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UNITED STATES             
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[x]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003

 

or

 

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
 

For the transition period from             to

 

Commission file number 0-18516

 

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization:

Delaware

   

I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:

51-0002090

   

Address of principal executive officers:

664 Churchmans Road
Newark, Delaware 19702

   

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:

(302) 453 - 6900

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.

[x]

Yes

[  ]

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

[  ]

Yes

[x]

No

As of September 30, 2003, 3,298,632 shares of Class A Non-Voting Common Stock and 587,680 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding.

 

 

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

         

Part I

-

Financial Information:

   
         

Item 1

-

   Financial Statements

 

Page(s)

         
   

   Consolidated Balance Sheet

   
   

   September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002

 

3

         
   

   Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarters ended

 

4

   

   September 30, 2003 and 2002

   
         
   

   Consolidated Statement of Income for

   
   

   the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

5

         
   

   Consolidated Statement of Retained Earnings

   
   

   for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

6

         
   

   Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the

   
   

   nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

6- 7

         
   

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8-12

         

Item 2

-

   Management's Discussion and Analysis of

   
   

   Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

13-16

         

Item 3

-

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

16

         

Item 4

-

   Controls and Procedures

 

16

         

Part II

-

Other Information:

   
         

Item 1

-

   Legal Proceedings

 

16-17

         

Item 2

-

   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

17

         

Signatures

 

18

         

Index to Exhibits

 

19

         

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)

(unaudited)     

September 30, 2003

December 31, 2002

ASSETS

Utility plant, at original cost less accumulated depreciation

$

178,756 

$

167,338

Current assets

  Cash and cash equivalents

1,615 

874

  Accounts receivable, net

3,423 

2,743

  Receivable, other

----- 

3,800

  Unbilled operating revenues

2,890 

2,718

  Materials and supplies-at cost on FIFO basis

792 

712

  Prepaid property taxes

1,067 

651

  Prepaid expenses and other

      1,815 

        422

    11,602 

   11,920

Other assets

  Non-utility property (less accumulated depreciation 2003-$74; 2002-$76)

334 

308

  Other deferred assets

      1,268 

     1,069

      1,602 

     1,377

Regulatory assets, net

      2,303 

     2,437

$

194,263 

$

183,072

====== 

======

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stockholders' equity

  Common stock

$

   3,886 

$

   2,575

  Additional paid-in capital

40,861 

40,341

  Retained earnings

      7,547 

     8,260

    Total stockholders' equity

    52,294 

   51,176

Preferred stock-mandatorily redeemable,

    net of current portion

-----  

100

Long-term debt, net of current portion

    64,615

   63,970

116,909

115,246

Current liabilities

  Notes payable

6,715 

3,163

  Current portion of long-term debt

188 

421

  Current portion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

100 

100

  Accounts payable

3,873 

3,119

  Overdraft payable

2,538 

709

  Income taxes payable

---- 

135

  Deferred income taxes

355 

---- 

  Interest accrued

179 

569

  Customer deposits

417 

410

  Other

      1,029 

        905

    15,394 

     9,531

Deferred credits and other liabilities

  Net advances for construction

18,838 

19,457

  Postretirement benefit obligation

1,251 

1,298

  Deferred investment tax credits

851 

873

  Deferred income taxes

    11,198 

     8,024

32,138 

29,652

Commitments and contingencies

Net contributions in aid of construction

    29,822 

   28,643

$

194,263 

$

183,072

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

=======

======

 

 

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

             For the Quarter

             Ended September 30,

2003

2002

OPERATING REVENUES

   Water sales

$

9,021

$

9,197 

   Other utility operating revenue

164

171 

   Non-utility revenue

        42

        92 

   9,227

   9,460 

OPERATING EXPENSES

   Utility operating expenses

4,830

4,503 

   Related party expenses

43

44 

   Non-utility operating expenses

63

(39)

   Depreciation and amortization

904

884 

   State and federal income taxes

653

1,015 

   Property and other taxes

      529

      502 

   7,022

   6,909 

OPERATING INCOME

2,205

2,551 

Allowance for funds used during construction

67

83 

Other income, net

        10

      (17)

INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES

2,282

2,617 

INTEREST CHARGES

   1,227

   1,089 

NET INCOME

   1,055

   1,528 

PREFERRED DIVIDEND REQUIREMENT

          3

        10 

NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK

$

1,052

$

1,518 

=======

======== 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

   Basic

$

0.27

$

0.39*

======= 

======== 

   Diluted

$

0.26

$

0.39*

======= 

======== 

CASH DIVIDEND PER COMMON SHARE

$

0.1984

$

0.1933*

======= 

======== 

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

   Basic

3,884,515

3,853,547*

======= 

======== 

   Diluted

3,984,823

3,927,842*

======= 

======== 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

*Restated for the stock split effective May 30, 2003.

 

 

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

              For the Nine Months

               Ended September 30,

2003

2002  

OPERATING REVENUES

   Water sales

$

26,373

$

25,215 

   Other utility operating revenue

564

482 

   Non-utility revenue

      281

      151 

 27,218

 25,848 

OPERATING EXPENSES

   Utility operating expenses

14,294

13,805 

   Related party expenses

130

132 

   Non-utility operating expenses

161

60 

   Depreciation and amortization

2,640

2,504 

   State and federal income taxes

1,999

2,053 

   Property and other taxes

   1,548

   1,374 

 20,772

 19,928 

OPERATING INCOME

6,446

5,920 

Allowance for funds used during construction

169

366 

Other income, net

        41

        15 

INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES

6,656

6,301 

INTEREST CHARGES

    3,610

   3,317 

NET INCOME

3,046

2,984 

PREFERRED DIVIDEND REQUIREMENT AND

REDEMPTION PREMIUM

         69

         32

NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK

$

2,977

$

2,952 

======= 

======== 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

   Basic

$

0.77

$

0.86*

========

======== 

   Diluted

$

0.75

$

0.84*

========

======== 

CASH DIVIDEND PER COMMON SHARE

$

0.5950

$

0.5799*

========

======== 

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

   Basic

3,875,386

3,424,904*

========

======== 

   Diluted

3,978,541

3,505,974*

========

======== 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

*Restated for the stock split effective May 30, 2003.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS

Unaudited

(In thousands)

               For the Nine Months

               Ended September 30,

2003

2002

Balance, beginning of period

$

8,260 

$

7,026 

Net income

  3,046 

  2,984 

11,306 

10,010 

Less: Dividends

2,376 

1,979 

          Common stock-Repurchase

83 

128 

          Stock Split

   1,300 

    ----  

Balance, end of period

$

7,547 

$

7,902 

=======

=======

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

(In thousands)

                 For the Nine Months

                 Ended September 30,

2003

2002

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

NET INCOME

$

3,046 

$

2,984 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

       provided by operating activities:

   Depreciation and amortization

2,640 

2,389 

   Deferred income taxes, net

3,507 

1,611 

   Allowance for funds used during construction

(169)

(366)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

   Accounts receivable

(680)

(244)

   Receivable, other

3,800 

----  

   Unbilled operating revenue

(172)

(633)

   Materials and supplies

(80)

(74)

   Accrued state and federal income taxes

(135)

(121)

   Prepaid property taxes

(415)

(385)

   Prepaid expenses and other

(1,393)

(215)

   Other deferred assets

(198)

99 

   Regulatory assets

134 

45 

   Postretirement benefit obligation

(47)

(45)

   Accounts payable

754 

(1,355)

   Interest accrued

(391)

(230)

   Customer deposits and other, net

        132 

      (267)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   10,333 

     3,193 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   Capital expenditures (net of AFUDC)

(14,352)

(15,626)

   Investment in AquaStructure

      -----  

       (33)

   Proceeds from sale of assets

           2 

      -----  

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(14,350)

(15,659)

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   Net borrowings (repayments) under line of credit agreement

3,551 

(2,690)

   Overdraft payable

1,829 

1,015 

   Net advances and contributions in aid of construction

995 

1,336 

   Net proceeds from stock transactions

448 

15,495 

   Dividends

(2,376)

(1,979)

   Repayment of long-term debt

(233)

(972)

   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

644 

-----  

   Retirement of preferred stock

   (100)

    (100)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

  4,758 

 12,105 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH

   EQUIVALENTS

741 

(361)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF

   PERIOD

      874 

   1,053 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

1,615 

$

692 

===== 

=====

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

   Interest paid

$

3,963 

$

3,500 

===== 

=====

   Income taxes paid

$

150 

$

440 

===== 

=====

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - GENERAL

Artesian Resources Corporation ("Artesian Resources" or the "Company") is a non-operating holding company, whose income is derived from the earnings of our four wholly owned subsidiary companies and our one-third interest in AquaStructure Delaware, L.L.C., a Limited Liability Corporation whose primary activity is marketing wastewater services. Artesian Water Company, Inc. ("Artesian Water"), our principal subsidiary, is the oldest and largest public water utility in the State of Delaware and has been providing water service within the state since 1905. We distribute and sell water to residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, municipal and utility customers throughout Delaware. In addition, we provide services to other water utilities, including operations and billing functions, and have contract operation agreements with thirteen private and municipal water providers.

Our other water utility subsidiary, Artesian Water Pennsylvania, Inc., began operations in 2002, providing water service to a residential community, consisting of 41 homes, in Chester County. Our other two subsidiaries, neither of which is regulated, are Artesian Wastewater Management, Inc. ("Artesian Wastewater"), which provides wastewater services in Delaware, and Artesian Development Corporation, whose sole activity has been ownership of an eleven-acre parcel of land.

Stock Compensation Plans

At September 30, 2003, the Company had three stock-based compensation plans. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for compensation expense under its plans. Accordingly, the aggregate compensation cost that has been charged against income for the three plans was $28,400 and $46,100 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and $47,100 and $67,700 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Had compensation cost for the Company's three plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," the Company's net income and net income per common share would have been reduced to the pro-forma amounts indicated below:

 

For the Quarter           

Ended September 30,          

For the Nine Months

Ended September 30,

 

2003

2002

2003

2002

In thousands, except per share data

               

Net income applicable to common stock

               

     As reported

$

1,052 

$

1,518 

$

2,977 

$

2,952 

     Add: compensation expense included
     in net income (net of tax)

 


17 

 


28 

 


28 

 


41 

     Deduct: compensation expense using
     fair value based method (net of tax)

 


(73)

 


(78)

 


(146)

 


(109)

     Pro-forma

$

996 

$

1,468 

$

2,859 

$

2,884 

Basic net income per common share

               

     As reported

$

0.27 

$

0.39 

$

0.77 

$

0.86 

     Pro-forma

$

0.26 

$

0.38 

$

0.74 

$

0.84 

Diluted net income per common share

               

     As reported

$

0.26 

$

0.39 

$

0.75 

$

0.84 

     Pro-forma

$

0.25 

$

0.37 

$

0.72 

$

0.82 

NOTE 2 - REGULATORY ASSETS

Certain expenses are recoverable through rates, without a return on investment, and are deferred and amortized during future periods using various methods as permitted by the Delaware Public Service Commission ("Delaware PSC"). Expenses related to rate proceedings are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of two years. The postretirement benefit obligation, which is being amortized over 20 years, is adjusted for the difference between the net periodic postretirement benefit costs and the cash payments. The deferred income taxes will be amortized over future years as the tax effects of temporary differences previously flowed through to the customers reverse. Regulatory assets net of amortization, comprise:

September 30, 2003

December 31, 2002

(in thousands)   

(in thousands)

Postretirement benefit obligation

$

1,251

$

1,298

Deferred income taxes recoverable in future rates

631

642

Expense of rate proceedings

  421

  497

$

2,303

$

2,437

=====

=====

NOTE 3 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The office building and shop complex utilized by Artesian Water were leased at an average annual rental of $173,000 from the former partners of White Clay Realty who now own the property jointly as tenants in common. Dian C. Taylor, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Artesian Resources, is a tenant in common and John R. Eisenbrey, Jr., a director of Artesian Resources, is a beneficiary of a tenant in common. The rental of $173,000 is below market rates. In December 2002, Artesian Water filed a condemnation action in the Delaware Superior Court, seeking to acquire title to the office and shop complex leased by Artesian Water, known as 664 Churchmans Road, Newark, Delaware (the "Property"). Artesian Water filed this action under its statutory power of eminent domain against the owner of the Property, White Clay Realty, a Delaware Limited Partnership, and each of the limited partners. The Superior Court ruled that since White Clay Realty had no general partner, the partnership is di ssolved and all of the former partners own the Property jointly as tenants in common. A special committee of the Board of Directors of Artesian Resources, composed entirely of outside directors who have no ownership interest in the Property, made the determination to purchase the Property through the condemnation procedures. Under this procedure, if the acquisition of the Property is approved by the court, the fair market value of the Property will be determined by a panel of commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Artesian Water's independent appraiser valued the Property to be worth $3,800,000. In December 2002, Artesian Water issued a payment to the Prothonotary for the State of Delaware for $3,800,000. As the court delayed payment until the matter is decided, the amount was refunded to Artesian Water in June 2003. Until a final determination of the condemnation, the parties agreed that Artesian Water may continue to occupy the Property under the terms of the lease with a quarterly rental paymen t of $43,361. Pursuant to a deadline set by the Superior Court, the owners of the Property submitted an independent appraisal that values the Property to be worth $4,800,000. The condemnation case was scheduled for trial on October 20, 2003, wherein the fair market value of the Property would be determined by a panel of three Commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Prior to the commencement of the trial all parties agreed to settle the case for a purchase price of $4,500,000 to be paid by Artesian Water. The decision to settle on the part of Artesian Water was made by the Special Committee of independent directors and with the recommendation of special counsel to the Special Committee. The settlement was approved by order of the Superior Court on October 20, 2003. The Court also approved applications of two of the tenants in common (neither of whom is an officer or director of Artesian) for their expenses, totaling $50,000, to be paid by Artesian Water, to which applications Artesian Water did not object.

Expenses associated with related party transactions were as follows:

 

For the Quarter
Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 
   

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

   

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

                 

White Clay Realty

$

43  

$

44   

$

130  

$

132  

   

====   

 

====   

 

====   

 

====   

NOTE 4 - NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AND EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE

Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the potentially dilutive effect of employee stock options. The following table summarizes the shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:

For the Quarter  
Ended September 30,

       For the Nine Months
       Ended September 30,

2003

2002

2003

2002

    (in thousands)

(in thousands)   

Average common shares outstanding during

  the period for Basic computation

3,885

3,854

3,875

3,425

Dilutive effect of employee stock options

   100

     74

    104

     81

Average common shares outstanding during

  the period for Diluted computation

3,985

3,928

3,979

3,506

====

====

====

====

Equity per common share was $13.46 and $13.14 at September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts were computed by dividing common stockholders' equity, excluding preferred stock, by the number of shares of common stock outstanding on September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

NOTE 5 - IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting related to derivatives and hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified, and hedging relationships designated, after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operation of Artesian Resources Corporation.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and effective for other instruments beginning at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operation of Artesian Resources Corporation.

NOTE 6 - RATE PROCEEDINGS

On April 2, 2002, Artesian Water filed a petition with the Delaware PSC seeking to raise rates for water service by 23.12% or $7.5 million. The Delaware PSC, on April 16, 2002, suspended the implementation of the proposed new rates pending further investigation and public evidentiary hearings. Pending these hearings and a final ruling by the Delaware PSC, Artesian Water, as is permitted by law, placed 7.71% of the proposed rates into effect under bond beginning June 1, 2002. Beginning December 3, 2002, Artesian Water placed an additional 3.69% of the proposed rates into effect. On April 15, 2003, the Delaware PSC issued PSC Order No. 6147 approving an increase in Artesian Water's revenue requirement of 9.68% effective May 1, 2003. These rates represent an increase in water consumption charges, customer charges, and fire hydrant ready-to-serve charges necessary to generate an increase in annual operating revenues of approximately $3.3 million. Since temporary rates were in excess of the final rat e increase, in June 2003 we refunded approximately $201,000 plus interest to our customers. Since Artesian Water had reserved revenue related to the second temporary increase of $234,000, an additional $33,000 was recorded to revenue for the second quarter.

Delaware statute permits water utilities to put into effect, on a semi-annual basis, increases related to specific types of distribution system improvements through a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). This charge is available to water utilities to be implemented between general rate increase applications that normally recognize changes in a water utility's overall financial position. The DSIC process significantly reduces expenses when compared to those typically associated with general rate increase requests. We requested on May 30, 2003 and subsequently implemented a 0.39% overall surcharge for bills rendered subsequent to July 1, 2003. Through this charge, we expect to generate approximately $75,000 in revenues during 2003.

NOTE 7 - STOCK SPLIT

On April 30, 2003, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three for two stock split in the form of a stock dividend. The Company's Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.1983 (post-split) per share, the payment of which was based on the number of shares outstanding on May 12, 2003, prior to the May 30, 2003 effective date of the stock split. All share and per share information have been restated to retroactively show the effect of the stock split.

Weighted Average Shares
Outstanding

For the Quarter
Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

2003

2002

2003

2002

         

Basic

3,884,515

3,853,547

3,875,386

3,424,904

         

Diluted

3,984,823

3,927,842

3,978,541

3,505,974

NOTE 8 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

The office building and shop complex utilized by Artesian Water were leased at an average annual rental of $173,000 from the former partners of White Clay Realty who now own the property jointly as tenants in common. Dian C. Taylor, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Artesian Resources, is a tenant in common and John R. Eisenbrey, Jr., a director of Artesian Resources, is a beneficiary of a tenant in common. The rental of $173,000 is below market rates. In December 2002, Artesian Water filed a condemnation action in the Delaware Superior Court, seeking to acquire title to the office and shop complex leased by Artesian Water, known as 664 Churchmans Road, Newark, Delaware (the "Property"). Artesian Water filed this action under its statutory power of eminent domain against the owner of the Property, White Clay Realty, a Delaware Limited Partnership, and each of the limited partners. The Superior Court ruled that since White Clay Realty had no general partner, the partnership is di ssolved and all of the former partners own the Property jointly as tenants in common. A special committee of the Board of Directors of Artesian Resources, composed entirely of outside directors who have no ownership interest in the Property, made the determination to purchase the Property through the condemnation procedures. Under this procedure, if the acquisition of the Property is approved by the court, the fair market value of the Property will be determined by a panel of commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Artesian Water's independent appraiser valued the Property to be worth $3,800,000. In December 2002, Artesian Water issued a payment to the Prothonotary for the State of Delaware for $3,800,000. As the court delayed payment until the matter is decided, the amount was refunded to Artesian Water in June 2003. Until a final determination of the condemnation, the parties agreed that Artesian Water may continue to occupy the Property under the terms of the lease with a quarterly rental paymen t of $43,361. Pursuant to a deadline set by the Superior Court, the owners of the Property submitted an independent appraisal that values the Property to be worth $4,800,000. The condemnation case was scheduled for trial on October 20, 2003, wherein the fair market value of the Property would be determined by a panel of three Commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Prior to the commencement of the trial all parties agreed to settle the case for a purchase price of $4,500,000 to be paid by Artesian Water. The decision to settle on the part of Artesian Water was made by the Special Committee of independent directors and with the recommendation of special counsel to the Special Committee. The settlement was approved by order of the Superior Court on October 20, 2003. The Court also approved applications of two of the tenants in common (neither of whom is an officer or director of Artesian) for their expenses, totaling $50,000, to be paid by Artesian Water, to which applications Artesian Water did not object.

ARTESIAN RESOURCES CORPORATION MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Strategic Direction

Our profitability is primarily attributable to the sale of water by Artesian Water, the amount of which is dependent on seasonal fluctuations in weather, particularly during the summer months when water demand may vary with rainfall and temperature.

While customer growth in our utility subsidiaries will continue to be a major focus in 2003, we are aggressively seeking opportunities that produce revenue streams that are not as directly affected by weather. These opportunities include our wastewater management subsidiary's operation of a new spray irrigation wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of 2.5 million-gallons-per-day for the town of Middletown, Delaware, which began operations in the third quarter of 2002. In addition, we will continue to focus attention on expanding our contract operations opportunities with municipalities and private water providers in Delaware and surrounding areas.

Ensuring our customers have a dependable supply of safe, high-quality water has been, and will continue to be, a high priority. We expect to make investments in 2003 that will increase our sources of water and enhance our ability to deliver supply from our Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program. We are the first and only water utility in Delaware to utilize this technology that capitalizes on Delaware's unique geology to provide storage capacity for water to be used during periods of peak water demand.

Regulatory Matters and Inflation

As of September 30, 2003, we had approximately 69,000 metered customers and serviced a population of approximately 230,000, representing approximately 29% of Delaware's total population. The Delaware PSC regulates Artesian Water's rates charged for water service, the sale and issuance of our securities and other matters. We periodically seek rate increases to cover the cost of increased operating expenses, increased financing expenses due to additional investments in utility plant and other costs of doing business. In Delaware, utilities are permitted by law to place rates into effect, under bond, on a temporary basis pending completion of a rate increase proceeding. If such rates are found to be in excess of rates the PSC finds to be appropriate, the utility must refund the portion found in excess to customers with interest. Increases in the number of customers served by Artesian Water also contribute to increases in our operating revenues.

We are affected by inflation, most notably by the continually increasing costs required to maintain, improve and expand our service capability. The cumulative effect of inflation results in significantly higher facility costs compared to investments made 20 to 40 years ago, which must be recovered from future cash flows.

Delaware statute permits water utilities to put into effect, on a semi-annual basis, increases related to specific types of distribution system improvements through a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). This charge is available to water utilities to be implemented between general rate increase applications that normally recognize changes in a water utility's overall financial position. The DSIC process significantly reduces expenses when compared to those typically associated with general rate increase requests. We requested on May 30, 2003 and subsequently implemented a 0.39% overall surcharge for bills rendered subsequent to July 1, 2003. Through this charge, we expect to generate approximately $75,000 in revenues during 2003.

 

 

Operating Revenues

Revenues totaled $9.2 million and $27.2 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003, 2.5% below and 5.3% above revenues for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively. Water sales revenues decreased 1.9% for the quarter and increased 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 over the corresponding periods in 2002. Despite customer growth and rate increases approved by the Delaware PSC, revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were negatively impacted by a decrease in water consumption due to a wet and cool summer. The remaining increase in operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 is primarily due to additional revenues generated by wastewater services. We realized 97.8% and 96.9% of our total revenue for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, from the sale of water.

On April 2, 2002, Artesian Water filed a petition with the Delaware PSC seeking to raise rates for water service by 23.12% or $7.5 million. The Delaware PSC, on April 16, 2002, suspended the implementation of the proposed new rates pending further investigation and public evidentiary hearings. Pending these hearings and a final ruling by the Delaware PSC, Artesian Water, as is permitted by law, placed 7.71% of the proposed rates into effect under bond beginning June 1, 2002. Beginning December 3, 2002, Artesian Water placed an additional 3.69% of the proposed rates into effect. On April 15, 2003, the Delaware PSC issued PSC Order No. 6147 approving an increase in Artesian Water's revenue requirement of 9.68% effective May 1, 2003. These rates represent an increase in water consumption charges, customer charges, and fire hydrant ready-to-serve charges necessary to generate an increase in annual operating revenues of approximately $3.3 million. Since temporary rates were in excess of the final rate increase, in June 2003 we refunded approximately $201,000 plus interest to our customers. Since Artesian Water had reserved revenue related to the second temporary increase of $234,000, an additional $33,000 was recorded to revenue.

In addition, Artesian Wastewater, our non-regulated subsidiary, provides wastewater management and operations service for two wastewater treatment plants in Delaware. These services provide us with another source of revenue and are outside of the regulatory environment. Non-utility Operating Revenue from wastewater services decreased $50,000 for the quarter and increased $130,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, over the same period last year. The decrease for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 reflects an adjustment to profit sharing revenues with Artesian Wastewater's partners, recorded in August 2003 and the increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 reflects the start of operation services for the second plant during the summer of 2002.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and taxes, increased $428,000, or 9.5%, to $4.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, and increased $588,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period a year ago. The increase in operating expenses resulted primarily from an increase in payroll and related expense of $346,000, or 4.8%, principally due to increases in annual merit compensation, additional positions and an increase in employee benefit expense. An increase in purchased water expense of $175,000, or 8.0%, is a result of increases in our contractual obligations over the same period a year ago, when the required minimum takes were waived by our largest supplier due to the drought of 2002 and a rate increase placed in effect January 1, 2003 by Chester Water Authority. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in consulting and temporary services of $200,000. The ratio of operating expense, excluding depreciation and taxes, to tot al revenue was 53.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to 54.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Purchased water expense will continue to increase in the fourth quarter as we fulfill our minimum take obligations. It is anticipated that by the end of 2003, purchased water expense will be approximately $485,000 higher than it was at the end of 2002.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $20,000 and $136,000, or 2.3% and 5.4% over the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively, due to increases in our utility plant in service. Income tax expense decreased $362,000 and $54,000 due to reduced profitability for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003 over the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively.

Interest Charges

Interest charges increased $138,000 and $293,000, or 12.7% and 8.8%, over the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, primarily due to an increase in interest related to the $25 million Series P First Mortgage Bond issued on January 31, 2003. This bond issuance replaced the Series L 8.03% $10 million bond and paid down our line of credit.

Net Income

Our net income applicable to common stock decreased $466,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, and increased $25,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods a year ago. The decrease in net income for the quarter was due to reduced water sales related to weather and increased operating expenses related to payroll and benefits and purchased water. The increase in net income for the nine months was primarily due to rate increases authorized in 2002 and continued customer base growth.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $10.3 million primarily from cash flow from operating activities. Cash flow from operating activities was primarily provided by our utility operations, and was impacted by the timeliness and adequacy of rate increases. It included the court ordered refund of $3.8 million from the Prothonotary for the State of Delaware in connection with the condemnation action for ownership of our office and shop complex.

A significant part of our ability to maintain and meet our financial objectives is to assure our investments in utility plant and equipment are recovered in the rates charged to customers. As such, from time to time we file rate increase requests to recover increases in operating expenses and investments in utility plant and equipment. On April 2, 2002, Artesian Water filed a petition with the Delaware PSC seeking to raise rates for water service and on April 15, 2003, the Delaware PSC issued PSC Order No. 6147 approving an increase in Artesian Water's revenue requirement of 9.68% effective May 1, 2003. These rates represent an increase in water consumption charges, customer charges and fire hydrant ready-to-serve charges necessary to generate an increase in annual operating revenues of approximately $3.3 million.

At September 30, 2003, Artesian Water had lines of credit with three separate financial institutions totaling $35.0 million to meet its temporary cash requirements. These revolving credit facilities are unsecured. As of September 30, 2003, we had $28.3 million of available funds under these lines. The interest rate for borrowings under each of these lines is the London Interbank Offering Rate plus 1.0% or, at our discretion, the bank's federal funds rate plus 1.0%. At September 30, 2003 our rate on these lines was 2.04%. All the facilities are reviewed annually by each bank for renewal. Our cash from operations and lines of credit are sufficient to meet our financial obligations for the next twelve months.

On February 21, 2003, Artesian Resources redeemed all 10,868 shares of our 7% Prior Preferred Stock. We incurred $54,000 in redemption premium costs associated with this buy-back.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which express our "belief," "anticipation" or "expectation," as well as other statements which are not historical fact including statements regarding our customer growth, contract operations opportunities, investment plans in 2003, revenues from DSIC, purchased water expense, the acquisition of the office and shop complex and a dependable supply of safe, high-quality water the initiation of temporary rates, our investment plans in 2002 and whether we will conduct a debt offeringare forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Certain factors, such as competitive market pressures, material changes in demand from larger customers, changes in weather, changes in our contractual obligations, changes in government policies, changes in economic conditions, and other matters could cause re sults to differ materially from

those in the forward-looking statements. The CompanyThe Company does not undertake to update any of the forwarding looking statements included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Our policy is to manage interest rates through the use of fixed rate, long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term debt. The Company's interest rate risk related to existing fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have maturity dates ranging from 2007 to 2020.

ITEM 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report have been designed and are functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. The Company believes that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The office building and shop complex utilized by Artesian Water were leased at an average annual rental of $173,000 from the former partners of White Clay Realty who now own the property jointly as tenants in common. Dian C. Taylor, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Artesian Resources, is a tenant in common and John R. Eisenbrey, Jr., a director of Artesian Resources, is a beneficiary of a tenant in common. The rental of $173,000 is below market rates. In December 2002, Artesian Water filed a condemnation action in the Delaware Superior Court, seeking to acquire title to the office and shop complex leased by Artesian Water, known as 664 Churchmans Road, Newark, Delaware (the "Property"). Artesian Water filed this action under its statutory power of eminent domain against the owner of the Property, White Clay Realty, a Delaware Limited Partnership, and each of the limited partners. The Superior Court ruled that since White Clay Realty had no general partner, the partnership is di ssolved and all of the former partners own the Property jointly as tenants in common. A special committee of the Board of Directors of Artesian Resources, composed entirely of outside directors who have no ownership interest in the Property, made the determination to purchase the Property through the condemnation procedures. Under this procedure, if the acquisition of the Property is approved by the court, the fair market value of the Property will be determined by a panel of commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Artesian Water's independent appraiser valued the Property to be worth $3,800,000. In December 2002, Artesian Water issued a payment to the Prothonotary for the State of Delaware for $3,800,000. As the court delayed payment until the matter is decided, the amount was refunded to Artesian Water in June 2003. Until a final determination of the condemnation, the parties agreed that Artesian Water may continue to occupy the Property under the terms of the lease with a quarterly rental paymen t of $43,361. Pursuant to a deadline set by the Superior Court, the owners of the Property submitted an independent appraisal that values the Property to be worth $4,800,000. The condemnation case was scheduled for trial on October 20, 2003, wherein the fair market value of the Property would be determined by a panel of three Commissioners after an evidentiary hearing. Prior to the commencement of the trial all parties agreed to settle the case for a purchase price of $4,500,000 to be paid by Artesian Water. The decision to settle on the part of Artesian Water was made by the Special Committee of independent directors and with the recommendation of special counsel to the Special Committee. The settlement was approved by order of the Superior Court on October 20, 2003. The Court also approved applications of two of the tenants in common (neither of whom is an officer or director of Artesian) for their expenses, totaling $50,000, to be paid by Artesian Water, to which applications Artesian Water did not object.

There are no other material legal proceedings pending at this date.

ITEM 2 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)

Exhibits

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

   

Act of 2002.

     

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

   

Act of 2002.

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

   

Act of 2002.

     

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

   

Act of 2002.

     
 

(b)

Forms 8-K

       
   
1)

A current report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 2003 was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2003, reporting earnings for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

October 30, 2003

     /s/Dian C. Taylor     

Dian C. Taylor

Chair of the Board, Chief Executive

Officer and President



 

October 30, 2003

     /s/David B. Spacht     

David B. Spacht

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

Treasurer

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit Number

Description

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley

Act of 2002.


 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Dian C. Taylor, Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Artesian Resources Corporation certify that:

       

1.        I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Artesian Resources Corporation;

       

2.        Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit            to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such            statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
           fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
           the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.        The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure            controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and            have:

 

           a)         Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and

                       procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating

                       to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others

                       within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared,

 

           b)         Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, and presented

                       in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures,

                       as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

           c)         Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting

                       that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or

                       is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial

                       reporting; and

 

5.        The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal            control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant's Board            of Directors (or persons fulfilling the equivalent functions):

 

           a)         All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal

                       control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the

                       registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

           b)         Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a

                       significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

October 30, 2003

     /s/Dian C. Taylor     

Dian C. Taylor

Chair of the Board, Chief Executive

Officer and President

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

 

I, David B. Spacht, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Artesian Resources Corporation certify that:

       

1.        I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Artesian Resources Corporation;

       

2.        Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit            to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such            statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
           fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
           the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.        The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure            controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and            have:

 

           a)         Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and

                       procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating

                       to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others

                       within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared,

 

           b)         Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, and presented

                       in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures,

                       as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

           c)         Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting

                       that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or

                       is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial

                       reporting; and

 

5.        The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal            control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant's Board            of Directors (or persons fulfilling the equivalent functions):

 

           a)         All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal

                       control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the

                       registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

           b)         Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a

                       significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

October 30, 2003

     /s/ David B. Spacht     

David B. Spacht

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

Treasurer

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended September 30, 2003 of Artesian Resources Corporation (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Dian C. Taylor, Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Artesian Resources, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

       
 

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. section 78m(a) or section 78o(d)); and

       
 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial

condition and results of operations of Artesian Resources.

 
 
 

October 30, 2003

     /s/Dian C. Taylor     

Dian C. Taylor

Chair of the Board, Chief Executive

Officer and President

 

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended September 30, 2003 of Artesian Resources Corporation (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, David B. Spacht, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Artesian Resources, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

       
 

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. section 78m(a) or section 78o(d)); and

       
 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial

condition and results of operations of Artesian Resources.

 
 
 

October 30, 2003

     /s/David B. Spacht     

David B. Spacht

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer