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Page 1 of 20
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2002 Commission File Number 000-22211
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 21-0398330
(State of incorporation) (IRS employer
identification no.)
1 South Jersey Plaza, Folsom, NJ 08037
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(609) 561-9000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
As of May 1, 2002 there were 2,339,139 shares of the registrant's common stock
outstanding. All common shares are owned by South Jersey Industries, Inc., the
parent company of South Jersey Gas Company.
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PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements -- See Pages 3 through 10
SJG-2
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands Except for Per Share Data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
--------------------------------------
2002 2001
----------------- -----------------
Operating Revenues:
Utility $ 154,183 $ 219,139
Other 29 144
----------------- -----------------
Total Operating Revenues 154,212 219,283
----------------- -----------------
Operating Expenses:
Gas Purchased for Resale 99,433 161,340
Utility Operations 9,621 9,519
Other Operations 144 95
Maintenance 1,417 2,885
Depreciation 5,477 5,183
Energy and Other Taxes 3,783 4,416
----------------- -----------------
Total Operating Expenses 119,875 183,438
----------------- -----------------
Operating Income 34,337 35,845
Interest Charges 4,504 5,566
Preferred Dividend Requirements 765 766
----------------- -----------------
Income Before Income Taxes 29,068 29,513
Income Taxes 12,129 12,330
----------------- -----------------
Income from Continuing Operations 16,939 17,183
Loss from Discontinued Operations - Net - (51)
----------------- -----------------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ 16,939 $ 17,132
================= =================
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding 2,339 2,339
================= =================
Earnings Per Common Share
Continuing Operations $ 7.24 $ 7.35
Discontinued Operations - Net 0.00 (0.02)
----------------- -----------------
Earnings Per Common Share $ 7.24 $ 7.32
================= =================
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 1.95 $ 1.87
================= =================
<FN>
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
</FN>
SJG-3
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
--------------------------------- ----------------
2002 2001 2001
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Utility Plant, at original cost $ 812,198 $ 773,229 $ 805,440
Accumulated Depreciation (225,475) (221,993) (221,457)
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net 586,723 551,236 583,983
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Available-for-Sale Securities 3,074 2,483 3,093
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents 11,258 4,414 3,276
Accounts Receivable 67,477 94,049 39,243
Unbilled Revenues 23,079 34,206 32,398
Provision for Uncollectibles (1,915) (1,743) (1,916)
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost 33,334 7,263 59,778
Materials and Supplies, average cost 3,442 3,894 3,818
Prepaid Taxes - - 4,650
Prepayments and Other Current Assets 2,616 2,374 2,799
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Current Assets 139,291 144,457 144,046
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets:
Environmental Remediation Costs:
Expended - Net 11,259 9,853 12,831
Liability for Future Expenditures 48,790 51,029 48,790
Gross Receipts and Franchise Taxes 2,143 2,587 2,254
Income Taxes - Flowthrough Depreciation 9,330 10,308 9,575
Deferred Fuel Cost - Net 17,363 30,949 36,798
Deferred Postretirement Benefit Costs 4,063 4,441 4,158
Unamortized Debt Discount and Expense 5,814 5,086 5,957
Other Regulatory Assets 3,627 2,151 2,386
Other 3,116 1,382 3,935
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets 105,505 117,786 126,684
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Assets $ 834,593 $ 815,962 $ 857,806
================ =============== ================
<FN>
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
</FN>
SJG-4
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
--------------------------------- ----------------
2002 2001 2001
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Capitalization and Liabilities
Common Equity:
Common Stock, Par Value $2.50 per share:
Authorized - 4,000,000 shares
Outstanding - 2,339,139 shares $ 5,848 $ 5,848 $ 5,848
Other Paid-In Capital and Premium on Common Stock 132,817 125,817 132,817
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (1,939) - (1,939)
Retained Earnings 81,645 78,193 69,256
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Common Equity 218,371 209,858 205,982
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Preferred Stock and Securities:
Redeemable Cumulative Preferred - Par Value $100 per share,
Authorized 41,966, 43,104, and 41,966 shares, respectively
Outstanding:
Series A, 4.7% - -0-, 300 and -0- shares - 30 -
Series B, 8% - 16,904, 17,742 and 16,904 shares 1,690 1,774 1,690
Company-Guaranteed Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred
Securities of Subsidiary Trust, Par Value $25 per share,
1,400,000 shares, Authorized and Outstanding 35,000 35,000 35,000
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Preferred Stock and Securities 36,690 36,804 36,690
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Long-Term Debt 222,060 199,793 230,247
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Capitalization 477,121 446,455 472,919
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable 88,200 92,500 135,500
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 9,733 11,876 9,733
Accounts Payable 32,442 56,350 32,391
Deferred Income Taxes - Net 23,005 26,969 25,503
Customer Deposits 6,364 5,455 5,976
Environmental Remediation Costs 11,052 15,872 11,052
Taxes Accrued 17,346 14,494 2,904
Interest Accrued and Other Current Liabilities 11,760 11,520 7,752
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Current Liabilities 199,902 235,036 230,811
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Deferred Credits and Other Non-Current Liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes - Net 88,465 85,141 86,172
Environmental Remediation Costs 37,738 35,157 37,738
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 18,495 12,705 17,736
Investment Tax Credits 4,079 4,427 4,166
Other 8,793 7,041 8,264
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total Deferred Credits and Other Non-Current Liabilities 157,570 144,471 154,076
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities $ 834,593 $ 825,962 $ 857,806
================ =============== ================
<FN>
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
</FN>
SJG-5
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
-------------------------------------
2002 2001
---------------- ----------------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock $ 16,939 $ 17,132
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Flows
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 6,087 5,769
Provision for Losses on Accounts Receivable 671 519
Revenues and Fuel Costs Deferred - Net 19,435 (2,139)
Deferred and Non-Current Income Taxes and Credits - Net 1,855 4,277
Environmental Remediation Costs - Net 1,572 8,621
Changes in:
Accounts Receivable (19,587) (16,902)
Inventories 26,820 24,649
Prepayments and Other Current Assets 183 266
Prepaid and Accrued Taxes - Net 19,092 18,012
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities 4,447 (19,940)
Other - Net 278 (216)
---------------- ----------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 77,792 40,048
---------------- ----------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures, Cost of Removal and Salvage (9,747) (9,386)
---------------- ----------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (9,747) (9,386)
---------------- ----------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Repayments of Lines of Credit (47,300) (21,400)
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt (8,187) (5,188)
Dividends on Common Stock (4,550) (4,375)
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt (26) -
---------------- ----------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (60,063) (30,963)
---------------- ----------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,982 (301)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 3,276 4,715
---------------- ----------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 11,258 $ 4,414
================ ================
<FN>
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements.
</FN>
SJG-6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1. Significant Accounting Practices:
Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of South Jersey Gas Company (SJG) and its wholly-owned
statutory trust subsidiary, SJG Capital Trust. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated. We
reclassified some previously reported amounts to conform with current
year classifications. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated
financial statements reflect all adjustments needed to fairly present
SJG's financial position and operating results at the dates and for
the periods presented. Our businesses are subject to seasonal
fluctuations and, accordingly, this interim financial information
should not be the basis for estimating the full year's operating
results. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with
SJG's 2001 Form 10K.
South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI) owns all of the outstanding
common stock of SJG.
Estimates and Assumptions - Our financial statements are prepared
to conform with generally accepted accounting principles. Management
makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the financial statements and related disclosures. Therefore, actual
results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 2001, the FASB issued
Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations."
Statement No. 143 establishes accounting and reporting standards for
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SJG expects to adopt
Statement No. 143 in 2003.
In August 2001, the FASB also issued Statement No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets",
which is effective in 2003. This statement prescribes that a single
accounting model be used for valuing long-lived assets to be disposed
of and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations.
We are currently evaluating the effects of Statement Nos. 143 and
144; however, they are not expected to materially impact SJG's
financial condition or results of operations.
SJG-7
Note 2. Regulatory Actions:
In January 1997, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
granted SJG a 9.62% rate of return on rate base, which included an
11.25% return on common equity. Additionally, SJG's threshold for
sharing pre-tax margins generated by interruptible and off-system
sales and transportation (Sharing Formula) increased. SJG keeps 100%
of pre-tax margins up to the threshold level of $7.8 million and 20%
of margins above that level. In 1998, the BPU revised the Sharing
Formula to credit the first $750,000 above the current threshold level
to the Levelized Gas Adjustment Clause (LGAC) customers. Thereafter,
SJG keeps 20% of the pre-tax margins as it has historically. In
September 1999, the BPU approved an annual recovery level of $6.5
million for remediation costs expended from August 1995 through July
1998. This represents an annual increase of approximately $4.5 million
over the recovery previously included in rates. In January 2000, the
BPU approved the recovery of carrying costs on unrecovered remediation
costs and a proposal by SJG to keep its current Remediation Adjustment
Clause (RAC) rate in effect through October 2002. However, due to
substantial RAC insurance recoveries, in October 2001, SJG filed for a
RAC rate decrease. This proposal would reduce the annual recovery
level to $4.2 million, if approved.
Effective January 10, 2000, the BPU approved full unbundling of
SJG's system. This allows all natural gas consumers to select their
natural gas supplier. As of March 31, 2002, 52,802 of SJG's
residential customers were purchasing their gas commodity from someone
other than SJG. The bills of those using a gas supplier other than SJG
are reduced for cost of gas charges and applicable taxes. SJG's net
income, financial condition and margins are not affected as a result
of the unbundling.
On November 15, 2001, SJG filed for a $17.6 million reduction to
its LGAC and for recovery of a 3-year net deficiency in the
Temperature Adjustment Clause (TAC) amounting to $2.7 million. The BPU
approved the LGAC reduction effective December 1, 2001. Also on
December 1, 2001, SJG implemented recovery of its October 31, 2001
underrecovered gas costs. We will recover $48.9 million over three
years including interest accrued since April 1, 2001. We will also
recover interest for the 3-year amortization period at a rate of
5.75%.
Note 3. Common Equity:
Restrictions exist under various loan agreements regarding the
amount of cash dividends or other distributions that we may pay on our
common stock. SJG's retained earnings, which are free of these
restrictions, were approximately $79.9 million as of March 31, 2002.
SJG-8
Note 4. Discontinued Operations:
In 2001, SJG formally discontinued the merchandising segment of
its operations. Summarized operating results of the discontinued
operations were (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2002 2001
------ ------
Operating Revenues $ 26 $ 173
====== ======
Loss before Income Taxes - (86)
Income Tax - 35
------ ------
Loss from Discontinued Operations $ - $ (51)
====== ======
Loss Per Common Share from
Discontinued Operations - Net $ 0.00 $(0.02)
====== ======
Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies:
Construction and Environmental Commitments - SJG's estimated cost
of construction and environmental remediation programs for 2002 totals
$60.1 million. Commitments were made regarding these programs.
Pending Litigation - SJG is subject to claims arising in the
ordinary course of business and other legal proceedings. We set up
reserves when these claims become apparent. We also maintain insurance
and record probable insurance recoveries relating to outstanding
claims. In Management's opinion, the ultimate disposition of these
claims will not have a material adverse effect on SJG's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
Environmental Remediation Costs - SJG incurred and recorded costs
for environmental clean up of sites where SJG or its predecessors
operated gas manufacturing plants. SJG stopped manufacturing gas in
the 1950s.
SJG successfully entered into settlements with all of its
historic comprehensive general liability carriers regarding the
environmental remediation expenditures at our sites. Also, we have
purchased a Cleanup Cost Cap Insurance Policy limiting the amount of
remediation expenditures that we will be required to make at 11 of our
sites. This Policy will be in force for a 25-year period at 10 sites
and for a 30-year period at one site. The following future cost
estimates were reduced by projected insurance recoveries from the
Cleanup Cost Cap Insurance Policy.
SJG-9
Since the early 1980s, SJG accrued environmental remediation
costs of $127.3 million, of which $78.5 million was spent as of March
31, 2002. With the assistance of a consulting firm, we estimate that
future costs to clean up SJG's sites will range from $48.8 million to
$143.5 million. We recorded the lower end of this range as a
liability. It is reflected on the 2002 condensed consolidated balance
sheet under the captions Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and
Other Non-Current Liabilities. Recorded amounts include estimated
costs based on projected investigation and remediation work plans
using existing technologies. Actual costs could differ from the
estimates due to the long-term nature of the projects, changing
technology, government regulations and site-specific requirements.
SJG has two regulatory assets associated with environmental cost.
The first asset is titled Environmental Remediation Cost: Expended -
Net. These expenditures represent what was actually spent to clean up
former gas manufacturing plant sites. These costs meet the
requirements of FASB Statement No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation." The BPU allows SJG to recover
expenditures through the RAC.
The other asset titled Environmental Remediation Cost: Liability
for Future Expenditures relates to estimated future expenditures
determined under the guidance of FASB Statement No. 5, "Accounting for
Contingencies." We recorded this amount, which relates to former
manufactured gas plant sites, as a deferred debit with the
corresponding amount reflected on the condensed consolidating balance
sheet under the captions, Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and
Other Non-Current Liabilities. The deferred debit is a regulatory
asset under Statement No. 71. The BPU's intent, evidenced by current
practice, is to allow SJG to recover the deferred costs after they are
spent over 7-year periods.
As of March 31, 2002, we reflected SJG's unamortized remediation
costs of $11.3 million on the condensed consolidated balance sheet
under the caption Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets. Since
implementing the RAC in 1992, SJG recovered $31.2 million through
rates as of March 31, 2002.
Note 6. Subsequent Events:
On May 2, 2002, the BPU approved SJG's petition to credit $17.6
million to its LGAC customers during the month of May 2002. Current
projections show that residential customers will receive an average
credit of approximately $58, while commercial and cogeneration
customers will receive an average credit of approximately $269.
SJG received an equity infusion of $2.5 million from SJI on April
22, 2002. Contributions of capital are credited to Other Paid-In
Capital and Premium on Common Stock. Future equity contributions will
occur on an as needed basis.
SJG-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
South Jersey Gas Company (SJG) is a regulated natural gas utility. SJG
distributes natural gas to 290,604 customers in the seven southernmost counties
of New Jersey. SJG also:
- makes off-system sales of natural gas on a wholesale basis to various
customers on the interstate pipeline system;
- transports natural gas purchased directly from producers or suppliers for
its own sales and for some of its customers; and
- services appliances via the sale of appliance warranty programs, as well
as on a time and materials basis.
South Jersey Industries, Inc. (SJI) owns all of the common stock of SJG.
Forward Looking Statements
This report contains certain forward-looking statements concerning
projected financial and operating performance, future plans and courses of
action and future economic conditions. All statements in this report other than
statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and
beliefs concerning future events impacting the company and involve a number of
risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not
guarantees and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or
implied in the forward-looking statements. Also, in making forward-looking
statements, we assume no duty to update these statements should expectations
change or actual results and events differ from current expectations.
A number of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially
from those anticipated, including, but not limited to the following: general
economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level;
weather conditions in our marketing areas; changes in commodity costs;
regulatory and court decisions; competition in our utility activities; the
availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings and
environmental liabilities; the failure of customers or suppliers to fulfill
their contractual obligations; and changes in business strategies.
Customer Choice Legislation
Effective January 10, 2000, all residential natural gas customers in New
Jersey are able to choose their gas supplier under the terms of the Electric
Discount and Energy Competition Act of 1999. Commercial and industrial customers
have had the ability to choose gas suppliers since 1987. As of March 31, 2002,
52,802 SJG residential customers chose a natural gas supplier other than the
utility. This number increased from 33,156 at March 31, 2001 as third party
marketers were able to offer natural gas at prices competitive with those
SJG-11
available to consumers under regulated utility tariffs. The bills of customers
choosing to purchase natural gas from providers other than the utility are
reduced for cost of gas charges and applicable taxes. The resulting decrease in
SJG's revenues is offset by a corresponding decrease in gas costs and taxes.
While customer choice can reduce utility revenues, it does not negatively affect
SJG's net income or financial condition.
Temperature Adjustment Clause
SJG's Board of Public Utilities approved Temperature Adjustment Clause
(TAC) had the following impacts on 2002 and 2001 first quarter net earnings:
2002 2001
--------- ----------
TAC Adjustment Increase (Decrease) to
Net Income ($ in thousands)
Quarter Ended 3/31 $3,002 $(140)
While the revenue and income impacts of TAC adjustments are recorded as
incurred, cash inflows or outflows directly attributable to TAC adjustments
generally do not begin until the next TAC year. Each TAC year begins October 1.
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2001
Operating Revenues
Revenues decreased $65.1 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with
the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to three factors. First,
weather in the first quarter 2002 was 17% warmer than the prior year period.
Second, a significantly higher number of residential customers utilized a third
party marketer as their gas supplier. Third, off-system sales revenues decreased
due to lower prices for natural gas sold, despite higher unit sales volume in
2002 than in the prior year. Partially offsetting the effect of these factors
was an additional 6,660 customers compared to same time last year.
As a result of SJG's TAC, revenues from utility ratepayers are closely tied
to 20-year normal temperatures calculated under the TAC and not actual weather
conditions. However, as a general rule, revenues continue to be positively
impacted by colder weather and negatively impacted by warmer weather. In the
first quarter 2002, weather was 16.8% warmer than the 20-year average as
compared to .2% colder for the same period last year.
SJG-13
The following is a comparison of operating revenue and throughput for the
three month period ended March 31, 2002 vs. the same period ended March 31,
2001.
1st Quarter
2002 2001
-------- --------
Utility Operating Revenues (Thousands):
Firm
Residential $ 76,099 $ 96,359
Commercial 22,544 39,833
Industrial 1,709 1,948
Cogeneration & Electric Generation 616 648
Firm Transportation 14,264 9,432
-------- --------
Total Firm Utility Operating Revenues 115,232 148,220
Interruptible 239 686
Interruptible Transportation 475 312
Off-System 35,753 67,195
Capacity Release & Storage 1,694 1,826
Other 819 1,217
-------- --------
Total Utility Operating Revenues $154,212 $219,283
======== ========
Throughput (MMcf):
Firm
Residential 7,142 9,157
Commercial 2,334 4,214
Industrial 91 148
Cogeneration & Electric Generation 87 24
Firm Transportation 7,483 5,784
-------- --------
Total Firm Throughput 17,137 19,327
Interruptible 48 59
Interruptible Transportation 957 621
Off-System 11,303 9,470
Capacity Release & Storage 6,646 6,054
-------- --------
Total Throughput 36,091 35,531
======== ========
SJG-13
Gas Purchased for Resale
Gas purchased for resale decreased $61.9 million for the first quarter of
2002 compared with the same period in 2001 due principally to decreased gas
costs for off-system sales and lower firm gas sales volume. Warmer weather and
the migration of firm gas sales customers to transportation service were the
main cause of the decrease in firm gas sales volume. SJG's gas cost during the
first quarter of 2002 averaged $4.56/dt compared with $6.87/dt in 2001. Unlike
gas costs associated with off-system sales, changes in the cost of gas sold to
utility ratepayers are not reflected in Gas Purchased for Resale as incurred.
Fluctuations in gas costs to ratepayers not reflected in current rates are
deferred and addressed in future periods under the LGAC. Gas supply sources
include contract and open-market purchases. SJG secures and maintains its own
gas supplies to serve its customers. We do not anticipate any difficulty
renewing or replacing expiring contracts under substantially similar terms and
conditions.
Operations
A summary of net changes in Utility Operations and Other Operations (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2002 vs. 2001
-------------
Other Production Expense $ 25
Transmission 8
Distribution 89
Customer Accounts and Services 290
Sales (12)
Administration and General (298)
Other 49
-----
$ 151
=====
Costs related to our unionized workforce, that were avoided during the
first quarter of 2001 as a result of the work stoppage that ended on January 17,
2001, were primarily responsible for the increase in Customer Accounts and
Services costs in the first quarter 2002 as compared with first quarter 2001.
Conversely, additional cost associated with administrative personnel performing
the operational functions of the unionized labor workforce during the work
stoppage in the first quarter of 2001 were recognized as Administration and
General Expenses. These costs were not duplicated in the first quarter of 2002.
SJG-14
Other Operating Expenses
A summary of principal changes in other consolidated operating expenses (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2002 vs. 2001
-------------
Maintenance $(1,468)
Depreciation 294
Energy and Other Taxes (633)
Maintenance expense decreased in the first quarter 2002 primarily due to
lower levels of Remediation Adjustment Clause (RAC) amortization. RAC-related
expenses do not affect earnings as an offsetting amount is recognized in
revenues. Depreciation is higher due to increased investment in property, plant
and equipment by SJG. Changes in Energy and Other Taxes relate primarily to
changes in volumes of gas sold and transported by SJG.
Interest Charges
Interest charges were lower in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the
prior year period due primarily to reductions in short-term rates on line of
credit borrowings. The effect of lower short-term rates was partially offset by
the interest expense associated with higher levels of long-term debt outstanding
in the first quarter 2002. The debt was incurred primarily to support the
expansion and upgrade of SJG's gas transmission and distribution system.
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
The details affecting the changes in net income and earnings per share are
discussed under the appropriate captions above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity needs at SJG are driven by factors that include natural gas
commodity prices; lags in fully collecting gas costs from customers under the
LGAC clause; the timing of construction and remediation expenditures and related
permanent financings; mandated tax payment dates; and requirements to repay
long-term debt.
We first seek to meet liquidity needs with cash from operations. We utilize
short-term borrowings under lines of credit from commercial banks to supplement
cash from operations where necessary.
SJG-15
Lines of credit available to SJG totaled $145.0 million at March 31, 2002,
of which $88.2 million was utilized. All but $10 million of these lines are made
available through five commercial banks on an uncommitted basis. The banks and
SJI review and renew the lines annually. The $10 million line is extended on a
committed basis, maturing May 2003, by a sixth commercial bank. SJG has
long-standing relationships with all of these banks and we believe, based upon
ongoing dialogue, that there will continue to be sufficient credit available to
meet our business' future liquidity needs.
SJG supplements its operating cash flow and credit lines with both debt and
equity capital. Over the years, SJG has utilized long-term debt, primarily in
the form of First Mortgage Bonds, to finance its long-term needs. These needs
are primarily capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment. Since
1998, SJG has financed these needs via a Medium Term Note (MTN) program, secured
in similar fashion to the First Mortgage Bonds. In July 2001, SJG issued the
final $35 million of notes available under that program in three transactions:
$10 million at 6.74% maturing 2011; $15 million at 6.57% maturing 2011; and $10
million at 6.50% maturing 2016. We used note proceeds to retire short-term debt.
We anticipate establishing a new MTN program during 2002. Current maturities on
long-term debt over the next five years are as follows: $9.7 million in 2002;
$12.9 million per year in 2003 through 2005; and $11.2 million in 2006.
SJI contributed $2.5 million of capital to SJG during April 2002.
Contributions of capital are credited to Other Paid-in Capital and Premium on
Common Stock.
Capital Expenditures, Commitments and Contingencies
Capital Expenditures
SJG has a continuing need for cash resources and capital, primarily to
invest in new and replacement facilities and equipment and for environmental
remediation costs. Net construction and remediation expenditures for the first
quarter 2002 amounted to $10.7 million. We estimate the net costs for 2002, 2003
and 2004 at approximately $60.1 million, $62.4 million and $56.3 million,
respectively.
Commitments and Contingencies
SJG has certain commitments for both pipeline capacity and gas supply for
which it pays fees regardless of usage. Those commitments average $51.2 million
annually and total $335.7 million over the contracts' lives. Approximately 70%
of the financial commitment under these contracts expires during the next five
years. SJG recovers all prudently incurred fees through rates via the LGAC.
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Regulatory Matters
Rate Actions
In November 2001, SJG filed for a $17.6 million rate reduction to its LGAC
and for recovery of a 3-year net deficiency in its TAC amounting to $2.7
million. The BPU approved the LGAC rate reduction effective December 1, 2001.
Also on December 1, 2001, SJG implemented recovery of its October 31, 2001
underrecovered gas costs. SJG will recover $48.9 million over three years
including interest accrued since April 1, 2001. SJG will also recover interest
for the 3-year amortization period at a rate of 5.75%.
On April 10, 2002, SJG petitioned the BPU for approval of a $17.6 million
refund to its LGAC customers. On May 2, 2002, the Board approved SJG's petition.
Beginning in the month of May, residential and commercial LGAC customers will
receive a credit to their bill reflecting this refund.
Other matters are incorporated by reference to Note 2 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements included as part of this report.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods
indicated is as follows:
Twelve Months
Ended
Years Ended December 31, March 31,
-------------------------------------------- -------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
-------------------------------------------- -------------
2.6x 2.2x 2.5x 2.6x 2.6x 2.6x
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges represents, on a pre-tax basis, the
number of times earnings cover fixed charges. Earnings consist of net income, to
which has been added fixed charges and taxes based on income of the company.
Fixed charges consist of interest charges and preferred securities dividend
requirements and an interest factor in rentals.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risks of the Company
Commodity Market Risks
SJG is subject to market risk due to fluctuations in natural gas prices. To
limit exposure to fluctuations, SJG has at times entered into forward contracts.
SJG recovers natural gas costs from ratepayers through the LGAC.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to short-term,
variable rate borrowings. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest
rates on $88.2 million of variable rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2002 would
result in an $520,000 increase in our interest expense net of tax on an annual
basis. In order to reduce exposure to an increase in interest rates on our
variable rate debt, SJG entered into two interest rate swap agreements. The
swaps effectively fixed the rate on $40 million of variable rate debt from April
2002 to March of 2003 at 3.57%. Our long-term debt is primarily issued at fixed
rates and, consequently, interest expense is not significantly impacted by
changes in market interest rates. Our debt was issued with provisions that do
not permit us to pre-pay a material amount of such debt during the next 12
months to take advantage of changes in interest rates. SJG does not currently
use any derivatives to hedge interest rates.
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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item l. Legal Proceedings
Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Part I,
Item 1, Note 5, beginning on page 9.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
None
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SOUTH JERSEY GAS COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated: May 13, 2002 By: /s/ David A. Kindlick
------------------------------------------
David A. Kindlick
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial
Officer
Dated: May 13, 2002 By: /s/ Richard H. Walker, Jr.
------------------------------------------
Richard H. Walker, Jr., Esquire
Corporate Secretary & Corporate Counsel
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