SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended March 31, 2001
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Commission File Number 000-26591
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RGC Resources, Inc.
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(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
VIRGINIA 54-1909697
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
519 Kimball Ave., N.E., Roanoke, VA 24016
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(540) 777-4427
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(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
None
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(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
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Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this
report.
Class Outstanding at March 31, 2001
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Common Stock, $5 Par Value 1,896,877
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
March 31, September 30,
ASSETS 2001 2000
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Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 562,092 $ 721,249
Accounts receivable - (less allowance for
uncollectibles of $1,449,598 and
and $314,081, respectively) 23,474,607 6,251,248
Inventories 5,830,317 12,421,327
Prepaid income taxes - 464,299
Deferred income taxes 3,689,085 1,836,581
Underrecovery of gas costs - 888,687
Other 372,610 430,307
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Total current assets 33,928,711 23,013,698
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Property, Plant And Equipment:
Utility plant in service 81,201,375 78,780,014
Accumulated depreciation (30,337,476) (28,765,599)
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Utility plant in service, net 50,863,899 50,014,415
Construction work-in-progress 1,332,315 1,562,138
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Utility Plant, Net 52,196,214 51,576,553
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Nonutility property 17,827,749 16,393,264
Accumulated depreciation (5,618,734) (5,044,294)
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Nonutility property, net 12,209,015 11,348,970
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Total property, plant and equipment 64,405,229 62,925,523
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Other Assets:
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 972,077 1,014,509
Other assets 450,206 453,764
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Total other assets 1,422,283 1,468,273
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Total Assets $ 99,756,223 $ 87,407,494
==================== ===================
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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UNAUDITED
March 31, September 30,
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 2001 2000
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Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 11,132,780 $ 11,003,592
Current maturities of long-term debt 727,047 26,092
Short-term debt 16,410,000 13,295,000
Dividends payable 531,638 517,827
Income taxes payable 2,441,986 -
Customer deposits 602,225 506,562
Accrued expenses 4,077,862 3,733,320
Refunds due customers 97,989 223,009
Overrecovery of gas costs 2,872,878 -
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Total current liabilities 38,894,405 29,305,402
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Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities 22,596,755 23,310,522
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 4,527,849 4,431,643
Deferred investment tax credits 354,826 374,056
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Total deferred credits and other liabilities 4,882,675 4,805,699
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Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $5 par value; authorized,
10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
1,896,877 and 1,881,733 shares, respectively 9,484,385 9,408,665
Preferred stock, no par, authorized, 5,000,000
shares; 0 shares issued and outstanding in
both 2001 and 2000 - -
Capital in excess of par value 10,480,287 10,262,252
Retained earnings 13,417,716 10,314,954
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Total stockholders' equity 33,382,388 29,985,871
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Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 99,756,223 $ 87,407,494
==================== ===================
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
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UNAUDITED
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2001 2000
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Operating Revenues:
Gas utilities $ 35,035,162 $ 20,980,798
Propane operations 6,746,311 5,140,888
Energy marketing 4,299,983 2,062,840
Other 367,402 613,965
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Total operating revenues 46,448,858 28,798,491
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Cost of Sales:
Gas utilities 27,979,076 13,740,905
Propane operations 3,974,834 2,600,649
Energy marketing 4,034,066 2,033,074
Other 289,660 392,279
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Total cost of sales 36,277,636 18,766,907
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Operating Margin 10,171,222 10,031,584
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Other Operating Expenses:
Other operations 3,436,054 2,916,678
Maintenance 369,608 304,290
General taxes 503,830 890,470
Depreciation and amortization 1,239,315 1,137,186
Total other operating expenses 5,548,807 5,248,624
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Operating Earnings 4,622,415 4,782,960
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Other Deductions, net (31,483) (25,624)
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Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes 4,590,932 4,757,336
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Interest Charges 772,130 612,823
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Earnings Before Income Taxes 3,818,802 4,144,513
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Income Taxes 1,472,287 1,480,806
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Net Earnings 2,346,515 2,663,707
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Other Comprehensive Loss, net of
$67,721 in income tax (106,145) -
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Comprehensive Income $ 2,240,370 $ 2,663,707
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Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.24 $ 1.43
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Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 1.24 $ 1.42
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND SIX-MONTH
PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
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UNAUDITED
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
2001 2000 2001 2000
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings $ 2,346,515 $ 2,663,707 $ 4,163,375 $ 3,822,872
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,261,188 1,158,071 2,518,377 2,308,485
Loss (gain) on disposal of property (430) 970 (4,455) 17,250
Loss on sale of other assets - - - -
Deferred taxes and investment tax credits (1,782,709) (421,787) (1,775,528) (763,427)
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided
(used) cash, exclusive of changes and noncash
transactions shown separately 5,589,682 3,411,766 (3,416,440) 389,210
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 7,414,246 6,812,727 1,485,329 5,774,390
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to utility plant and nonutility property (1,546,555) (2,062,787) (4,014,580) (4,308,650)
Cost of removal of utility plant, net (3,225) (14,230) (11,958) (19,120)
Proceeds from disposal of equipment 21,589 12,061 32,910 18,502
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Net cash used in investing activities (1,528,191) (2,064,956) (3,993,628) (4,309,268)
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - - - -
Retirement of long-term debt and capital leases (6,463) (512,599) (12,812) (518,506)
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit (5,327,000) (4,397,000) 3,115,000 (153,000)
Cash dividends paid (528,973) (511,965) (1,046,801) (1,007,020)
Proceeds from issuance of stock 189,643 178,547 293,755 292,740
Capital stock expense - - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitie (5,672,793) (5,243,017) 2,349,142 (1,385,786)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS 213,262 (495,246) (159,157) 79,336
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
BEGINNING OF PERIOD 348,830 714,083 721,249 139,501
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
END OF PERIOD $ 562,092 $ 218,837 $ 562,092 $ 218,837
============== ============== ============== ==============
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest paid $ 660,906 $ 491,304 $ 1,537,191 $ 1,416,696
Income taxes paid, net $ 1,361,362 $ 529,530 $ 1,359,021 $ 529,005
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNAUDITED
1. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting
of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly RGC
Resources, Inc.'s financial position as of March 31, 2001 and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the three months and
six months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. The results of operations for
the six months ended March 31, 2001 are not indicative of the results
to be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001.
2. The condensed consolidated financial statements and condensed notes are
presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain
information included in the Company's annual consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto.
3. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year balances to conform
with current year presentations.
4. Quarterly earnings are affected by the highly seasonal nature of the
business as variations in weather conditions generally result in
greater earnings during the winter months.
5. On October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 133,
ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, as
amended by SFAS No. 137, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND
HEDGING ACTIVITIES - DEFERRAL OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF FASB STATEMENT
NO. 133, and SFAS No. 138, ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN DERIVATIVES AND
CERTAIN HEDGING ACTIVITIES, and as interpreted by the FASB and the
Derivatives Implementation Group through "Statement 133 Implementation
Issues." SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of all derivative
instruments as assets or liabilities in the Company's balance sheet
and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The adoption of
the standard did not have a material impact on the results of
operations or other comprehensive income.
The Company had entered into futures and swaps, extending through March
2001, for the purpose of hedging the price of propane in order to
provide price stability during the winter months. The Company's hedging
activities are in accordance with established risk management policies.
The hedges qualify as cash flow hedges; therefore, changes in the fair
value are reported in Other Comprehensive Income. No portion of the
hedges were ineffective during the three months ended March 31, 2001.
All hedges have expired as of March 31, 2001.
6. Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during each period. The weighted average
number of shares outstanding for the three-month and six-month periods
ended March 31, 2001 were 1,893,762 and 1,889,503 compared to
1,864,579 and 1,850,197 for the same periods last year. The weighted
average number of shares outstanding assuming dilution were 1,897,760
and 1,893,042 for the three-month and six-month periods ended March
31, 2001 compared to 1,870,731 and 1,856,377 for the same periods last
year. The difference between the weighted average number of shares for
the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share relates to the
dilutive effect associated with the assumed issuance of stock options
as calculated using the Treasury Stock method.
6
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNAUDITED
7. RGC Resources, Inc.'s reportable segments are included in the following
table. The segments are comprised of regulated natural gas sales and
distribution, propane sales, energy marketing and other. The other
segment is composed of the heating and air conditioning business,
mapping services, information system services and certain corporate
adjustments.
Energy
Natural Gas Propane Marketing Other Total
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FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001
Operating revenues 35,035,162 6,746,311 4,299,983 367,402 46,448,858
Operating margin 7,056,086 2,771,477 265,917 77,742 10,171,222
Earnings before income taxes 2,441,428 1,263,110 257,586 (143,322) 3,818,802
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000
Operating revenues 20,980,798 5,140,888 2,062,840 613,965 28,798,491
Operating margin 7,239,893 2,540,239 29,766 221,686 10,031,584
Earnings before income taxes 2,888,018 1,187,791 26,922 41,782 4,144,513
Energy
Natural Gas Propane Marketing Other Total
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FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001
Operating revenues 66,859,231 11,778,855 8,126,481 869,454 87,634,021
Operating margin 14,286,745 4,868,785 426,754 212,807 19,795,091
Earnings before income taxes 4,561,424 1,935,061 409,078 (252,408) 6,653,155
As of March 31, 2001:
Total assets 80,803,118 14,800,222 2,231,411 1,921,472 99,756,223
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000
Operating revenues 36,258,404 8,282,975 4,035,495 793,810 49,370,684
Operating margin 12,903,903 4,189,453 65,200 296,361 17,454,917
Earnings before income taxes 4,243,775 1,557,591 59,604 99,190 5,960,160
As of March 31, 2000:
Total assets 66,807,246 13,021,881 1,021,488 712,740 81,563,355
7
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNAUDITED
8. Both Roanoke Gas Company and Bluefield Gas Company, subsidiaries of
RGC Resources, Inc., operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) as a
source of fuel for lighting and heating until the early 1950's. A by-
product of operating MGPs was coal tar, and the potential exists for
on-site tar waste contaminants at the former plant sites. The extent
of contaminants at these sites, if any, is unknown at this time. An
analysis at the Bluefield Gas Company site indicates some soil
contamination. The Company, with concurrence of legal counsel, does
not believe any events have occurred requiring regulatory reporting.
Further, the Company has not received any notices of violation or
liabilities associated with environmental regulations related to the
MGP sites and is not aware of any off-site contamination or pollution
as a result of prior operations. Therefore, the Company has no plans
for subsurface remediation at the MGP sites. Should the Company
eventually be required to remediate either site, the Company will
pursue all prudent and reasonable means to recover any related costs,
including insurance claims and regulatory approval for rate case
recognition of expenses associated with any work required. A
stipulated rate case agreement between the Company and the West
Virginia Public Service Commission recognized the Company's right to
defer MGP clean-up costs, should any be incurred, and to seek rate
relief for such costs. If the Company eventually incurs costs
associated with a required clean-up of either MGP site, the Company
anticipates recording a regulatory asset for such clean-up costs to be
recovered in future rates. Based on anticipated regulatory actions and
current practices, management believes that any costs incurred related
to this matter will not have a material effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.
8
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
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OPERATIONS
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated net earnings for the three-month period and six-month periods ended
March 31, 2001 were $2,240,370 and $4,163,375, respectively, compared to
$2,663,707 and $3,822,872 for the same period last year.
Total operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2001 increased
$17,650,367, or 61.3 percent, as energy prices remained at levels significantly
higher than the same period last year. Even though the weather for the quarter
ended March 31, 2001 was 9 percent colder than the same period last year, total
deliveries for natural gas and propane volumes each declined by nearly 2 percent
as high energy prices prompted consumers to focus on energy conservation and
seek lower-cost alternative fuel sources. Sales of non-transporting (primarily
residential and commercial customers) natural gas volumes increased by 149,342
dekatherms (DTH), or 4 percent, during the current quarter while natural gas
transportation volumes declined by 238,815 DTH, or 27 percent, as high natural
gas prices caused several large industrial customers to switch to oil as their
primary energy source. Most of these customers had returned to natural gas in
March as natural gas prices began to decline. Propane deliveries declined by
66,667 gallons, or 2 percent, from the same period last year even though weather
was 9 percent colder and total customer base grew at a rate of 7 percent. A
combination of the loss of a couple of high-volume, low-margin propane
customers, energy conservation efforts and utilization of other energy sources
by customers such as wood caused the decline in volumes. The unregulated energy
marketing division experienced an increase in revenues of $2,237,143, or 108
percent, on a reduction in natural gas volumes of 67,985 DTH, or 10 percent, as
compared to the same period last year. The decline in volumes is attributed to
industrial customers switching to lower cost energy sources during the peak
pricing months of January and February.
Total operating margin increased by $139,638, or 1 percent, for the quarter
ended March 31, 2001 compared to the same period last year. Natural gas margin
declined $183,807, or 2.5 percent, as total delivered natural gas volumes
declined by 2 percent. The natural gas margin would have experienced a slight
increase for the period except for the removal of the gross receipts tax
component from revenues beginning January 1, 2001. This change is discussed in
more detail in the section below. Propane margins increased by $231,238, or 9
percent, compared to the same period last year. Propane margins benefitted from
the utilization of propane price cap hedges during January and February. These
derivative instruments hedged a portion of the Company's spot market supply of
propane, thereby reducing cost of sales during the period. The energy marketing
division continued to benefit from the fixed price natural gas contract the
Company entered into during last summer, which locked in a below-market rate for
natural gas purchases. Energy marketing margins increased $236,151, or 793
percent, over the same period last year on a 10 percent decline in volume. The
fixed price contract expired at March 31, 2001, and energy marketing margins are
expected to return to the prior year levels. Other margins declined by $143,944,
or 65 percent, as losses were experienced in the heating and air conditioning
division because of cost overruns on certain contract jobs and a slow down in
the heating and air conditioning business.
Other operations expenses increased by $519,376, or 18 percent, for the
three-month period ended March 31, 2001 compared to the same period last year.
More than 70 percent of the increase was attributable to increases in bad debt
reserves related to the increase in gross revenues of more than 60 percent.
Customer delinquencies are, and will continue to be, an area of focus for the
current year as high energy prices continue to affect the collectibility of
customer balances. Most of the remaining increase relates to higher payroll,
insurance and post-retirement benefits expense. Maintenance activities exceeded
last year's levels as the sharply colder weather in November and December
required additional maintenance on regulation equipment for both the natural gas
and propane companies.
9
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
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OPERATIONS
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The decrease in general taxes for the three month period ended March 31, 2001 as
compared to the same period last year resulted primarily from the elimination of
state and local gross receipts taxes on public utilities by the Commonwealth of
Virginia effective January 1, 2001. A consumption tax and a state income tax
replaced the gross receipts tax. Gross receipts taxes totaled $473,655 for the
three month period ended March 31, 2000 and were included in the Company's
billing rates and recorded as both operating revenues and general tax expense.
The new consumption tax is added to customer bills based on the volume of
natural gas consumed. The Company does not include the consumption tax in either
operating revenues or general tax expense. This tax is a pass-through from the
customer to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the localities in which the utility
operates within Virginia. The state income tax is reflected in the income tax
amount.
Continued growth in the Company's utility property, related to the addition of
new customers to the distribution system and the Company's renewal program for
replacement of older facilities, and the addition of new propane customers have
increased depreciation expense $102,129, or 9 percent. Interest charges
increased $159,307, or 26 percent, from the same period last year as the
Company's average total debt position for the current quarter rose by nearly 34
percent. The additional debt was required to finance significantly higher
balances in accounts receivable and inventories related to higher gas prices,
and to a lesser extent, the financing of capital expenditures in the natural gas
and propane operations. Income taxes declined by 1 percent for the quarter even
though earnings before income taxes decreased by more than 5 percent. The higher
effective tax rate relates to the implementation of a state income tax on the
natural gas utility business in Virginia as discussed above.
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2001, total operating margin increased
$2,340,174, or 13.4 percent, from the same period last year. The natural gas
margin increased $1,382,842, or 10.7 percent, as total natural gas deliveries
grew by 807,791 DTH, or 10 percent, from the same period last year, on weather
that was 21 percent colder. Conservation efforts and energy switching during the
second quarter mitigated the increase in margin. Propane margins increased
$679,332, or 16 percent, as gallons delivered increased by 6 percent. As with
natural gas activity, propane was affected by customer conservation efforts and
use of alternative fuels. The energy marketing division continued to benefit
from the fixed price natural gas contract the Company entered into during last
summer. Energy marketing margins increased $361,554, or 555 percent, over the
same period last year on a 6 percent decline in volume due to the fixed price
contract providing for lower cost natural gas. The fixed price contract expired
at March 31, 2001, and energy marketing margins are expected to return to prior
year levels.
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2001, other operations expenses
increased $1,041,001, or 18 percent, from the same period last year. Over half
of the increase related to higher bad debt expense associated with the
significantly higher billings due to high gas costs and colder weather. The
balance of the increase derived from the activities of the Company's newest
business ventures that began operations in January 2000 and from higher payroll,
insurance and post-retirement benefit costs. General taxes increased less than 1
percent, as the elimination of gross receipts tax beginning January 1, 2001
offset the significantly higher gross receipts tax incurred in the first quarter
due to greater sales volumes and significantly higher billing rates related to
the high gas costs. Depreciation increased $221,743, or 10 percent, on the
greater utility and non-utility plant balances. Interest charges grew by nearly
$334,194, or 27 percent, for the six month period ended March 31, 2001, as
compared to the same period last year as short-term debt levels have increased
to finance significantly higher accounts receivable and inventory balances
attributed to the high natural gas and propane costs. The implementation of
state income tax on the Virginia natural gas operations combined with higher
pre-tax earnings resulted in income tax expense increasing by more than 16
percent over the same six month period last year.
10
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONS
- ----------
The six-month earnings presented herein should not be considered as reflective
of the Company's consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2001. The total revenues during the first six months reflect
higher billings due to the weather sensitive nature of the gas business and
higher energy costs. Improvement or decline in earnings depends primarily on
temperature and weather conditions during the remaining months.
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) in Virginia has been very busy during the
first part of this year drafting rules to conform to legislative changes made by
the 2001 session of the Virginia General Assembly. On May 4, 2001, the State
Corporation Commission staff issued proposed rules for retail access to
competitive energy services. These rules will set the boundaries for both
utilities and competitive service providers as the energy industry becomes more
open to competition. The Commission also promulgated new rules to conform
current practice to the legislative changes in the underground damage prevention
rules.
RGC Resources, Inc. filed with the SCC in March 2001 for authority to establish
a service company that would provide shared services currently being performed
by Roanoke Gas Company. The SCC granted the request effective April 1, 2001.
Additionally, the SCC gave Roanoke Gas Company permission to extend the gas cost
hedging program that the Commission had previously let expire. The SCC supported
the proposed use of hedging to help stabilize energy costs in the future. The
West Virginia Public Service Commission also issued an Order approving Bluefield
Gas Company's request to extend the previously approved gas cost hedging
program. On March 31, 2001, the Company did not have any gas cost hedging
arrangements in place.
ENERGY COSTS
A combination of colder than normal weather in November and December, lower
inventories of natural gas and propane and increased demand from electric
generation plants have driven heating fuel prices to unprecedented levels. NYMEX
natural gas contracts, an industry standard for measuring energy prices,
averaged $7.05 per DTH for the three month period ended March 31, 2001 compared
to $2.53 per DTH for the same period last year. Similarly, NYMEX contracts for
propane were $0.672 and $0.474 for the same periods, respectively.
Increased exploration activity is expected to make a positive impact on energy
prices as supplies increase. In the short-term, however, energy prices are
expected to remain elevated due to lower than usual storage levels and
increasing demand for natural gas in electric generation.
The higher energy costs may lead to reduced sales as a result of (i) energy
switching and conservation efforts by our customers, (ii) higher accounts
receivable delinquencies due to the inability of customers to pay higher gas
bills, and (iii) higher financing costs because of higher inventory and accounts
receivable levels.
11
RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Both Roanoke Gas Company and Bluefield Gas Company, subsidiaries of RGC
Resources, Inc., operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) as a source of fuel for
lighting and heating until the early 1950's. A by-product of operating MGPs was
coal tar, and the potential exists for on-site tar waste contaminants at the
former plant sites. The extent of contaminants at these sites, if any, is
unknown at this time. An analysis at the Bluefield Gas Company site indicates
some soil contamination. The Company, with concurrence of legal counsel, does
not believe any events have occurred requiring regulatory reporting. Further,
the Company has not received any notices of violation or liabilities associated
with environmental regulations related to the MGP sites and is not aware of any
off-site contamination or pollution as a result of prior operations. Therefore,
the Company has no plans for subsurface remediation at the MGP sites. Should the
Company eventually be required to remediate either site, the Company will pursue
all prudent and reasonable means to recover any related costs, including
insurance claims and regulatory approval for rate case recognition of expenses
associated with any work required. A stipulated rate case agreement between the
Company and the West Virginia Public Service Commission recognized the Company's
right to defer MGP clean-up costs, should any be incurred, and to seek rate
relief for such costs. If the Company eventually incurs costs associated with a
required clean-up of either MGP site, the Company anticipates recording a
regulatory asset for such clean-up costs to be recovered in future rates. Based
on anticipated regulatory actions and current practices, management believes
that any costs incurred related to this matter will not have a material effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements relating
to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects,
technological developments, new products, research and development activities
and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with
the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could
cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the
anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's
forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the
operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business
include the following ones: (i) temporary rate freezes in both regulated
jurisdictions; (ii) failure to earn on a consistent basis an adequate return on
invested capital; (iii) increasing expenses and labor costs and labor
availability; (iv) price competition from alternative fuels; (v) volatility in
the price of natural gas and propane; (vi) uncertainty in the projected rate of
growth of natural gas and propane requirements in the Company's service area;
(vii) general economic conditions both locally and nationally; (viii) increases
in interest rates; (ix) increased customer delinquencies and conservation
efforts resulting from high fuels costs; and (x) developments in electricity and
natural gas deregulation and associated industry restructuring. In addition, the
Company's business is seasonal in character and strongly influenced by weather
conditions. Substantial changes in winter heating degree-days from normal or
mean can have significant short-term impacts on revenues and gross margin.
12
Part II - Other Information
Item 2. Changes in Securities.
Pursuant to the RGC Resources Restricted Stock Plan for Outside
Directors (the "Restricted Stock Plan"), 40% of the monthly retainer
fee of each non-employee director of the Company is paid in shares of
unregistered common stock and is subject to vesting and transferability
restrictions ("restricted stock"). A participant can, subject to
approval of the Board, elect to receive up to 100% of his retainer fee
in restricted stock. The number of shares of restricted stock is
calculated each month based on the closing sales price of the Company's
common stock on the Nasdaq-NMS on the first day of the month. The
shares of restricted stock are issued in reliance on section 3(a)(11)
and section 4(2) exemptions under the Securities Act of 1993 (the
"Act") and will vest only in the case of the participant's death,
disability, retirement or in the event of a change in control of the
Company. Shares of restricted stock will be forfeited to the Company by
the participant's voluntary resignation during his term on the Board or
removal for cause as a director. During the quarter ended March 31,
2001, the Company issued a total of 474 shares of restricted stock
pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan as follows:
Investment Date Price Number of Shares
--------------- ----- ----------------
1-1-2001 $19.250 135.066
2-1-2001 $19.625 169.171
3-1-2001 $19.500 170.256
On February 1, 2001 and March 1, 2001, the Company issued a total of
226.051 shares of its common stock as bonuses to certain employees and
management personnel as rewards for attendance and performance. The
226.051 shares were not issued in a transaction constituting a "sale"
within the meaning of section 2(3) of the Act.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a vote of Security Holders
On January 22, 2001, the Company held its Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. At the meeting, Abney S. Boxley, S. Frank Smith and John
B. Williamson, III were each reelected as Class A directors until the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2004. For the Class A
directors, 1,468,092 votes were cast in favor, and 7,325 votes were
withheld. There were no broker non-votes.
Lynn D. Avis, J. Allen Layman and Thomas L. Robertson continue as
Class B directors until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
in 2002. Frank T. Elliot and F. A. Farmer, Jr. continue as Class C
directors until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2003.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
Number Description
10(g)(g)(g)* Change in Control Agreement between John B.
Williamson, III and RGC Resources, Inc.
dated March 1, 2001.
10(h)(h)(h)* Change in Control Agreement between Roger L.
Baumgardner and RGC Resources, Inc. dated
March 1, 2001.
13
10(i)(i)(i)* Change in Control Agreement between Arthur
L. Pendleton and RGC Resources, Inc. dated
March 1, 2001.
10(j)(j)(j)* Change in Control Agreement between John S.
D'Orazio and RGC Resources, Inc. dated
March 1, 2001.
-------------
*Management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed for the three months
ended March 31, 2001.
14
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 there unto duly authorized.
RGC Resources, Inc.
Date: May 15, 2001 By: s/Roger L. Baumgardner
Roger L. Baumgardner
Vice President/Secretary
and Treasurer
15
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Description
10(g)(g)(g)* Change in Control Agreement between John B.
Williamson, III and RGC Resources, Inc. dated
March 1, 2001.
10(h)(h)(h)* Change in Control Agreement between Roger L.
Baumgardner and RGC Resources, Inc. dated March 1,
2001.
10(i)(i)(i)* Change in Control Agreement between Arthur L.
Pendleton and RGC Resources, Inc. dated March 1,
2001.
10(j)(j)(j)* Change in Control Agreement between John S. D'Orazio
and RGC Resources, Inc. dated March 1, 2001.
---------------
*Management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.