UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| |
| For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 |
| |
or |
| |
o | 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 0-8176 |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | | 95-1840947 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | | Identification Number) |
One Wilshire Building
624 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2900
Los Angeles, California 90017-3782
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(213) 929-1800
(Registrant’s telephone, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-Accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | | Outstanding as of May 4, 2007 |
| | |
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share | | 24,063,654 shares |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Southwest Water Company:
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southwest Water Company and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of March 31, 2007, the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the related condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 13, 2007, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ KPMG LLP | |
| |
Los Angeles, California |
May 14, 2007 |
1
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
| | March 31, | | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Current Assets: | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,013 | | $ | 4,294 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | 25,603 | | 27,512 | |
Other current assets | | 16,407 | | 16,451 | |
Total current assets | | 45,023 | | 48,257 | |
| | | | | |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net: | | | | | |
Regulated utilities | | 383,954 | | 378,260 | |
Non-regulated operations | | 11,292 | | 11,365 | |
Total property, plant and equipment, net | | 395,246 | | 389,625 | |
| | | | | |
Other Assets: | | | | | |
Goodwill | | 33,152 | | 33,152 | |
Intangible assets | | 2,727 | | 2,844 | |
Other assets | | 18,236 | | 17,815 | |
| | | | | |
| | $ | 494,384 | | $ | 491,693 | |
| | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 7,617 | | $ | 12,746 | |
Current portion of long-term debt | | 1,502 | | 1,423 | |
Other current liabilities | | 19,076 | | 21,661 | |
Total current liabilities | | 28,195 | | 35,830 | |
| | | | | |
Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits: | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | 135,709 | | 128,624 | |
Deferred income taxes | | 28,370 | | 26,011 | |
Advances for construction | | 8,253 | | 8,413 | |
Contributions in aid of construction | | 110,564 | | 110,024 | |
Other liabilities and deferred credits | | 15,194 | | 16,264 | |
| | | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | |
Preferred stock | | 458 | | 458 | |
Common stock | | 240 | | 238 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 141,071 | | 138,728 | |
Retained earnings | | 26,256 | | 27,031 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | 74 | | 72 | |
Total stockholders’ equity | | 168,099 | | 166,527 | |
| | | | | |
| | $ | 494,384 | | $ | 491,693 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands, except per share data) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | |
Utility Group | | $ | 20,034 | | $ | 17,973 | |
Services Group | | 28,040 | | 31,621 | |
Total revenues | | 48,074 | | 49,594 | |
| | | | | |
Expenses: | | | | | |
Utility Group operating expenses | | 11,596 | | 10,397 | |
Services Group operating expenses | | 25,002 | | 27,795 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 8,533 | | 8,385 | |
Total expenses | | 45,131 | | 46,577 | |
| | | | | |
Operating income | | 2,943 | | 3,017 | |
| | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | |
Interest expense | | (2,070 | ) | (2,131 | ) |
Interest income | | 140 | | 81 | |
Other, net | | (49 | ) | 139 | |
| | | | | |
Income before income taxes and change in accounting principle | | 964 | | 1,106 | |
Provision for income taxes | | 350 | | 405 | |
| | | | | |
Income before change in accounting principle | | 614 | | 701 | |
| | | | | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax | | — | | 71 | |
| | | | | |
Net income | | 614 | | 772 | |
| | | | | |
Preferred stock dividends | | (6 | ) | (6 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net income applicable to common stockholders | | $ | 608 | | $ | 766 | |
| | | | | |
Earnings per common share: | | | | | |
Basic: | | | | | |
Income before change in accounting principle | | $ | 0.03 | | $ | 0.03 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | — | | — | |
Net income applicable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.03 | | $ | 0.03 | |
Diluted: | | | | | |
Income before change in accounting principle | | $ | 0.03 | | $ | 0.03 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | — | | — | |
Net income applicable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.03 | | $ | 0.03 | |
| | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | | |
Basic | | 23,882 | | 22,293 | |
Diluted | | 24,214 | | 23,307 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Other | | | |
| | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Additional | | | | Compre– | | Total | |
| | Number of | | | | Number of | | | | Paid-in | | Retained | | hensive | | Stockholders’ | |
(In thousands) | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Capital | | Earnings | | Income | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2006 | | 9 | | $ | 458 | | 23,802 | | $ | 238 | | $ | 138,728 | | $ | 27,031 | | $ | 72 | | $ | 166,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 614 | | — | | 614 | |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of actuarial net gain | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (12 | ) | (12 | ) |
Amortization of prior service costs | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 14 | | 14 | |
Comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans | | — | | — | | 82 | | 1 | | 1,043 | | — | | — | | 1,044 | |
Proceeds from stock options exercised | | — | | — | | 128 | | 1 | | 364 | | — | | — | | 365 | |
Tax benefit from stock options exercised | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 382 | | — | | — | | 382 | |
Share-based compensation expense | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 408 | | — | | — | | 408 | |
Debenture conversions | | — | | — | | 14 | | — | | 146 | | — | | — | | 146 | |
Cash dividends declared | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (1,389 | ) | — | | (1,389 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at March 31, 2007 | | 9 | | $ | 458 | | 24,026 | | $ | 240 | | $ | 141,071 | | $ | 26,256 | | $ | 74 | | $ | 168,099 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 614 | | $ | 772 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax | | — | | (71 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | 3,030 | | 2,685 | |
Deferred income taxes | | 350 | | 778 | |
Share-based compensation expense | | 408 | | 275 | |
Gain on sales of land | | — | | (407 | ) |
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | 1,909 | | 698 | |
Other current assets | | 2,441 | | 1,279 | |
Other assets | | (508 | ) | (130 | ) |
Accounts payable | | (5,128 | ) | (3,274 | ) |
Other current liabilities | | (2,980 | ) | (1,940 | ) |
Other liabilities | | (1,203 | ) | (447 | ) |
Other, net | | (30 | ) | (39 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | (1,097 | ) | 179 | |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (8,394 | ) | (7,426 | ) |
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | | (558 | ) | (1,231 | ) |
Purchase of minority interest | | — | | (1,010 | ) |
Proceeds from sales of land | | 33 | | 427 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | (8,919 | ) | (9,240 | ) |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
Borrowings under lines of credit | | 7,500 | | 7,000 | |
Proceeds from stock option and stock purchase plans | | 1,409 | | 2,014 | |
Capital improvement reimbursements | | 865 | | 220 | |
Contributions in aid of construction | | 485 | | 702 | |
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised | | 380 | | 362 | |
Dividends paid | | (1,389 | ) | (1,186 | ) |
Payments on long-term debt | | (308 | ) | (303 | ) |
Repayment of advances for construction | | (204 | ) | (164 | ) |
Deferred financing costs | | (3 | ) | (6 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | 8,735 | | 8,639 | |
| | | | | |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | | (1,281 | ) | (422 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | 4,294 | | 2,764 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 3,013 | | $ | 2,342 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
SOUTHWEST WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited. The Company believes the interim financial statements are presented on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for such interim periods. All of these adjustments are normal recurring adjustments.
Preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations for interim financial reporting. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s businesses are seasonal because they are affected by weather. As a result, operating results for interim periods do not necessarily predict the operating results for any other interim period or for the full year.
Change in Presentation
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company elected to allocate a portion of its Services Group’s operating expense overhead between affiliated and unaffiliated customers for segment reporting purposes (Note 10). In prior periods, all operating expense overhead was reflected as operating expenses attributable to unaffiliated customers. This change in allocation methodology increased the gross profit from sales to unaffiliated customers and decreased the gross profit from sales to affiliated customers by the same amount. In accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.
In accordance with SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (“SFAS 71”), the Company does not eliminate the intersegment profit recognized on sales to affiliated customers because the Company believes the sales price is reasonable and it is probable that, through the rate making process, future Utility Group revenue approximately equal to the sales price will result from the regulated utilities’ use of the services. The Company does, however, eliminate the Services Group’s revenues from affiliated customers to the extent of its cost. Consequently, this change resulted in a decrease in the Services Group’s revenues and direct operating expenses reported in 2006 by the same amounts. Consolidated gross profit, operating income and net income are unchanged.
6
Accounting Guidance and Pronouncements Adopted During 2007
SFAS No. 158
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“SFAS 158”). This statement requires balance sheet recognition of the funded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans. Under SFAS 158, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. The balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 were effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and, as a result, the Company began recognizing the unamortized portion of actuarial gains and prior service costs in accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
FIN No. 48
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). FIN 48 requires companies to recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining the relevant tax authority would “more likely than not” sustain the position following an examination by taxing authorities. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the relevant taxing authority.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 on January 1, 2007. On December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, the Company’s liabilities for uncertain tax positions are not significant. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to liabilities for uncertain tax benefits in the income tax expense line-item of the consolidated statements of income. Net interest and penalties incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were insignificant.
The Company is subject to federal and various state and local income taxes. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax return examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2002. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2002 through 2004 tax years were recently examined by the Internal Revenue Service. The examination was concluded in February 2007 and resulted in no net change for the tax years examined. State and local income tax returns from 2002 to the present and federal income tax returns from 2005 to the present are still subject to examinations by taxing authorities.
7
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 157
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out framework for establishing fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies only to fair value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements. Adoption of SFAS 157 is required for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and will be applied prospectively under most circumstances. While the Company is still evaluating the impact this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements, management currently believes the impact will not be material.
SFAS No. 159
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). This statement permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and other specified items at fair value. This statement is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008 and will be applied prospectively. While the Company is still evaluating the impact this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements, management currently believes the impact will not be material.
Note 2. Acquisitions
In February 2007, the Company acquired a small water and wastewater collection utility in a high growth area of northern Mississippi, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. The purchase price was $0.6 million in cash. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at their estimated fair values based upon preliminary valuations. The consolidated financial statements include the operations of the utility subsequent to its acquisition date. The acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations. The Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation during 2007.
In May 2007, the Company acquired two additional water utilities in a high population growth area northwest of San Antonio, Texas (Note 11).
On March 20, 2006, the 10% minority interest stockholder in Operations Technology, Inc. (“OpTech”), a Georgia-based non-regulated business in the Company’s Services Group, exercised its right to require the Company to purchase the remaining 10% of OpTech stock that it did not already own for $1.0 million in cash (Note 4). In connection with this acquisition, the Company allocated $0.5 million of the purchase price to finite-lived intangible assets and the remaining $0.5 million to goodwill. The intangible assets, principally customer relationships and tradenames, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average amortization period of 8.1 years.
The acquisitions were funded with borrowings under the Company’s revolving line of credit.
8
Note 3. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | March 31, | | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
$100 million revolving credit facility | | $ | 43,500 | | $ | 36,000 | |
| | | | | |
6.85% convertible subordinated debentures due 2021 | | 12,457 | | 12,610 | |
| | | | | |
Term Loans: | | | | | |
Monarch Utilities, Inc.: | | | | | |
7.37% fixed rate term loan due 2022 | | 11,614 | | 11,807 | |
5.77% fixed rate term loan due 2022 | | 798 | | 811 | |
6.10% fixed rate term loan due 2031 | | 20,000 | | 20,000 | |
| | | | | |
First Mortgage Bonds: | | | | | |
Suburban Water Systems: | | | | | |
9.09% series B first mortgage bond due 2022 | | 8,000 | | 8,000 | |
5.64% series D first mortgage bond due 2024 | | 15,000 | | 15,000 | |
6.30% series E first mortgage bond due 2026 | | 10,000 | | 10,000 | |
New Mexico Utilities, Inc.: | | | | | |
6.10% series C first mortgage bond due 2024 | | 12,000 | | 12,000 | |
| | | | | |
Economic Development Revenue Bonds: | | | | | |
ECO Resources, Inc.: | | | | | |
5.5% series 1998A due 2008 | | 220 | | 220 | |
6.0% series 1998A due 2018 | | 1,810 | | 1,810 | |
| | | | | |
Acquisition-related indebtedness and other | | 957 | | 904 | |
Total long-term debt payment obligations | | 136,356 | | 129,162 | |
Unamortized Monarch term loan fair value adjustments | | 855 | | 885 | |
Total long-term debt | | 137,211 | | 130,047 | |
Less current portion of long-term debt | | (1,502 | ) | (1,423 | ) |
Long-term debt, less current portion | | $ | 135,709 | | $ | 128,624 | |
The $100 million revolving line of credit commitment ends on April 1, 2010 (if not renewed or extended), at which time all borrowings must be repaid. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, based on a margin either: a) over the LIBOR rate; or b) under the prime rate. The margins vary depending upon the Company’s consolidated debt to equity ratio. Currently, the applicable margins are 0.875% over the LIBOR rate or 0.25% under the prime rate. The weighted-average interest rates on all credit facility borrowings outstanding were 6.15% as of March 31, 2007 and 6.23% as of December 31, 2006.
The Company had irrevocable standby letters of credit in the amount of $4.1 million issued and outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2007, reducing available borrowings under the credit facility to $52.4 million as of that date.
9
Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
New Mexico Utilities, Inc. (“NMUI”), one of the Company’s wholly-owned regulated utilities, has an agreement with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, a political subdivision of the State of New Mexico (the “Water Authority”), whereby the Water Authority treats the effluent from NMUI’s wastewater collection system for a fee. The treated effluent is returned to the Rio Grande Underground Basin, creating return flow credits. Return flow credits supplement NMUI’s existing water rights, enabling it to pump additional water from the basin.
In August 2004, the Water Authority increased the fee charged to NMUI, using a different formula than had been used in prior years. The Company believes the increase violates the terms of the agreement. Subsequently, the Water Authority also claimed ownership of the return flow credits. The Company filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in the Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, State of New Mexico, requesting that the Court settle these disputes. In a letter ruling dated May 2, 2007, the Court ruled that the Water Authority could use a new formula to set fees for NMUI. The Company intends to file a motion for reconsideration and believes that either the Court will reconsider the ruling or the ruling will be reversed by the Court of Appeals. The Court has not ruled on whether the new rate was appropriate; made no determination as to any amount NMUI may owe to the Water Authority, or ruled on the ownership of the return flow credits. Although the Company cannot give any assurances as to the ultimate resolution of this matter, the Company does not believe that it is probable it will be required to pay the disputed fees and related late payment penalties, which totaled $3.5 million as of March 31, 2007, and has not recognized a reserve for any potential liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company is unable to predict the impact the resolution of the return flow credits ownership dispute will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In addition, on January 19, 2007, the Water Authority and the City of Rio Rancho, a home-rule municipal corporation, as Petitioners, filed a Petition for Condemnation against NMUI and others, as Defendants, in the Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, State of New Mexico (the “Petition”). The Petition seeks to acquire, by condemnation, all of the assets of NMUI, including all real property, through the alleged power of eminent domain. The Petition also alleges that the Petitioners need to acquire the NMUI assets for the public purposes of providing water and wastewater services to NMUI customers and that the acquisition of NMUI is necessary, appropriate and in the public interest. The Company believes it has defenses to the Petition which it intends to vigorously assert. If the Company does not prevail, the Petitioners must pay fair market value as determined by the court, based on appraisals. NMUI and the Petitioners do not agree on the value of the assets which the Petitioners seek to condemn. While it is too early to predict the outcome of this matter, the Company believes that the fair market value of its NMUI utility exceeds its recorded net book value as of March 31, 2007.
10
Southwest Water and a subsidiary were named as defendants in several lawsuits alleging various injuries as a result of water contamination in the San Gabriel Valley Main Basin. The California Supreme Court ruled in February 2002 that the plaintiffs could not challenge the adequacy of the water quality standards established by California Department of Health Services. In August 2004, the case against Southwest Water and its subsidiary was dismissed; however, the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the Court of Appeals for the State of California, First Appellate District (1DCA Civil No. B178283). Oral arguments for the appeal are scheduled to be held on June 20, 2007. To date, liability insurance carriers have absorbed the costs of defense of the lawsuits. Based upon information available at this time, the Company does not expect that this action will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other routine legal and administrative proceedings arising during the ordinary course of business. The Company believes the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
EPA Investigations
On May 5, 2005, one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries received a subpoena to provide records to a grand jury. The requested records relate to the operations of the San Simeon wastewater treatment plant in California for the period January 2002 to the date of the subpoena. The subsidiary has operated this facility since September 2004. The facility was also served with search warrants executed by the EPA. The Company is cooperating fully with the investigation and has provided the records requested. There have been no further developments since May 5, 2005.
On May 18, 2005, the EPA executed a search warrant at the Company’s Texas-based testing laboratory and on July 20, 2006 the laboratory received a subpoena to provide additional records and information to a grand jury. The Company is cooperating fully with the investigation and has provided the records requested. There have been no further developments since July 20, 2006.
11
Commitments Under Long-Term Service Contracts
In 2002, the Company was retained to facilitate the engineering and construction of a $23.0 million reverse osmosis water treatment plant in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California for the Capistrano Valley Water District (“CVWD”). In 2003, the Company obtained a $3.4 million standby letter of credit as collateral to insure its performance during the design and construction of the water treatment plant. Construction was completed during 2005 and the Company is working with the CVWD to obtain its final acceptance of the completed project. The $3.4 million standby letter of credit was released on May 3, 2007. Upon final acceptance of the project by the CVWD, the final $2.3 million of the total contract price, which is included in accounts receivable, will be released to the Company from the construction financing escrow account. The Company expects to receive final acceptance during 2007.
The Company now operates the completed plant under a twenty-year operating agreement. The CVWD service contract contains three guarantees related to the performance of the Company and its subsidiary during the term of the operating agreement. The agreement provides for the Company to pay liquidated damages in the event it fails to perform for reasons other than those caused by “uncontrollable circumstances,” as such term is defined in the agreement.
During the term of the operating agreement, the Company may be liable for liquidated damages relating to any lost payments from a financial assistance agreement CVWD has with a state water agency, up to a maximum of $1.4 million per contract year. The Company has also made guarantees to CVWD with respect to the quantity of finished water produced by the facility. In the event the actual number of acre feet of finished water delivered is less than the water delivery guarantee, the Company is required to pay liquidated damages of approximately $600 per acre foot of shortfall, up a maximum of 15.8 acre feet per day. Finally, the Company has made guarantees with respect to seven measurable finished water quality standards. Liquidated damages for failure to meet these quality standards range from $100 to $400 per day per failed quality standard (up to a maximum of $2,800 per day), depending on the number of violations per contract year. The CVWD has not asserted any claims for liquidated damages pursuant to these guarantees through the date of this report.
As part of the financing for this project, the CVWD sold insured municipal bonds. The Company entered into an agreement with the bond insurer to guarantee the Company’s performance under the service contract, subject to certain liability caps to the bond insurer in the event of a default. During the twenty-year operation of the facility, such liability caps will not exceed an amount equal to
$4.0 million plus an amount no greater than the replacement cost of the actual reverse osmosis filtration unit within the facility, estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.
Water Supply Commitments
One of the Company’s regulated utilities has a water supply contract providing for the purchase of water to supplement its own water supply. The agreement requires the Company to purchase minimum quantities of water annually at a specified price. The price is subject to annual adjustment for production cost increases incurred by the seller. The minimum quantity is also subject to adjustment based on average actual water purchases over a moving two-year period, but the minimum will not be reduced below a specified threshold. As of March 31, 2007, the minimum annual purchase commitment is $0.5 million through 2024. Construction of the well sites and pipe lines has been completed and the parties are in the process of obtaining final regulatory approval. The Company expects to commence purchasing water pursuant to this contract during the first half of 2007.
12
Minority Interest Put and Call Rights
Prior to March 20, 2006, the Company owned 90% of the outstanding common stock of Operations Technologies, Inc. (“OpTech”). The minority stockholder had the right to require the Company to purchase the remaining 10% of OpTech for the greater of
$1.0 million or a formula-determined amount based on the profitability of OpTech. The Company had the right to purchase the remaining 10% of OpTech beginning in August 2006 at the same terms. On March 20, 2006, the minority stockholder elected to exercise its right and the Company acquired the shares based on the formula determined amount which was slightly more than the $1.0 million minimum amount (Note 2).
Note 5. Earnings Per Share
The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators (income) and denominators (shares) used in both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands, except per share data) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Numerators—Net income applicable to common stockholders: | | | | | |
Income before change in accounting principle | | $ | 614 | | $ | 701 | |
Less preferred stock dividends | | (6 | ) | (6 | ) |
Income before change in accounting principle applicable to common stockholders | | 608 | | 695 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | — | | 71 | |
Net income applicable to common stockholders | | $ | 608 | | $ | 766 | |
| | | | | |
Denominators—Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | | |
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | | 23,882 | | 22,293 | |
Plus shares issued on assumed exercise of stock options and warrants | | 332 | | 1,014 | |
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | | 24,214 | | 23,307 | |
As described in Note 3, the Company has $12.5 million of 6.85% fixed-rate convertible subordinate debentures outstanding as of March 31, 2007. The debentures are convertible into common stock at any time prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $11.018 per share which totals 1.1 million shares as of March 31, 2007. At such time as the assumed conversion of the debentures has a dilutive effect on earnings per share, the debentures will be included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share after adjusting net income for the after-tax effect of the debenture interest expense.
13
Note 6. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The following information supplements the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
| | Three Months Ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | |
| | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,801 | | $ | 2,208 | |
Income taxes paid (refunded), net | | (724 | ) | (1,852 | ) |
| | | | | |
Components of cash paid for acquisitions: | | | | | |
Fair value of assets acquired | | $ | 565 | | $ | 1,234 | |
Liabilities assumed | | (7 | ) | (3 | ) |
Cash paid for acquisitions | | $ | 558 | | $ | 1,231 | |
| | | | | |
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | |
Non-cash contributions in aid of construction and advances for construction conveyed to Company by developers | | $ | 89 | | $ | 1,059 | |
Debentures converted into common stock | | 153 | | 1,687 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Note 7. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company has two stock-based compensation plans: an Equity Incentive Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
As more fully described in Note 13 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). The adoption of SFAS 123(R) required the Company to change from recognizing the effect of forfeitures as they occur to estimating the number of options for which the requisite service is not expected to be rendered and reducing the periodic compensation cost recorded accordingly. As a result, the Company recorded a benefit of $0.1 million ($0.07 million, net of tax) on January 1, 2006, which is reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.
Equity Incentive Plan
The stockholder-approved Equity Incentive Plan (“EIP”) authorizes the Company to award up to 5.4 million shares of its common stock. As of March 31, 2007, 1.092 million shares were available for granting future awards under the plan which may be granted until May 16, 2016. The Company has reserved 2.816 million shares of its authorized common shares for issuance upon exercise of awards outstanding and future awards available for granting under the plan. Under the EIP, the Company may award, either qualified or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to officers, employees and non-employee directors.
14
The following table summarizes the compensation expense and related income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense recognized during the periods:
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Stock options | | $ | 398 | | 275 | |
Restricted stock awards | | 10 | | — | |
Share-based compensation expense | | 408 | | 275 | |
Income tax benefit | | (148 | ) | (101 | ) |
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax | | $ | 260 | | $ | 174 | |
| | | | | | | |
Stock Options
The following table summarizes all stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2007:
| | | | Weighted- | |
| | Number | | Average | |
| | of | | Exercise | |
(In thousands, except weighted average exercise prices) | | Shares | | Price | |
| | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 | | 1,788 | | $ | 10.29 | |
Granted | | 210 | | 12.80 | |
Exercised | | (183 | ) | 6.42 | |
Forfeited | | (118 | ) | 13.65 | |
Expired | | — | | — | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 | | 1,697 | | 10.79 | |
| | | | | |
Exercisable at March 31, 2007 | | 905 | | 8.58 | |
| | | | | | |
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2007 and 2006:
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
Dividend yield | | 1.7 | % | 1.3 | % |
Expected volatility | | 34.3 | % | 32.7 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | 4.5 | % | 4.8 | % |
Expected life in years | | 4.5 | | 3.8 | |
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted using these assumptions was $3.06 and $4.83 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
15
Restricted Stock Awards
Under the EIP, the Company may award shares of restricted stock to employees that vest and are released to the employee as the vesting conditions are met. The Committee has established a straight-line vesting schedule over a three-year period of continuous service to the Company for all awards granted to date. Restricted stock is forfeited in the event a participant terminates employment with the Company prior to the award vesting. The grant date fair value of stock awarded is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting term.
The following table summarizes all restricted stock award activity during the three months ended March 31, 2007:
| | | | Weighted- | |
| | Number | | Average | |
| | of | | Grant Date | |
(In thousands, except weighted average grant date fair value) | | Shares | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 | | — | | $ | — | |
Awarded | | 27 | | 12.76 | |
Vested and released | | — | | — | |
Forfeited | | — | | — | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 | | 27 | | 12.76 | |
| | | | | | |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”)
The Company has a stockholder-approved employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase
1.256 million shares of common stock through payroll deductions of up to 10% of their salary, not to exceed $25,000 per year. The purchase price of the stock is 90% of the lower of the three-day average share price calculated at the beginning and end of each three-month offering period. Under the ESPP, employees purchased 5,327 shares for $68,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 4,538 shares for $65,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2006.
The fair value of ESPP shares purchased is estimated a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for 2007 and 2006:
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Dividend yield | | 1.4 | % | 1.4 | % |
Expected volatility | | 33.6 | % | 33.6 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | 4.8 | % | 4.8 | % |
Expected life in years | | 0.25 | | 0.25 | |
Compensation expense recognized by the Company resulting from employee stock purchases pursuant to this plan was approximately $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. As of March 31, 2007, 0.886 million shares remain available for future purchases.
16
Note 8. Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (“DRIP / DSPP”)
The Company has a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan that gives common stockholders the option of receiving their dividends in cash or in common stock at a discount from prevailing market prices (“DRIP”). The plan also permits existing stockholders to purchase additional common stock, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month, at a discount (“DSPP”); new investors may participate in the plan, subject to a $250 minimum initial investment. The Company may, at its sole discretion, permit purchases above the $10,000 stated maximum. The discounts may range from 0% to 5%, as determined from time to time by the Company. The DRIP and DSPP discounts offered by the Company are 5% for the DRIP and 0% for the DSPP as of March 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2007, there are 3.696 million shares authorized for issuance under the plan of which 1.030 million shares remain available for issuance.
Note 9. Employee Retirement Plan
The Company has a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) for certain key executive officers for the purpose of providing supplemental income benefits to plan participants or their survivors upon retirement or death. The plan measurement date is December 31st of each year. As discussed in Note 1, the Company adopted the balance sheet recognition requirements of SFAS 158 on December 31, 2006 and began recognizing the unamortized portion of actuarial gains and prior service costs in accumulated other comprehensive income. The following table details the components of the net periodic benefit costs:
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | — | | $ | 17 | |
Interest cost | | 16 | | 19 | |
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses | | (19 | ) | 4 | |
Amortization of prior service costs | | 22 | | 8 | |
Net periodic benefit costs | | $ | 19 | | $ | 48 | |
The sole remaining participant in the plan has reached retirement age. The plan provides that no additional benefits accrue upon reaching retirement age. Summarized in the table below is information about the changes in the projected benefit obligation and the liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007.
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | |
| | | |
Projected benefit obligation: | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2006 | | $ | 1,224 | |
Interest cost | | 16 | |
Payment of benefit obligation | | (174 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2007 | | $ | 1,066 | |
| | | |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: | | | |
Actuarial gains | | $ | (180 | ) |
Prior service cost | | 66 | |
Related deferred income taxes | | 40 | |
Total | | $ | (74 | ) |
17
Note 10. Segment Information
The Company’s businesses are segmented into two operating groups: the Utility Group and the Services Group. Each segment is a strategic business unit that offers different services. They are managed separately since each business requires different operating and growth strategies. The accounting policies of the segments are described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the audited financial statements included in the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K.
The Utility Group owns and operates public water and wastewater utilities in Alabama, California, New Mexico, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. State and federal agencies issue regulations regarding standards of water quality, safety, environmental and other matters which affect these operations. In the regulated utility subsidiaries, the rates that they charge for water and wastewater services are established by state or local regulatory authorities. The service areas in which the Utility Group operates constitute monopolies with allowable rates determined by state or local regulatory agencies.
The Services Group operates and manages water and wastewater treatment facilities owned by cities, public agencies, municipal utility districts, private entities and investor-owned utilities, including some of the companies in the Utility Group. The Services Group also provides construction and construction management services, certified water and wastewater laboratory testing services, and public works services. The Services Group, while subject to certain environmental standards, is not regulated in its pricing, marketing or rates of return.
As more fully described in Note 1, effective January 1, 2007 the Company elected to allocate a portion of its Services Group’s operating expense overhead between affiliated and unaffiliated customers for segment reporting purposes. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.
The following table presents information about the operations of each segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
| | Utility | | Services | | | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | Group | | Group(1) | | Corporate (2) | | Eliminations (3) | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Three months ended March 31, 2007: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | $ | 20,034 | | $ | 26,521 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 46,555 | |
Intersegment (1) (3) | | 452 | | 7,220 | | — | | (6,153 | ) | 1,519 | |
Total revenues | | 20,486 | | 33,741 | | — | | (6,153 | ) | 48,074 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses–unaffiliated customers | | 11,596 | | 25,002 | | — | | — | | 36,598 | |
Operating expenses–intersegment (3) | | 452 | | 5,701 | | — | | (6,153 | ) | — | |
Selling, general and administrative | | 2,461 | | 2,695 | | 3,377 | | — | | 8,533 | |
Total expenses | | 14,509 | | 33,398 | | 3,377 | | (6,153 | ) | 45,131 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) | | 5,977 | | 343 | | (3,377 | ) | — | | 2,943 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | (1,511 | ) | (333 | ) | (226 | ) | — | | (2,070 | ) |
Interest income | | 4 | | 115 | | 21 | | — | | 140 | |
Other income (expense) | | (64 | ) | — | | 15 | | — | | (49 | ) |
Income before income taxes | | $ | 4,406 | | $ | 125 | | $ | (3,567 | ) | $ | — | | $ | 964 | |
See accompanying notes to the segment information following these tables.
18
| | Utility | | Services | | | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | Group | | Group(1) | | Corporate (2) | | Eliminations (3) | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Three months ended March 31, 2006: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | $ | 17,973 | | $ | 30,425 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 48,398 | |
Intersegment (1) (3) | | 366 | | 7,488 | | — | | (6,658 | ) | 1,196 | |
Total revenues | | 18,339 | | 37,913 | | — | | (6,658 | ) | 49,594 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses–unaffiliated customers | | 10,397 | | 27,795 | | — | | — | | 38,192 | |
Operating expenses–intersegment (3) | | 366 | | 6,292 | | — | | (6,658 | ) | — | |
Selling, general and administrative | | 2,246 | | 2,762 | | 3,377 | | — | | 8,385 | |
Total expenses | | 13,009 | | 36,849 | | 3,377 | | (6,658 | ) | 46,577 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) | | 5,330 | | 1,064 | | (3,377 | ) | — | | 3,017 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | (1,514 | ) | (487 | ) | (130 | ) | — | | (2,131 | ) |
Interest income | | 9 | | 68 | | 4 | | — | | 81 | |
Other income (expense) | | (12 | ) | 139 | | 12 | | — | | 139 | |
Income before income taxes and change in accounting principle | | $ | 3,813 | | $ | 784 | | $ | (3,491 | ) | $ | — | | $ | 1,106 | |
Notes
(1) Some companies in the Services Group provide construction, operations and maintenance services to companies in the Utility Group and recognize a profit on those services. In accordance with SFAS 71, the Company does not eliminate the intersegment profit recognized on these services because the Company believes the sales price is reasonable and it is probable that, through the rate making process, future Utility Group revenue approximately equal to the sales price will result from the regulated utilities’ use of the services. The Company does, however, eliminate the Services Group’s revenues from affiliated customers to the extent of its cost. Consequently, Services Group revenues reflected in the consolidated statements of income include intersegment gross profits as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands, except per share data) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Services Group revenues: | | | | | |
From unaffiliated customers | | $ | 26,521 | | $ | 30,425 | |
Intersegment profits | | 1,519 | | 1,196 | |
Total revenues | | $ | 28,040 | | $ | 31,621 | |
(2) Consists of costs that include headquarters expenses and any corporate functional departments whose costs are not allocated to our reportable segments. Corporate and other assets reflect corporate headquarters assets, excluding investments in and receivables from subsidiaries.
(3) Reflects the elimination of Services Group revenues derived from the Utility Group, to the extent of costs as described in (1) above. In addition, a company in the Utility Group provides services to a company in the Services Group. Intersegment revenues and expenses, including all profit, associated with these services are fully eliminated upon consolidation.
19
Note 11. Subsequent Event
On May 3, 2007 the Company acquired all of the common stock of two water utilities that serve approximately 7,500 residents in a high population growth area northwest of San Antonio, Texas. The purchase price was $4.9 million in cash. The acquisitions were funded with borrowings under the Company’s revolving line of credit.
20
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Southwest Water Company. This MD&A also contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “belief,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “continue,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “should, “strategy,” “will likely result,” “will likely continue,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. A detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made. Other than as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
The MD&A is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of Southwest Water Company and is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements included in this report.
OVERVIEW
Southwest Water Company provides a broad range of services including water production, treatment and distribution; wastewater collection and treatment; utility billing and collection; utility infrastructure construction management; and public works services. We own regulated public utilities and also serve cities, utility districts and private companies under contract. Our subsidiaries are segmented into two operating groups: our Utility Group and our Services Group.
Utility Group
Our Utility Group owns public water and wastewater utilities in Alabama, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas and, beginning in February 2007, Mississippi. Except for our California utility, our utilities are operated by companies in our Services Group. State and federal agencies issue regulations regarding standards of water quality, safety, environmental and other matters which affect these operations. The rates that our regulated utility subsidiaries charge for water and wastewater usage are established by state or local authorities.
Utility Group revenues reflect fees earned for the production and distribution of water and the collection and treatment of sewage for residential, business, industrial and public authority use. The group’s operating expenses reflect the costs associated with purchasing, producing and distributing water, collecting and treating wastewater, salaries, wages and employee benefits, facilities costs, supplies and equipment, repairs and maintenance, professional fees and other costs.
We grow our Utility Group by:
· increasing the number of customers we serve;
· increasing the rate customers pay for our services through rate case filings with state regulatory commissions;
· creating new utilities by partnering with the development community in high growth markets; and
· acquiring utilities from cities, municipalities and private owners in high growth markets.
21
In our pursuit of long-term Utility Group growth, during 2006 we acquired two small water utilities and the rights to provide water and wastewater utility service in developing areas located near Austin, Texas and, in February 2007, we acquired a small water and wastewater utility located in northern Mississippi, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. While these acquisitions are insignificant to our financial results, both individually and in the aggregate, they are strategically important as they expand our utility ownership in areas that are currently experiencing significant population growth.
In 2007, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority and the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, filed a Petition for Condemnation (the “Petition”) against our New Mexico regulated utility, New Mexico Utilities, Inc. (“NMUI”). The Petition seeks to acquire, by condemnation, all of the assets of NMUI, including all real property, through the alleged power of eminent domain. The Petition also alleges that the Petitioners need to acquire the utility assets for the public purposes of providing water and wastewater services to customers and that the acquisition of NMUI is necessary, appropriate and in the public interest. We believe we have defenses to the Action which we intend to vigorously assert. If we do not prevail, the Petitioners must pay fair market value as determined by the court, based on appraisals. NMUI and the Petitioners do not agree on the value of the assets which the Petitioners seek to condemn. While it is too early to predict the outcome of this matter, we believe that the fair market value of the NMUI utility exceeds its recorded net book value as of March 31, 2007.
Services Group
Our Services Group operates our contract service businesses in which we operate and maintain water and wastewater facilities owned by cities, public agencies, municipal utility districts, private entities and investor-owned utilities, including most of our own utilities. Our Services Group operates primarily in Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota and Texas. While state and federal agencies issue regulations regarding standards of water quality, safety, environmental and other matters which affect these operations, our Services Group’s pricing is not subject to regulation.
Services Group revenues reflect fees earned for water and wastewater facility operations and maintenance services, equipment maintenance and repair, sewer pipeline cleaning, billing and collection services, public works and state-certified water and wastewater laboratory analysis. Our Services Group also facilitates the design, construction, project management and operating aspects of various water and wastewater projects. The group’s operating expenses reflect salaries, wages and employee benefits, facilities costs, supplies and equipment, repairs and maintenance, professional fees and other costs. Most work performed by the Services Group is required to be performed by state licensed and certified technicians.
Some companies in our Services Group provide construction, operations and maintenance services to our Utility Group and recognize a profit on those services. In accordance with SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (“SFAS 71”), we do not eliminate the Services Group’s profit because management believes the sales price is reasonable and it is probable that, through the rate making process, future Utility Group revenue approximately equal to the sales price will result from the regulated utilities’ use of the services. We do, however, eliminate revenues to the extent of the related costs in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the guidance provided in SFAS 71.
We grow our Services Group by:
· increasing the number of clients we have contracts with;
· increasing the customer base for our existing contracts;
· providing additional services to clients to enhance the value of our contracts; and
· acquiring strategically located, well-established service contract businesses in high growth markets.
The relationships we build with our service contract clients can position us for additional growth when a client decides to sell their utility. Our 2006 acquisitions of small water and wastewater utilities are examples of this growth strategy, as they were operated by our Services Group prior to the sale.
22
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of costs related to personnel, facilities, insurance, consulting and professional services, which support our sales, marketing, human resources, finance and administration functions for the entire company.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to 2006
Revenues. Revenues decreased $1.5 million, or 3.1%, to $48.1 million for three months ended March 31, 2007 from $49.6 million for the same period during the prior year. By segment, revenues changed as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | | Percent of Revenues | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Group | | $ | 20,034 | | $ | 17,973 | | $ | 2,061 | | 41.7 | % | 36.2 | % |
Services Group | | 28,040 | | 31,621 | | (3,581 | ) | 58.3 | % | 63.8 | % |
Total | | $ | 48,074 | | $ | 49,594 | | $ | (1,520 | ) | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
Utility Group. Revenues increased $2.0 million, or 11.5%, to $20.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from
$18.0 million for the same period during the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the following:
· a $1.7 million increase at our California utility related to increased consumption and an increase in rates that went into effect on July 1st of 2006; and
· a $0.3 million increase at our New Mexico and Texas utilities primarily resulting from an increase in the number of connections and a fourth quarter 2006 rate increase at one of our Texas utilities.
Services Group. Revenues decreased $3.6 million, or 11.3%, to $28.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $31.6 million for the same period during the prior year. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the following:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | | | Percent of Revenues | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Change | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from unaffiliated customers | | $ | 26,521 | | $ | 30,425 | | $ | (3,904 | ) | 78.6 | % | 80.2 | % |
Intersegment revenues | | 7,220 | | 7,488 | | (268 | ) | 21.4 | % | 19.8 | % |
Total revenues | | 33,741 | | 37,913 | | (4,172 | ) | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
Intersegment cost eliminations | | (5,701 | ) | (6,292 | ) | 591 | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 28,040 | | $ | 31,621 | | $ | (3,581 | ) | | | | |
Revenues from unaffiliated customers decreased $3.9 million, or 12.8%, to $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $30.4 million for the same period during the prior year. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the following:
· a $2.6 million decrease in contract operations, maintenance, public works and construction work in our southeast region due to contracts not renewed or canceled; and
· a $1.3 million decrease related to lower revenues from new housing construction-related work due primarily to inclement weather in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year.
Intersegment revenues received from our Utility Group decreased by $0.3 million, or 3.6%, to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $7.5 million for the same period during the prior year. The decrease in revenues results from a slight decrease in construction projects performed for our New Mexico and Texas utilities.
23
Direct Operating Expenses. Direct operating expenses decreased $1.6 million, or 4.2%, to $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $38.2 million for the same period during the prior year as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | | Percent of Revenues (1) | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Group | | $ | 11,596 | | $ | 10,397 | | $ | 1,199 | | 57.9 | % | 57.8 | % |
Services Group | | 25,002 | | 27,795 | | (2,793 | ) | 89.2 | % | 87.9 | % |
Total | | $ | 36,598 | | $ | 38,192 | | $ | (1,594 | ) | 76.1 | % | 77.0 | % |
(1) Utility Group and Services Group direct operating expenses are computed as a percent of their respective revenues. Total direct operating expenses are computed as a percentage of total revenues.
Utility Group. Direct operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 11.5%, to $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $10.4 million for the same period during the prior year. The increase in direct operating expenses was primarily due to the following:
· a $0.5 million increase in expenses at our New Mexico and Texas utilities resulting from an increase in depreciation expense, an increase in contract operation fees, and higher sewage treatment expenses; and
· a $0.7 million net increase in direct operating expenses at our California utility principally resulting from higher depreciation rates adopted under the rate case that went into effect on July 1, 2006 and a $0.4 million gain on sale of land recorded in 2006.
Direct operating expenses were 57.9% and 57.8% of related revenues for the three months March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Services Group. Direct operating expenses decreased $2.8 million, or 10.0%, to $25.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $27.8 million for the same period during the prior year. The decrease in direct operating expenses was due to the following:
· a $2.4 million decrease related to non-renewed and canceled contracts in our southeast region; and
· a $0.9 million decrease primarily related to lower revenues from new housing construction-related work compared to the prior year due to inclement weather; partially offset by
· a $0.5 million increase in expenditures to correct past performance issues and to close out contracts in our southeast region.
Direct operating expenses as a percentage of the related revenues increased 1.3% to 89.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to 87.9% for the same period during the prior year.
Gross Profit. Gross profit, which we define as the difference between revenues and the related direct operating expenses, increased $0.1 million, or 0.6%, to $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $11.4 million for the same period during the prior year as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | | Percent of Revenues (1) | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Group | | $ | 8,438 | | $ | 7,576 | | $ | 862 | | 42.1 | % | 42.2 | % |
Services Group | | 3,038 | | 3,826 | | (788 | ) | 10.8 | % | 12.1 | % |
Total | | $ | 11,476 | | $ | 11,402 | | $ | 74 | | 23.9 | % | 23.0 | % |
(1) Utility Group and Services Group gross profit is computed as a percent of their respective revenues after intersegment eliminations. Total gross profit is computed as a percentage of total revenues.
Utility Group. Gross profit was 42.1% and 42.2% of related revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which is comparable between periods.
24
Services Group. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was comprised of the following:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | | Percent of Revenues (1) | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit on sales to: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | $ | 1,519 | | $ | 2,630 | | $ | (1,111 | ) | 5.7 | % | 8.6 | % |
Affiliated customers (intersegment) | | 1,519 | | 1,196 | | 323 | | 21.0 | % | 16.0 | % |
Total | | $ | 3,038 | | $ | 3,826 | | $ | (788 | ) | 9.0 | % | 10.1 | % |
(1) Gross profit is computed as a percent of the respective revenues before intersegment eliminations.
Services Group gross profit on revenues from unaffiliated customers decreased by $1.1 million, or 42.2%, to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $2.6 million for the same period during the prior year. Gross profit as a percent of revenues for 2007 was 5.7%, compared to 8.6% for 2006. The decrease in gross margin percent is primarily related to the increased expenditures in our southeast region to correct past performance issues and to close out contracts.
Services Group gross profit on revenues from our Utility Group increased by $0.3 million, or 27.0% to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $1.2 million for the same period during the prior year. The small increase is related to our successful efforts in managing costs of construction projects for our Texas and New Mexico utilities.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million, or 1.8%, to
$8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $8.4 million for the same period during the prior year as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | | Percent of Revenues (1) | |
(In thousands, except percentages) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Group | | $ | 2,461 | | $ | 2,246 | | $ | 215 | | 12.3 | % | 12.5 | % |
Services Group | | 2,695 | | 2,762 | | (67 | ) | 9.6 | % | 8.7 | % |
Corporate | | 3,377 | | 3,377 | | — | | — | | — | |
Total | | $ | 8,533 | | $ | 8,385 | | $ | 148 | | 17.7 | % | 16.9 | % |
(1) Utility Group and Services Group expenses are computed as a percent of their respective revenues. Total expenses are computed as a percentage of total revenues.
Selling, general and administrative expenses are relatively fixed in nature and do not fluctuate significantly with changes in revenues. The Utility Group increase is caused entirely by legal costs incurred in connection with the condemnation proceedings against our New Mexico utility. In accordance with New Mexico statue, costs aggregating $0.2 million are expected to be reimbursed to us by the parties seeking condemnation should we prevail in the action.
Other Income (Expense). Other expense increased $0.1 million, or 3.6%, to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $1.9 million for the same period during the prior year as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | |
| | March 31, | | Increase | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | (Decrease) | |
| | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | $ | (2,070 | ) | $ | (2,131 | ) | $ | 61 | |
Interest income | | 140 | | 81 | | 59 | |
Other, net | | (49 | ) | 139 | | (188 | ) |
Total | | $ | (1,979 | ) | $ | (1,911 | ) | $ | (68 | ) |
25
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 2.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the same period during the prior year. The major components of interest expense were as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | |
| | March 31, | | | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Change | |
| | | | | | | |
Mortgage bonds and bank term loans | | $ | 1,190 | | $ | 1,232 | | $ | (42 | ) |
Revolving lines of credit | | 660 | | 522 | | 138 | |
Convertible subordinated debentures | | 215 | | 278 | | (63 | ) |
Other indebtedness | | 197 | | 191 | | 6 | |
Total interest incurred | | 2,262 | | 2,223 | | 39 | |
Less capitalized interest | | (192 | ) | (92 | ) | (100 | ) |
Total interest expense | | $ | 2,070 | | $ | 2,131 | | $ | (61 | ) |
The decrease in total interest incurred is primarily due to a decrease in borrowings levels on our mortgage bonds and bank term loans, and debentures that have been converted into common stock, offset by an increase in interest rates and borrowing levels related to our revolving line of credit. The average balance of interest bearing debt outstanding increased to $133.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $129.6 million for the prior year. The additional borrowings were used to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. The weighted average interest rate on total borrowings was approximately 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes. Our effective consolidated income tax rate was 36.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and is comparable to 36.6% for the prior year.
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE AND PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED DURING 2007
SFAS No. 158
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“SFAS 158”). This statement requires balance sheet recognition of the funded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans. Under SFAS 158, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. The balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 were effective for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and, as a result, we began recognizing the unamortized portion of actuarial gains and prior service costs in accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
FIN No. 48
On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). FIN 48 requires companies to recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining the relevant tax authority would “more likely than not” sustain the position following an examination by taxing authorities. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the relevant taxing authority.
We adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 on January 1, 2007. On December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, our liabilities for uncertain tax positions are not significant. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to liabilities for uncertain tax benefits in the income tax expense line-item of the consolidated statements of income. Net interest and penalties incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were insignificant.
26
We are subject to federal and various state and local income taxes. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. We are no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax return examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2002. Our federal income tax returns for the 2002 through 2004 tax years were recently examined by the Internal Revenue Service. The examination was concluded in February 2007 and resulted in no net change for the tax years examined. State and local income tax returns from 2002 to the present and federal income tax returns from 2005 to the present are still subject to examinations by taxing authorities.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
SFAS No. 157
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out framework for establishing fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies only to fair value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements. Adoption of SFAS 157 is required for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and will be applied prospectively under most circumstances. While we are still evaluating the impact this statement will have on the consolidated financial statements, we currently believe the impact will not be material.
SFAS No. 159
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). This statement permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and other specified items at fair value. This statement is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008 and will be applied prospectively. While we are still evaluating the impact this statement will have on the consolidated financial statements, we currently believe the impact will not be material.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our overall objectives with respect to liquidity and capital resources are to:
· generate sufficient operating cash flows to service our debt and tax obligations, fund capital improvements and organic growth, and pay dividends to our stockholders;
· utilize our credit facility for major capital improvements and to manage seasonal cash needs;
· obtain external financing for major acquisitions; and
· maintain approximately equal levels of debt and equity consistent with the investor-owned water utility industry.
Our statements of cash flows are summarized as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | |
| | March 31, | | | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Change | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | $ | (1,097 | ) | $ | 179 | | $ | (1,276 | ) |
Investing activities | | (8,919 | ) | (9,240 | ) | 321 | |
Financing activities | | 8,735 | | 8,639 | | 96 | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | (1,281 | ) | $ | (422 | ) | $ | (859 | ) |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities increased by $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the same period during the prior year. Operational aspects of our businesses that affected working capital in 2007 versus 2006 are highlighted below:
· increased level of vendor payments in 2007 for goods and services used during the fourth quarter of 2006; offset by
· the benefit from increased consumption and higher water rates at our California utility; and
27
· increased revenues generated by our New Mexico and Texas utilities resulting from customer connection growth.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities totaled $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $9.2 million for the same period during the prior year as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | | |
| | March 31, | | | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Change | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | $ | (8,394 | ) | $ | (7,426 | ) | $ | (968 | ) |
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | | (558 | ) | (1,231 | ) | 673 | |
Purchase of minority interest | | — | | (1,010 | ) | 1,010 | |
Proceeds from sales of land | | 33 | | 427 | | (394 | ) |
Net cash used for investing activities | | $ | (8,919 | ) | $ | (9,240 | ) | $ | 321 | |
The following table summarizes additions to property, plant and equipment additions for 2007 and 2006.
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Company-financed additions | | $ | 7,044 | | $ | 6,504 | |
Capital improvement reimbursements | | 865 | | 220 | |
Cash contributions received in aid of construction | | 485 | | 702 | |
Total cash additions to property, plant and equipment | | 8,394 | | 7,426 | |
Non-cash contributions in aid of construction | | 89 | | 1,059 | |
Total additions to property, plant and equipment | | $ | 8,483 | | $ | 8,485 | |
Capital projects primarily relate to the expansion, replacement and renovation of our water and wastewater systems, particularly at our Texas and New Mexico utilities. Contributions in Aid of Construction (“CIAC”) represent contributions in the form of cash, services or property received from developers, governmental agencies, municipalities or individuals for the purpose of constructing utility plant and is not refundable. In 2007, we expect to spend approximately $29.0 million on cash additions, principally within our Utility Group, and expect to receive $7.0 million of CIAC resulting in total expected additions to property, plant and equipment of approximately $36.0 million.
In March 2006, we acquired the remaining 10% interest in Operations Technology, Inc. that we did not already own for $1.0 million in cash. We also made substantial investments in acquisitions during 2007 and 2006 and expect we will continue to do so in the future.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities. During the first three months of 2007, we financed our growth through a broad range of capital initiatives:
· borrowed $7.5 million under our revolving line of credit;
· received $1.4 million of proceeds from our direct stock purchase plan, our employee stock purchase and option plans and our director option plan; and
· received $1.4 million of capital improvement reimbursements and contributions in aid of construction.
Revolving line of borrowings were primarily used to fund our investing activities and, to a lesser extent, to fund operations. Additional borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility was $52.4 million as of March 31, 2007.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we paid dividends totaling $1.4 million and our quarterly dividend rate is currently $0.0576 per common share.
28
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our known contractual obligations to make future cash payments as of March 31, 2007, as well as an estimate of the periods during which these payments are expected to be made.
| | Years Ending December 31, | |
| | | | Remainder | | 2008 | | 2010 | | 2012 | |
| | | | of | | and | | and | | and | |
(In thousands) | | Total | | 2007 | | 2009 | | 2011 | | Beyond | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt (1): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank line of credit (2) | | $ | 43,500 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 43,500 | | $ | — | |
Mortgage bonds (3) | | 45,000 | | — | | — | | — | | 45,000 | |
Bank term loans (4) | | 32,413 | | 617 | | 1,645 | | 1,646 | | 28,505 | |
Convertible subordinated debentures (5) | | 12,457 | | — | | — | | — | | 12,457 | |
Economic development revenue bonds (6) | | 2,030 | | 105 | | 235 | | 260 | | 1,430 | |
Notes payable and other (7) | | 956 | | 451 | | 505 | | — | | — | |
Total long-term debt | | 136,356 | | 1,173 | | 2,385 | | 45,406 | | 87,392 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of advances for construction (8) | | 9,183 | | 770 | | 1,494 | | 928 | | 5,991 | |
Water purchase commitment (9) | | 7,972 | | 345 | | 920 | | 920 | | 5,787 | |
Lease assignment obligations (10) | | 1,177 | | 140 | | 1,037 | | — | | — | |
Operating lease obligations | | 28,245 | | 4,733 | | 7,593 | | 4,692 | | 11,227 | |
Total obligations as of March 31, 2007 (11) | | $ | 182,933 | | $ | 7,161 | | $ | 13,429 | | $ | 51,946 | | $ | 110,397 | |
(1) Excludes interest payments, which are described in the following notes. The terms of the long-term debt are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report and our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2) The bank lines of credit bear interest at variable rates and therefore the amount of future interest payments are uncertain. Borrowings bear interest, at our option, based on a margin either: a) over the LIBOR rate; or b) under the prime rate. The margins vary based on our consolidated debt to equity ratio. The weighted-average interest rate on our bank line of credit borrowings was 6.15% as of March 31, 2007.
(3) Interest on the mortgage bonds is fixed at a weighted-average annual interest rate of 6.52% and is payable semiannually.
(4) Interest on the bank term loans is fixed at a weighted-average annual interest rate of 6.55% and is payable semiannually.
(5) Interest on the convertible debentures is fixed at a 6.85% annual rate and is payable quarterly. The debentures are convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of our common stock at any time prior to their maturity.
(6) Interest on the economic development bonds is fixed at a weighted-average annual interest rate of 5.95% and is payable semiannually.
(7) Interest is payable either monthly or quarterly at rates ranging from 5.0% to 8.0% per year.
(8) Advances for construction are non-interest bearing.
(9) Reflects the minimum annual contractual commitment to purchase water through 2024. The amount is subject to increases in future periods for production costs increases and may also increase, but not decrease, if average actual usage exceeds a specified amount. Construction of the well sites and pipe lines has been completed and the parties are in the process of obtaining final regulatory approval. We expect to commence purchasing water pursuant to this contract during the first half of 2007; the commitment reflected above for 2007 is for the remainder of 2007 (nine months).
(10) Interest on the lease assignment obligations is fixed at a weighted-average interest rate of 8.39% and is payable monthly.
(11) Excludes preferred stock dividend obligations. Preferred stockholders are entitled to receive annual dividends of $2.625 per share and there are 9,158 shares of preferred stock outstanding as of March 31, 2007. The preferred stock is redeemable by the Company at any time for $52.00 per share and, from time to time, we have elected to repurchase shares offered to us by preferred stockholders at prices less than $52.00 per share.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
As of March 31, 2007, we had $16.8 million of working capital and $5.1 million of operating lease and water purchase obligations payable during the remainder of 2007. As of March 31, 2007, we also had $52.4 million of additional borrowings available under our line of credit facility, which expires on April 1, 2010. In addition to our line of credit, our California and New Mexico mortgage bond indentures permit the issuance of an additional $84.7 million of first mortgage bonds as of March 31, 2007. However, the terms of our credit facility do not permit additional first mortgage bond indebtedness without prior consent from the credit facility lenders. The mortgage bond indentures also limit the amount of cash and property dividends our California and New Mexico utilities may pay to the parent company to fund its payment obligations. Dividends have averaged $4.0 to $5.0 million per year and are less than
29
the aggregate cumulative dividend restriction threshold by $46.3 million as of March 31, 2007. We were in compliance with all loan agreement covenants during the three months ended March 31, 2007.
We also have on file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is effective for the issuance of up to $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of common stock, debt securities and warrants. To date we have issued approximately $43.6 million of common stock under the shelf registration, and about $6.4 million remains available for issuance as of March 31, 2007. We may offer any of these securities for sale at any time and from time to time.
We believe that our expected operating cash flows, together with borrowings under our credit facility ($52.4 million of which was available as of March 31, 2007 and expires on April 1, 2010) will be sufficient to meet our operating expenses, working capital and capital expenditure requirements as well as our debt service and other contractual obligations for the next twelve months. However, our ability to comply with debt financial covenants, pay principal or interest and refinance our debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance as well as competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control.
CERTAIN CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS AND INDEMNITIES
In 2002, we were retained to facilitate the engineering and construction of a $23.0 million reverse osmosis water treatment plant in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California for the Capistrano Valley Water District (“CVWD”). In 2003, we obtained a $3.4 million standby letter of credit as collateral to insure our performance during the design and construction of the water treatment plant. Construction was completed during 2005 and we are working with the CVWD to obtain its final acceptance of the project. The $3.4 million standby letter of credit was released on May 3, 2007 and we expect to receive final acceptance during 2007.
We now operate the completed plant under a twenty-year operating agreement. The CVWD service contract contains three guarantees related to our performance during the term of the operating agreement. The agreement provides for liquidated damages in the event we fail to perform for reasons other than those caused by “uncontrollable circumstances,” as such term is defined in the agreement.
During the term of the operating agreement, we may be liable for liquidated damages relating to any lost payments from a financial assistance agreement CVWD has with a state water agency, up to a maximum of $1.4 million per contract year. We have also made guarantees to CVWD with respect to the quantity of finished water produced by the facility. In the event the actual number of acre feet of finished water delivered is less than the water delivery guarantee, we are required to pay liquidated damages of approximately $600 per acre foot of shortfall, up a maximum of 15.8 acre feet per day. Finally, we have made guarantees with respect to seven measurable finished water quality standards. Liquidated damages for failure to meet these quality standards range from $100 to $400 per day per failed quality standard (up to a maximum of $2,800 per day), depending on the number of violations per contract year. The CVWD has not asserted any claims for liquidated damages pursuant to these guarantees through the date of this report.
As part of the financing for this project, the CVWD sold insured municipal bonds. We entered into an agreement with the bond insurer to guarantee our performance under the service contract, subject to certain liability caps to the bond insurer in the event of a default. During the twenty-year operation of the facility, such liability caps will not exceed an amount equal to $4.0 million plus an amount no greater than the replacement cost of the actual reverse osmosis filtration unit within the facility, estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.
As of March 31, 2007, we had irrevocable standby letters of credit in the amount of $4.1 million issued and outstanding under our credit facility, including the CVWD letter of credit described above.
During our normal course of business, we have entered into agreements containing indemnities pursuant to which we may be required to make payments in the future. These indemnities are in connection with facility leases and liabilities and operations and maintenance and construction contracts entered into by our Services Group. The duration of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees varies, and in certain cases, is indefinite. Substantially all of these indemnities provide no limitation on the maximum potential future payments we could be obligated to make and is not quantifiable. We have not recorded any liability for these indemnities.
30
In connection with the sale of a subsidiary in 2005, we made indemnities to the buyer with respect to a number of customary, and certain other specific, representations and warranties. Our indemnities with respect to these matters are limited in terms of duration to periods ranging from one year to the expiration of the applicable statue of limitations.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Through the date of this report, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. We are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships. We do not have relationships or transactions with persons or entities that derive benefits from their non-independent relationship with our subsidiaries or us.
We lease some of our equipment and office facilities under operating leases which are deemed to be off-balance sheet arrangements. Our future operating lease payment obligations are more fully described under the caption “— Contractual Obligations” above.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
As of March 31, 2007, we had $137.2 million of long-term variable and fixed-rate debt. We are exposed to market risk based on changes in prevailing interest rates.
Market risk related to our variable-rate debt is estimated as the potential decrease in pre-tax earnings resulting from an increase in interest rates. We have $43.5 million of long-term debt that bears interest at variable rates based on either the prime rate or LIBOR rate. Our variable-rate debt had a weighted average interest rate of 6.15% as of March 31, 2007. A hypothetical one percent (100 basis points) increase in the average interest rates charged on our variable-rate debt would reduce our pre-tax earnings by approximately $0.4 million per year.
Our fixed-rate debt, which has a carrying value of $93.7 million, has a fair value of $93.6 million as of March 31, 2007. Market risk related to our fixed-rate debt is deemed to be the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in prevailing interest rates. Our fixed-rate debt had a weighted average interest rate of 6.5% as of March 31, 2007. A hypothetical ten percent decrease in interest rates, from 6.5% to 5.9%, would increase the fair value of our fixed-rate debt by approximately $6.0 million.
We do not use derivative financial instruments to manage or reduce these risks although we may do so in the future. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
31
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information required by this Item 1 is contained in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, Part I, Item 1 of this report, under the captions “Legal Proceedings” and “EPA Investigations.” The text under those captions is incorporated by reference into this
Item 1.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table summarizes the Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |
| | | | | | | | | |
January 1, 2007 – January 31, 2007 | | None | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | | | |
February 1, 2007 – February 28, 2007 | | None | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | | | |
March 1, 2007 – March 31, 2007 | | 55,075 | | $ | 14.74 | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total | | 55,075 | | $ | 14.74 | | None | | None | |
(1) All of the shares purchased during the period were shares attested to the Company in satisfaction of the exercise price and tax withholding obligations by holders of employee stock options, who exercised options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit | | |
Number | | Exhibit Description |
| | |
15 | * | Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| | |
31.1 | * | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
31.2 | * | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32.1 | * | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32.2 | * | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 |
* Filed herewith
ITEMS 1A, 3, 4 AND 5 ARE NOT APPLICABLE AND HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
32
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, thereto duly authorized.
| Southwest Water Company (Registrant) |
| |
| |
Dated: May 14, 2007 | /s/ Cheryl L. Clary | |
| Cheryl L. Clary |
| Chief Financial Officer |
33