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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

Form 10-K

 
(X) Annual Report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 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 0-8084

Connecticut Water Service, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Connecticut   06-0739839
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
93 West Main Street, Clinton, CT   06413
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (860) 669-8636
Registrant’s website: www.ctwater.com

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

     
Title of each Class
  Name of each exchange on which registered
None
  Not applicable

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, without par value
(Title of Class)

     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 twelve (12) months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ü     No

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K, (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  (ü)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.  Yes ü     No

 


Table of Contents

     The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates, computed on the price of such stock at the close of business on June 30, 2003 is $201,620,443.

7,924,603

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, March 1, 2004
(excluding 49,970 common stock equivalent shares)

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     
  Part of Form 10-K Into Which
Document
  Document is Incorporated

 
 
 
Definitive Proxy Statement, dated
  Part III
March 10, 2004, for Annual Meeting
   
of Shareholders to be held on
   
April 23, 2004.
   

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
LOAN AGREEMENT
INDENTURE OF TRUST
LOAN AGREEMENT
INDENTURE
BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT: EXECUTIVE
TRUST AGREEMENT
POST-EGTRRA AMENDMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO RETIREMENT PLAN
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
SUBSIDIARIES
CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
EXPLANATION OF ABSENCE OF CONSENT
CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION


Table of Contents

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 2003

             
        Page
        Number
Part I
Item 1.  
Business
    4  
Item 2.  
Properties
    9  
Item 3.  
Legal Proceedings
    11  
Item 4.  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    11  
Part II
Item 5.  
Market for the Company’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
    12  
Item 6.  
Selected Financial Data
    13  
Item 7.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    14  
Item 7A.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
    26  
Item 8.  
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
    26  
Item 9.  
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
    26  
Item 9A.  
Controls and Procedures
    27  
Part III
Item 10.  
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
    28  
Item 11.  
Executive Compensation
    29  
Item 12.  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
    29  
Item 13.  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
    29  
Item 14.  
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
    29  
Part IV
Item 15.  
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
    30  
   
Signatures
    32  

 


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 4

This Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the cautionary statements included in this Form 10-K in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “Forward Looking Information”.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The Company

The Registrant, Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (referred to as “the Company”, “we” or “our”) was organized in 1956. Connecticut Water Service, Inc. is a non-operating holding company, whose income is derived from the earnings of its eleven wholly-owned subsidiary companies. In 2003 approximately 80% of the Company’s earnings were attributable to water activities carried out within its five regulated water companies: The Connecticut Water Company, The Gallup Water Service, Incorporated, The Crystal Water Company of Danielson, The Barnstable Water Company and The Unionville Water Company. These five companies supply water to 86,750 customers in 42 towns throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Each of these companies is subject to state regulation regarding financial issues, rates, and operating issues, and to various other state and federal regulatory agencies concerning water quality and environmental standards. In addition to its regulated utilities, the Company owns six unregulated companies: Chester Realty, Inc., a real estate company in Connecticut; New England Water Utility Services, Inc., which provides contract water and sewer operations and other water related services; Connecticut Water Emergency Services, Inc., a provider of drinking and pool water by tanker truck; Crystal Water Utilities Corporation, a holding company which owns The Crystal Water Company of Danielson and three small rental properties; BARLACO, a real estate company in Massachusetts; and Barnstable Holding Company, a holding company which owns The Barnstable Water Company and BARLACO. In 2003, these unregulated companies, in conjunction with the regulated water companies, contributed the remaining 20% of the Company’s earnings through real estate transactions as well as services and rentals.

Our mission is to provide high quality water service to our customers at a fair return to our stockholders while maintaining a work environment that attracts, retains and motivates our employees to achieve a high level of performance.

Our corporate headquarters are located at 93 West Main Street, Clinton, Connecticut 06413. Our telephone number is 860.669.8636, and our Internet address is www.ctwater.com.

 


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 5

The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports will be made available free of charge through the “INVESTOR INFO (SEC Filings)” section of the Company’s Internet website (http://www.ctwater.com) as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following documents are also available through the “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” section of our website:

    Code of Ethics
 
    Role of Board
 
    Role and Composition of Committees
 
    Audit Committee Charter
 
    Compensation Committee Charter
 
    Corporate Governance Committee Charter

Copies of each of the Company’s SEC filings (without exhibits) and corporate governance documents mentioned above will also be mailed to investors, upon request.

Our Regulated Business

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations and weather variations. The demand for water is generally greater during the warmer months than the cooler months due to customers’ high water consumption related to cooling systems and various outdoor uses such as private and public swimming pools and lawn sprinklers. Demand will vary with rainfall and temperature levels from year to year and season to season, particularly during the warmer months.

In general, the profitability of the water utility industry is largely dependent on the timeliness and adequacy of rates allowed by utility regulatory commissions. In addition, profitability is affected by numerous factors over which we have little or no control, such as costs to comply with security, environmental, and water quality regulations. Inflation and other factors also impact costs for construction, materials and personnel related expenses.

Costs to comply with environmental and water quality regulations are substantial. Since the 1974 enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act we have spent approximately $50,500,000 in constructing facilities and conducting aquifer mapping necessary to comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and other federal and state regulations, of which $2,548,000 was expended in the last five years. We are presently in compliance with current regulations, but the regulations are subject to change at any time. The costs to comply with future changes in state or federal regulations, which could require us to modify existing filtration facilities and/or construct new ones, or to replace any reduction of the safe yield from any of our current sources of supply, could be substantial.

Our water companies derive their rights and franchises to operate from special state acts that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal and do not grant us exclusive rights to our service areas. Our franchises are free from burdensome restrictions, are unlimited as to time, and authorize us to sell potable water in all the towns we now serve. There is the possibility that a state could revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems. From time to time such legislation is contemplated.

 


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 6

The rates we charge our water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by a state regulatory agency. It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return. The following table shows information related to each of our water companies’ most recent general rate filing.

                         
    Date of Last   Allowed   Allowed
    Rate   Return on   Return on
    Decision
  Equity
  Rate Base
Barnstable
    1998       12.5 %     11.31 %
Connecticut Water
    1991       12.7 %     10.74 %
Crystal
    1995       12.35 %     10.16 %
Gallup
    1994       N/A *     N/A *
Unionville
    1999 ***     12.35 %     N/A **

  *   Gallup’s rates were based on its net income requirement, not on a rate of return methodology.
 
  **   Unionville’s rates were based on a return on equity methodology, not a rate base methodology.
 
  ***   Beginning mid-2003, Unionville began imposing a 30% surcharge on its customers’ water bills to recover financing and operating costs related to the construction and use of a water interconnection with a neighboring water supplier. Annually the surcharge is subject to a retroactive refund to ratepayers if total revenue for Unionville exceeds certain stipulated amounts. As part of the decision authorizing the surcharge, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control also limited the conditions upon which Unionville may seek a rate increase prior to September 1, 2005.

Our Water Systems

Our water infrastructure consists of 29 noncontiguous water systems in the State of Connecticut and one water system in Massachusetts. Our system, in total, consists of 1,370 miles of water main and reservoir storage capacity of 7.0 billion gallons. The safe, dependable yield from our 131 active wells and 20 reservoirs is approximately 52 million gallons per day. Water sources vary among the individual systems, but overall approximately 42% of the total dependable yield comes from reservoirs and 58% from wells.

We supply water, and in most cases, fire protection to all or portions of 42 towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The following table lists the customer count, operating revenues and customer water consumption for each of our water companies as of December 31, 2003.

                         
    Number   Water   Customer Water
    of   Revenues   Consumption
Water Company
  customers
  ($000's)
  (millions of gallons)
Barnstable Water Company
    7,174     $ 2,517       813  
Connecticut Water Company
    68,895       39,301       5,688  
Crystal Water Company
    3,694       2,071       438  
Gallup Water Service
    1,225       642       89  
Unionville Water Company
    5,762       2,584       612  
Total
    86,750     $ 47,115       7,640  

 


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 7

The following table breaks down the above total figures by customer class:

                         
            Water   Customer Water
    Number of   Revenues   Consumption
Customer Class
  customers
  ($000's)
  (millions of gallons)
Residential
    76,886     $ 29,172       5,235  
Commercial
    6,274       6,210       1,579  
Industrial
    436       1,616       443  
Public Authority
    575       1,494       383  
Fire Protection
    1,638       8,105       0  
Other (including non-metered accounts)
    941       518       0  
Total
    86,750     $ 47,115       7,640  

Disposition of Property

Our water companies own various small, discrete parcels of land that are no longer required for water supply purposes. At December 31, 2003 this land totaled approximately 500 acres. Over the past years we have been slowly disposing of such excess land. The largest transaction to date has been the donation of land by the Crystal Water Company to the Town of Killingly for protected open space purposes over a three-year period, 2002 — 2004. In January 2004, the final parcel of land was transferred to the Town. Over the three-year period the following acreage was donated to the Town under this agreement:

                 
Year
  Acres
  After-tax Profit
2002
    54     $ 293,000  
2003
    178     $ 942,000  
2004
    133     $ 712,000  

Primarily due to a Connecticut corporate tax credit, which was legislatively enacted in 2000, the donation of land for protected open space purposes results in a greater after-tax profit to the Company than a sale of the land would provide.

Future disposition of land by our Connecticut regulated water companies is limited by the Memorandum of Understanding that the Company entered into with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection on December 4, 2002 (See “Moratorium on Land Sales” in the Commitments and Contingencies section of ITEM 7 of this Form 10-K).

We also have a limited amount of land held by our unregulated companies. Included in this category is approximately 100 acres of land held by BARLACO Inc., which we acquired in February 2001 in conjunction with the Company’s acquisition of The Barnstable Holding Company.

 


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 8

Competition

Our water companies face competition, presently not material, from a few private water systems operating within, or adjacent to, their franchise areas and from municipal and public authority systems whose service areas in some cases overlap portions of our water companies’ franchise areas.

Employees

As of December 31, 2003, we employed a total of 195 persons. Our employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

Segments of Our Business

For management purposes we divide our business into three Business segments: Water Activities, Real Estate Transactions, and Services and Rentals.

The Water Activities segment is comprised of our core regulated water activities to supply public drinking water to our customers. This segment encompasses all transactions of all our regulated companies with the exception of real estate transactions and service and rental activities.

Our Real Estate Transactions segment involves the sale or donation for income tax benefits of our limited excess real estate holdings. These transactions can be effected by either our regulated or unregulated companies. A breakdown of the net profits of this segment between our regulated and unregulated companies for the past three years is as follows:

                         
    Net Income from Real Estate Transactions
    Regulated
Unregulated
Total
2003
  $ 942,000     $ 87,000     $ 1,029,000  
2002
  $ 440,000           $ 440,000  
2001
  $ 1,121,000           $ 1,121,000  

Our Services and Rentals segment provides contracted services to water and wastewater utilities and other clients and also leases certain of our properties to third parties. Both our regulated and unregulated companies offer these transactions. The types of services provided include contract operations of water and wastewater facilities; Linebacker®, our service line protection plan for public drinking water customers, and providing bulk deliveries of emergency drinking water to businesses and residences via tanker truck. Our lease and rental income comes primarily from telecommunication antennas placed on our water storage tanks by telecommunication companies, as well as from the renting of residential and commercial property.

 


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 9

Some of the services listed above, including the service line protection plan and antenna leases, have little or no competition. But there can be considerable competition for contract operations of large water and wastewater facilities and systems. However, we have sought to develop a niche market by seeking to serve smaller facilities and systems in our service areas where there is less competition. The services and rentals segment, while relatively new and a small portion of our overall business, has grown significantly over the past five years and now provide nearly eight percent of our overall net income. The table below describes the net profits generated by this segment of our business from our regulated and unregulated companies for the past three years:

                         
    Net Income from Real Estate Transactions
    Regulated
Unregulated
Total
2003
  $ 411,000     $ 322,000     $ 733,000  
2002
  $ 274,000     $ 170,000     $ 444,000  
2001
  $ 240,000     $ 132,000     $ 372,000  

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The properties of our water companies consist of land, easements, rights (including water rights), buildings, reservoirs, standpipes, dams, wells, supply lines, treatment plants, pumping plants, transmission and distribution mains and conduits, mains and other facilities and equipment used for the collection, purification, storage and distribution of water. Although, our regulated water companies own their principal properties in fee, substantially all of the properties owned by Barnstable Water, Connecticut Water, Crystal Water and Unionville Water companies are subject to liens as security for outstanding debt. In addition, in certain cases, our water companies are parties to limited contractual arrangements for the provision of water supply from neighboring utilities. We believe that our properties are in good operating condition. Water mains are located, for the most part, in public streets and, in a few instances, are located on land that we own in fee and land utilized pursuant to easement right, most of which are perpetual and adequate for the purpose for which they are held.

The net utility plant balances of the water companies at December 31, 2003 were as follows:

         
    Net Utility Plant
Barnstable
  $ 6,468,000  
Connecticut Water
    196,568,000  
Crystal
    10,416,000  
Gallup
    3,250,000  
Unionville
    18,396,000  
Total
  $ 235,098,000  

 


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 10

Sources of water supply owned, maintained, and operated by our regulated water companies include eighteen reservoirs and fifty-five well fields. In addition, Connecticut Water has an agreement with the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) (a public water and sewer authority presently serving the City of Hartford and portions of surrounding towns), which provides, among other things, for the operation and maintenance by MDC of a filtration plant to supply up to 650,000 gallons of treated water per day for Connecticut Water’s Collinsville System. Collectively, these sources have the capacity to deliver approximately fifty-one million gallons of potable water daily to the sixteen major operating systems in the following table. In addition to the principal systems identified, our regulated water companies own, maintain, and operate fifteen small, non-interconnected satellite and consecutive water systems that, combined have the ability to deliver about one million gallons of additional water per day to their respective systems. For some small consecutive water systems, purchased water may comprise substantially all of the total available supply of the system.

Our regulated water companies own and operate fifteen water filtration facilities, having a combined treatment capacity of approximately 26.33 million gallons per day. Of these facilities, twelve are owned by Connecticut Water, two by Unionville Water, and one by Crystal Water. Gallup and Barnstable Water do not have, or require, water filtration facilities.

The companies’ estimated available water supply, not including water purchases or non-principal systems, is as follows:

         
    ESTIMATED
    AVAILABLE SUPPLY
    (MILLION GALLONS PER
    DAY)
Barnstable
    3.41  
 
   
 
 
Connecticut Water
Guilford System
    8.60  
Chester System
    1.69  
Naugatuck System
    7.02  
Terryville System
    0.91  
Thomaston System
    1.08  
Collinsville System
    0.65  
Northern Western System
    15.12  
Somers System
    0.38  
Stafford System
    1.00  
 
   
 
 
Crystal
Danielson System
    3.69  
Plainfield System
    1.01  
Thompson System
    0.29  
KIP System
    0.50  
 
   
 
 
Gallup
    1.44  
 
   
 
 
Unionville
    4.35  
 
   
 
 
Total
    51.14  
 
   
 
 

As of December 31, 2003, the transmission and distribution systems of our five water companies consisted of approximately 1,370 miles of main. On that date, approximately 75 percent of our mains were eight-inch diameter or larger. Substantially all new main installations are cement-lined ductile iron pipe of eight-inch diameter or larger.

 


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 11

The size of each company’s system(s) in terms of miles of mains is as follows:

         
    Miles of
    Transmission and
    Distribution Water
    Mains
Barnstable Water
    100  
Connecticut Water
    1,070  
Crystal
    70  
Gallup
    20  
Unionville
    110  
Total
    1,370  

We believe that our properties are maintained in good condition and in accordance with current regulations and standards of good waterworks industry practice.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal proceedings from time to time. Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which we, or any of our subsidiaries are a party, or to which any of our properties is subject, that presents a reasonable likelihood of a material adverse impact on the Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None.

 


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 12

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol “CTWS”. Our quarterly high and low stock prices as reported by NASDAQ and the cash dividends we paid during 2003 and 2002 are listed as follows:

                                         
                    Price
          Dividends
Period
          High
          Low
  Paid
2003
                                       
First Quarter
          $ 27.49             $ 24.00     $ .2050  
Second Quarter
            26.96               24.22     $ .2050  
Third Quarter
            30.41               25.20     $ .2075  
Fourth Quarter
            30.25               26.96     $ .2075  
2002
                                       
First Quarter
          $ 31.00             $ 26.53     $ .2022  
Second Quarter
            31.09               24.00     $ .2022  
Third Quarter
            30.00               20.35     $ .2050  
Fourth Quarter
            27.12               24.05     $ .2050  

As of March 1, 2004 there were approximately 5,000 holders of record of our common stock.

We presently intend to pay quarterly cash dividends in 2004 on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 subject to our earnings and financial condition, regulatory requirements and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

 


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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                         
Years Ended December 31, (thousands of dollars except per share                    
amounts and where otherwise indicated)
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Operating Revenues
  $ 47,115     $ 45,830     $ 45,392     $ 43,997     $ 45,171  
Operating Expenses
  $ 35,584     $ 33,996     $ 34,078     $ 32,335     $ 33,382  
Operating Income
  $ 11,531     $ 11,834     $ 11,314     $ 11,662     $ 11,789  
Interest and Debt Expense
  $ 4,635     $ 4,534     $ 4,632     $ 4,782     $ 4,720  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
  $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 8,401     $ 7,858     $ 7,780  
Cash Common Stock Dividends Paid
  $ 6,529     $ 6,277     $ 6,105     $ 5,890     $ 5,688  
Dividend Payout Ratio
    71 %     72 %     73 %     75 %     73 %
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
    7,956,426       7,717,608       7,619,031       7,604,546       7,593,376  
Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.13     $ 1.10     $ 1.03     $ 1.02  
Number of Shares Outstanding at Year End
    7,967,381       7,939,713       7,649,362       7,604,594       7,596,141  
ROE on Year End Common Equity
    11.0 %     10.9 %     11.9 %     11.7 %     12.0 %
Declared Common Dividends Per Share*
  $ 0.825     $ 0.814     $ 0.804     $ 0.795     $ 0.787  
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET Common Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 83,315     $ 79,975     $ 70,783     $ 67,110     $ 64,915  
Long-Term Debt
  $ 64,754     $ 64,734     $ 63,953     $ 66,283     $ 67,099  
Minority Interest
  $     $     $     $ 117     $ 142  
Preferred Stock (Consolidated, Excluding Current Maturities)
  $ 847     $ 847     $ 847     $ 847     $ 847  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Capitalization
  $ 148,916     $ 145,556     $ 135,583     $ 134,357     $ 133,003  
Stockholders’ Equity (Includes Preferred Stock)
    57 %     56 %     53 %     51 %     49 %
Long-Term Debt
    43 %     44 %     47 %     49 %     51 %
Net Utility Plant
  $ 235,098     $ 229,097     $ 202,330     $ 193,169     $ 187,613  
Book Value — Per Common Share
  $ 10.46     $ 10.07     $ 9.25     $ 8.82     $ 8.55  
OPERATING REVENUES BY REVENUE CLASS Residential
  $ 29,172     $ 28,680     $ 28,621     $ 27,364     $ 28,422  
Commercial
    6,210       6,036       5,941       5,817       6,093  
Industrial
    1,616       1,709       1,687       1,905       1,850  
Public Authority
    1,494       1,436       1,460       1,481       1,561  
Fire Protection
    8,105       7,434       7,187       6,960       6,861  
Other (including non-metered accounts)
    518       535       496       470       384  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
  $ 47,115     $ 45,830     $ 45,392     $ 43,997     $ 45,171  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Number of Customers (Average)
    86,145       82,119       78,156       77,183       76,061  
Billed Consumption (Millions of Gallons)
    7,640       7,418       7,259       6,911       7,330  
Number of Employees
    195       191       181       184       180  


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Overview

The Company is a non-operating holding company, whose income is derived from the earnings of its eleven wholly-owned subsidiary companies. In 2003, approximately 80% of the Company’s earnings were attributable to water activities carried out within its five regulated water companies: The Connecticut Water Company, The Gallup Water Service, Incorporated, The Crystal Water Company of Danielson, The Barnstable Water Company and The Unionville Water Company. Over 95% of this water activity income comes from The Connecticut Water Company (Connecticut Water) our largest subsidiary and water company. Connecticut Water has not had an increase in its rates since 1991. Primarily due to the construction of six major water treatment plants during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, our overall investment in gross utility plant increased by $122,881,000, or 270%, from 1978 to 1991 which resulted in our water rates being amongst the highest in Connecticut. In 1991 we began developing opportunities to increase revenues and earnings without raising regulated water rates. Through these efforts we have successfully:

  -   Increased our consolidated earnings each year since 1991 without increasing water rates, and;
 
  -   Continued increasing our common dividend payments per share during this period.

We believe that it is likely that we will have to seek regulatory approval to increase rates charged at some or all of our 5 regulated water companies during the next 5 years. The material factors that will affect our decision to consider rate increases in the next 5 years are:

  -   Expected increases in infrastructure investment are necessary to insure a safe, reliable water system remains in place,
 
  -   Modest historical and projected annual growth in regulated water sales of approximately 1.5%, and;
 
  -   Increases in operating costs such as wage, pension, medical and insurance costs.

On a year-to-year basis our earnings are primarily influenced by weather patterns that affect our customers’ water usage and thereby our revenues. Our revenues may fluctuate by as much as $1.5 million (or 3.0%) over or under a normal year because customers use more water in hot, dry years and less water in cool, rainy years.

Regulatory Matters and Inflation

The Company, like all other businesses, is affected by inflation, most notably by the continually increasing costs required to maintain, improve and expand its service capabilities. The cumulative effect of inflation over time results in significantly higher operating costs and facility replacement costs, which must be recovered from future cash flows.

 


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Our water companies are also subject to environmental and water quality regulations. Costs to comply with environmental and water quality regulations are substantial. We are currently in compliance with current regulations, but the regulations are subject to change at any time. The costs to comply with future changes in state or federal regulations, which could require us to modify current filtration facilities and/or construct new ones, or to replace any reduction of the safe yield from any of our current sources of supply, could be substantial.

Our water companies’ ability to recover their increased expenses and/or investment in utility plant is dependent on the regulatory rates they charge their customers. Changes to these rates must be approved by the appropriate regulatory authority through formal rate proceedings. The rates of our four Connecticut based water companies are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control and our Massachusetts water company’s rates are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. Due to the subjectivity of certain items involved in the process of establishing rates such as future customer growth, inflation and allowed return on investment, we have no assurance that our water companies will be able to raise their rates to a level we consider appropriate, or to raise their rates at all, through any future rate proceeding.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP) and as directed by the regulatory commissions to which the Company’s subsidiaries are subject. (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our significant accounting policies.) The Company believes the following policies and estimates are critical to the presentation of its consolidated financial statements.

Public Utility Regulation - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards - Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” (FAS 71), requires cost based, rate-regulated enterprises such as the Company’s water companies to reflect the impact of regulatory decisions in their financial statements. The state regulators, through the rate regulation process, can create regulatory assets that result when costs are allowed for ratemaking purposes in a period after the period in which costs would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise. The balance sheet includes regulatory assets and liabilities as appropriate, primarily related to income taxes and post-retirement benefit costs. The Company believes, based on current regulatory circumstances, that the regulatory assets recorded are likely to be recovered and that its use of regulatory accounting is appropriate and in accordance with the provisions of FAS 71. Material regulatory assets are earning a return.

Revenue Recognition – Revenue from metered customers includes billings to customers based on quarterly meter readings plus an estimate of water used between the customer’s last meter reading and the end of the accounting period. The unbilled revenue amount is listed as a current asset on the balance sheet. The amount recorded as unbilled revenue is generally higher during the summer months when water sales are higher. Based upon historical experience, management believes the Company’s estimate of unbilled revenues is reasonable.

 


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Pension Plan Accounting – The discount rate assumption we use to value our pension benefit obligations has a material impact on the amount of pension expense we record in a given period. Our 2002 and 2003 pension expense was calculated using assumed discount rates of 7.25% and 6.5%, respectively. In 2004 our pension expense will be calculated with an assumed discount rate of 6.25%. The following shows how much a one percent change in our assumed discount rate would have changed our reported 2003 pension expenses:

         
    Increase
    (Decrease)
    in expense
A 1% increase in the discount rate
    ($196,000 )
A 1% decrease in the discount rate
  $ 222,000  

Outlook

The Company’s profitability is primarily attributable to the sale and distribution of water, the amount of which is dependent on seasonal weather fluctuations, particularly during the summer months when water demand will vary with rainfall and temperature levels.

After the terrorist strike on September 11, 2001, water companies have had to increase security on their water supplies and facilities. This has resulted in increases in operating and capital costs related to security, which are typically recoverable in a rate proceeding.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In recent years, we have attempted to limit our investment in utility plant to the amount of funds generated from our consolidated operations. Under this policy, the Company has not been required to significantly increase its long-term debt obligations in order to fund its annual construction program. The following table shows the total construction expenditures for each of the last three years and what we expect to invest on construction projects in 2004.

                         
            Construction    
    Gross   Funded by   Construction
    Construction   Developers &   Funded by
    Expenditures
  Others
  Company
2001
  $ 14,218,000     $ 4,332,000     $ 9,886,000  
2002
  $ 15,691,000     $ 4,992,000     $ 10,699,000  
2003
  $ 11,909,000     $ 3,522,000     $ 8,387,000  
2004 (Projected)
  $ 14,464,000     $ 3,300,000     $ 11,164,000  

 


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We currently fund our working capital requirements through our lines of credit with three banks, which provide liquidity to satisfy ongoing cash needs. We consider the current aggregate $12,500,000 lines of credit to be adequate to finance any expected short-term borrowing requirements that may arise in 2004. All the lines have one-year lives and will expire at different dates in 2004. We expect to renew the lines in 2004. The interest rates payable are variable and fluctuate over time based on financial conditions. The weighted average interest rate on the $9,700,000 balance outstanding at December 31, 2003 was 1.523%.

During 2003 interest rates fell to historically low levels. We took advantage of the low rates and refinanced a portion of our long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2003. On October 30, 2003, Connecticut Water borrowed $22.93 million from the issuance of Water Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds by the Connecticut Development Authority. The bonds were sold in two series with the following terms:

     
2003 A Series: $8,000,000 (Non-AMT)
2003 C Series: $14,930,000 (AMT)
  4.40% Maturing 12/15/2020 5.00% Maturing 09/01/2022

The proceeds of the transaction were used to redeem the Series R and S first mortgage bonds of Connecticut Water Company and paid for a portion of the expenses associated with the issuance.

During the first quarter of 2004, Connecticut Water refinanced an additional portion of its long-term debt through the issuance of $12,500,000 of variable rate, taxable debenture bonds Series 2004 with a maturity date of January 4, 2029. The bonds have been secured by an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit issued by a financial institution, with a five-year term expiring in March 2009. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds, which are general debt obligations of Connecticut Water, will be used to redeem the $12,050,000 aggregate principal amount of Connecticut Water’s First Mortgage Bonds (Series V) and to pay a portion of the expenses associated with the bonds’ refunding.

In connection with the issuance of the Bonds, Connecticut Water entered into an interest rate swap transaction with a counterparty in the notional principal amount of $12,500,000. The interest rate swap agreement provides that, beginning in April 2004 and thereafter on a monthly basis, Connecticut Water will pay the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.73% on the notional amount for a period of five years. In exchange, the counterparty will, beginning in April 2004 and thereafter on a monthly basis, pay Connecticut Water a floating interest rate (based on 105% of the U.S. Dollar one-month LIBOR rate) on the notional amount for a period of five years. The purpose of the interest rate swap is to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in prevailing interest rates.

During the first six months of 2004, Unionville expects to secure $1.6 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for costs incurred in developing a water interconnection with a neighboring water supplier. The funds will be used to pay off a portion of the balances outstanding under bank lines of credit.

 


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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

We do not use off-balance sheet arrangements such as securitization of receivables with any unconsolidated entities or other parties. The Company does not engage in trading or risk management activities and does not have material transactions involving related parties other than the interest rate swap agreement discussed above.

The following table summarizes the Company’s future contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2003:

                                         
    Payments due by Periods            
    (in thousands of dollars)
           
            Less                   More
            than 1   Years   Years   than 5
Contractual Obligations
  Total
  year
  1 - 3
  4 and 5
  years
Long-Term Debt
  $ 65,008     $ 254     $ 802     $ 580     $ 63,372  
Operating Lease Obligations
    2,050       781       912       293       64  
Purchase Obligations (1)
    29,002       750       1,334       1,218       25,700  
Total
  $ 96,060     $ 1,785     $ 3,048     $ 2,091     $ 89,136  


(1)   Includes long and short-term capital purchase obligations. Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on the registrant and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities, fixed minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction.

Interim Bank Loans Payable at year-end 2003 was $9,700,000, which is $2,750,000 higher than at the end of 2002.

During 2003, the Company incurred approximately $11.9 million of construction expenditures. The Company financed such expenditures through internally generated funds, customers’ advances, contributions in aid of construction and short-term borrowings.

The Board of Directors has approved an $11.2 million construction budget for 2004, net of amounts to be financed by customer advances and contributions in aid of construction. Funds primarily provided by operating activities are expected to finance this entire construction program given normal weather patterns and related operating revenue billings. Refer to Note 10, Utility Plant and Construction Program, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the Company’s future construction program.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Overview of 2003 Results

Earnings for 2003 were higher than 2002 due to increased profits in our ‘Real Estate’ and ‘Services and Rentals’ business segments, which more than offset a reduction in profits from our ‘Water Activities’ segment.

 


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The profits generated by the real estate segment increased from 2002 primarily because the most valuable parcel of the three parcels being donated to the Town of Killingly, CT over a three-year period was donated in 2003. The net profits (tax benefits) by year from donations under this agreement are:

         
2002
  $ 293,000  
2003
  $ 942,000  
2004*
  $ 712,000  

*   donated in January, 2004

The net profits generated from the services and rental segment increased by 65% from 2002. In 2003, we increased the profit margins generated by our service contract operations, increased customer enrollment in our service line maintenance program and increased the number of leases we have with telecommunications companies that lease space on our water storage tanks for their antenna sites. We have been working hard to grow this segment of the business and are optimistic that we can continue to do so. Our net profits and growth rates for this segment over the last thee years are:

                 
    Services and    
    Rental    
    Increased Net    
    Profit Over    
    Prior Year
  % Increase
2001
  $ 106,000       40 %
2002
  $ 72,000       19 %
2003
  $ 289,000       65 %

Earnings from our core ‘Water Activities’ segment declined in 2003. The unusually rainy and cool weather experienced during 2003 caused our customers on average to use less water than they would normally use. Operating revenues overall were approximately $1.3 million lower in 2003 than they would have been in a ‘normal’ weather year. This segment also experienced a 16.5% increase in operation and maintenance expense in 2003. In addition to picking up 10 additional months of expenses associated with Unionville, which was acquired on October 31, 2002, this segment experienced higher wages, medical, pension, insurance, and power costs. There was also a higher than normal incidence of weather related main breaks in addition to the normal increases in depreciation and property tax expense related to the Company’s increased investment in utility plant. Somewhat offsetting these negative impacts on earnings was a 1.5% increase in the number of utility customers plus a lower 2003 effective income tax rate due to book/tax timing differences, lower pre-tax income and a reduction in estimated tax liabilities associated with non-current periods.

 


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Results on a comparable basis

Because we acquired Unionville on October 31, 2002, and because we accounted for the acquisition of Unionville under the purchase method of accounting, our consolidated income statements include different amounts of Unionville operating results in years 2001, 2002 and 2003.

         
    Number of months
    Of Unionville Operating
    Results
2001
    0  
2002
    2  
2003
    12  

To assist us and our investors in analyzing operating results by income statement line, Company management internally looks at our consolidated results without Unionville to measure performance on a comparable company basis. The following are comparable income statements with the results of Unionville removed.

 


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2003 Results Compared with 2002        
INCOME STATEMENTS        
For the years ended, December 31, (in        
thousands)
  2003
  2002
                    Without                   Without
    Consolidated
  Unionville
  Unionville
  Consolidated
  Unionville
  Unionville
Operating Revenues
  $ 47,115     $ 2,584     $ 44,531       45,830       361     $ 45,469  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating Expenses
Operation and Maintenance
    22,759       1,588       21,171       19,531       226       19,305  
Depreciation
    5,684       472       5,212       5,187       74       5,113  
Income Taxes
    2,008       140       1,868       4,482       6       4,476  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    5,133       204       4,929       4,796       36       4,760  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    35,584       2,404       33,180       33,996       342       33,654  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Utility Operating Income
    11,531       180       11,351       11,834       19       11,815  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
Gain on Property Transactions
  1,029             1,029       440             440  
Non-Water Sales Earnings
    733       18       715       444             444  
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
    476       58       418       470       8       462  
Other
    76       1       75       126       1       125  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
2,314       77       2,237       1,480       9       1,471  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest and Debt Expenses
Interest on Long-Term Debt
    4,016       92       3,924       3,909       16       3,893  
Other Interest Charges
    385       10       375       365             365  
Amortization of Debt Expense
    234       1       233       260             260  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Interest and Debt Expenses
    4,635       103       4,532       4,534       16       4,518  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Income Before Preferred Dividends
    9,210       154       9,056       8,780       12       8,768  
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement
    38             38       38             38  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
  $ 9,172     $ 154     $ 9,018       8,742       12     $ 8,730  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


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2002 Results Compared with 2001

INCOME STATEMENTS
For the years ended, December 31, (in thousands)

                                 
 
  2002
  2001
                    Without   Without
    Consolidated
  Unionville
  Unionville
  Unionville
Operating Revenues
  $ 45,830     $ 361     $ 45,469     $ 45,392  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating Expenses
Operation and Maintenance
    19,531       226       19,305       20,076  
Depreciation
    5,187       74       5,113       4,837  
Income Taxes
    4,482       6       4,476       4,777  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    4,796       36       4,760       4,388  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    33,996       342       33,654       34,078  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Utility Operating Income
    11,834       19       11,815       11,314  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
Gain on Property Transactions
    440             440       1,121  
Non-Water Sales Earnings
    444             444       372  
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
    470       8       462       439  
Merger Costs
                      (352 )
Other
    126       1       125       177  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
    1,480       9       1,471       1,757  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest and Debt Expenses
Interest and Debt Expenses Interest on Long-Term Debt
    3,909       16       3,893       4,057  
Other Interest Charges
    365             365       353  
Amortization of Debt Expense
    260             260       222  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Interest and Debt Expenses
    4,534       16       4,518       4,632  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Income Before Preferred Dividends
    8,780       12       8,768       8,439  
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement
    38             38       38  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
  $ 8,742     $ 12     $ 8,730     $ 8,401  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


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2002 Compared with 2001

Net income applicable to common stock for 2002 in total increased from that of 2001 by $341,000, or $.03 per average basic share. The 2002 increase includes $12,000 relating to two months of 2002 net income generated by Unionville which was acquired on October 31, 2002.

Excluding Unionville’s operating results:

     Operating revenues increased only .2% despite a 1.6% increase in number of customers served due to a decline in the average amount of water our customers consumed. While the 2002 average customer water usage might be considered average, the 2001 customer water usage was atypically high due to the drought conditions we experienced in 2001.

Non recurring items contributing to the 2002 increase in net income were:

    a 2002 $344,000 mark to market adjustment on the Company’s common stock equivalent shares outstanding
 
    2001 merger costs of $352,000 relating to the Company’s pooling of interests treatment of the 2001 Barnstable acquisition.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Security — Recent enactment of the Bioterriorism Response Act of 2001 require all public water systems serving over 3,300 people to prepare Vulnerability Assessments (VA) of their critical utility assets. The assessments are to be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by June 2004 followed by an Emergency Response Plan by December 2004. The information within the VA is not subject to release to the public and is protected from Freedom of Information inquiries. Investment in security-related improvements is ongoing and management believes that the costs associated with any such improvements would be chargeable for recovery in future rate proceedings.

Reverse Privatization — Our water companies derive their rights and franchises to operate from state laws that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal, and do not grant permanent exclusive rights to our service areas. Our franchises are free from burdensome restrictions, are unlimited as to time, and authorize us to sell potable water in all towns we now serve. There is the possibility that states could revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems. From time to time such legislation is contemplated.

The Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts has advised the Company that it is actively considering the acquisition of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Barnstable Holding Company. The Town takes the position that it has the right to acquire The Barnstable Holding Company pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts legislation passed in 1911. The Company has advised the Town of Barnstable that the Company does not believe the Town has any statutory right to acquire The Barnstable Holding Company.

 


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Environmental and Water Quality Regulation — The Company is subject to environmental and water quality regulations. Costs to comply with environmental and water quality regulations are substantial. We are currently in compliance with current regulations, but the regulations are subject to change at any time. The costs to comply with future changes in state or federal regulations, which could require us to modify current filtration facilities and/or construct new ones, or to replace any reduction of the safe yield from any of our current sources of supply, could be substantial.

Moratorium on Land Sales — On December 4, 2002, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The MOU provides for a voluntary two-year moratorium on the sale of approximately 7,100 acres of undeveloped Class I, II, and III water company lands held by the Company’s Connecticut water company subsidiaries. Class I and II water company lands, as defined by Public Health Code regulations, are those that are within the watershed or drainage area of a public water supply. Class III lands are those that are not located within the watershed. Under the terms of the MOU, the DEP in cooperation with the Company’s Connecticut water companies will assess and evaluate all undeveloped Class I, II and III land holdings to determine the desirability of the State of Connecticut’s acquiring the land for open space and to develop strategies to fund the acquisitions of such properties in fee or by easement from the Company. If the DEP determines that the Company’s Class I, II and III land holdings are desirable, the Company and the DEP have agreed to negotiate in good faith to determine a price for the Company’s land holdings based upon appraised values. However, the Company is not obligated by the MOU to sell such lands to the State of Connecticut. If the DEP determines that certain parcels of Class III land covered by the MOU do not meet its criteria for desirable open space, the Company can apply to the Department of Public Utility Control to sell or otherwise dispose of the land. The Company has no intention of selling or otherwise disposing of Class I and II lands that have an impact on drinking water supply and water quality. The MOU does not affect the land donation to the Town of Killingly mentioned above. In 2003, the DEP released approximately 130 acres of land from the restrictions of the MOU.

Rock Excavation Contract — In 2002, Connecticut Water signed a contract with O & G Industries, Inc. of Torrington, Connecticut regarding excavation of rock from a 28-acre parcel of land that the company owns in Prospect, Connecticut. At that time, the Company expected that the rock excavation could yield income of $2 — $3 million in total over the 20-year life of the contract. A subsequent environmental assessment has indicated that the property contains sensitive wetland areas, which have to be protected. The Company now expects minimal proceeds from this project if it goes forward at all.

Taxes — Due to the current environment of state budget deficits, the Company and its subsidiaries may be subject to a higher tax burden through changes in state legislation. Also, the Company’s future property tax burden may increase as state aid to towns is decreased.

 


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FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This report, including management’s discussion and analysis, contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s results of operations and financial position. These forward looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from expected results.

Our water companies are subject to various federal and state regulatory agencies concerning water quality and environmental standards. Generally, the water industry is materially dependent on the adequacy of approved rates to allow for a fair rate of return on the investment in utility plant. The ability to maintain our operating costs at the lowest possible level, while providing good quality water service, is beneficial to customers and stockholders. Profitability is also dependent on the timeliness of rate relief, when necessary, and numerous factors over which we have little or no control, such as the quantity of rainfall and temperature, industrial demand, financing costs, energy rates, tax rates, and stock market trends which may affect the return earned on pension assets, and compliance with environmental and water quality regulations. The profitability of our other revenue sources is subject to the amount of land we have available for sale and/or donation, the demand for the land, the continuation of the current state tax benefits relating to the donation of land for open space purposes, regulatory approval of land dispositions, the demand for telecommunications antenna site leases and the successful extensions and expansion of our service contract work. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

     The primary market risk faced by the Company is interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had no exposure to derivative financial instruments or financial instruments with significant credit risk or off-balance sheet risks. In addition, the Company is not subject in any material respect to any currency or other commodity risk.

     The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. The Company’s exposure to interest fluctuations is managed at the Company and subsidiary operations levels through the use of a combination of fixed rate long-term debt (and variable rate borrowings) under financing arrangements entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries and the use of the interest rate swap agreement discussed below. The Company has $12,500,000 current lines of credit with three banks, under which interim bank loans payable at December 31, 2003 were $9,700,000.

     During the first quarter of 2004, Connecticut Water entered into a five-year interest rate swap transaction in connection with the refunding of its First Mortgage Bonds (Series V). The swap agreement provides for Connecticut Water’s exchange of floating rate interest payment obligations for fixed rate interest payment obligations on a notional principal amount of $12,500,000. The purpose of the interest rate swap is to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations” above for further information. The Company does not enter into derivative financial contracts for trading or speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments.

     Management does not believe that changes in interest rates will have a material effects on income or cash flow during 2004, although there can be no assurances that interest rates will not significantly change.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Connecticut Water Service, Inc., and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements together with the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are included herein on pages F-2 through F-26.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

On June 20, 2002, the Company filed a Form 8-K to report the dismissal of Arthur Andersen LLP as its independent accountants and the retainer of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s new independent accountants.

 


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 27

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of December 31, 2003, management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14(c) and Rule13a-15(e)). Based upon, and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure to be made within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Further, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 


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 28

PART III

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3), the information called for by Items 10, (except for information concerning the executive officers of the Company) 11, 12, 13 and 14 is hereby incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed on EDGAR on or about March 10, 2004. Information concerning the executive officers of the Company is included as Item 10 of this report.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The following is a list of the executive officers of the Company:

                             
                Period Held or   Term of Office
Name
  Age
  Office
  Prior Position
  Expires
M. T. Chiaraluce
  61   President, Chief   Held position of   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      Executive Officer   President since        
 
      and Chairman of the   January, 1992 and        
 
      Board   position of Chief        
 
              Executive Officer        
 
              since July, 1992        
D. C. Benoit
  46   Vice President –   Held current   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      Finance, Chief   position or other        
 
      Financial Officer   executive position        
 
      and Treasurer   with the company        
 
              since April, 1996        
J. R. McQueen
  61   Vice President –   Held current   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      Engineering and   position or other        
 
      Planning   management or        
 
              engineering        
 
              position with the        
 
              Company since        
 
              October, 1965        
T. P. O’Neill
  50   Vice President –   Held current   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      Operations   position or other        
 
              engineering        
 
              position with the        
 
              Company since        
 
              February, 1980        
M. P. Westbrook
  44   Vice President –   Held current   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      Administration and   position or other        
 
      Government Affairs   management position        
 
              with the Company        
 
              since September,        
 
                1988          
P. J. Bancroft
  54   Assistant Treasurer   Held current   2004 Annual Meeting
 
      and Controller   position or other        
 
              accounting position        
 
              with the Company        
 
              since October, 1979        
M. G. DiAcri
  58   Corporate Secretary   Held administrative   2004 Annual Meeting
 
              position with the        
 
              Company since        
 
              February, 1990        

 


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 29

For further information regarding the executive officers see the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 10, 2004.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 


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30

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   1.   Financial Statements:
 
        The report of the Company’s management, the report of independent public auditors and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 hereof are filed as part of this report, commencing on page F-2.

         
        Page
    Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule   F-1
    Reports of Independent Auditors   F-2
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001   F-4
    Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002   F-5
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001   F-6
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-7
2.   Financial Statement Schedules:    
    The following schedules of the Company are included on the attached pages as indicated:    
    Reports of Independent Auditors on Financial Statement Schedules   S-1
    Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001   S-2
         
    All other schedules provided for in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.    

 


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31

         
        Page
3.   Exhibits:    
         
    Exhibits for Connecticut Water Service, Inc. are in the Index to Exhibits   E-1
         
    Exhibits heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as indicated below are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as if filed herewith. Exhibits marked by asterisk (*) are being filed herewith.    
         
    (b)      Reports on Form 8-K:    
         
              None    

 


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F-1

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

         
    Page
   
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule
    F-1  
Reports of Independent Auditors
    F-2  
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
    F-4  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003, and 2002
    F-5  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
    F-6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  
Reports of Independent Auditors on Financial Statement Schedules
    S-1  
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
    S-2  

 


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F-2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. The financial statements of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated February 8, 2002.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 11, 2004, except for Note 16, as to which the date is March 4, 2004

 


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F-3

Set forth below is a copy of a report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP, in connection with the Company’s filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with the Company’s filing on Form 10-K. See Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Connecticut Water Service, Inc., and Subsidiaries (a Connecticut corporation) as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 8, 2002

 


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Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and Subsidiaries

F-4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                             
For the Years Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share data)   2003   2002   2001

 
 
 
Operating Revenues
  $ 47,115     $ 45,830     $ 45,392  
 
   
     
     
 
Operating Expenses
                       
 
Operation and Maintenance
    22,759       19,531       20,076  
 
Depreciation
    5,684       5,187       4,837  
 
Income Taxes
    2,008       4,482       4,777  
 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    5,133       4,796       4,388  
 
   
     
     
 
   
Total Operating Expenses
    35,584       33,996       34,078  
 
   
     
     
 
Utility Operating Income
    11,531       11,834       11,314  
 
   
     
     
 
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
                       
 
Gain on Property Transactions
    1,029       440       1,121  
 
Non-Water Sales Earnings
    733       444       372  
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
    476       470       439  
 
Merger Costs
                (352 )
 
Other
    76       126       177  
 
   
     
     
 
   
Total Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
    2,314       1,480       1,757  
 
   
     
     
 
Interest and Debt Expenses
                       
 
Interest on Long-Term Debt
    4,016       3,909       4,057  
 
Other Interest Charges
    385       365       353  
 
Amortization of Debt Expense
    234       260       222  
 
   
     
     
 
   
Total Interest and Debt Expenses
    4,635       4,534       4,632  
 
   
     
     
 
Net Income Before Preferred Dividends
    9,210       8,780       8,439  
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement
    38       38       38  
 
   
     
     
 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
  $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 8,401  
 
   
     
     
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
                       
 
Basic
    7,956       7,718       7,619  
 
Diluted
    8,002       7,771       7,662  
Earnings Per Common Share:
                       
 
Basic
  $ 1.15     $ 1.13     $ 1.10  
 
Diluted
  $ 1.15     $ 1.12     $ 1.10  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


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Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and Subsidiaries

F-5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                         
December 31, (in thousands, except share amounts)   2003   2002

 
 
ASSETS
               
 
Utility Plant
  $ 319,616     $ 308,385  
 
Construction Work in Progress
    9,291       9,592  
 
Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustments
    (1,274 )     (1,278 )
 
 
   
     
 
 
    327,633       316,699  
 
Accumulated Provision for Depreciation
    (92,535 )     (87,602 )
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net Utility Plant
    235,098       229,097  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Other Property and Investments
    3,829       3,557  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Cash
    1,122       464  
 
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2003 - $271; 2002 - $240)
    5,150       5,157  
 
Accrued Unbilled Revenues
    3,779       3,619  
 
Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost
    920       960  
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
    265       173  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total Current Assets
    11,236       10,373  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense
    6,204       5,080  
 
Unrecovered Income Taxes
    15,006       10,718  
 
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension
    946       846  
 
Goodwill
    3,608       3,608  
 
Other Costs
    1,619       1,520  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets
    27,383       21,772  
 
 
   
     
 
       
Total Assets
  $ 277,546     $ 264,799  
 
 
   
     
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
               
 
Common Stockholders’ Equity:
               
     
Common Stock Without Par Value:
               
       
Authorized - - 15,000,000 Shares - Issued and Outstanding:
               
       
2003 - - 7,967,379; 2002 - 7,939,713
  $ 53,766     $ 53,069  
     
Retained Earnings
    29,549       26,906  
 
 
   
     
 
       
Common Stockholders’ Equity
    83,315       79,975  
     
Preferred Stock
    847       847  
     
Long-Term Debt
    64,754       64,734  
 
 
   
     
 
       
Total Capitalization
    148,916       145,556  
 
 
   
     
 
Interim Bank Loans Payable
    9,700       6,950  
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
    254       242  
Accounts Payable
    5,419       6,539  
Accrued Taxes
    (1,254 )     659  
Accrued Interest
    626       747  
Other Current Liabilities
    366       341  
 
 
   
     
 
       
Total Current Liabilities
    15,111       15,478  
 
 
   
     
 
Advances for Construction
    24,579       22,069  
 
 
   
     
 
Contributions in Aid of Construction
    44,337       43,373  
 
 
   
     
 
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes
    23,073       20,633  
 
 
   
     
 
Unfunded Future Income Taxes
    12,840       9,871  
 
 
   
     
 
Long-Term Compensation Arrangements
    6,812       5,877  
 
 
   
     
 
Unamortized Investment Tax Credits
    1,878       1,942  
 
 
   
     
 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
  $ 277,546     $ 264,799  
 
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-6

 


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Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and Subsidiaries

F-6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                 
For the Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)   2003   2002   2001

 
 
 
Operating Activities:
                       
 
Net Income Before Preferred Dividends
  $ 9,210     $ 8,780     $ 8,439  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
                       
     
Depreciation (including $176 in 2003, $164 in 2002, and $169 in 2001 charged to other accounts)
    5,860       5,351       5,006  
     
Change in Assets and Liabilities:
                       
       
(Increase) in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues
    (153 )     (165 )     (153 )
       
(Increase) Decrease in Other Current Assets
    (52 )     57       (191 )
       
(Increase) in Other Non-Current Items
    (621 )     (89 )     (45 )
       
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
    (3,129 )     (867 )     1,089  
       
Increase in Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net
    2,376       747       675  
 
 
   
     
     
 
       
Total Adjustments
    4,281       5,034       6,381  
 
 
   
     
     
 
       
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    13,491       13,814       14,820  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Investing Activities:
                       
 
Gross Additions to Utility Plant (including Allowance For Funds Used During Construction of $476 in 2003, $470 in 2002 and $439 in 2001)
    (11,909 )     (15,691 )     (14,218 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
Financing Activities:
                       
 
Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans
    9,700       6,950       1,825  
 
Repayment of Interim Bank Loans
    (6,950 )     (1,875 )     (1,800 )
 
Reduction of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion
    32       (2,376 )     (405 )
 
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
    699       753       1,392  
 
Advances, Contributions and Funds from Others for Construction, Net
    3,522       4,992       4,332  
 
Costs Incurred to Issue Long-Term Debt and Common Stock
    (1,360 )     (192 )     (15 )
 
Cash Dividends Paid
    (6,567 )     (6,315 )     (6,143 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
       
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
    (924 )     1,937       (814 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash
    658       60       (212 )
Cash at Beginning of Year
    464       102       314  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Cash at End of Year (Excludes Cash Acquired from Purchase of Unionville Water Company in 2002)
    1,122       162       102  
Cash Acquired from Purchase of Unionville Water Company
          302        
 
 
   
     
     
 
Cash at End of Year
  $ 1,122     $ 464     $ 102  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
                       
   
Purchase of Unionville Water Company by Issuance of Company Common Stock (see Note 2 for details)
  $     $ 6,166     $  
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
                       
 
Cash Paid During the Year for:
                       
   
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
  $ 4,522     $ 4,811     $ 3,836  
   
State and Federal Income Taxes
  $ 2,407     $ 3,780     $ 3,260  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


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F-7

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION -The consolidated financial statements include the operations of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (the Company), an investor-owned holding company and its eleven wholly owned subsidiaries, listed below:

     The Connecticut Water Company (Connecticut Water)

     The Gallup Water Service, Incorporated (Gallup)
     Crystal Water Utilities Corporation
     The Crystal Water Company of Danielson (Crystal Water)
     Chester Realty, Inc.
     New England Water Utility Services, Inc.
     Connecticut Water Emergency Services, Inc.
     The Barnstable Holding Company
     The Barnstable Water Company (Barnstable Water)
     BARLACO
     The Unionville Water Company (Unionville)

Connecticut Water, Gallup, Crystal Water, Barnstable Water and Unionville (our “water companies”) are public water utility companies serving 86,750 customers in 42 towns throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Crystal Water Utilities Corporation is a holding company, owning the stock of Crystal Water Company of Danielson and three small rental properties.

Chester Realty, Inc. is a real estate company whose net profits from rental of property are included in the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Consolidated Statements of Income in the Non-Water Sales Earnings category.

New England Water Utility Services, Inc. is engaged in water-related services, including the Linebacker® program, and contract operations. Its earnings are included in the Non-Water Sales Earnings category in the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Connecticut Water Emergency Services, Inc. is a provider of emergency drinking water and pool water via tanker trucks. Its net earnings are included in the Non-Water Sales Earnings category in the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Barnstable Holding Company is a holding company, owning the stock of Barnstable Water Company and BARLACO. BARLACO is a real estate company whose net profits from land sales are included in the Gain on Property Transactions category in the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated, except those allocating costs for regulatory purposes between our regulated and non-regulated companies.

PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION – Four of our water companies are subject to regulation for rates and other matters by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) and follow accounting policies prescribed by the DPUC. The Barnstable Water Company is subject to the regulation of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) and follows accounting policies prescribed by the DTE. The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP), which includes the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” (FAS 71). FAS 71 requires cost-based, rate-regulated enterprises such as our water companies to reflect the impact of regulatory decisions in their financial statements. The state regulators, through the rate regulation process, can create regulatory assets that result when costs are allowed for ratemaking purposes in a period after the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise. The balance sheets include regulatory assets and liabilities as appropriate, primarily related to income taxes and post-retirement benefit costs. In accordance with ratemaking procedures, costs which benefit future periods, such as tank painting, are expensed over the periods they benefit. The Company believes, based on current regulatory circumstances, that the regulatory assets recorded are likely to be recovered and that its use of regulatory accounting is appropriate and in accordance with the provisions of FAS 71. Material regulatory assets are earning a return.

USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


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F-8

REVENUES - Most of our water customers are billed quarterly, with the exception of larger commercial and industrial customers, as well as public fire protection customers who are billed monthly. Most customers, except fire protection customers are metered. Revenues from metered customers are based on their usage multiplied by approved, regulated rates. Public fire protection charges are based on the length and diameter of the water main, and number of hydrants in service. Private fire protection charges are based on the diameter of the connection to the water main. Our water companies accrue an estimate for the amount of revenues relating to sales earned but unbilled at the end of each quarter.

UTILITY PLANT - Utility plant is stated at the original cost of such property when first devoted to public service. In the case of acquisitions, the difference between the original cost and the cost to our water companies is charged or credited to utility plant acquisition adjustments. Utility plant accounts are charged with the cost of improvements and replacements of property including an allowance for funds used during construction. Retired or disposed of depreciable plant is charged to accumulated provision for depreciation together with any costs applicable to retirement, less any salvage received. Maintenance of utility plant is charged to expense.

ALLOWANCE FOR FUNDS USED DURING CONSTRUCTION - Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) is the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance the construction of our water companies’ utility plant. Generally, utility plant under construction is not recognized as part of rate base for ratemaking purposes until facilities are placed into service, and accordingly, AFUDC is charged to the construction cost of utility plant. Capitalized AFUDC, which does not represent current cash income, is recovered through rates over the service lives of the facilities.

In order for certain water system acquisitions made in and after 1995 to not degrade earnings, The Connecticut Water Company has received DPUC approval to record AFUDC on certain of its investments in these systems. Through December 31, 2003, Connecticut Water has capitalized approximately $2,729,000 of AFUDC relating to financing these acquisitions. This amount is expected to be recovered in Connecticut Water’s next rate case.

Each company’s allowed rate of return on rate base is used to calculate its AFUDC.

DEPRECIATION - Over 99% of the Company’s depreciable plant is owned by its five water companies. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis at various rates as approved by the state regulators on a company by company basis. Depreciation allows the utility to recover the investment in utility plant over its useful life. The overall consolidated company depreciation rate, based on the average balances of depreciable property, was 2.1% for 2003, 1.9% for 2002 and 2.0% for 2001.

CUSTOMERS’ ADVANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION - Under the terms of construction contracts with real estate developers and others, our water companies receive advances for the costs of new main installations. Refunds are made, without interest, as services are connected to the main, over periods not exceeding fifteen years and not in excess of the original advance. Unrefunded balances, at the end of the contract period, are credited to contributions in aid of construction (CIAC) and are no longer refundable.

INCOME TAXES - The Company provides income tax expense for its utility operations in accordance with the regulatory accounting policies of the applicable jurisdictions (Connecticut and Massachusetts). The Connecticut DPUC requires the flow-through method of accounting for most state tax temporary differences as well as for certain federal temporary differences.

The Company computed deferred tax reserves for all temporary book-tax differences using the liability method prescribed in FAS 109 – Accounting for Income Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted income tax rates to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences are the result of provisions in the income tax law that either require or permit certain items to be reported on the income tax return in a different period than they are reported in the financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities that have not been reflected in tax expense due to regulatory treatment are described as unfunded future income taxes, and are expected to be recoverable in future years’ rates.

The Company believes that all deferred income tax assets will be realized in the future. The majority of all unfunded future income taxes relate to deferred state income taxes.

Deferred Federal Income Taxes consist primarily of amounts that have been provided for accelerated depreciation subsequent to 1981, as required by federal income tax regulations. Deferred taxes have also been provided for temporary differences in the recognition of certain expenses for tax and financial statement purposes as allowed by DPUC ratemaking policies.

MUNICIPAL TAXES – Municipal taxes are generally expensed over the twelve-month period beginning on July 1 following the lien date, corresponding with the period in which the municipal services are provided.

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F-9

STOCK OPTIONS – The Company has a Stock-Based Compensation Plan with two components: the Performance Stock Program and the Stock Option Program, which are described more fully in Note 13. FAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” encourages entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, FAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock grants as if the fair-value-based method defined in FAS No. 123 had been applied.

The Company accounts for its Stock Option Program under the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25. As such, no compensation cost related to the Stock Option Program is reflected in Net Income, as all options under this program had an exercise price equal to market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on Net Income and Earnings Per Share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS No. 123 to the Stock Option Program.

                         
    Year Ended December 31
    2003
  2002
  2001
(in thousands, except for per share data)                        
Net income, as reported
  $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 8,401  
Add: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under intrinsic value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    109              
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (383 )     (218 )     (264 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Pro forma net income
  $ 8,898     $ 8,524     $ 8,137  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic – as reported
  $ 1.15     $ 1.13     $ 1.10  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic – pro forma
  $ 1.12     $ 1.10     $ 1.07  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted – as reported
  $ 1.15     $ 1.12     $ 1.10  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted – pro forma
  $ 1.11     $ 1.10     $ 1.06  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Under the Company’s Performance Stock Program, restricted shares of Common Stock, common stock equivalents or cash may be awarded annually to officers and key employees. To the extent that the goals established by the Compensation Committee have been attained, the restrictions on the stock are removed. Amounts charged to expense pursuant to the Performance Stock Program were $251,000, $201,000 and $349,000, for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These amounts are included in Net Income, as reported.

UNAMORTIZED DEBT ISSUANCE EXPENSE - The issuance costs of long-term debt, including the remaining balance of issuance costs on long-term debt issues that have been refinanced prior to maturity, and related call premiums, are amortized over the respective lives of the outstanding debt, as approved by the state regulators.

GOODWILL - The Company adopted FAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (FAS 142), effective January 1, 2002. FAS 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized on a ratable basis. In accordance with FAS 142, goodwill must be allocated to reporting units and reviewed for impairment at least annually. The Company utilized a net income valuation approach in the performance of the annual goodwill impairment test.

EARNINGS PER SHARE - The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

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F-10

                         
Years ended December 31,
  2003
  2002
  2001
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.13     $ 1.10  
Dilutive effect of unexercised stock options
          .01        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.12     $ 1.10  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Numerator (in thousands):
                       
Basic net income
  $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 8,401  
Diluted net income
  $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 8,401  
Denominator (in thousands):
                       
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    7,956       7,718       7,619  
Dilutive effect of unexercised stock options
    46       53       43  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    8,002       7,771       7,662  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

RECLASSIFICATION - - Certain reclassifications have been made to conform previously reported data to the current presentation.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS – In April 2003, the FASB issued FAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (FAS 149). This statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” In particular, this statement (1) clarifies under what circumstances a contract with an initial net investment meets the definition of a derivative, (2) clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component, (3) amends the definition of an underlying instrument to conform it to language used in FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” and (4) amends certain other existing pronouncements. Those changes will result in more consistent reporting of contracts as either derivatives or hybrid instruments. FAS 149 is effective for derivative contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. The adoption of FAS 149 did not have a material impact on the Company’s operating results, financial position, or cash flows.

FAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (FAS 150) was issued in May 2003. This Statement establishes standards for how certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity are classified and measured. It requires that many financial instruments previously classified as equity now be classified as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). These financial instruments are as follows: financial instrument issued in the form of shares that is mandatorily redeemable — that embodies an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem it by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event that is certain to occur; a financial instrument, other than an outstanding share, that at inception, embodies an obligation to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares, or is indexed to such an obligation, and that requires or may require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets; a financial instrument that embodies an unconditional obligation, or a financial instrument other than an outstanding share that embodies a conditional obligation, that the issuer must or may settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares, if, at inception, the monetary value of the obligation is based solely or predominantly on any of the following: a) a fixed monetary amount known at inception, for example, a payable settleable with a variable number of equity shares; b) variations in something other than the fair value of equity shares, for example, a financial instrument indexed to the S&P 500 and settleable with a variable number of equity shares; c) variations inversely related to changes in the fair value of equity shares, for example, a written put option that could be net share settled. FAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of FAS 150 did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results, financial position, or cash flows.

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F-11

In January 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-01, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (FSP No. FAS 106-1). This statement permits a sponsor of a post-retirement health care plan that provides a prescription drug benefit to make a one-time election to defer accounting for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. Regardless of whether a sponsor elects that deferral, the FSP requires certain disclosures pending further consideration of the underlying issues. The Company has met those disclosure requirements in Note 12: Pension and Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits.

NOTE 2: 2002 PURCHASE ACQUISITION

On October 31, 2002, the Company issued 249,715 shares of its common stock in exchange for all the outstanding common stock of The Unionville Water Company (Unionville). The exchange ratio was approximately 4.16 shares of the Company’s common stock for each outstanding share of Unionville stock. The transaction was valued at approximately $6.2 million. This acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and as such the balances and income statement activity from the acquisition date forward are included in the financial statements. As a result, goodwill of $3.6 million was recorded and allocated to our water segment. There were no other intangible assets identified as part of the acquisition.

NOTE 3: INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Income Tax Expense for the years ended December 31, is comprised of the following:

                         
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Federal Classified as Operating Expense
  $ 1,752     $ 4,065     $ 4,225  
Federal Classified as Other Income:
                       
Land Sales
    (11 )            
Land Donation
    (246 )     (105 )     (254 )
Non-Water Sales
    352       276       164  
Other
    (66 )     (52 )     (42 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Federal Income Tax Expense
    1,781       4,184       4,093  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
State Classified as Operating Expense
    256       417       552  
State Classified as Other Income:
                       
Land Sales
    (3 )     (1 )      
Land Donation
    (733 )     (360 )     (1,012 )
Non-Water Sales
    91       54       41  
Other
    22       (18 )     6  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    (367 )     92       (413 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
  $ 1,414     $ 4,276     $ 3,680  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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F-12

The components of the Federal and State income tax provisions are:

                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ (51 )   $ 2,835     $ 3,062  
State
    483       192       (48 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Current
    432       3,027       3,014  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net:
                       
Federal
                       
Investment Tax Credit
    (64 )     (63 )     (63 )
Capitalized Interest
    25       23       23  
Depreciation
    2,167       798       910  
Other
    (296 )     591       161  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Federal
    1,832       1,349       1,031  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
State
                       
Depreciation
    6             (1 )
Other
    (856 )     (100 )     (364 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total State
    (850 )     (100 )     (365 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Deferred Income Taxes, Net
    982       1,249       666  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 1,414     $ 4,276     $ 3,680  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Deferred income tax liabilities are categorized as follows on the Consolidated Balance Sheet:

                 
    2003
  2002
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes
  $ 23,073     $ 20,633  
Unfunded Future Income Taxes
    12,840       9,871  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net Deferred Income Tax Liability
  $ 35,913     $ 30,504  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Deferred income tax liabilities are comprised of the following:

                 
    2003
  2002
Depreciation
  $ 34,648     $ 29,237  
Other
    1,265       1,267  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net Deferred Income Tax Liability
  $ 35,913     $ 30,504  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The calculation of Pre-Tax Income is as follows:

                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
Pre-Tax Income
                       
Net Income Before Preferred Dividends
  $ 9,210     $ 8,780     $ 8,439  
Income Taxes
    1,414       4,276       3,680  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total Pre-Tax Income
  $ 10,624     $ 13,056     $ 12,119  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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F-13

In accordance with required regulatory treatment, deferred income taxes are not provided for certain timing differences. This treatment, along with other items, causes differences between the statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate. The decrease in the Company’s effective income tax rate is partially associated with a reassessment of tax reserves which was completed during the third quarter of 2003 when the Company filed its 2002 Income Tax Returns as well as the tax benefit associated with land donations in 2003 and the associated tax credits and deductions. The differences between the effective income tax rate recorded by the Company and the statutory federal tax rate are as follows:

                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
Tax Effect of Differences:
                       
State Income Taxes Net of Federal Benefit:
                       
State Income Tax Excluding Land Donation Credit
    2.3 %     2.3 %     3.3 %
Land Donation Credit
    (4.5 %)     (1.8 %)     (5.5 %)
Depreciation
          .5 %     1.2 %
Charitable Contribution – Land Donation
    (4.7 %)     (1.7 %)     (4.5 %)
Pension Costs
    (.3 %)     (.7 %)     .6 %
Debt Refinancing Costs
    (4.4 %)     .2 %     .2 %
Non-Deductible Merger Costs
                1.0 %
Change in Estimate of Prior Year Income Tax Expense
    (11.5 %)            
Common Stock Equivalents
    .9 %           1.1 %
Other
    1.5 %           (1.0 %)
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
    13.3 %     32.8 %     30.4 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

NOTE 4: COMMON STOCK

The Company has 15,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, no par value. A summary of the changes in the common stock accounts for the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003, appears below:

                                 
            Issuance        
(in thousands, except share data)
  Shares
  Amount
  Expense
  Total
Balance, January 1, 2001
    7,604,594     $ 46,350     $ (1,385 )   $ 44,965  
Stock and equivalents issued through Performance Stock Program
    5,353       457             457  
Purchase Minority Interest of Barnstable Holding Company
          125             125  
Stock Split – fractional shares
    (752 )           (11 )     (11 )
Stock Options Exercised
    40,167       810       (4 )     806  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2001
    7,649,362       47,742       (1,400 )     46,342  
Purchase Unionville Water Company
    249,715       6,166       (190 )     5,976  
Stock and equivalents issued through Performance Stock Program
    6,672       21             21  
Stock Options Exercised
    33,964       732       (2 )     730  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
    7,939,713       54,661       (1,592 )     53,069  
Stock and equivalents issued through Performance Stock Program
    8,347       305             305  
Stock Options Exercised
    19,319       394       (2 )     392  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003(1)
    7,967,379     $ 55,360     $ (1,594 )   $ 53,766  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

  (1)   Includes 503 restricted and 44,952 common stock equivalent shares issued through the Performance Stock Program through December 31, 2003.

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F-14

The Company’s Shareholder Rights Plan was authorized by the Board of Directors on August 12, 1998. Pursuant to the Plan, the Board authorized a dividend distribution of one Right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preference Stock of the Company for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. The distribution was effected October 11, 1998.

Upon the terms of the Shareholder Rights Plan, each Right will entitle shareholders to buy one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preference Stock at a purchase price of $90, and the Rights will expire October 11, 2008. The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, or announces a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of the Company’s common stock. The Board will be entitled to redeem the Rights at $0.01 per Right at any time before such acquisition occurs, and upon certain conditions after such a position has been acquired.

Upon the acquisition of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock by any person or group, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s purchase price, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock having a market value equal to twice the Right’s purchase price. In such event, Rights held by the acquiring person will not be allowed to purchase any of the Company’s common stock or other securities of the Company. If, after the acquisition of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock by any person or group, the Company should consolidate with or merge with and into any person and the Company should not be the surviving company, or if the Company should be the surviving company and all or part of its common stock should be exchanged for the securities of any other person, or if more than 50% of the assets or earning power of the Company were sold, each Right (other than Rights held by the acquiring person, which will become void) will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s purchase price, a number of shares of the acquiring Company’s common stock having a market value at that time equal to twice the Right’s purchase price.

The Company may not pay any dividends on its common stock unless full cumulative dividends to the preceding dividend date for all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of the Company have been paid or set aside for payment. All such Preferred Stock dividends have been paid.

NOTE 5: ANALYSIS OF RETAINED EARNINGS

The summary of the changes in Retained Earnings for the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003, appears below:

                         
(in thousands, except per share data)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Balance, Beginning of Year
  $ 26,906     $ 24,441     $ 22,145  
Income Before Preferred Stock Dividends
    9,210       8,780       8,439  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    36,116       33,221       30,584  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Dividends Declared:
                       
Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, $.80 Per Share
    12       12       12  
Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series $.90, $.90 Per Share
    26       26       26  
Common Stock:
                       
2003 $0.825 Per Share
    6,529              
2002 $0.810 Per Share
          6,277        
2001 $0.800 Per Share
                6,105  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    6,567       6,315       6,143  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, End of Year
  $ 29,549     $ 26,906     $ 24,441  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

NOTE 6: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments.

CASH – Cash consists of highly liquid instruments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

LONG-TERM DEBT - The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term debt is based upon borrowing rates currently available to the Company. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $73,678,000 and $70,438,000, respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $64,754,000 and $64,734,000, respectively.

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F-15

The fair values shown above have been reported to meet the disclosure requirements of FAS No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments” and do not purport to represent the amounts at which those obligations would be settled.

NOTE 7: LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-Term Debt at December 31, consisted of the following:

                         
(in thousands)
      2003
  2002
The Connecticut Water Company
               
First Mortgage Bonds:
               
5.875%
  Series R, Due 2022   $     $ 14,645  
6.65%
  Series S, Due 2020           8,000  
5.75%
  Series T, Due 2028     5,000       5,000  
5.3%
  Series U, Due 2028     4,550       4,550  
6.94%
  Series V, Due 2029     12,050       12,050  
             
     
 
 
            21,600       44,245  
             
     
 
Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds
               
5.05%
  1998 Series A, Due 2028     9,640       9,625  
5.125%
  1998 Series B, Due 2028     7,695       7,720  
4.40%
  2003A Series, Due 2020     8,000        
5.00%
  2003C Series, Due 2022     14,930        
             
     
 
 
            40,265       17,345  
             
     
 
 
  Total Connecticut Water Company     61,865       61,590  
             
     
 
Crystal Water Utilities Corporation
               
8.0%
  Westbank, Due 2017     117       122  
             
     
 
Crystal Water Company of Danielson
               
7.82%
  Connecticut Development Authority, Due 2020     469       483  
             
     
 
Chester Realty
               
6%
  Note Payable, Due 2006     57       78  
             
     
 
Barnstable Water Company
               
10.2%
  Indianapolis Life Insurance, Due 2011     1,425       1,525  
             
     
 
Unionville Water Company
               
8.125%
  Farmington Savings Bank, Due 2011     1,075       1,178  
             
     
 
Total Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
    65,008       64,976  
Less Current Portion
    (254 )     (242 )
             
     
 
Total Long-Term Debt
    $ 64,754     $ 64,734  
             
     
 

The Company’s principal payments required for years 2004 — 2008 are as follows:

         
(In thousands)
2004 -
  $ 254  
2005 -
  $ 266  
2006 -
  $ 268  
2007 -
  $ 268  
2008 -
  $ 282  

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Substantially all utility plant is pledged as collateral for long-term debt.

In October 2003, Connecticut Water refinanced its Series R, First Mortgage Bonds with 5.00% 2003 C Series Unsecured, Tax-Exempt Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds and refinanced Series S, First Mortgage Bonds with 4.40% 2003 A Series Unsecured, Tax-Exempt Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds.

There are no mandatory sinking fund payments required on Connecticut Water Company’s outstanding First Mortgage Bonds or the Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds. However, the 1998 Series A and B and the 2003 Series A and C Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds provide for an estate redemption right whereby the estate of deceased bondholders or surviving joint owners may submit bonds to the Trustee for redemption at par, subject to a $25,000 per individual holder and a 3% annual aggregate limitation.

The outstanding bonds of the Company may be initially called for redemption at the following dates and prices — Series T, July 1, 2003 and Series U, September 1, 2003 at 100% plus accrued interest to the date of redemption; Series V, January 1, 2004 at 103.5%, 1998 Series A and B Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds, March 1, 2008 at 100% plus accrued interest; 2003 Series A Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds, December 15, 2008 at 100% plus accrued interest; 2003 Series C Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds, September 1, 2008 at 100% plus accrued interest.

Barnstable Water Company’s note payable has been unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The note agreement with Indianapolis Life Insurance Company requires the Company to meet certain financial covenants, restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional debt unless certain financial tests are met, restricts liens to secure additional long-term borrowings, restricts the type of investments that the Company can purchase and contains a significant prepayment premium. The Company was in compliance with the restrictive covenants at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

Unionville Water Company’s term note with Farmington Savings Bank requires monthly payments of principal and interest. The note bears a fluctuating interest rate. The interest rate is adjusted on each 60-month anniversary date from the effective date of May 1, 1996. On the anniversary date (Interest Change Date) the interest rate shall be increased or decreased to a rate determined by adding 2.5 percentage points to the most recent Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Long-Term, Regular, 5 year, Fixed Rate Mortgage Rate (Index), available 45 days prior to the Interest Change Date, rounded to the next highest one-eighth of one percentage point. Unionville may prepay the principal balance outstanding under the note without penalty for the thirty days preceding each Interest Change Date upon 30 days prior written notice to the bank. Prepayment made at any other time requires a prepayment penalty, which is 110% of the present value of the difference between the interest on the amount prepaid for the remaining term to the next Interest Change Date, as determined by the Current Index and the interest on the same amount for the remaining term to the next Interest Change Date, as determined by the Index in effect for that maturity on the day the prepayment is made.

NOTE 8: PREFERRED STOCK

The Company’s Preferred Stock at December 31, consisted of the following:

                 
(in thousands, except share data)
  2003
  2002
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
               
Cumulative Series A Voting, $20 Par Value; Authorized, Issued and Outstanding 15,000 Shares
  $ 300     $ 300  
Cumulative Series $.90 Non-Voting, $16 Par Value; Authorized 50,000 Shares, Issued and Outstanding 29,499 Shares
    472       472  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    772       772  
Barnstable Water Company
               
6% Cumulative, $100 Par Value; Authorized, Issued and Outstanding 750 Shares
    75       75  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Preferred Stock
  $ 847     $ 847  
 
   
 
     
 
 

All or any part of any series of either class of the Company’s issued Preferred Stock may be called for redemption by the Company at any time. The per share redemption prices of the Series A and Series $.90 Preferred Stock, if called by the Company, are $21.00 and $16.00, respectively.

The Company is authorized to issue 400,000 shares of an additional class of Preferred Stock, $25 par value, the general preferences, voting powers, restrictions and qualifications of which are similar to the Company’s existing Preferred Stock. No shares of the $25 par value Preferred Stock have been issued.

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The Company is also authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of $1 par value Preference Stock, junior to the Company’s existing Preferred Stock in rights to dividends and upon liquidation of the Company. 150,000 of such shares have been designated as “Series A Junior Participating Preference Stock”. Pursuant to the Shareholder Rights Plan, described in Note 4, the Company keeps reserved and available for issuance one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preference Stock for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock.

Barnstable Water Company paid Preferred Dividends of $4,500 in each of 2003, 2002 and 2001. These dividends are included in the Other category of the Other Income (Deductions) section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. These preferred shareholders have 1/10 of a common vote for matters related to Barnstable Water Company.

NOTE 9: BANK LINES OF CREDIT

The Company has a total of $12,500,000 in lines of credit provided by three banks. All of the lines have one year lives and will expire at different dates in 2004. The Company expects the lines of credit to be renewed in 2004. The total available on the lines of credit as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 were $2,800,000 and $5,550,000, respectively. Bank commitment fees associated with the lines of credit were approximately $30,000, $30,000, and $22,500 in 2003, 2002, and 2001 respectively.

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding were 1.52% and 1.77%, respectively.

NOTE 10: UTILITY PLANT AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

The components of utility plant and equipment at December 31, were as follows:

                 
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
Land
  $ 9,604     $ 9,770  
Source of Supply
    19,417       18,059  
Pumping
    24,375       23,841  
Water Treatment
    47,547       46,692  
Transmission and Distribution
    199,660       191,603  
General
    18,548       17,955  
Held for Future Use
    465       465  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 319,616     $ 308,385  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The amounts of depreciable utility plant at December 31, 2003 and 2002 included in total utility plant were $284,561,000 and $276,150,000, respectively.

Our water companies are engaged in continuous construction programs. Estimated annual capital expenditures, net of amounts financed by customer advances and contributions in aid of construction, are expected to be approximately $11,164,000 during 2004, $13,075,000 during 2005, and $13,580,000 in 2006. During the years 2007 and 2008, construction expenditures for routine improvements to the water distribution system are expected to be approximately $8,000,000 each year.

NOTE 11: TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAXES

Taxes Other than Income Taxes consist of the following:

                         
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Municipal Property Taxes
  $ 4,452     $ 4,149     $ 3,788  
Payroll Taxes
    681       647       600  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 5,133     $ 4,796     $ 4,388  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

NOTE 12: PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

GENERAL - As of December 31, 2003, Connecticut Water had 167 employees, Gallup 3, Crystal 8, Connecticut Water Emergency Services 1, Barnstable Water 9, and Unionville 7 for a total of 195 employees. The Company’s officers are employees of Connecticut Water. Employee expenses are charged between companies as appropriate. Effective December 31, 2002, the Connecticut Water Company Pension Plan and the Barnstable Water Company Pension Plan merged.

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Investment Strategy – The Pension Trust and Finance Committee (the Committee) reviews and approves the investment strategy of the investments made on behalf of various pension and post-retirement benefit plans existing under the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

The Committee targeted asset allocation at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

                 
    2003
  2002
Equity
    65 %     60 %
Fixed Income
    35 %     40 %
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
    100 %     100 %

The Committee recognizes that a variation of up to 5% in either direction from its targeted asset allocation mix is acceptable due to market fluctuations.

PENSION

Defined Contribution Plan – One of the Company’s subsidiaries, Unionville, had through 2003 a noncontributory defined contribution pension plan which covered all employees who had completed one year of service. Unionville provided a contribution to the plan based upon 10% of the participant’s annual payroll. The Unionville contribution charged to expense under this plan for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 was $31,000 and for the two-month period ended December 31, 2002 was $9,000. Effective December 31, 2003 the Unionville pension plan was terminated. Effective January 1, 2004, the employees of Unionville are covered by the Company’s noncontributory defined benefit pension plan.

Defined Benefit Plans– The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering qualified employees. In general, the Company’s policy is to fund accrued pension costs as permitted by federal income tax and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 regulations. A contribution of approximately $914,000 was made in January 2004 for plan year 2003 and a contribution of $743,000 was made for plan year 2002 in 2002.

The following tables set forth the funded status of the Company’s retirement plans at December 31, the latest valuation date:

                 
    Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
Change in Benefit Obligation:
               
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
  $ 21,929     $ 18,720  
Service Cost
    843       705  
Interest Cost
    1,390       1,345  
Plan Amendments
    (2 )      
Actuarial loss/(gain)
    535       1,930  
Benefits paid
    (883 )     (771 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Benefit obligation, end of year
  $ 23,812     $ 21,929  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Change in Plan Assets:
               
Fair Value, beginning of year
  $ 17,742     $ 19,343  
Actual return on plan assets
    3,452       (1,573 )
Employer contribution
          743  
Benefits paid
    (883 )     (771 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Fair Value, end of year
  $ 20,311     $ 17,742  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Funded Status
  $ (3,501 )   $ (4,187 )
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
    298       1,669  
Unrecognized transition obligation
    36       48  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    935       1,045  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Accrued Cost
  $ (2,232 )   $ (1,425 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

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The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was approximately $18,800,000 and $17,057,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:

                 
    2003   2002
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.50 %
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00 %

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost for years ended December 31:

                 
    2003   2002
Discount rate
    6.50 %     7.25 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00 %
Rate of compensation increase
    4.50 %     4.50 %

The discount rate is based on interest rates for long-term, high quality, fixed income investments. The Company looks at the general trend of several different bond indices.

                         
    Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Components of net periodic benefit costs
                       
Service cost
  $ 843     $ 705     $ 614  
Interest cost
    1,390       1,345       1,261  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,544 )     (1,543 )     (1,502 )
Amortization of:
                       
Unrecognized net transition asset
    12       13       (20 )
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss
    (2 )     (252 )     (356 )
Unrecognized prior service cost
    108       108       107  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Periodic Pension Benefit Costs
  $ 807     $ 376     $ 104  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Plan Assets

The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2003, and 2002 by asset category were as follows:

                 
    2003
  2002
Equity Securities
    66 %     59 %
Fixed Income
    34       41  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
    100 %     100 %
 
   
 
     
 
 

Cash Flows

The Company contributed $914,000 to its pension plan in 2004 for plan year 2003 and expects to make an estimated $1.5 million contribution for plan year 2004 in 2004.

POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSION (PBOP) - In addition to providing pension benefits, a subsidiary company, Connecticut Water, provides certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits to retired employees partially funded by a 501(c)(9) Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association Trust that has been approved by the DPUC. Substantially all of Connecticut Water’s employees may become eligible for these benefits if they retire on or after age 55 with 10 years of service. The contribution for calendar years 2003 and 2002 was $473,100 for each year.

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A deferred regulatory asset has been recorded to reflect the amount which represents the future operating revenues expected to be recovered in customer rates under FAS 106. In 1997, Connecticut Water requested and received approval from the DPUC to include FAS 106 costs in customer rates. The DPUC’s 1997 limited reopener of Connecticut Water’s general rate proceeding allowed it to increase customer rates $208,000 annually for FAS 106 costs. Connecticut Water’s current rates now allow for recovery of $473,100 annually for post-retirement benefit costs other than pension.

Connecticut Water has elected to recognize the transition obligation on a delayed basis over a period equal to the plan participants’ 21.6 years of average future service.

The Company has elected to defer accounting for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The benefit obligation and net periodic post-retirement benefit costs do not reflect the effects of the Act on the plan. The specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy is pending and that guidance, when issued, could require previously reported information to be changed.

Another subsidiary company, Barnstable Water, also provides certain health care benefits to eligible retired employees. Substantially all Barnstable Water employees may become eligible for these benefits if they retire on or after age 65 with at least 15 years of service. Post-65 medical coverage is provided for employees up to a maximum coverage of $500 per quarter. Barnstable Water has incurred annual expenses for PBOP of $11,000, $12,000, $12,000 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Barnstable Water’s PBOP currently is not funded.

The following tables set forth the funded status of the Company’s post-retirement health care benefits at December 31, the latest valuation date:

                                 
    Connecticut Water   Barnstable Water
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
Change in Benefit Obligation:
                               
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
  $ 5,507     $ 4,171     $ 98     $ 83  
Service Cost
    270       223       2       2  
Interest Cost
    314       309       6       7  
Plan Participant Contributions
    52       47              
Plan Amendments
    (400 )                  
Actuarial loss/(gain)
    (129 )     1,184       (8 )     10  
Benefits paid
    (380 )     (427 )     (4 )     (4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Benefit obligation, end of year
  $ 5,234     $ 5,507     $ 94     $ 98  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Change in Plan Assets:
                               
Fair Value, beginning of year
  $ 2,592     $ 2,684     $     $  
Actual return on plan assets
    442       (185 )            
Employer contribution
    473       473       4       4  
Participants’ contributions
    52       47              
Benefits paid
    (380 )     (427 )     (4 )     (4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fair Value, end of year
  $ 3,179     $ 2,592     $     $  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Funded Status
  $ (2,055 )   $ (2,915 )   $ (94 )   $ (98 )
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
    25       420       (46 )     (41 )
Unrecognized transition obligation
    1,084       1,649       64       70  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Accrued Cost
  $ (946 )   $ (846 )   $ (76 )   $ (69 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
                               
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.50 %     6.25 %     6.50 %
Expected return on plan assets (net of tax)
    5.00 %     5.00 %            
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:
                               
Discount rate
    6.50 %     7.25 %     6.50 %     7.25 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    5.00 %     5.00 %            
Rate of compensation increase
    4.50 %     4.50 %            

The discount rate is based on interest rates for long-term, high quality, fixed income investments. The Company looks at the general trend of several different bond indices.

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    Connecticut Water   Barnstable Water
(in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2003
  2002
  2001
Components of net periodic benefit costs
                                               
Service cost
  $ 270     $ 223     $ 190     $ 2     $ 2     $ 4  
Interest cost
    314       309       276       6       7       6  
Expected return on plan assets
    (145 )     (141 )     (128 )                  
Amortization of:
                                               
Unrecognized net transition asset
    165       165       165       6       6       6  
Recognized net (gain)/loss
    (31 )     (84 )     (135 )     (4 )     (3 )     (4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Periodic Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Costs
  $ 573     $ 472     $ 368     $ 10     $ 12     $ 12  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

In determining the 2003 and 2002 accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation, health care cost trends were assumed to be 8.5% grading 0.5% per year to 4%.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.

Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31:

                                 
    2003   2002
    Medical
  Dental
  Medical
  Dental
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
    8.5 %     8.0 %     8.5 %     8.0 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline
    4.0 %     3.5 %     4.0 %     3.5 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    2013       2013       2012       2012  

A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on Connecticut Water’s plan and would have no impact on the Barnstable Water plan:

                 
    1-Percentage-Point   1-Percentage-Point
(in thousands)
  Increase
  Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
  $ 89     $ (73 )
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
  $ 663     $ (556 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

Plan Assets

Barnstable Water’s other post-retirement benefit plan has no assets. Connecticut Water’s other postretirement benefit plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2003 and 2002, by asset category were as follows:

                 
    2003
  2002
Equity Securities
    55 %     48 %
Fixed Income
    45       52  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
    100 %     100 %
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Cash Flows

Connecticut Water is expected to contribute $473,100 to its other post-retirement benefit plan in 2004 for plan year 2004.

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN - Connecticut Water provides additional pension benefits to senior management through a supplemental executive retirement plan. At December 31, 2003 and at December 31, 2002 the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was $918,000 and $788,000, respectively. Expense associated with this plan was $152,000 for 2003, $108,000 for 2002, and $93,000 for 2001.

SAVINGS PLAN - The Company and certain of its subsidiaries maintains an employee savings plan which allows participants to contribute from 1% to 15% of pre-tax compensation plus for those age 50 and older catch-up contributions as allowed by law. The Company matches 50 cents for each dollar contributed by the employee up to 4% of the employee’s compensation. The Company contribution charged to expense in 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $166,000, $161,000, and $150,000, respectively.

The Plan creates the possibility for an “incentive bonus” contribution to the 401(k) plan tied to the attainment of a specific goal or goals to be identified each year. If the specific goal or goals are attained by the end of the year, all eligible employees, except officers and certain key employees, may receive up to an additional 1% of their annual base salary as a direct contribution to their 401(k) account. No incentive bonus was awarded in 2003. An incentive bonus of .4% of base pay, or $30,000 was awarded in 2002. For 2001, $41,000 was awarded as an incentive bonus of .6% of base pay.

NOTE 13: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

The Company has two components to its Stock-Based Compensation Plan (the Plan): The Stock Option Program (SOP) and the Performance Stock Program (PSP). In total under the Plan there were 700,000 shares authorized and 234,686 shares available for grant at December 31, 2003. The Plan terminates on April 22, 2004. The Board of Directors has adopted a new plan that is subject to shareholder approval.

STOCK OPTION PROGRAM – As part of the Company’s SOP, stock options are permitted to be issued to officers and key employees. The Company accounts for this plan under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. On a pro forma basis, the Company’s net income and earnings per share are shown in Note 1.

For purposes of this calculation, the Company arrived at the fair value of each stock grant at the date of grant by using the Black Scholes Option Pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
Expected life (years)
    5.00       6.00       9.40  
Risk-free interest rate (percentage)
    2.79       3.09       5.07  
Volatility (percentage)
    30.00       30.00       27.36  
Dividend yield
    2.91       3.13       2.70  

Options begin to become exercisable one year from the date of grant. Vesting periods range from one to five years. The maximum term ranges from five to ten years.

The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $6.42, $5.82 and $8.67 respectively.

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Table of Contents

                                                 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2003
  2002
  2001
            Weighted           Weighted           Weighted
            Average           Average           Average
            Exercise           Exercise           Exercise
    Shares
  Price
  Shares
  Price
  Shares
  Price
Options:
                                               
Outstanding, beginning of year
    235,101     $ 21.41       229,811     $ 20.18       236,228     $ 18.39  
Granted
    36,053       29.05       39,254       25.78       33,750       22.99  
Terminated
                                   
Exercised
    (19,319 )     16.91       (33,964 )     18.12       (40,167 )     16.22  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding, end of year
    251,835       22.85       235,101       21.41       229,811       20.18  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Exercisable, end of year
    119,992     $ 21.35       71,581     $ 20.74       47,630     $ 19.94  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Options exercised during 2003 ranged in price from $14.83 per share to $22.33 per share. The following table summarizes the price ranges of the options outstanding and options exercisable as of December 31, 2003:

                                         
    Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
            Weighted                
            Average   Weighted           Weighted
            Remaining   Average           Average
            Contractual   Exercise           Exercise
    Shares
  Life (years)
  Price
  Shares
  Price
Range of prices:
                                       
$12.00 - $14.99
    49,252       5.3     $ 14.83       26,709     $ 14.83  
$15.00 - $17.99
                             
$18.00 - $20.99
    35,516       6.9       20.42       24,359       20.42  
$21.00 - $23.99
    58,010       5.9       22.33       42,237       22.33  
$24.00 - $26.99
    39,254       8.9       25.78       9,814       25.78  
$27.00 - $29.99
    69,803       8.6       28.52       16,873       27.95  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    251,835       7.2     $ 22.85       119,992     $ 21.35  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

NOTE 14: SEGMENT REPORTING

Our Company operates principally in three segments: water activities, real estate transactions, and services and rentals. The water segment is comprised of our core regulated water activities to supply water to our customers. Our real estate transactions segment involves selling or donating for income tax benefits our limited excess real estate holdings. Our services and rentals segment provides services on a contract basis and also leases certain of our properties to third parties. The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Financial data for reportable segments is as follows:

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                                    Interest        
                                    Expense        
                                    and        
                                    Preferred        
                    Other           Dividend        
                    Operating   Other Income   (net of   Income   Net
(in thousands)
  Revenues
  Depreciation
  Expenses
  (Deductions)
  AFUDC)
  Taxes
  Income
For the year ended December 31, 2003 Water Activities
  $ 47,115     $ 5,684     $ 27,892     $ 22     $ 4,187     $ 1,964     $ 7,410  
Real Estate Transactions
    170             133       (1 )           (993 )     1,029  
Services and Rentals
    3,829       23       2,630                   443       733  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 51,114     $ 5,707     $ 30,655     $ 21     $ 4,187     $ 1,414     $ 9,172  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2002 Water Activities
  $ 45,830     $ 5,187     $ 24,326     $ 127     $ 4,104     $ 4,482     $ 7,858  
Real Estate Transactions
    5             32                   (467 )     440  
Services and Rentals
    2,928       20       2,186                   278       444  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 48,763     $ 5,207     $ 26,544     $ 127     $ 4,104     $ 4,293     $ 8,742  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2001 Water Activities
  $ 45,392     $ 4,837     $ 24,402     $ (273 )   $ 4,231     $ 4,741     $ 6,908  
Real Estate Transactions
                145                   (1,266 )     1,121  
Services and Rentals
    2,431       15       1,839                   205       372  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 47,823     $ 4,852     $ 26,386     $ (273 )   $ 4,231     $ 3,680     $ 8,401  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                 
At December 31 (in thousands)
  2003
  2002
Total Plant and Other Investments:
               
Water
  $ 237,947     $ 231,676  
Non-Water
    980       978  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    238,927       232,654  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Other Assets:
               
Water
    37,175       31,761  
Non-Water
    1,444       384  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    38,619       32,145  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Assets
  $ 277,546     $ 264,799  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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NOTE 15: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

REVERSE PRIVATIZATION – Our water companies derive their rights and franchises to operate from state law that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal and do not grant permanent exclusive rights to our service areas. Our franchises are free from burdensome restrictions, are unlimited as to time, and authorize us to sell potable water in all towns we now serve. There is the possibility that states could revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems. From time to time such legislation is contemplated.

The Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts has advised the Company that it is actively considering the acquisition of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Barnstable Holding Company. The Town takes the position that it has the right to acquire The Barnstable Holding Company pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts legislation passed in 1911. The Company has advised the Town of Barnstable that the Company does not believe the Town has any statutory right to acquire The Barnstable Holding Company.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WATER QUALITY REGULATION – The Company is subject to environmental and water quality regulations. Costs to comply with environmental and water quality regulations are substantial. We are in compliance with current regulations, but the regulations are subject to change. The costs to comply with future changes in state or federal regulations, which could require us to modify current filtration facilities and/or construct new ones, or to replace any reduction of the safe yield from any of our current sources of supply, could be substantial.

CONSTRUCTION – Our water companies’ estimated capital expenditures for 2004, 2005 and 2006 are $11.1 million, $13.1 million and $13.6 million respectively. These capital expenditures are net of amounts financed by customer advances and contributions in aid of construction. These expenditures are expected to be financed primarily with internally generated funds.

MORATORIUM ON LAND SALES – On December 4, 2002, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The MOU provides for a voluntary two-year moratorium on the sale of approximately 7,100 acres of undeveloped Class I, II, and III water company lands held by the Company’s Connecticut water company subsidiaries. Class I and II water company lands, as defined by Public Health Code regulations, are those that are within the watershed or drainage area of a public water supply. Class III lands are those that are not located within the watershed. Under the terms of the MOU, the DEP in cooperation with the Company’s Connecticut water companies will assess and evaluate all undeveloped Class I, II and III land holdings to determine the desirability of the State of Connecticut’s acquiring the land for open space and to develop strategies to fund the acquisitions of such properties in fee or easement from the Company. If the DEP determines that the Company’s Class I, II and III land holdings are desirable, the Company and the DEP have agreed to negotiate in good faith to determine a price for the Company’s land holdings based upon appraised values. However, the Company is not obligated by the MOU to sell such lands to the State of Connecticut. If the DEP determines that certain parcels of Class III land covered by the MOU do not meet its criteria for desirable open space, the Company can apply to the Department of Public Utility Control to sell or otherwise dispose of the land. The Company has no intention of selling or otherwise disposing of Class I and II lands that have an impact on drinking water supply and water quality. The MOU does not affect the land donation to the Town of Killingly mentioned above. In 2003, the DEP released approximately 130 acres of land from the restrictions of the MOU.

SECURITY – Recent enactment of the Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001 require all public water systems serving over 3,300 people to prepare Vulnerability Assessments (VA) of their critical utility assets. The assessments are to be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by June 2004 followed by an Emergency Response Plan by December 2004. The information within the VA is not subject to release to the public and is protected from Freedom of Information inquiries. Investment in security-related improvements is ongoing and management believes that the costs associated with any such improvements would be chargeable for recovery in future rate proceedings.

ROCK EXCAVATION CONTRACT – In 2002, Connecticut Water signed a contract with O & G Industries, Inc. of Torrington, Connecticut regarding excavation of rock from a 28-acre parcel of land that the company owns in Prospect, Connecticut. At that time, the Company expected that the rock excavation could yield income of $2 — $3 million in total over the 20-year life of the contract. A subsequent environmental assessment has indicated that the property contains sensitive wetland areas which have to be protected. The Company now expects minimal proceeds from this project if it goes forward at all.

TAXES – Due to the current environment of state budget deficits, the Company and its subsidiaries may be subject to a higher tax burden through changes in state legislation. Also, the Company’s future property tax burden may increase as state aid to towns is decreased.

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NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

2004 LAND DONATION – In January 2004, 133 acres of unimproved land were donated to the Town of Killingly, Connecticut for protected open space purposes. The expected after tax benefit of this donation is approximately $712,000.

SERIES V REFINANCING – On March 4, 2004, Connecticut Water refinanced an additional portion of its long-term debt through the issuance of $12,500,000 of variable rate, taxable debenture bonds Series 2004 with a maturity date of January 4, 2029. The bonds have been secured by an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit issued by a financial institution, with a five-year term expiring in March 2009. The proceeds of the sale of the bonds, which are general debt obligations of Connecticut Water, will be used to redeem the $12,050,000 aggregate principal amount of Connecticut Water’s First Mortgage Bonds (Series V) and to pay a portion of the expenses associated with the bonds’ refunding.

In connection with the issuance of the Bonds, Connecticut Water entered into an interest rate swap transaction with a counterparty in the notional principal amount of $12,500,000. The interest rate swap agreement provides that, beginning in April 2004 and thereafter on a monthly basis, Connecticut Water will pay the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.73% on the notional amount for a period of five years. In exchange, the counterparty will, beginning in April 2004 and thereafter on a monthly basis, pay Connecticut Water a floating interest rate (based on 105% of the U.S. Dollar one-month LIBOR rate) on the notional amount for a period of five years. The purpose of the interest rate swap is to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in prevailing interest rates.

NOTE 17: QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 appears below:

(in thousands, except for per share data)

                                                                 
                                    Net Income   Basic Earnings Per
                    Utility   Applicable to   Average
    Operating Revenues   Operating Income   Common Stock   Common Share
    2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
First Quarter
  $ 10,901     $ 10,284     $ 2,016     $ 2,499     $ 2,110     $ 1,544     $ 0.27     $ 0.20  
Second Quarter
    10,841       10,727       2,048       2,593       1,222       1,866       0.15       0.24  
Third Quarter
    13,673       13,799       4,606       4,408       3,873       3,850       0.49       0.50  
Fourth Quarter
    11,700       11,020       2,861       2,334       1,967       1,482       0.24       0.19  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Year
  $ 47,115     $ 45,830     $ 11,531     $ 11,834     $ 9,172     $ 8,742     $ 1.15     $ 1.13  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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Exhibit    
Number
  Description
3.1
  Certificate of Incorporation of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. amended and restated as of April, 1998. (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/98).
 
   
3.2
  By-Laws, as amended, of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. as amended and restated as of August 12, 1999. (Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
3.3
  Certification of Incorporation of The Connecticut Water Company effective April, 1998. (Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/98).
 
   
3.4
  Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. dated August 6, 2001. (Exhibit 3.4 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
 
   
4.1
  Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust from The Connecticut Water Company to The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Trustee, dated as of June 1, 1956. (Exhibit 4.3(a) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843).
 
   
4.2
  Supplemental Indentures thereto dated as of

(i)   February 1, 1958 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (i) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(ii)   September 1, 1962 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (ii) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(iii)   January 1, 1966 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (iii) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(iv)   July 1, 1966 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (iv) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(v)   January 1, 1971 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (v) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(vi)   September 1, 1974 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (vi) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(vii)   December 1, 1974 (Exhibit 4.3(b) (vii) to Registration Statement No. 2-61843)
 
(viii)   January 1, 1976 (Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/76)
 
(ix)   January 1, 1977 (Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/76)
 
(x)   September 1, 1978 (Exhibit 2.12(b) (x) to Registration Statement No. 2-66855)
 
(xi)   December 1, 1978 (Exhibit 2.12(b) (xi) to Registration Statement No. 2-66855)
 
(xii)   June 1, 1979 (Exhibit 2.12(b) (xii) to Registration Statement No. 2-66855)
 
(xiii)   December 1, 1983 (Exhibit 4.2 (xiii) to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/83)

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(xiv)   January 1, 1987 (Exhibit 4.2 (xiv) to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/86)
 
(xv)   May 1, 1989 (Exhibit 4.2 (xv) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/89)
 
(xvi)   June 1, 1991 (Exhibit 4.2 (xvi) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/91)
 
(xvii)   August 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4.2 (xvii) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/92)
 
(xviii)   October 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.2 (xviii) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/93)
 
(xix)   June 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.2 (xix) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/93)
 
(xx)   September 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.2 (xx) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/93)
 
(xxi)   December 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.2 (xxi) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/93)
 
(xxii)   March 1, 1994 (Exhibit 4.2 (xxii) to Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/94)

     
4.3
  Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 1993, between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 4.3 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
4.4
  Loan Agreement dated as of June 1, 1993, between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 4.4 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
4.5
  Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1993, between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 4.5 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
4.6
  Loan Agreement dated as of August 1, 1992 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 4.10 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992).
 
   
4.7
  Bond Purchase Agreement dated as of December 1, 1993. (Exhibit 4.8 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
4.8
  Loan Agreement dated as of March 9, 1998 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 4.8 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/21/98).
 
   
4.9
  Loan Agreement dated as of April 19, 1990 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Crystal Water Company of Danielson. (Exhibit 4.9 to Form 10.K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
4.10
  Loan Agreement dated as of February 9, 1996 between New London Trust, F.S.B. and The Crystal Water Company of Danielson. (Exhibit 4.10 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).

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  4.11
  Loan Agreement dated as of April 11, 1991 between Farmington Savings Bank and The Unionville Water Company. (Exhibit 4.11 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
  4.12*
  Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company.
 
   
  4.13*
  Indenture of Trust dated as of October 1, 2003 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company.
 
   
  4.14*
  Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company.
 
   
  4.15*
  Indenture of Trust dated as of October 1, 2003 between the Connecticut Development Authority and The Connecticut Water Company.
 
   
  4.16*
  Bond Purchase Agreement dated as of October 10, 2003 among Connecticut Development Authority, The Connecticut Water Company and A.G. Edwards and Sons, Inc.
 
   
10.1
  Pension Plan Fiduciary Liability Insurance for The Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan and Trust, The Connecticut Water Company Tax Credit Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as Amended and Restated, Savings Plan of The Connecticut Water Company and The Connecticut Water Company VEBA Trust Fund. (Exhibit 10.1 to Registration Statement No. 2-74938).
 
   
10.2
  Directors and Officers Liability and Corporation Reimbursement Insurance. (Exhibit 10.2 to Registration Statement No. 2-74938).
 
   
10.3
  Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 1980, as amended as of April 22, 1994. (Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.4
  The Connecticut Water Company Deferred Compensation Agreement dated December 1, 1984. (Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984).
 
   
10.5
  The Connecticut Water Company Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement dated May 14, 1999. (Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
a.    Marshall T. Chiaraluce
b.    David C. Benoit
c.    James R. McQueen
d.    Kenneth W. Kells
 
   
10.6
  The Connecticut Water Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with William C. Stewart. (Exhibit 10.6a to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1991).

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10.7
  The Connecticut Water Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Marshall T. Chiaraluce dated December 16, 1991. (Exhibit 10.6b to the Form 10-K for year ended 12/31/91).
 
   
10.7.1
  The Connecticut Water Company First Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Marshall T. Chiaraluce dated August 1, 1999. (Exhibit 10.7.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
10.7.1a*
  The Connecticut Water Company Second Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Marshall T. Chiaraluce dated December 17, 2003.
 
   
10.7.2
  The Connecticut Water Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Michele G. DiAcri dated February 28, 2000. (Exhibit 10.7.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
 
   
10.7.2a*
  The Connecticut Water Company Second Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Michele G. DiAcri dated December 17, 2003.
 
   
10.8
  The Connecticut Water Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement – standard form for other officers, dated December 4, 1991. (Exhibit 10.6b to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/91).
 
   
10.8.1
  The Connecticut Water Company First Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement — standard form for other officers, dated August 1, 1999. (Exhibit 10.8.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
10.8.2*
  The Connecticut Water Company Second Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement – standard form for other officers, dated December 17, 2003.
a)    David C. Benoit
b)    Peter J. Bancroft
c)    James R. McQueen
d)    Terrance P. O’Neill
e)    Maureen P. Westbrook
 
   
10.9
  Amended and restated employment agreement between The Connecticut Water Company and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. with officers, amended and restated as of May 9, 2001. (Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
a)    Marshall T. Chiaraluce
b)    Michele G. DiAcri
c)    James R. McQueen
d)    David C. Benoit
e)    Peter J. Bancroft
f)    Maureen P. Westbrook
g)    Terrance P. O’Neill

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10.9.1
  Employment agreement between The Connecticut Water Company and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. with Kevin T. Walsh, amended and restated as of January 9, 2002. (Exhibit 10.9.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.10
  Employment and Consulting Agreement between Richard L. Mercier and Gallup Water Service, Inc. dated April 15, 1999. (Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
10.11
  Employment and Consulting Agreement between Roger Engle and Crystal Water Company of Danielson dated September 29, 1999. (Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/99).
 
   
10.12
  Savings Plan of The Connecticut Water Company, amended and restated effective as of October 1, 2000. (Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
 
   
10.12.1*
  Trust Agreement between Connecticut Water Company and Riggs Bank N.A., Trustee, dated as of June 1, 2002.
 
   
10.12.2*
  Post-EGTRRA Amendment to the Savings Plan of The Connecticut Water Company, effective January 1, 2002.
 
   
10.12.3*
  Supplemental Participation Agreement to the Savings Plan of The Connecticut Water Company between The Unionville Water Company and Connecticut Water Company, dated December 30, 2003.
 
   
10.12.4*
  Supplemental Participation Agreement to the Savings Plan of The Connecticut Water Company between The Crystal Water Company of Danielson and Connecticut Water Company, dated December 30, 2003.
 
   
10.13
  The Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan as amended and restated as of January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/98).
 
   
10.13.1
  First amendment, dated August 16, 2000 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.13.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.13.2
  Second amendment, dated November 14, 2000 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.13.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.13.3
  Third amendment, dated November 14, 2001 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.13.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.13.4
  Fourth amendment, dated August 14, 2002 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.13.4 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).

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10.13.5
  Fifth amendment, dated August 14, 2002 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Exhibit 10.13.5 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/02).
 
   
10.13.6*
  Sixth amendment, dated November 10, 2003 to the amended and restated Connecticut Water Company Employees’ Retirement Plan effective November 12, 2003.
 
   
10.14
  Water Supply Agreement dated June 13, 1994, between The Connecticut Water Company and the Hazardville Water Company. (Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1994).
 
   
10.15
  November 4, 1994 Amendment to Agreement dated December 11, 1957 between The Connecticut Water Company (successor to the Thomaston Water Company) and the City of Waterbury. (Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1994).
 
   
10.16
  Contract between The Connecticut Water Company and The Rockville Water and Aqueduct Company dated as of January 1, 1976. (Exhibit 9(b) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1975).
 
   
10.17
  Agreement dated August 13, 1986 between The Connecticut Water Company and the Metropolitan District. (Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986).
 
   
10.18
  Report of the Commission to Study the Feasibility of Expanding the Water Supply Services of the Metropolitan District. (Exhibit 14 to Registration Statement No. 2-61843).
 
   
10.19
  Plan of Merger dated December 18, 1978 of Broad Brook Water Company, The Collinsville Water Company, The Rockville Water and Aqueduct Company, The Terryville Water Company and The Thomaston Water Company with and into The Connecticut Water Company. (Exhibit 13 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1978).
 
   
10.20
  Bond Exchange Agreements between Connecticut Water Service, Inc., The Connecticut Water Company Bankers Life Company and Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company dated October 23, 1978. (Exhibit 14 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1978).
 
   
10.21
  Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan, amended and restated as of November 15, 2001. (Exhibit 99.1 to post-effective amendment filed on December 5, 2001 to Form S-3, Registration Statement No. 33-53211).
 
   
10.22
  Contract for Supplying Bradley International Airport. (Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984).
 
   
10.23
  Report of South Windsor Task Force. (Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987).

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10.24
  Trust Agreement for The Connecticut Water Company Welfare Benefits Plan (VEBA) dated January 1, 1989. (Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1989).
 
   
10.25
  1994 Performance Stock Program, as amended and restated as of April 26, 2002. (Exhibit A to Proxy Statement dated March 19, 2002).
 
   
10.26
  Loan Agreement dated as of February 15, 1991 between Indianapolis Life Insurance Company and The Barnstable Water Company. (Exhibit 10.26 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
 
   
10.27
  Guaranty Agreement by Connecticut Water Service, Inc. and Second Amendment to Note Agreement of Barnstable Water Company dated as of February 23, 2001. (Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-K for the year ended 12/31/01).
 
   
10.28*
  Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Connecticut and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. dated December 4, 2002.
 
   
23.1*
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
 
   
23.2*
  Explanation concerning absence of current written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
 
   
31.1*
  Rule 13a-14 Certification of Marshall T. Chiaraluce, Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
31.2*
  Rule 13a-14 Certification of David C. Benoit, Chief Financial Officer.
 
   
32.1*
  Certification of Marshall T. Chiaraluce, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2*
  Certification of David C. Benoit, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


*   = filed herewith
     
Note:
  Exhibits 10.1 through 10.13, 10.24 and 10.25 set forth each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form-10K.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SCHEDULES

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated February 11, 2004 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. also included an audit of the 2003 and 2002 financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. The 2001 consolidated financial statement schedule information of the Company was audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on that financial statement schedule information in their report dated February 8, 2002.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 11, 2004, except for Note 16, as to which the date is March 4, 2004.

The following report is a copy of a report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP. This report applies to supplemental Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2001. Refer to Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.

Report of Predecessor Auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) on Financial Statement Schedules

We have audited, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the financial statements of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. included in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated February 8, 2002. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the accompanying index to consolidated financial statements and schedule is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
February 8, 2002

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CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

                                 
    Balance   Additions   Deductions   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   From   End of
Description
  of Year
  Income
  Reserves(1)
  Year
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Year Ended December 31, 2003
  $ 240     $ 186     $ 155     $ 271  
Year Ended December 31, 2002
  $ 234     $ 165     $ 159     $ 240  
     
     
     
     
 
Year Ended December 31, 2001
  $ 218     $ 171     $ 155     $ 234  
     
     
     
     
 

    (1) Amounts charged off as uncollectible after deducting recoveries.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

         
    CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC.
Registrant
 
       
  By   /s/ Marshall T. Chiaraluce
     
 
      Marshall T. Chiaraluce
President, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

         
Signature
  Title
  Date
/s/ Marshall T. Chiaraluce
Marshall T. Chiaraluce
(Principal Executive Officer)
 

Director, President Chairman
of the Board, and Chief
Executive Officer
 

March 12, 2004
 
       
/s/ David C. Benoit
David C. Benoit
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

Vice President – Finance,
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
 

March 12, 2004

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/s/ Roger Engle
Roger Engle
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Mary Ann Hanley
Mary Ann Hanley
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Marcia Hincks
Marcia Hincks
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Mark G. Kachur
Mark G. Kachur
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ David A. Lentini
David A. Lentini
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Ronald D. Lengyel
Ronald D. Lengyel
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Robert F. Neal
Robert F. Neal
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Arthur C. Reeds
Arthur C. Reeds
  Director   February 20, 2004
 
       
/s/ Lisa J. Thibdaue
Lisa J. Thibdaue
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Carol P. Wallace
Carol P. Wallace
  Director   March 1, 2004
 
       
/s/ Donald B. Wilbur
Donald B. Wilbur
  Director   March 1, 2004

33