DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Dominguez Services Corporation
Long Beach, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dominguez
Services Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of income, common shareholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dominguez Services
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 5, 1998
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company's
consolidated financial statements and related information appearing in this
annual report. Management believes that the consolidated financial statements
fairly reflect the form and substance of transactions and that the financial
statements reasonably present the Company's financial position and results of
operations in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management also has included in the Company's financial statements amounts that
are based on estimates and judgments which it believes are reasonable under the
circumstances.
The independent public accountants audit the Company's consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
and provide an objective, independent review of the fairness of reported
operating results and financial position.
The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee composed of
three non-management Directors. The Committee meets periodically with financial
management and the independent public accountants to review accounting, control,
auditing and financial reporting matters.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION
/s/ John S. Tootle
John S. Tootle
Chief Financial Officer
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 18 and with the
Eleven Year Statistical Review on page 16. Dominguez Services Corporation (the
"Company") has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Dominguez Water Company
("Dominguez"), which is involved in water supply and distribution, and DSC
Investments, which is involved in non-regulated, water-related services and
investments.
Dominguez and its operating subsidiaries are regulated by the California
Public Utilities Commission (the "CPUC") and, as such, they must obtain CPUC
approval to increase water rates to recover increases in operating expenses and
for authorization to include reinvested capital in rate base. Most variations in
revenues are due to weather conditions and the water usage of major industrial
customers.
Dominguez is comprised of its principal division, the South Bay, and its
operating subsidiaries, the Kern River Valley Water Company and the Antelope
Valley Water Company. The South Bay has been providing water service for more
than 86 years to its customers. Today, the South Bay serves 32,393 customers in
a 35 square mile area including most of Carson, one-quarter of Torrance, and
parts of Compton, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, and Harbor City. The Kern
River Valley Water Company and the Antelope Valley Water Company (collectively
referred to as the "Subsidiaries") provide water service to 4,008 and 1,235
customers, respectively.
In November 1997, the Company executed an agreement to acquire the
assets of the Lucerne Water Company located in Lake County of Northern
California with 1,242 customers. In January 1998, the Company finalized the
asset purchase agreement with the Rancho Del Paradiso & Armstrong Valley
Water Companies located in Sonoma County of Northern California with 370
total customers. Dominguez expects to acquire and begin operating these
systems in the first half of 1998.
DSC Investments is primarily engaged in the transfer of water rights
between third parties and has a twenty percent ownership interest in Chemical
Services Company ("CSC") with an option to acquire an additional 40% through the
year 2001. Income from the transfers of water rights may significantly vary from
year to year due to demands for groundwater by major pumpers in the West and
Central Groundwater Basins. CSC manufactures and distributes chlorine generators
used in the water and wastewater industry to produce safe on-site chlorine
disinfectant.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's continuing operations provided sufficient cash to cover
operating expenses, interest and dividends. In 1997, Dominguez and its
Subsidiaries invested $3,580,000 in utility plant improvements. Approximately
$517,000 was contributed or advanced by developers. In 1997, the Subsidiaries
received an additional $463,000 in low interest loans from the Department of
Water Resources. Low interest loans are available only to the Subsidiaries to
finance capital improvements needed to meet water quality and supply standards.
In December 1997, Dominguez issued $5,000,000 Series K Bonds under its
trust indenture dated August 1, 1954, with a coupon interest rate of 6.94%, due
in 2012. The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the outstanding balance
of short-term borrowings which totaled $3,000,000. Short-term borrowings were
incurred due to the retirement of the Series F and H Bonds in 1997, as well as
for funding capital expenditures. The remainder of the Series K proceeds will be
used to fund future capital expenditures.
The Company has available $4,470,000 under a revolving credit facility
with Bank of America. As of December 31, 1997, there were no short-term
borrowings under the facility.
Under its investment agreements with CSC, the Company is obligated to
provide working cash and long-term financing for the leasing of chlorine
generators, subject to the financial condition of CSC. As of December 31, 1997,
the Company had a working cash loan outstanding with CSC for $400,000.
The Company's 1998 capital budget is $6,168,000. Budgeted improvements
include $1,747,000 for supplies and storage, a $2,000,000 investment in
connection with the relocation of headquarters to accommodate a regional
recycled water plant, and $565,000 for pipeline replacements. The Company will
fund budgeted improvements from earnings available for reinvestment, funds
remaining from the issuance of the Series K Bonds, and short-term borrowings, if
necessary.
In November 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with West Basin
Municipal Water District ("West Basin") and ARCO. Under the terms of the
agreement, Dominguez will sell ARCO recycled water purchased from West Basin for
the same cost of water margin that Dominguez would otherwise have received
providing ARCO with potable water. The Company is expected to
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
commit funds up to $2,000,000 by December 1999 to construct recycled water
facilities in its South Bay service area.
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
In 1996, Dominguez filed for and received approval to increase revenues
effective February 1, 1997, for approximately $375,000 annually, or 1.6%, to
recover the increased cost of purchased water effective January 1, 1997. This
rate increase does not increase earnings of the Company but rather offsets the
effects of higher water production costs to Dominguez.
In 1997, Senate Bill 1268 was signed into law, requiring the CPUC to use
the standard of fair-market value when establishing the rate base value for the
acquired distribution system assets of a public water system. The CPUC has
initiated a proceeding to develop guidelines necessary to implement the law and
to investigate other regulatory issues unique to the water industry. The Company
believes that the new law will benefit the Company in its acquisition of small
water systems, and that the CPUC's proceeding will clarify rules necessary for
the Company to actively pursue public-private partnerships.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company is subject to water quality regulations promulgated by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California
Department of Health Services (DHS). Both groundwater and purchased water are
subject to extensive analysis. With occasional minor exceptions, the Company
meets all current primary water standards. One of the Subsidiary water systems
exceeded the state and Federal standard for radioactivity. The Company has
ceased using this water source and is providing customers with an alternative
source.
In 1997, the Company participated with many other large water companies
in a monthly water sampling data acquisition program known as the Information
Collection Rule. Data collected will be used by the EPA to establish future
drinking water standards. Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA is
required to continue to establish new maximum levels for additional chemicals.
The costs of future compliance are unknown, but the Company could be required to
perform more quality testing and treatment. Management believes that Company
resources will be sufficient to meet these anticipated requirements.
The Company is subject to other applicable environmental regulations
related to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. The
Company is currently in compliance with all such regulations.
WATER SUPPLY
The water supplies for Dominguez come from its own groundwater wells plus
two wholesalers of imported water.
All service areas obtain either a portion of or all of their supply from
groundwater wells. The quantity that the South Bay division is allowed to pump
over a year's time is fixed by court adjudication. The adjudication established
distinct groundwater basins which are managed by a court appointed watermaster.
The groundwater management fixes the safe yield of the basins and ensures the
replenishment of the basins by utilizing impounded storm water, treated recycled
water and purchased water when necessary. Groundwater basins have not been
adjudicated in the Subsidiaries.
The South Bay division and Leona Valley service area of Antelope Valley
purchase water from wholesalers to supplement groundwater. The South Bay
division purchases imported water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of
Southern California. The Leona Valley service area purchases its imported water
from Antelope Valley - East Kern Water Agency (AVEK). Both of these wholesale
suppliers obtain water from the California State Water Project (SWP), and MWD
also obtains water from the Colorado River.
Long-term imported water supplies are dependent upon several factors.
Dominguez' future dependency on imported water will be subject to the
availability and usage of recycled water in the region as well as customer's
long-term water conservation efforts. Dominguez has and will continue to promote
long-term water conservation efforts and will advance the use of recycled water,
when available.
Dominguez anticipates that recycled water will be available from West
Basin by December 1999. At that time, Dominguez will offer the recycled water
(that is priced lower than potable water) to its customers. The availability of
recycled water will reduce Dominguez' demand for imported water, the
availability of which may be uncertain in the future. Reduced imported water
supplies and annual population growth could create future drought conditions in
Southern California; how-
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ever, Dominguez believes that the availability of recycled water will
significantly mitigate the impact of future droughts in the Dominguez service
area.
Legislative actions continue to play a role in the long-term
availability of water for Southern California. The amount of SWP water
available from Northern California and water imported from the Colorado River
may be significantly reduced around the beginning of the next century. Future
drought conditions may require water rationing by all water agencies,
including Dominguez.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The Company currently applies accounting standards that recognize the
economic effects of rate regulation and record regulatory assets and liabilities
related to water distribution operations. If rate recovery of water-related
costs becomes unlikely or uncertain, whether due to competition or regulatory
action, these accounting standards may no longer apply. This change could result
in the write-off of costs in an amount that could be material. However, based on
a current evaluation of the various factors and conditions that are expected to
affect future cost recovery, management believes that its regulatory assets are
probable of future recovery.
During 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 129 "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure."
The Company's stock option plan has authorized up to 75,000 options for future
grants. As of December 31, 1997, 25,800 options were granted at an average
exercise price of $16.33. None of the options are exercisable as of December 31,
1997.
In 1997, the Company implemented SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share," which
required a change in the method for calculating basic and diluted earnings per
share. The adoption of this standard did not result in a restatement of
previously reported earnings per share.
YEAR 2000
The Company has reviewed its computer systems, and at December 31, 1997,
all systems are year 2000 compliant.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1997 COMPARED TO 1996
Operating revenue totaled $26,818,000 for 1997, an increase of
$2,113,000, or 8.6%, over the $24,705,000 recorded for 1996. The increased
revenue is due to higher sales to industrial customers and higher rates in the
South Bay to cover the higher cost of imported water. Industrial sales increased
by $1,419,000, or 13.8%.
Operating expenses before taxes increased by $1,907,000, or 9.2%,
primarily due to an increase in the cost of water. Additional water was
purchased from West Basin to cover the increased water sales. The overall margin
on water sales decreased from 52% to 47% due to additional water purchased.
Operations and maintenance costs decreased by $476,000, or 6.3%.
Other income increased by $108,000, or 24%, due to increased activity in
the transfer of water right leases.
Interest costs increased by $99,000, or 15%, due to additional borrowings
for capital improvements during 1997.
Net income increased $40,000, or 2%, due to the reasons mentioned above.
Earnings per share on common equity increased from $1.31 to $1.34. The Company
raised its annual dividend to common shareholders to $.87 in 1997 from $.83 in
1996, an increase of 4.8%.
Effective January 2, 1998, the Company split its common stock
three-for-two for shareholders of record on December 15, 1997. The Company paid
cash in lieu of issuing fractional shares based on the closing price as of
December 15, 1997. The par value of the common stock remained unchanged.
Financial data in this report is adjusted to reflect the change.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1996 COMPARED TO 1995
Operating revenue totaled $24,705,000 for 1996, a decrease of $781,000,
or 3%, from the $25,486,000 recorded for 1995. The decreased revenues are due to
lower sales to industrial customers, which were partially offset by higher
residential sales. Industrial sales dropped by $1,480,000, or 18%. Total
residential sales were up by $982,000, or 6%.
Operating expenses before taxes decreased by $631,000, or 2.9%, a
combination of lower water costs and higher operation and maintenance costs. In
1996, water costs decreased as the South Bay division was able to purchase less
imported water from West Basin due to increased pumping of its
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
wells. The overall margin on water sales improved from 49% to 52% due to
fewer water sales to large industrial customers at a lower tariff water rate.
Operations and maintenance costs increased by $538,000, or 7.7%, due
primarily to increases in consulting costs.
Other income increased by $310,000. Income from the transfer of water
right leases increased by $243,000 for the year. Sale of Hydro-Metric
resulted in a gain of $39,000.
Interest costs decreased by $24,000, or 3.6%, due to the retirement of
the Series G bonds in 1995.
Net income increased $28,000, or 1.5%, due to improved margins on water
sales and other income. Earnings per share on common equity increased from $1.29
to $1.31 for the reasons stated above. The Company raised its annual dividend to
common shareholders from $0.77 in 1995 to $0.83 in 1996, an increase of 7.8%.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1995 COMPARED TO 1994
Operating revenues totaled $25,486,000 for 1995, an increase of
$1,917,000, or 8.1%, over the $23,569,000 recorded for 1994. The increased
revenues are due to higher water rates and increased water sales. The higher
water rates resulted from the pass-through of increases in water production
costs to our South Bay customers. Higher water sales in all divisions resulted
in an increase of 300 million gallons, or 2.4%, over the prior year. Higher
water sales were due primarily to increased usage by industrial customers.
Operating expenses before taxes increased by $1,957,000, or 10.1%,
largely due to a $2,031,000, or 18.3%, increase in the cost of water. Higher
water costs are due primarily to increased costs of purchased water and higher
water sales. Operations and maintenance costs decreased by $103,000, or 1.4%,
due mostly to the reversal of accrued litigation costs.
Other income decreased by $109,000, or 40.7%, due to less income from the
transfer of water right leases.
Interest costs decreased by $31,000, or 4.3%, due to the retirement of
the Series G bonds in 1995.
Net income increased $21,000, or 1.0%, due to higher water sales and
lower expenses as previously stated. Earnings per share on common equity
increased from $1.28 to $1.29. The Company raised its annual dividend to common
shareholders from $0.73 in 1994 to $0.77 in 1995, an increase of 5.4%.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
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ELEVEN YEAR STATISTICAL REVIEW
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994
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SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Operating revenue $ 26,818 $ 24,705 $ 25,486 $ 23,569
Operating expenses (before taxes) 22,652 20,745 21,376 19,419
Income taxes 1,385 1,314 1,177 1,340
Other taxes 552 448 455 432
Other expense 40 33 7 29
Other income (590) (475) (165) (297)
Interest cost 758 659 683 714
Net income 2,021 1,981 1,953 1,932
Dividends paid 1,306 1,247 1,170 1,110
Reinvested in the business 715 734 783 822
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:*
Earnings-Basic and diluted $ 1.34 $ 1.31 $ 1.29 $ 1.28
Dividends $ 0.87 $ 0.83 $ 0.77 $ 0.73
Payout percentage 64.68% 63.00% 60.00% 57.50%
Book value $ 10.85 $ 10.37 $ 9.89 $ 9.35
Return on common equity (average) 12.60% 13.00% 13.40% 14.10%
Number shares outstanding 1,506,512 1,506,512 1,506,512 1,506,512
Year end market price $ 21.50 $ 15.00 $ 12.33 $ 11.17
Market to book ratio at year-end 198.2% 144.6% 124.7% 119.4%
BALANCE SHEET DATA: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Gross utility plant $ 63,510 $ 60,069 $ 57,271 $ 55,406
Net utility plant 46,020 43,544 41,358 40,022
Non-utility plant 110 49 67 67
Total Assets 51,661 46,875 45,295 44,652
CAPITALIZATION: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Long-term debt $ 11,194 $ 7,036 $ 7,273 $ 7,326
Preferred stock - - 98 98
Common equity 16,341 15,626 14,896 14,092
Total capitalization 27,535 22,662 22,267 21,516
Interim debt - 800 - -
CAPITALIZATION RATIOS:
Long-term debt 40.65% 31.00% 32.70% 34.00%
Preferred stock - - 0.40% 0.50%
Common equity 59.35% 69.00% 66.90% 65.50%
Total 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
OTHER UTILITY STATISTICS:
Customers at year end 37,636 36,882 36,739 36,371
Average revenue per customer $ 638.37 $ 650.92 $ 665.70 $ 619.90
Water sales (millions of gallons) 12,362 11,481 12,371 12,071
Utility employees 73 77 78 76
*ADJUSTED TO REFLECT 3-FOR-2 STOCK SPLIT EFFECTED JANUARY 1998.
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FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
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Operating revenue $ 22,193 $ 21,813 $ 18,706 $ 19,139 $ 20,359 $ 19,409 $ 17,423
Operating expenses (before taxes) 18,139 18,327 15,677 15,869 16,855 16,054 14,117
Income taxes 1,243 1,031 807 1,087 1,110 1,050 1,042
Other taxes 406 397 323 321 330 320 302
Other expense 20 17 32 41 18 51 65
Other income (353) (85) (73) (186) (38) (64) (275)
Interest cost 732 586 606 633 577 569 649
Net income 2,006 1,540 1,334 1,374 1,507 1,429 1,523
Dividends paid 1,070 1,009 989 965 940 884 827
Reinvested in the business 936 531 345 409 567 545 696
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:*
Earnings-Basic and diluted $ 1.33 $ 1.02 $ 0.88 $ 0.91 $ 0.98 $ 0.95 $ 1.01
Dividends $ 0.71 $ 0.67 $ 0.65 $ 0.64 $ 0.61 $ 0.57 $ 0.53
Payout percentage 53.50% 65.40% 74.20% 70.10% 62.60% 60.60% 53.00%
Book value $ 8.82 $ 8.19 $ 7.85 $ 7.60 $ 7.32 $ 6.72 $ 6.35
Return on common equity (average) 15.60% 12.80% 11.40% 12.20% 14.00% 14.50% 16.50%
Number shares outstanding 1,506,512 1,506,512 1,506,512 1,497,555 1,497,555 1,469,430 1,469,430
Year end market price $ 14.00 $ 10.83 $ 10.00 $ 9.50 $ 9.83 $ 10.00 $ 10.33
Market to book ratio at year-end 158.7% 132.2% 127.4% 125.0% 134.3% 148.8% 162.6%
BALANCE SHEET DATA: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Gross utility plant $ 52,260 $ 51,037 $ 50,161 $ 46,710 $ 45,205 $ 41,536 $ 39,475
Net utility plant 37,977 37,511 33,793 31,713 31,233 28,714 27,170
Non-utility plant 51 105 105 104 101 93 87
Total Assets 42,662 40,275 39,596 37,477 36,513 33,516 31,242
CAPITALIZATION: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Long-term debt $ 7,493 $ 7,657 $ 3,829 $ 3,766 $ 4,059 $ 4,583 $ 5,062
Preferred stock 98 98 98 126 142 784 810
Common equity 13,284 12,348 11,817 11,383 10,968 9,877 9,329
Total capitalization 20,875 20,103 15,744 15,275 15,169 15,244 15,201
Interim debt - - 3,375 2,725 950 - 1,150
CAPITALIZATION RATIOS:
Long-term debt 35.90% 38.10% 24.30% 24.70% 26.80% 30.10% 33.30%
Preferred stock 0.50% 0.50% 0.60% 0.80% 0.90% 5.10% 5.30%
Common equity 63.60% 61.40% 75.10% 74.50% 72.30% 64.80% 61.40%
Total 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
OTHER UTILITY STATISTICS:
Customers at year end 36,107 36,043 35,949 34,444 34,189 32,765 32,403
Average revenue per customer $ 561.27 $ 481.35 $ 423.35 $ 490.32 $ 501.95 $ 520.58 $ 488.80
Water sales (millions of gallons) 11,359 11,731 10,906 12,957 13,339 13,237 11,794
Utility employees 75 69 71 64 56 51 51
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
Property, plant and equipment (Note 1)
Utility plant $ 61,571 $ 59,016
Non-utility plant 110 49
------------------------
61,681 59,065
Less: accumulated depreciation 22,257 21,080
------------------------
39,424 37,985
Land and land rights 544 487
Water rights and other intangible assets 140 139
Construction work in progress 1,255 427
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Total property, plant and equipment 41,363 39,038
Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash of $503 in 1997 and
$499 in 1996 (Note 1) 2,154 711
Accounts receivable
Customers, less an allowance for doubtful accounts of $301 in 1997
and $285 in 1996 2,098 1,629
Unbilled revenues 973 909
Other 324 179
Materials and supplies, at average cost 39 46
Prepayments and other 772 777
Production cost balancing account (Note 1) 272 320
Deferred tax assets (Notes 1 & 9) 530 426
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Total current assets 7,162 4,997
Notes receivable 122 130
Investment in and loan to Chemical Services Company (Note 10) 750 350
Prepaid taxes and others (Note 1) 1,190 1,357
Deferred charges, less accumulated amortization of $58 in 1997 and $97 in 1996 (Note 1) 235 165
Income tax related deferred charges (Notes 1 & 9) 839 838
------------------------
Total Assets $ 51,661 $ 46,875
------------------------
------------------------
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES:
Common shareholders' equity
Common shares: (Note 14)
Par value $1
Authorized: 4,000,000 shares
Issued: 1,506,512 shares $ 1,506 $ 1,506
Paid-in capital (Note 14) 2,006 2,006
Retained earnings (Note 3) 12,829 12,114
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Total common shareholders' equity 16,341 15,626
Long-term debt (Note 4) 11,194 7,036
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Total capitalization 27,535 22,662
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4) 64 849
Accounts payable 3,156 2,260
Interim debt (Note 5) - 800
Current portion of advances for construction (Note 6) 187 169
Accrued interest - 60
Other accrued expenses 1,405 1,208
Income taxes (Notes 1 & 9) 134 236
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Total current liabilities 4,946 5,582
Advances for construction (Note 6) 5,329 5,236
Contributions in aid of construction (Note 7) 6,118 6,076
Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 & 9) 3,813 3,617
Unamortized investment tax credit (Note 1) 277 287
Accrued pension cost (Note 8) 999 959
Deferred credits 2,644 2,456
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Total Capitalization and Liabilities $ 51,661 $ 46,875
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THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Operating revenue $ 26,818 $ 24,705 $ 25,486
-----------------------------------
Operating expenses:
Purchased water 10,235 7,797 11,204
Other production costs 4,030 4,119 1,913
Operations 6,060 6,469 6,006
Maintenance 986 1,053 978
Depreciation 1,341 1,307 1,275
Taxes:
Property 298 289 277
Other 254 159 179
Income taxes (Notes 1 & 9) 1,385 1,314 1,177
-----------------------------------
Total operating expenses 24,589 22,507 23,009
-----------------------------------
Operating income 2,229 2,198 2,477
Other income (expense):
Interest and amortization of debt expense (758) (659) (683)
Water rights 438 338 95
Other 112 104 64
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Net income $ 2,021 $ 1,981 $ 1,953
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Earnings per common share - basic and diluted $ 1.34 $ 1.31 $ 1.29
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common shares (Note 14) $ 1,506 $ 1,506 $ 1,506
-----------------------------------
Paid-in-capital: (Note 14)
Beginning balance 2,006 2,010 1,989
Redemption of preferred stock - (4) -
Purchase of Lakeland Water Company - - 21
-----------------------------------
Ending balance 2,006 2,006 2,010
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Retained Earnings:
Beginning balance 12,114 11,380 10,597
Net income 2,021 1,981 1,953
Cash dividends
Preferred stock, Class A $1.25 per share - (1) (5)
Common stock:
1997 - $0.87 per share (1,306) - -
1996 - $0.83 per share - (1,246) -
1995 - $0.77 per share - - (1,165)
-----------------------------------
Ending balance 12,829 12,114 11,380
-----------------------------------
Total common shareholders' equity $ 16,341 $ 15,626 $ 14,896
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 2,021 $ 1,981 $ 1,953
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,355 1,321 1,291
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits 186 207 134
Change in assets and liabilities:
Customer receivable, net (469) (106) 102
Other receivable (145) 367 341
Materials and supplies 7 48 7
Notes receivable 8 7 6
Income tax related deferred charges (1) 308 (51)
Accounts payable 896 (767) 244
Income taxes (102) 102 (114)
Accrued pension cost 40 (155) (209)
Other, net 344 150 (627)
---------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 4,140 3,463 3,077
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (3,580) (3,490) (2,622)
Purchase of Chemical Services Company - (350) -
Purchase of subsidiaries (312) - -
---------------------------------
Net cash (used for) investing activities (3,892) (3,840) (2,622)
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from advances for construction 347 219 287
Proceeds from contributions in aid of construction 170 301 178
Repayment of advances for construction (189) (182) (197)
Issuance of First Mortgage Bond 5,000 - -
Repayment of long-term debt (2,090) (283) (291)
Working cash loan to Chemical Services Company (400) - -
Proceeds from the Department of Water Resources loans 463 814 -
Preferred stock redemption - (98) -
Proceeds from and (repayment of) interim debt (800) 800 -
Dividends paid (1,306) (1,247) (1,170)
---------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 1,195 324 (1,193)
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 1,443 (53) (738)
Cash at beginning of year 711 764 1,502
---------------------------------
Cash at end of year $ 2,154 $ 711 $ 764
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dominguez
Services Corporation (the "Company"), Dominguez Water Company ("Dominguez") and
its subsidiaries thereof. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities. These principles also require disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
The Company and its subsidiaries operate in the water services industry.
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The
subsidiaries maintain their accounts in accordance with the uniform system of
accounts prescribed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
REVENUES:
Water service revenues are recognized on an accrual basis. The unbilled
revenue accrual is based on estimated usage from the latest meter reading to the
end of the accounting period.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Utility plant is carried at historical cost with subsequent additions at
cost or donor's basis, which approximates cost, less cost of retirements, sales
and abandonments. Water rights are stated at the nominal amount of $1 plus
purchased water rights at cost and past expenditures in connection with
litigation in defense thereof. Depreciation of utility plant for financial
statement purposes is computed using the CPUC remaining life accrual method.
Under this method, composite straight-line depreciation rates are determined by
periodic estimates of average remaining life of all utility plant assets. Costs
of abandonment and salvages are charged or credited to accumulated depreciation.
The effective composite depreciation rate was 2.9% in 1997 and 1996. Costs of
maintenance and repairs are charged to operations; renewals and betterments are
generally capitalized in the property accounts.
PREPAID TAXES AND OTHERS:
During 1987 through 1996, contributions in aid of construction and
advances for construction were taxable for Federal and state income tax
purposes. The Company has paid these taxes and recorded deferred taxes in these
consolidated financial statements. These taxes will be recovered over the tax
life of the assets for contributions and the life of the contracts for advances.
DEFERRED CHARGES:
Debt expense on bonds is being amortized based on the percentage of the
principal amount outstanding over the term of the debt.
PRODUCTION COST BALANCING ACCOUNT:
The Company records over or undercollections of production costs when
incurred in its books of accounts and financial statements based on the
regulatory treatment afforded these costs. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the
balancing account reflected an undercollection of $272,000 and $320,000,
respectively.
INVESTMENTS:
The Company assumes all investments with maturities of three months or
less to be cash equivalents. Investments in entities that are 50% or less owned
are accounted for by the equity method.
INCOME TAXES:
The Company provides deferred income taxes for certain transactions which
are recognized for income tax purposes in a period different from that in which
they are reported in the financial statements.
Investment Tax Credits (ITC) have been deferred and are being amortized
as reductions to income tax expense proportionately over the lives of the
properties giving rise to the credits.
REGULATORY ASSETS:
The Company currently applies accounting standards that recognize the
economic effects of rate regulation and record regulatory assets and liabilities
related to water distribution operations. If rate recovery of water-related
costs becomes unlikely or uncertain, whether due to competition or regulatory
action, these accounting standards may no longer apply. This change could result
in the write-off of costs in an amount that could be material. However, based on
a current evaluation of the various factors and conditions that are expected to
affect future cost recovery, management believes that its regulatory assets are
probable of future recovery.
RESTRICTED CASH:
Restricted cash represents surcharge proceeds plus interest earned, which
is restricted to the payment of principal and interest on the California Safe
Drinking Water Bonds.
RECLASSIFICATIONS:
The 1997 and 1996 consolidated financial statements include certain
reclassifications necessary to conform to current year presentation.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
During 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 129 "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure."
The Company's stock option plan has authorized up to 75,000 options for future
grants. As of December 31, 1997, 25,800 options were granted at an average
exercise price of $16.33. None of the options are exercisable as of December 31,
1997.
NOTE 3
RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS
Under the terms of its long-term debt agreements, Dominguez is limited in
its payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) on all classes of stock to
the net income accrued subsequent to December 31, 1992, plus the sum of
$3,000,000. The approximate unrestricted earnings available for dividend
payments amounted to $6,976,000 as of December 31, 1997. The Company's available
dividends to its shareholders are substantially dependent on the availability of
dividends from Dominguez to the Company.
NOTE 4
LONG-TERM DEBT
Under a trust indenture dated August 1, 1954, and twelve supplemental
indentures, the Company pledged substantially all its property, water rights,
and materials and supplies as collateral under the bonds. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, long-term debt outstanding was:
CARRYING AMOUNT (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
First Mortgage Bonds:
Series F, 8% due 1997 $ - $ 756
Series H, 9.375% due 1998 - 1,290
Series J, 8.86% due 2022 4,000 4,000
Series K, 6.94% due 2012 5,000 -
--------------------
Total First Mortgage Bonds $ 9,000 $ 6,046
--------------------
Small Business Administration Loan:
4% - due 2000 $ 26 $ 39
--------------------
Department of Water Resources Loan:
Under the California Safe Drinking
Water Bond Act of 1976
7.4% - due 2020 $ 471 $ 478
7.4% - due 2011 286 304
7.4% - due 2013 198 204
3.0% - due 2032 790 547
3.4% - due 2027 487 267
--------------------
Total Bonds & Notes $ 11,258 $ 7,885
Less: Current Maturities 64 849
--------------------
Total Long Term Debt $ 11,194 $ 7,036
--------------------
--------------------
Aggregate maturities for the five years commencing with 1998 are
approximately $64,000 (1998), $66,000 (1999), $65,000 (2000), $62,000
(2001) and $65,000 (2002).
NOTE 5
INTERIM DEBT
The Company maintained an available line of credit of $4,470,000 in 1997
and $3,000,000 in 1996 with Bank of America. As of December 31, 1997, there were
no borrowings outstanding. At the end of 1996, $800,000 was outstanding. The
Company intends to renew the line of credit, which expires in June 1998.
Borrowing bears interest at the preference lending rate.
NOTE 6
ADVANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION
Advances for construction of main extensions are primarily refundable to
depositors over a 20 or 40 year period. Refund amounts under the 20-year
contracts are based on annual revenues from the extension. Balances at the end
of the contract period are refunded in five equal annual installments. Beginning
in June 1982, contracts provided for full refund at a 2-1/2% rate per year for
40 years. Estimated refunds for 1998 for all main extension contracts are
$187,000.
NOTE 7
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION
Contributions in aid of construction are donations or contributions in
cash, services or property from governmental agencies or individuals for the
purpose of constructing utility facilities. Depreciation applicable to such
plants is charged to the contributions in aid account rather than to
depreciation expense.
The charges continue until the cost applicable to such properties has
been fully depreciated or the asset has been retired.
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning Balance $ 6,076 $ 6,056
Add net contributions during the year 232 236
Deduct depreciation for the year charged
on plant acquired through donations (190) (216)
--------------------
Ending Balance $ 6,118 $ 6,076
--------------------
--------------------
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
PENSION PLAN:
The Company provides a qualified defined benefit plan for all its
full-time employees. Benefits under this plan reflect the employee's
compensation, years of service and age at retirement. Funding is based upon
actuarially determined contributions that take into account the amount
deductible for income tax purposes and the minimum contribution required under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Pension costs are determined in accordance with SFAS No. 87, including
the use of the projected unit credit actuarial cost method. For rate making
purposes, the Company recovers pension expense based on the method in place
prior to SFAS No. 87.
The components of the 1997, 1996 and 1995 provisions are summarized as
below:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost
(including expense) $ 433 $ 501 $ 498
Interest cost 676 638 574
Actual return on assets (1,472) (1,164) (1,111)
Amortization of unrecognized
net asset (58) (58) (58)
Unrecognized net gain 608 446 498
--------------------------------
Net pension cost $ 187 $ 363 $ 401
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
The obligations for pension benefits and the amount recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets are reconciled as follows:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets, at fair value,
invested in stocks and bonds $ 11,726 $ 10,503
Actuarial present value of projected
benefit obligation (10,155) (9,015)
--------------------
Plan assets in excess of projected
benefit obligation $ 1,571 $ 1,488
Unrecognized prior service cost 172 186
Unrecognized net asset (233) (292)
Unrecognized net gain (2,509) (2,341)
--------------------
Accrued pension cost $ (999) $ (959)
--------------------
--------------------
Discount rate 7.50% 7.50%
Rate of compensation increase 4.50% 4.50%
Expected return on assets 7.50% 7.50%
The accumulated benefit obligation of $8,693,000 at December 31, 1997,
including vested benefits of $7,983,000, represents the present value of future
pension benefit payments and is based on the Plan's benefit formulas without
considering expected future salary increases. The projected benefit obligation
considers future salary increases.
POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
OTHER THAN PENSIONS:
The Company charges the costs associated with its post-retirement
benefits other than pensions to expense during the employees' years of service.
The Company is amortizing its $588,000 transition obligation related to prior
service over 20 years.
The Company provides health care benefits for retired employees until
both the employee and his/her spouse have reached 65 years of age. Health care
benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other
limitations. The Company funds the plan up to tax-deductible limits, in
accordance with rate-making practices. Differences between expense determined
under the new standard and amounts authorized for rate recovery are not expected
to be material and are charged to earnings.
The components of post-retirement benefits other than pensions expense
were:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost for benefits earned $ 35 $ 39 $ 39
Interest cost 40 47 45
Actual return on assets (47) (52) (1)
Amortization of losses from
prior periods (18) (5) (6)
Amortization of transition obligation 28 28 28
Deferred gain (loss) 15 30 (15)
--------------------------
Total $ 53 $ 87 $ 90
--------------------------
--------------------------
The assumed rate of future increases in the per-capita cost of health
care benefits is 6.5%. Increasing the health care cost trend rate by one
percentage point would increase the accumulated obligation as of December 31,
1997, from $654,000 to $725,000, a $71,000 increase, and annual aggregate
service and interest costs from $75,000 to $89,000, a $14,000 increase. The
actuarial assumptions used were discount rates of 7.25% at December 31, 1997,
and 7.5% at January 1, 1997, and an expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets of 7.25% and 7.5% respectively.
The Company also offers its employees a 401(k) plan. Employees make all
contributions under the plan.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
The Company's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan ("the Plan") was adopted by the
Board on February 25, 1997, and contains provisions for four types of awards:
(i) stock options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, (ii) payment
of awards earned under the Company's Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) in shares of
stock, (iii) issuance of restricted stock, and (iv) payment of dividend
equivalents which, at the discretion of the Committee, may be granted in
conjunction with stock options or restricted stock awards to provide cash
payments prior to the time the option is exercised or the shares are vested.
SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," if fully adopted,
changes the methods for recognition of cost on plans similar to those of the
Company. Adoption of the accounting requirements under SFAS No. 123 is optional,
however, pro forma disclosures as if the Company had adopted the cost
recognition method are required. Had compensation cost for stock options awarded
under this plan been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net
income and earnings per share would have reflected the following pro forma
amounts:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income
As Reported $ 2,021 $ 1,981
Pro Forma 2,018 N/A
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted:
As Reported $ 1.34 $ 1.31
Pro Forma 1.34 1.31
The Company may grant up to 75,000 options under the Plan. The Company
has granted 25,800 through December 31, 1997. The options are issued at fair
market value with exercise prices equal to the Company's stock price at the date
of grant. Options vest over a four-year period; are exercisable in whole or in
installments; and expire ten years from date of grant.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plan at December
31, 1997 and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table and
narrative below:
WTD AVG
SHARES EX PRICE
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at beginning of year - n/a
Granted 25,800 $ 16.33
Exercised - n/a
Forfeited/Expired - n/a
Outstanding at end of year 25,800 $ 16.33
Exercisable at end of year - n/a
Weighted average fair value of
options granted $ 1.52
AMOUNT SHOWN REFLECTS THE 3-FOR-2 STOCK SPLIT EFFECTED JANUARY 1998.
All of the options outstanding at December 31, 1997, have an exercise
price of $16.33 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.48 years.
None of the options are exercisable as of December 31, 1997.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions used for
the grants in fiscal 1997: weighted average risk-free interest rate of 6.59%;
weighted average volatility of 17.82%; expected life of 10 years; and a weighted
average dividend yield of 7.34%.
NOTE 9
INCOME TAXES
The Company utilizes SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires the recognition of deferred taxes for all temporary differences
between book and tax income.
CURRENT AND DEFERRED TAXES:
Income tax expense includes the current tax liability from operations and
the change in deferred income taxes during the year. Investment tax credits are
amortized over the life of related properties.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of the net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities
were:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Pension plan $ 447 $ 450
Other 724 615
--------------------
Total deferred tax assets $ 1,171 $ 1,065
--------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation $ 3,284 $ 3,031
Property-related 1,200 1,250
Other (30) (25)
--------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities $ 4,454 $ 4,256
--------------------
Net accumulated deferred income taxes $ 3,283 $ 3,191
Classification of accumulated deferred
income taxes:
Included in current assets 530 426
--------------------
Included in deferred taxes $ 3,813 $ 3,617
--------------------
--------------------
The current and deferred components of income tax expense were:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Current income taxes:
Current Federal $ 814 $ 887 $ 842
Current state 266 276 271
Investment tax credit (10) (12) (12)
--------------------------------
Total current taxes $ 1,070 $ 1,151 $ 1,101
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
Deferred income taxes:
Depreciation $ 296 $ 282 $ 267
Contributions and advances - (156) (158)
Pension plan - - -
Other 19 37 (33)
--------------------------------
Total deferred taxes $ 315 $ 163 $ 76
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the
effective rate is presented below:
1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Expected income tax expense 34% 34% 34%
State income taxes 5% 6% 6%
Abandonments - (1%) (2%)
Other 2% 1% -
--------------------------
Total 41% 40% 38%
--------------------------
--------------------------
The Company has no net operating loss carryforward at December 31, 1997.
NOTE 10
NEW BUSINESS AND DISPOSITIONS
BUSINESS INVESTMENTS:
On December 20, 1996, DSC Investments, the non-regulated subsidiary of
the Company, invested $350,000 in Chemical Services Company ("CSC") and acquired
a 20% equity ownership interest with the option to acquire an additional 40%
over the next 5 years. Under its investment agreements with CSC, the Company is
obligated to provide working cash and long-term financing for the leasing of
chlorine generators to CSC subject to the financial condition of CSC. The
maximum loan balances for the following calendar years are $2,500,000 (1998),
$3,000,000 (1999), $3,500,000 (2000) and $3,500,000 (2001). As of December 31,
1997, the Company had $400,000 in outstanding loans to CSC.
In December 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with West Basin
Municipal Water District ("West Basin") and ARCO. Under the terms of the
agreement, Dominguez will sell ARCO recycled water purchased from West Basin for
the same cost of water margin that Dominguez would otherwise have received
providing ARCO with potable water. The Company is expected to commit funds up to
$2,000,000 by December 1999 to construct recycled water facilities in its South
Bay service area.
ACQUISITIONS:
In 1997, the Company acquired water systems in the Kern River Valley
Water Area as follows:
In June, the Company purchased the assets of the Countrywood Water
Company, a mutual water system, serving 97 customers. In October, the Company
purchased the assets of the Southlake Water Company, an investor-owned water
system, serving 509 customers. In December, the Company purchased the assets of
the Quail Valley Mutual Water Company, a mutual water system, serving 54
customers. Also in December, the Company purchased the assets of the Juniper
Hills Mutual Water Corporation, a mutual water system, serving 41 customers.
All acquisitions completed in 1997 were accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting.
SALE OF BUSINESS:
On April 26, 1996, the Company sold to a former employee the remaining
assets of Hydro-Metric Services in exchange for a two-year note receivable with
an outstanding balance of $15,000 as of December 31, 1997. The sale resulted in
a gain of $39,000.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11
BUSINESS RISKS AND CONCENTRATION
OF SALES
Forty-six percent of the Company's water supply comes from its own
groundwater wells, and fifty-four percent comes from wholesalers of imported
water. The long term availability of imported water supplies are dependent upon
several factors. Drought conditions throughout the state, increases in
population, tightening of water quality standards and legislation may reduce
water supplies. At this time, the Company does not anticipate any constraints
on its imported water supplies due primarily to above-average precipitation in
prior years. The Company is taking steps to reduce its dependence on imported
water supplies, including working with the West Basin to bring recycled water
into its South Bay service area. The Company continues to drill new wells in
order to enable it to utilize its total adjudicated groundwater rights.
The Company's utility operations are engaged in supplying water to the
public. The Company's utility operations are subject to regulation by various
government agencies. The water quality is regulated by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Health
Services (DHS). Both groundwater and purchased water are subject to extensive
analysis. With occasional minor exceptions, the Company meets all current
primary water standards. One of Dominguez' subsidiary water systems exceeded the
state and Federal standard for radioactivity. The subsidiary has ceased using
this water source and is providing customers with an alternative source.
The Company is required to provide service to customers within its
defined service territories. Although the Company has a diversified base of
residential, business-industrial and public authority customers, a substantial
portion, 49% in 1997 and 46% in 1996, of water sales are attributable to
business-industrial usage. One single refinery was responsible for 33% of this
business-industrial consumption in 1997, and for 32% in 1996.
Sales for 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Residential-Multi Family $ 11,964 $ 11,566
Business-Industrial 11,698 10,279
Public Authority 1,537 1,486
All Other 1,619 1,374
--------------------
Total $ 26,818 $ 24,705
--------------------
--------------------
NOTE 12
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Cash paid for:
Interest, net $ 774 $ 824 $ 501
Income taxes $ 1,000 $ 1,095 $ 1,270
NOTE 13
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company annually refunds a portion of revenue received from several
water mains for which Watson Land Company, Carson Estate Company and Dominguez
Properties advanced the construction funds to the Company. The refunds to Watson
Land Company were $16,175 in 1997 and $15,442 for 1996. The refunds to Carson
Estate Company were $1,110 for 1997 and $1,110 for 1996. The refunds to
Dominguez Properties were $6,176 for 1997 and $6,176 for 1996.
The Company also leases sites used for wells from Watson Land Company,
Carson Estate Company and Dominguez Properties. The rental costs for Watson Land
Company were $39,517 in 1997 and $38,778 for 1996. The rental costs for Carson
Estate Company were $18,580 for 1997 and $13,500 for 1996. The rental costs for
Dominguez Properties were $4,174 for 1997 and $2,901 for 1996.
The Company provides water service to these entities to the extent that
they have property within the division.
Dominguez purchases chlorine generation equipment and supplies from CSC.
As previously mentioned, the Company owns a 20% equity interest in CSC. In 1997,
purchases from CSC totaled approximately $733,000.
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On November 20, 1997, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the
assets of the Lucerne Water Company, an investor-owned water system, serving
1,242 customers in exchange for 42,092 shares of the Company's common stock.
This acquisition is awaiting the approval of the CPUC.
On January 22, 1998, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the
assets of the Rancho Del Paradiso & Armstrong Valley Water Companies,
investor-owned water systems, servicing 60 and 310 customers, respectively, in
exchange for 12,375 shares of the Company's common stock.
Effective January 2, 1998, the Company split its common stock
"three-for-two" for shareholders of record on December 15, 1997. The Company
paid cash in lieu of issuing fractional shares based on the closing price as of
December 15, 1997. The par value of the common stock remained unchanged. Share
information and the capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements
have been retroactively restated to reflect the change. This restatement has
resulted in the transfer of $502,000 from paid-in-capital to common shares
equity as of the earliest period presented.
NOTE 15
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In 1996, the Company's insurance carrier settled the remaining lawsuit
filed in the California Superior Court that arose from the shooting death of an
employee by another employee in January 1994. All legal costs accrued in
anticipation of litigation have been reversed. The terms of the settlements had
no material adverse financial impact on the Company.
Under the terms of the signed agreement between the Company, ARCO Los
Angeles Refinery, and West Basin, the Company is expected to commit funds up to
$2,000,000 to construct recycled water system facilities. This agreement was
signed by all parties in 1997. The funds will be expended when recycled water
service is available to ARCO, which is tentatively scheduled for the end of
1999.
NOTE 16
EARNINGS PER SHARE
In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share." The
adoption of this standard did not result in a restatement of previously reported
earnings per share. The following table reconciles basic and diluted earnings
per share calculations. Shares in the table below have been restated to reflect
the Company's stock split in January 1998 (See Note 14).
INCOME PER-SHARE
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) SHARES AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Earnings Per Share
Net income available to
common shareholders $ 2,021 1,506,512 $ 1.34
Options issued to executives 361 --------
--------------------- --------
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income available to
common shareholders $ 2,021 1,506,873 $ 1.34
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
DOMINGUEZ SERVICES CORPORATION ~ 1997 ANNUAL REPORT
..........................................................................
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
--
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
BASIC & DILUTED
OPERATING REVENUE NET INCOME EARNINGS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) PER SHARE
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter $ 5,168 $ 5,225 $ 283 $ 270 $ .19 $ .18
Second Quarter 7,001 6,356 527 535 .35 .35
Third Quarter 8,171 7,404 809 787 .53 .52
Fourth Quarter 6,478 5,720 402 389 .27 .26
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Total $ 26,818 $ 24,705 $ 2,021 $ 1,981 $ 1.34 $ 1.31
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MARKET INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S
COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market tier of
The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "DOMZ." There were 298 common
shareholders of record as of December 31, 1997, as well as 659 common
shareholders held in street name.
Quarterly dividends have been paid since 1964. We cannot predict future
actions of the Board of Directors, but at the present time, there is no change
contemplated in the Company's dividend policy. The following table sets forth
the high and low common stock prices and dividends paid for 1997 and 1996, as
obtained from the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K
Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20006. All figures have been adjusted for a
3-for-2 stock split effected January 2, 1998.
1997 HIGH LOW DIVIDEND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter 16.333 15.000 .2175
Second Quarter 17.333 15.667 .2175
Third Quarter 17.667 15.333 .2175
Fourth Quarter 21.500 17.000 .2175
1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter 12.667 11.500 .2075
Second Quarter 15.167 12.000 .2075
Third Quarter 15.667 13.667 .2075
Fourth Quarter 15.667 14.833 .2075