbon tax, as well as accelerated depreciation of assets and/or stranded assets. For example, the U.S. Congress has from time to time considered bills that would establish a cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. A number of states have adopted energy strategies or plans with goals that include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Pennsylvania has a methane reduction framework for the oil and gas industry which has resulted in permitting changes with the stated goal of reducing methane emissions from well sites, compressor stations and pipelines. With respect to its operations in California, the Company currently complies with California cap-and-trade guidelines, which increases the Company’s cost of environmental compliance in its Exploration and Production segment operation. In addition, the NYPSC initiated a proceeding to consider climate-related financial disclosures at the utility operating level, and the NY State legislature passed the CLCPA, which created emission reduction and electric generation mandates, and could ultimately impact the Utility segment’s customer base and the Utility segment’s business. Legislation or regulation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could also include greenhouse gas emissions limits and reporting requirements, carbon taxes, restrictive permitting, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates to conserve energy or use renewable energy sources. Additionally, the trend toward increased conservation, competition from renewable energy sources, and technological advances to address climate change may reduce the demand for natural gas. For further discussion of the risks associated with environmental regulation to address climate change, refer to Item 7, MD&A under the heading “Environmental Matters” and subheading “Environmental Regulation.”

    Further, recent trends directed toward a low-carbon economy could shift funding away from, or limit or restrict certain sources of funding for, companies focused on fossil fuel-related development or carbon-intensive investments. To the extent financial markets view climate change and greenhouse gas emissions as a financial risk, the Company’s cost of and access to capital could be negatively impacted.

The Company may be adversely affected by economic conditions and their impact on our suppliers and customers.

    Periods of slowed economic activity generally result in decreased energy consumption, particularly by industrial and large commercial companies. As a consequence, national or regional recessions or other downturns in economic activity, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and cash flows or restrict its future growth. The Company is monitoring and responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across its businesses. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material impact on the Company. However, the Company cannot predict the extent or duration of the outbreak or whether this rapidly evolving situation will have a material impact on the Company’s workforce, supply chain, operations or financial results, including potential regulatory responses to the financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company and its customers. Economic conditions in the Company’s utility service territories, along with legislative and regulatory prohibitions and/or limitations on terminations of service, also impact its collections of accounts receivable. For instance, New York enacted legislation that prohibits residential utility terminations for non-payment for the duration of the New York State COVID Disaster Emergency. All of the Company’s segments are exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness or performance of key suppliers and customers, many of which may be adversely affected by volatile conditions in the financial markets, including volatility caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions could result in financial instability or other adverse effects at any of our suppliers or customers. For example, counterparties to the Company’s commodity hedging arrangements or commodity sales contracts might not be able to perform their obligations under these arrangements or contracts. Customers of the Company’s Utility segment may have particular trouble paying their bills during periods of declining economic activity or high commodity prices, potentially resulting in increased bad debt expense and reduced earnings; the PaPUC has directed utilities to track extraordinary, nonrecurring incremental COVID-19 related expenses, and has authorized the creation of a utility regulatory asset but only for incremental
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COVID-19 related expenses incurred above those embedded in rates, therefore it is unclear at this time to what extent the PaPUC will, and whether the NYPSC will at all, allow rate recovery for COVID-19 pandemic related expenses. Similarly, if reductions were to occur in funding of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, bad debt expense could increase and earnings could decrease. In addition, oil and gas exploration and production companies that are customers of the Company’s Pipeline and Storage segment may decide not to renew contracts for the same transportation capacity during periods of reduced production due to persistent low commodity prices. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Financial accounting requirements regarding exploration and production activities may affect the Company's profitability.

    The Company accounts for its exploration and production activities under the full cost method of accounting. Each quarter, the Company must perform a "ceiling test" calculation, comparing the level of its unamortized investment in oil and gas properties to the present value of the future net revenue projected to be recovered from those properties according to methods prescribed by the SEC. In determining present value, the Company uses a 12-month historical average price for oil and gas (based on first day of the month prices and adjusted for hedging) as well as the SEC mandated discount rate. If, at the end of any quarter, the amount of the unamortized investment exceeds the net present value of the projected future cash flows, such investment may be considered to be "impaired," and the full cost accounting rules require that the investment must be written down to the calculated net present value. Such an instance would require the Company to recognize an immediate expense in that quarter, and its earnings would be reduced. Depending on the magnitude of any decrease in average prices, that charge could be material. Under the Company's existing indenture covenants, an impairment could restrict the Company's ability to issue incremental long-term unsecured indebtedness for a period of time, beginning with the fourth calendar month following the impairment. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized non-cash, pre-tax impairment charges on its oil and natural gas properties of $449.4 million and $76.2 million, respectively, and the Company is precluded from issuing incremental unsubordinated long-term indebtedness for a period beginning in January 2021 and expected to extend into the second half of fiscal 2021.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On October 1, 2019,2020, the Company issued a total of 9,48010,880 unregistered shares of Company common stock to ten non-employee directors of the Company then serving on the Board of Directors of the Company, consisting of 9481,088 shares to each such director. All of these unregistered shares were issued under the Company’s 2009 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan as partial consideration for such directors’ services during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020.  These transactions were exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as transactions not involving a public offering.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Share Repurchase Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Share Repurchase Plans or Programs (b)
Oct. 1 - 31, 202013,724 $41.266,971,019
Nov. 1 - 30, 202018,919 $41.186,971,019
Dec. 1 - 31, 202091,113 $42.716,971,019
Total123,756 $42.316,971,019
Period
 Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Share Repurchase Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Share Repurchase Plans or Programs (b)
Oct. 1 - 31, 201911,920
$44.776,971,019
Nov. 1 - 30, 201911,875
$45.786,971,019
Dec. 1 - 31, 2019102,783
$45.636,971,019
Total126,578
$45.576,971,019
(a)Represents (i) shares of common stock of the Company purchased with Company “matching contributions” for the accounts of participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans, and (ii) shares of common stock of the Company tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based compensation awards for the payment of applicable withholding taxes. During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to its publicly announced share repurchase program. Of the 123,756 shares purchased other than through a publicly announced share repurchase program, 40,969 were purchased for the Company's 401(k) plans and 82,787 were purchased as a result of shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based compensation awards.
(a)Represents shares of common stock of the Company purchased on the open market with Company “matching contributions” for the accounts of participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans, and (ii) shares of common stock of the Company tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based compensation awards for the payment of applicable withholding taxes. During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to its publicly announced share repurchase program. Of the 126,578 shares purchased other than through a publicly announced share repurchase program, 35,458 were purchased for the Company’s 401(k) plans and 91,120 were purchased as a result of shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based compensation awards.
(b)In September 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of eight million shares of the Company’s common stock.  The repurchase program has no expiration date.  The Company has not repurchased any shares since September 17, 2008 and has no plans to make further purchases in the near future.

(b)In September 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of eight million shares of the Company’s common stock.  The repurchase program has no expiration date.  The Company has not repurchased any shares since September 17, 2008 and has no plans to make further purchases in the near future.
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
Exhibit
Number
10.1
DescriptionForm of Exhibit
10.1
10.2
31.110.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
31.1
31.2
32•
99
101Interactive data files submitted pursuant to Regulation S-T, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings Reinvested in the Business for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019,2020, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
••In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, the material contained in Exhibit 32 is “furnished” and not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, the material contained in Exhibit 32 is “furnished” and not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

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SIGNATURES
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ K. M. Camiolo
K. M. Camiolo
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
/s/ E. G. Mendel
E. G. Mendel
Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  January 31, 2020February 5, 2021


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