Exhibit 99.1 NEWS RELEASE RGC RESOURCES, INC. Release Date: December 22, 2003 Contact: John B. Williamson, III President, Chairman and CEO Telephone: 540-777-3810 RGC RESOURCES, INC. ANNOUNCES ANNUAL FINANCIAL RESULTS AND QUARTERLY DIVIDEND RGC Resources, Inc. announced fiscal year earnings of $3,528,389 or $1.77 per diluted share outstanding for the year ended September 30, 2003, compared to $2,486,895 or $1.28 per diluted share for the year ended September 30, 2002. The Company also announced a 4th quarter loss of $588,294 or ($0.32) per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, compared to a loss of $526,593 or ($0.29) per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. President, Chairman and CEO John Williamson attributed the improvement in earnings to weather for the fiscal year that was 24% colder than the prior year, the effect of a rate adjustment approved by the Company's natural gas utility regulatory commissions, and improved operating margins on propane sales. The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.285 payable February 1, 2004 to shareholders of record on January 16, 2004. This is the Company's 239th consecutive quarterly dividend. RGC Resources, Inc. has approximately 76,000 natural gas and propane customers through its natural gas distribution companies that service the Roanoke Valley and Bluefield areas and Highland Propane Company which serves portions of Virginia and southern West Virginia. The Company's stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, trading symbol RGCO. Summary financial statements for the fourth quarter and twelve months are as follows: RGC Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------------------------------- ------------------ --------------- Revenues $ 15,390,681 $ 11,451,333 $ 104,361,559 $ 80,225,673 Cost of sales 10,903,451 7,663,666 74,636,845 55,394,584 ------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- Operating margin 4,487,230 3,787,667 29,724,714 24,831,089 Other operating expenses 4,979,211 4,123,723 21,884,057 18,727,620 Impairment loss - 72,008 - 72,008 Interest expense 545,383 505,637 2,172,342 2,050,754 ------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- Income before income taxes (1,037,364) (913,701) 5,668,315 3,980,707 Income tax expense (449,070) (387,108) 2,139,926 1,493,812 ------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- Net income (loss) (588,294) (526,593) 3,528,389 2,486,895 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 35,685 121,281 (288,793) 209,097 ------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- Comprehensive income (loss) $ (552,609) $ (405,312) $ 3,239,596 $ 2,695,992 ============= ================ =============== =============== Net earnings per share of common stock: Basic $ (0.31) $ (0.29) $ 1.78 $ 1.28 ============= ================ =============== =============== Diluted $ (0.32) $ (0.29) $ 1.77 $ 1.28 ============= ================ =============== =============== Cash dividends per common share $ 0.285 $ 0.285 $ 1.140 $ 1.140 ============= ================ =============== =============== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 1,983,970 1,939,511 Diluted 1,989,460 1,942,058 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) September 30, ASSETS 2003 2002 ---------------- --------------- Current assets $ 27,677,977 $ 22,296,926 Total property, plant and equipment, net 71,751,354 69,138,197 Other assets 1,068,068 966,332 ---------------- --------------- Total Assets $ 100,497,399 $ 92,401,455 ================ =============== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities $ 30,695,469 $ 23,852,139 Long-term debt 30,219,987 30,377,358 Deferred credits and other liabilities 5,724,329 6,102,961 ---------------- --------------- Total Liabilities 66,639,785 60,332,458 Stockholders' Equity 33,857,614 32,068,997 ---------------- --------------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 100,497,399 $ 92,401,455 ================ ===============