Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008

Commission File Number 000-26591

 

 

RGC Resources, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

VIRGINIA   54-1909697

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

519 Kimball Ave., N.E., Roanoke, VA   24016
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(540) 777-4427

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

None

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated-filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company  x  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at July 31, 2008

Common Stock, $5 Par Value   2,208,948

 

 

 


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

UNAUDITED

 

ASSETS    June 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,622,614     $ 1,408,317  

Accounts receivable – (less allowance for uncollectibles of $466,855 and $46,710, respectively)

     5,674,315       4,447,928  

Note receivable

     87,000       —    

Materials and supplies

     618,407       515,722  

Gas in storage

     19,312,959       19,156,833  

Assets available for sale

     —         12,825,344  

Prepaid income taxes

     139,008       1,649,788  

Deferred income taxes

     1,984,155       1,001,162  

Under-recovery of gas costs

     4,569,099       —    

Other

     642,589       455,445  
                

Total current assets

     37,650,146       41,460,539  
                

Utility Property:

    

In service

     111,498,087       108,348,844  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (38,288,260 )     (36,424,831 )
                

In service, net

     73,209,827       71,924,013  

Construction work in progress

     1,745,344       663,256  
                

Utility plant, net

     74,955,171       72,587,269  
                

Other Assets:

    

Note receivable

     1,213,000       —    

Other

     2,160,391       2,284,647  
                

Total other assets

     3,373,391       2,284,647  

Total Assets

   $ 115,978,708     $ 116,332,455  
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

UNAUDITED

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    June 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 5,000,000     $ 5,000,000  

Borrowings under lines of credit

     —         4,808,000  

Dividends payable

     690,296       667,245  

Accounts payable

     18,578,417       6,457,602  

Customer credit balances

     1,759,432       4,308,415  

Income taxes payable

     3,764       —    

Customer deposits

     1,463,721       1,439,765  

Accrued expenses

     1,680,695       2,106,222  

Liabilities of assets available for sale

     —         7,558,605  

Over-recovery of gas costs

     —         567,295  

Fair value of marked to market transactions

     667,843       86,025  
                

Total current liabilities

     29,844,168       32,999,174  
                

Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities

     23,000,000       23,000,000  
                

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Asset retirement obligations

     2,574,390       2,499,345  

Regulatory cost of retirement obligations

     6,654,696       6,043,088  

Benefit plan liabilities

     3,812,395       3,855,292  

Deferred income taxes

     5,115,562       5,442,563  

Deferred investment tax credits

     103,725       127,760  
                

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     18,260,768       17,968,048  
                

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Common stock, $5 par value; authorized, 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,208,471 and 2,186,143, respectively

     11,042,355       10,930,715  

Preferred stock, no par, authorized, 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Capital in excess of par value

     15,967,816       15,466,756  

Retained earnings

     18,677,844       16,443,017  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (814,243 )     (475,255 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     44,873,772       42,365,233  
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 115,978,708     $ 116,332,455  
                


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007

UNAUDITED

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007     2008     2007

Operating Revenues:

         

Gas utilities

   $ 19,887,423    $ 15,001,023     $ 84,791,998     $ 78,648,958

Other

     265,211      130,352       665,922       472,174
                             

Total operating revenues

     20,152,634      15,131,375       85,457,920       79,121,132
                             

Cost of Sales:

         

Gas utilities

     14,995,978      10,132,586       64,120,353       58,164,503

Other

     101,246      51,511       260,512       225,801
                             

Total cost of sales

     15,097,224      10,184,097       64,380,865       58,390,304
                             

Gross Margin

     5,055,410      4,947,278       21,077,055       20,730,828
                             

Other Operating Expenses:

         

Operations

     2,351,326      2,530,592       7,458,821       7,983,804

Maintenance

     338,556      341,989       1,014,965       924,091

General taxes

     285,856      283,381       888,698       848,937

Depreciation and amortization

     1,092,263      1,026,432       3,268,023       3,078,860
                             

Total other operating expenses

     4,068,001      4,182,394       12,630,507       12,835,692
                             

Operating Income

     987,409      764,884       8,446,548       7,895,136

Other Income, net

     63,866      71,292       124,933       72,606

Interest Expense

     490,756      458,679       1,573,267       1,465,524
                             

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     560,519      377,497       6,998,214       6,502,218

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations

     209,141      140,977       2,662,219       2,468,010
                             

Income from Continuing Operations

     351,378      236,520       4,335,995       4,034,208

Discontinued operations:

         

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $0, $650,317, ($14,628) and $955,133, respectively

     —        (459,586 )     (36,690 )     20,945
                             

Net Income (Loss)

     351,378      (223,066 )     4,299,305       4,055,153

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax

     465,890      300,307       (338,988 )     265,807
                             

Comprehensive Income

   $ 817,268    $ 77,241     $ 3,960,317     $ 4,320,960
                             

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

         

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16    $ 0.11     $ 1.97     $ 1.87

Discontinued operations

     —        (0.21 )     (0.01 )     0.01
                             

Net income

   $ 0.16    $ (0.10 )   $ 1.96     $ 1.88
                             

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

         

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16    $ 0.11     $ 1.96     $ 1.86

Discontinued operations

     —        (0.21 )     (0.01 )     0.01
                             

Net income

   $ 0.16    $ (0.10 )   $ 1.95     $ 1.87
                             

Cash dividends per common share

   $ 0.313    $ 0.305     $ 0.938     $ 0.915
                             

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS

ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007

UNAUDITED

 

     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 4,335,995     $ 4,034,208  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,417,212       3,248,629  

Cost of removal of utility plant, net

     (153,274 )     (218,873 )

Changes in assets and liabilities which provided cash, exclusive of changes and noncash transactions shown separately

     2,799,318       5,909,101  
                

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

     10,399,251       12,973,065  

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     (240,967 )     1,192,047  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     10,158,284       14,165,112  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Additions to utility plant and nonutility property

     (5,010,388 )     (4,557,706 )

Proceeds from sale of Bluefield Operations

     3,941,000       —    

Proceeds from disposal of utility property

     9,488       —    
                

Net cash used in continuing investing activities

     (1,059,900 )     (4,557,706 )

Net cash used in discontinued investing activities

     (12,360 )     (342,211 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,072,260 )     (4,899,917 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net repayments under line-of-credit agreements

     (4,808,000 )     (3,265,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     612,700       798,828  

Cash dividends paid

     (2,041,427 )     (1,959,765 )
                

Net cash used in continuing financing activities

     (6,236,727 )     (4,425,937 )

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities

     365,000       (1,537,000 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (5,871,727 )     (5,962,937 )
                

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     3,214,297       3,302,258  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     1,408,317       1,490,141  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 4,622,614     $ 4,792,399  
                

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

    

Cash paid during the year for:

    

Interest

   $ 1,729,647     $ 2,039,238  

Income taxes net of refunds

     2,229,921       1,952,794  

Noncash Transactions:

A note in the amount of $1,300,000 was received as partial payment for the sale of the assets associated with the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas Company.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

1. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly RGC Resources, Inc.’s financial position as of June 30, 2008 and the results of its operations for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and its cash flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 as quarterly earnings are affected by the highly seasonal nature of the business and weather conditions generally result in greater earnings during the winter months and losses during the summer months.

 

2. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements and condensed notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The condensed consolidated financial statements and condensed notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes contained in the Company’s Form 10-K. The September 30, 2007 balance sheet was included in the Company’s Form 10-K.

 

3. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

4. Effective as of October 31, 2007, Resources closed on the sale of the stock of Bluefield Gas Company (“Bluefield”) to ANGD, LLC, and Roanoke Gas Company completed the sale of its natural gas distribution assets located in the Town of Bluefield and the County of Tazewell, Virginia (“Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas”) to Appalachian Natural Gas Company (“Appalachian”), a subsidiary of ANGD, LLC. Resources received approximately $2,100,000 in cash from the sale of the Bluefield stock after the retirement of approximately $5,100,000 in Bluefield debt. Roanoke Gas received approximately $1,800,000 in cash and a promissory note in the amount of $1,300,000 payable by ANGD, LLC. The note has a 5-year term with a 15-year amortization schedule with annual principal payments and quarterly interest payments at a rate of 10%. The sale of the stock of Bluefield was at book value resulting in no gain or loss on the sale. The sale of assets of the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas was equal to the book value of net plant plus 1% and the book value of accounts receivable, natural gas inventory, and certain other listed current assets. The gain on the sale of these assets was offset by the costs associated with completing both sale transactions.

At the time of the sale, Bluefield and the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas (“Bluefield Operations”) represented approximately 4,600 of Resources 60,200 customers. The results of operations of both Bluefield Gas and the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas Company up to the effective date of the sale are reflected as discontinued operations.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

The components of discontinued operations are summarized below:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2008    2007     2008     2007  

Bluefield Operations

         

Total Revenues

   $           —      $ 1,653,605     $ 457,777     $ 10,268,630  
                               

Pretax Operating Income

     —        (179,427 )     (105,216 )     252,752  

Continuing Costs

     —        209,996       53,898       563,164  

Income Taxes

     —        (589,735 )     14,628       (894,551 )
                               

Discontinued Operations

   $ —      $ (559,166 )   $ (36,690 )   $ (78,635 )
                               

Highland Energy

         

Revenues

   $ —      $ —       $ —       $ —    
                               

Gain on Sale of Assets

     —        160,162       —         160,162  

Pretax Operating Income

     —        —         —         —    

Continuing Costs

     —        —         —         —    

Income Tax Expense

     —        (60,582 )     —         (60,582 )
                               

Discontinued Operations

   $ —      $ 99,580     $ —       $ 99,580  
                               

Total

         

Revenues

   $ —      $ 1,653,605     $ 457,777     $ 10,268,630  
                               

Gain on Sale of Assets

     —        160,162       —         160,162  

Pretax Operating Income

     —        (179,427 )     (105,216 )     252,752  

Continuing Costs

     —        209,996       53,898       563,164  

Income Tax Expense

     —        (650,317 )     14,628       (955,133 )
                               

Discontinued Operations

   $ —      $ (459,586 )   $ (36,690 )   $ 20,945  
                               


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities subject to the purchase agreements as of September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

     September 30,
2007

Assets:

  

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 429,582

Gas in storage

     3,230,624

Other current assets

     90,913

Net utility plant

     9,018,903

Other assets

     55,322
      

Assets available for sale

   $ 12,825,344
      

Liabilities:

  

Accounts payable and customer credit balances

   $ 1,499,604

Accrued expenses

     99,821

Other current liabilities

     4,800,048

Non-current liabilities

     1,159,132
      

Liabilities of assets available for sale

   $ 7,558,605
      

 

5. On November 1, 2007, Roanoke Gas Company placed into effect new base rates, subject to refund to provide for approximately $700,000 in additional annual revenues. On April 2, 2008, the Company reached a stipulated agreement with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) staff for a non-gas rate award of approximately $416,000 in additional annual revenues. The Company received the final order from the SCC on May 22, 2008 approving the stipulated agreement, which provided for approximately $416,000 in additional annual revenues. In June, the Company completed its refund of rates billed in excess of the amount authorized by the final order including interest on the excess amount.

 

6. On June 30, 2008, the Company and Wachovia Bank executed a new line-of-credit agreement between Roanoke Gas and Wachovia Bank. The new agreement increases the total available line-of-credit for the balance of the term of the original note dated March 28, 2008. The increased limits on the line-of-credit are needed to provide the Company with the necessary working capital to finance sharply higher natural gas commodity prices. Effective with the execution of the new agreements, the Company’s total available limits under the lines-of-credit are as follows:

 

Beginning

   Available
Line of Credit

June 30, 2008

   $ 6,000,000

July 16, 2008

     16,000,000

September 16, 2008

     27,000,000

November 16, 2008

     29,000,000

February 16, 2009

     16,000,000


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

The line-of-credit agreements will expire March 31, 2009, unless extended. The Company anticipates being able to extend or replace the credit lines upon expiration. At June 30, 2008, the Company had no balance outstanding under its line-of-credit agreements.

 

7. The Company’s risk management policy allows management to enter into derivatives for the purpose of managing commodity and financial market risks of its business operations. The Company’s risk management policy specifically prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The key market risks that the Company would seek to hedge include the price of natural gas and the cost of borrowed funds.

The Company has historically entered into futures, swaps, caps and collars for the purpose of hedging the price of natural gas in order to provide price stability during the winter months. At June 30, 2008, the Company had no outstanding derivative arrangements for the purchase of natural gas.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap related to the $15,000,000 note issued in November 2005. The swap essentially converted the floating rate note based upon LIBOR into fixed rate debt with a 5.74% interest rate. The swap qualifies as a cash flow hedge with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

A summary of other comprehensive income including the effect of financial instrument activity and SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, had on comprehensive income and accumulated comprehensive loss is provided below:

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008    Interest Rate
Swap
    SFAS
No. 158
    Total  

Unrealized gains

   $ 657,805     $ —       $ 657,805  

Income tax expense

     (249,703 )     —         (249,703 )
                        

Net unrealized gains

     408,102       —         408,102  

Transfer of realized losses to income

     81,341       11,806       93,147  

Income tax benefit

     (30,877 )     (4,482 )     (35,359 )
                        

Net transfer of realized losses to income

     50,464       7,324       57,788  

Net other comprehensive income

   $ 458,566     $ 7,324     $ 465,890  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007    Interest Rate
Swap
    SFAS
No. 158
    Total  

Unrealized gains

   $ 494,292     $ —       $ 494,292  

Income tax expense

     (187,633 )     —         (187,633 )
                        

Net unrealized gains

     306,659       —         306,659  

Transfer of realized gains to income

     (10,238 )     —         (10,238 )

Income tax expense

     3,886       —         3,886  
                        

Net transfer of realized gains to income

     (6,352 )     —         (6,352 )

Net other comprehensive income

   $ 300,307     $ —       $ 300,307  


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008    Interest Rate
Swap
    SFAS
No. 158
    Total  

Unrealized losses

   $ (717,870 )   $ —       $ (717,870 )

Income tax benefit

     272,503       —         272,503  
                        

Net unrealized losses

     (445,367 )     —         (445,367 )

Transfer of realized losses to income

     136,052       35,418       171,470  

Income tax benefit

     (51,645 )     (13,446 )     (65,091 )
                        

Net transfer of realized losses to income

     84,407       21,972       106,379  

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (360,960 )   $ 21,972     $ (338,988 )

Fair value of marked to market transactions

   $ (667,843 )     —       $ (667,843 )

Accumulated comprehensive loss

   $ (414,330 )     (399,913 )   $ (814,243 )
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2007    Interest Rate
Swap
    SFAS
No. 158
    Total  

Unrealized gains

   $ 459,265     $ —       $ 459,265  

Income tax expense

     (174,337 )     —         (174,337 )
                        

Net unrealized gains

     284,928       —         284,928  

Transfer of realized gains to income

     (30,819 )     —         (30,819 )

Income tax expense

     11,698       —         11,698  
                        

Net transfer of realized gains to income

     (19,121 )     —         (19,121 )

Net other comprehensive income

   $ 265,807     $ —       $ 265,807  

Fair value of marked to market transactions

   $ 423,887       —       $ 423,887  

Accumulated comprehensive income

   $ 262,979       —       $ 262,979  

 

8.

Basic earnings per common share for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares. Dilutive potential common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of all options are used to repurchase common stock at market value. The amount of shares remaining after the


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

 

proceeds are exhausted represents the potentially dilutive effect of the securities. A reconciliation of the weighted average common shares and the diluted average common shares is provided below:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Weighted average common shares

   2,205,733    2,167,655    2,198,597    2,157,712

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Options to purchase common stock

   9,691    —      10,018    10,452
                   

Diluted average common shares

   2,215,424    2,167,655    2,208,615    2,168,164
                   

 

9. The Company has both a defined benefit pension plan (the “pension plan”) and a post- retirement benefit plan (the “post-retirement plan”). The pension plan covers substantially all of the Company’s employees and provides retirement income based on years of service and employee compensation. The post-retirement plan provides certain healthcare and supplemental life insurance benefits to retired employees who meet specific age and service requirements. Net pension plan and post-retirement plan expense recorded by the Company is detailed as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Components of net periodic pension cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 107,365     $ 101,227     $ 322,095     $ 303,681  

Interest cost

     192,377       185,228       577,131       555,684  

Expected return on plan assets

     (205,345 )     (172,816 )     (616,035 )     (518,448 )

Recognized loss

     —         18,050       —         54,150  
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 94,397     $ 131,689     $ 283,191     $ 395,067  
                                


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Components of post-retirement benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 35,082     $ 36,923     $ 105,246     $ 110,769  

Interest cost

     127,848       125,461       383,544       376,383  

Expected return on plan assets

     (71,626 )     (59,724 )     (214,878 )     (179,172 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

     47,223       47,223       141,669       141,669  

Recognized loss

     —         2,472       —         7,416  
                                

Net post-retirement benefit cost

   $ 138,527     $ 152,355     $ 415,581     $ 457,065  
                                

The Company contributed $600,000 to its pension plan for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2008 and does not expect to make any more contributions during the current fiscal year. The Company expects to make a total contribution of approximately $600,000 to its post-retirement benefit plan during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.

 

10. Both Roanoke Gas Company and Bluefield Gas Company operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) as a source of fuel for lighting and heating until the late 1940s or early 1950s. A by-product of operating MGPs was coal tar, and the potential exists for on-site tar waste contaminants at the former plant sites. Should the Company be required to remediate either site, the Company will pursue all prudent and reasonable means to recover any related costs, including insurance claims and regulatory approval for rate case recognition of expenses associated with any work required. While the Company sold the stock of Bluefield Gas Company to ANGD, LLC, it retained ownership of the former MGP site and entered into an Indemnification and Cost Sharing Agreement with ANGD to seek rate recovery of any remediation costs through rate recovery and under any applicable insurance policies or from any third party for reimbursement to the Company for 25% of any such costs to the extent they are not otherwise recovered. If the Company incurs costs associated with a required clean-up of the Roanoke Gas Company MGP site, the Company anticipates recording a regulatory asset for such clean-up costs to be recovered in future rates.

 

11.

On September 30, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R. This statement required an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 also requires an employer to measure the funded status of each plan as of the Company’s fiscal year end for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2008. The Company currently uses a June 30 measurement date for its benefit plans. The Company will adopt the change in


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

 

measurement date provision in the first quarter ending December 31, 2008. Although the Company has not yet determined the impact of the change in measurement date on its financial position, it does not anticipate this change will have a material effect on its results of operations or cash flows.

On October 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). This statement clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The adoption of FIN 48 did not result in a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value methods. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements. Instead, it provides for increased consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and for expanded disclosure surrounding the fair value measurements whenever other standards require (or permit) the measurement of assets or liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Accordingly, the Company will adopt SFAS No. 157 no later than the first quarter ending December 31, 2008. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement permits, but does not require, entities to choose to measure selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Although SFAS No. 159 does not eliminate the fair value disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, it does provide for additional presentation and disclosures designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. The effective date of this statement is for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Accordingly, the Company will adopt SFAS No. 159 no later than the first quarter ending December 31, 2008. The Company has not completed its evaluation of this statement, nor determined the potential effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. The purpose of this statement is to enhance the current disclosure framework of SFAS No. 133 by requiring entities to disclose (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED

 

interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flow. The effective date of this statement is for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Accordingly, the Company will adopt SFAS No. 161 no later than the second quarter ending March 31, 2009. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The purpose of this statement is to identify the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statement of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy). The FASB concluded that the GAAP hierarchy should reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB and should be directed to entities and not auditors. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, RGC Resources, Inc. (“Resources” or the “Company”) may publish forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, research and development activities and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company’s business include, but are not limited to: (i) failure to earn on a consistent basis an adequate return on invested capital; (ii) ability to retain and attract professional and technical employees; (iii) the potential loss of large-volume industrial customers to alternate fuels, facility closings or production changes; (iv) volatility in the price and availability of natural gas; (v) uncertainty in the projected rate of growth of natural gas requirements in the Company’s service area; (vi) general economic conditions both locally and nationally; (vii) increases in interest rates; (viii) increased customer delinquencies and conservation efforts resulting from high fuel costs and/or colder weather; (ix) developments in electricity and natural gas deregulation and associated industry restructuring; (x) variations in winter heating degree-days from normal; (xi) impact of potential “green” legislation regarding limitations on carbon emissions; (xii) impact of potential increased regulatory oversight and compliance requirements due to financial, environmental, safety and system integrity laws and regulations; (xiii) failure to obtain timely rate relief for increasing operating or gas costs from regulatory authorities; (xiv) ability to raise debt or equity capital; (xv) impact of terrorism; (xvi) volatility in actuarially determined benefit costs; (xvii) impact of natural disasters on production and distribution facilities and the related effect on supply availability and price; and (xviii) new accounting standards or practices issued by accounting standard setting bodies, which could change the accounting treatment for certain transactions. All of these factors are difficult to predict and many are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, while the Company believes its forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will approximate actual experience or that the expectations derived from them will be realized. When used in the Company’s documents or news releases, the words, “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast”, “budget” or similar words or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may” are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no duty to update these statements should expectations change or actual results differ from current expectations except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

The three-month and nine-month earnings presented herein should not be considered as reflective of the Company’s consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

The total revenues and margins realized during the first nine months reflect higher billings due to the weather sensitive nature of the gas business. Improvement or decline in earnings for the balance of the year will depend primarily on the level of operating and maintenance costs and, to a lesser extent, weather.

Overview

Resources is an energy services company primarily engaged in the regulated sale and distribution of natural gas to approximately 55,700 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Roanoke, Virginia and the surrounding areas through its Roanoke Gas Company (“Roanoke Gas”) subsidiary. Natural gas service is provided at rates and for the terms and conditions set forth by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC”).

Resources also provided regulated sale and distribution of natural gas to Bluefield, West Virginia, the Town of Bluefield, Virginia and surrounding areas through its Bluefield Gas Company (“Bluefield”) subsidiary and the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas (collectively called “Bluefield Operations”). Effective as of October 31, 2007, Resources closed on the sale of the stock of Bluefield to ANGD, LLC and Roanoke Gas completed the sale of the assets of its Bluefield division to Appalachian Natural Gas Company (“Appalachian”), a subsidiary of ANGD, LLC. The Bluefield Operations represented approximately 8% of the customers of Resources. The corresponding activities of the Bluefield Operations up to the effective date of the sale have been classified as discontinued operations. See “Discontinued Operations” section below and Note 4 above for more information on these transactions.

Resources also provides certain unregulated natural gas related services through Roanoke Gas Company and information system services to software providers in the utility industry through RGC Ventures, Inc. of Virginia, which operates as Application Resources. Such operations represent less than 1% of total revenues and income of Resources.

Winter weather conditions and volatility in natural gas prices both have a direct influence on the quantity of natural gas sales to the Company’s customers and management believes each factor has the potential to significantly impact earnings. A majority of natural gas sales are for space heating during the winter season. Consequently, during warmer than normal (normal means average heating degree-days for a specified period) winters, customers may significantly reduce their purchase of natural gas. Furthermore, significant increases in natural gas commodity prices could also affect customer usage through conservation or use of alternative fuels.

Because the SCC authorizes billing rates for the natural gas operations based upon normal weather, warmer than normal weather may result in the Company failing to earn its authorized rate of return. The Company has been able to mitigate a portion of the risk associated with warmer than normal winter weather by the inclusion of a weather normalization adjustment (“WNA”) factor as part of its rate structure, which allows the Company to recover revenues equivalent to the margin that would be realized at approximately 6% warmer than the 30-year normal. The Company recorded approximately $363,000 in additional revenues for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2008 to reflect the impact (as measured by the number of heating degree-days – an industry measure by which the average daily temperature falls below 65


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

degrees Fahrenheit) of the WNA for the difference in margin realized for weather between 12% and 6% warmer than the 30-year average during the current WNA period. In the prior fiscal year, the Company recorded approximately $439,000 in additional revenues for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2007 as the number of heating degree-days for the WNA period were approximately 12% fewer than the 30-year average.

Management also has concerns regarding the volatility of natural gas prices and the potential for reduced sales in response to increasing prices. Rising natural gas prices may influence the level of sales due to conservation efforts by customers or may result in customers switching to an alternative fuel. In addition, increasing prices may lead to a higher level of bad debts due to customers’ inability to afford the higher prices. The commodity price of natural gas has risen from around $7.00 per decatherm this past heating season to more than $13.00 per decatherm as of the end of June. Continuation of price escalation for a prolonged period could negatively impact the Company by making natural gas a less attractive energy source.

With regard to the effect of higher natural gas prices on storage gas, the Company has an approved rate structure in place that mitigates the impact of financing costs of inventory related to rising natural gas prices. Under this rate structure, Roanoke Gas accrues revenue to cover the financing costs or “carrying costs” related to the level of investment in natural gas inventory. During times of rising gas costs and rising inventory levels, the Company recognizes revenues to offset higher financing costs associated with higher inventory balances. Conversely, during times of decreasing inventory costs and lower inventory balances, the Company recognizes less carrying cost revenue as the financing costs would be less. The Company recognized approximately $453,000 and $1,544,000 in carrying cost revenues for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2008 compared to approximately $374,000 and $1,331,000 for the same periods last year.

Results of Operations

Consolidated net income (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations is as follows:

 

Net Income    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
   2008    2007     2008     2007

Continuing Operations

   $ 351,378    $ 236,520     $ 4,335,995     $ 4,034,208

Discontinued Operations

     —        (459,586 )     (36,690 )     20,945
                             

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 351,378    $ (223,066 )   $ 4,299,305     $ 4,055,153
                             


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Continuing Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:

The table below reflects volume activity and heating degree-days.

 

Delivered Volumes    Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
   2008    2007     

Regulated Natural Gas (DTH)

          

Tariff Sales

   868,078    995,678    (127,600 )   -13 %

Transportation

   652,066    623,258    28,808     5 %
                  

Total

   1,520,144    1,618,936    (98,792 )   -6 %

Heating Degree-Days

   325    384    (59 )   -15 %

(Unofficial)

          

The table below reflects operating revenues.

 

Operating Revenues    Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
   Percentage  
   2008    2007      

Gas Utilities

   $ 19,887,423    $ 15,001,023    $ 4,886,400    33 %

Other

     265,211      130,352      134,859    103 %
                           

Total Operating Revenues

   $ 20,152,634    $ 15,131,375    $ 5,021,259    33 %
                           

Total operating revenues from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period last year increased due to significantly higher natural gas commodity prices more than offsetting a 6% reduction in sales volumes. The average commodity price of natural gas delivered increased by nearly 70% over last year. Other revenues increased by 103% due to paving services provided as part of the Company’s unregulated operations.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Gross Margin    Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
   Percentage  
   2008    2007      

Gas Utilities

   $ 4,891,445    $ 4,868,437    $ 23,008    0 %

Other

     163,965      78,841      85,124    108 %
                           

Total Gross Margin

   $ 5,055,410    $ 4,947,278    $ 108,132    2 %
                           

Regulated natural gas margins from gas utilities were nearly unchanged from the same period last year as reductions in sales volumes were offset by the implementation of a non-gas cost rate increase and higher inventory carrying cost revenues. The 13% decline in tariff sales (consisting primarily of residential and commercial volumes) corresponded to a 15% decrease in the number of heating degree-days during the quarter. A portion of the decline could be in response to the increased billing rates as a result of the rise in natural gas costs leading consumers to conserve. The Company placed increased rates into effect during the first quarter. These rates were placed into effect subject to refund pending a final order from the SCC. As a result of the higher rates, the Company realized approximately $78,000 in additional margin from customer base charges, which is a flat monthly fee billed to each natural gas customer. The total volumetric margin declined by approximately $140,000 as the effect of the rate increase only partially offset the effect of lower sales volumes. Carrying cost revenues, as explained above, increased by approximately $79,000 due to higher average investment in natural gas storage during the period.

The components of the gas utility margin increase are summarized below:

 

Net Margin Increase

  

Customer Base Charge including rate increase

   $ 78,003  

WNA

     (3,336 )

Carrying Cost

     79,324  

Volumetric (rate increase and volume decrease)

     (139,981 )

Other

     8,998  
        

Total

   $ 23,008  
        

Other margins increased by $85,124 over last year primarily due to paving services.

Operations expenses decreased by $179,266, or 7%, compared to the same period last year. Reductions in employee benefit costs, operations labor and contractor expenses, combined with higher levels of capitalized overheads, more than offset higher levels of bad debt expense. Employee benefit costs declined by nearly $74,000 primarily due to lower pension and post-retirement medical expense. Operations labor and contractor expenses declined by $157,000 due in part to employee attrition and timing of certain contractor work. Capitalized overheads for capital projects and Liquified Natural Gas production (“LNG”) and bad debt expense accounted


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

for much of the remaining change in operating expenses. As discussed above, significantly rising gas prices are expected to result in higher bad debt expenses even if the rate of bad debts remains unchanged. Maintenance expenses were nearly unchanged from the same period last year.

General taxes increased by $2,475, or 1%, as higher property taxes associated with a higher level of utility plant offset lower payroll taxes. Depreciation expense increased $65,831, or 6%, on a corresponding increase in utility plant associated with extending service to new customers and replacing cast iron and bare steel pipe. Other income, net, decreased by $7,426 due to lower interest earnings attributable to a reduction in available cash for investment.

Interest expense increased by $32,077, or 7%, primarily due to higher average debt outstanding during the current quarter compared to the same period last year and increased interest cost due to a higher level of rate refund.

Income tax expense increased by $68,164, or 48%, which corresponds to the increase in pre-tax income from continuing operations for the quarter. The effective tax rate was 37.3% for both periods.

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008:

The table below reflects volume activity and heating degree-days.

 

Delivered Volumes    Nine Months Ended June 30,    Increase/
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
   2008    2007     

Regulated Natural Gas (DTH)

          

Tariff Sales

     5,955,536      6,242,356      (286,820 )   -5 %

Transportation

     2,124,641      2,148,347      (23,706 )   -1 %
                        

Total

     8,080,177      8,390,703      (310,526 )   -4 %

Heating Degree-Days

     3,611      3,714      (103 )   -3 %

(Unofficial)

          
The table below reflects operating revenues.           
Operating Revenues    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
   2008    2007     

Gas Utilities

   $ 84,791,998    $ 78,648,958    $ 6,143,040     8 %

Other

     665,922      472,174      193,748     41 %
                            

Total Operating Revenues

   $ 85,457,920    $ 79,121,132    $ 6,336,788     8 %
                            

 


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Total operating revenues from continuing operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period last year increased due to higher gas costs and the implementation of a non-gas cost rate increase partially offset by reductions in natural gas sales volumes. The average commodity price of gas delivered increased by more than 15% over last year. Total natural gas sales volumes declined by 4% on a 3% decline in the number of heating degree-days. Other revenues increased by 41% related primarily to paving services.

 

Gross Margin    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
   Increase/
(Decrease)
   Percentage  
   2008    2007      

Gas Utilities

   $ 20,671,645    $ 20,484,455    $ 187,190    1 %

Other

     405,410      246,373      159,037    65 %
                           

Total Gross Margin

   $ 21,077,055    $ 20,730,828    $ 346,227    2 %
                           

Regulated natural gas margins increased slightly even though total delivered volume (tariff and transporting) declined by 4% from last year’s volumes. The increase was attributable to the implementation of a non-gas cost rate increase and higher carrying cost revenues more than offsetting lower volumetric and WNA revenues. Nearly half of the rate increase was attributable to customer base charges resulting in approximately $226,000 increase in such revenues. Carrying cost revenues increased by approximately $213,000 due to a higher average investment in natural gas storage during the period. WNA revenues declined by approximately $76,000 due to the reduction in the number of heating degree-days in the rolling 30-year normal as discussed above.

The components of the regulated margin increase are summarized below:

 

Net Margin Increase

  

Customer Base Charge including rate increase

   $ 226,160  

WNA

     (75,901 )

Carrying Cost

     213,271  

Volumetric (rate increase and volume decrease)

     (224,033 )

Other

     47,693  
        

Total

   $ 187,190  
        

Operations expenses decreased by $524,983, or 7%, for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period last year. Most of the decrease in operations expenses was attributable to lower employee benefit costs, operations labor and contractor expenses, combined with a higher level of capitalized overheads. Employee benefit costs declined by $128,000 primarily related to lower pension and post-retirement medical expense. Operations labor and


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

contractor expenses declined by $244,000 due to a greater allocation of time to capital projects and timing of certain contractor work. Most of the remaining decrease in operations expenses resulted from higher allocation of overheads from operations to capital projects and LNG inventory associated with a higher level of capital expenditures and increased LNG production over last year. Maintenance expenses increased $90,874, or 10%, due to timing of pipeline leak repairs of the Company’s distribution system determined through leak surveys completed in the prior fiscal year. Most of the leak repairs in the current cycle were completed prior to the end of the second quarter.

General taxes increased $39,761, or 5%, for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period last year. Most of the increase was attributable to higher property taxes related to higher balances in utility plant. Depreciation expense increased $189,163, or 6%, due to the growth in utility plant associated with extending service to new customers and replacing cast iron and bare steel pipe. Other income, net, increased $52,327 due to interest earnings attributable to the note received from the sale of the Bluefield Operations.

Interest expense increased by $107,743, or 7%, primarily due to higher average debt outstanding during the current period compared to the same period last year and a greater level of interest due to a higher rate refund.

Income tax expense increased $194,209, or 8%, which corresponds to the rise in pre-tax income from continuing operations. The effective tax rate was 38% for both periods.

Discontinued Operations

As discussed above in Note 4 of the financial statements, effective as of October 31, 2007, Resources closed on the sale of the stock of Bluefield Gas Company to ANGD, LLC, and Roanoke Gas Company completed the sale of its natural gas distribution assets located in the Town of Bluefield and the County of Tazewell, Virginia (“Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas”) to Appalachian Natural Gas Company (“Appalachian”), a subsidiary of ANGD, LLC. Bluefield and the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas (“Bluefield Operations”) represented approximately 4,600 of Resources 60,200 customers at the time of sale. The results of operations of both Bluefield Gas and the Bluefield division of Roanoke Gas Company up to the effective date of the sale are reflected as discontinued operations.

The Bluefield Operations absorbed approximately $773,000 and $732,000 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, in costs allocated from Resources and Roanoke Gas that have continued after the sale. The Company expected to recover a portion of these costs through a services agreement with ANGD and through current and future non-gas cost rate filings. The Company also expects to reduce a portion of the costs through normal staff attrition. The non-gas cost rate increase placed into effect in November 2007, subject to refund, included provisions to recover some of these retained costs as well. Future non-gas rate filings are expected to include a return on equity from the infusion of the net proceeds received from the sale of Bluefield stock.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements of Resources are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the Company’s financial statements are affected by accounting policies, estimates and judgments that are necessary to comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Estimates used in the financial statements are derived from prior experience, statistical analysis and professional judgments. Actual results could differ from the estimates, which would affect the related amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. The following policies and estimates are important to understanding certain key components of the financial statements.

Regulatory accounting – The Company’s regulated operations follow the accounting and reporting requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation. The economic effects of regulation can result in a regulated company deferring costs that have been or are expected to be recovered from customers in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by a nonregulated enterprise. When this results, costs are deferred as assets in the consolidated balance sheet (regulatory assets) and recorded as expenses when such amounts are reflected in rates. Additionally, regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for the amounts previously collected from customers and for current collection in rates of costs that are expected to be incurred in the future (regulatory liabilities).

If any portion of the current regulated operations ceases to meet the criteria for application of the provisions of SFAS No. 71, the Company would remove the corresponding regulatory assets or liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets and reflect them within the consolidated statement of income for the period in which the discontinuance occurred.

Revenue recognition – Regulated utility sales and transportation revenues are based upon rates approved by the SCC. The non-gas cost component of rates may not be changed without a formal rate increase application and corresponding authorization by the SCC; however, the gas cost component of rates may be adjusted periodically through the PGA mechanism with approval from the SCC. Roanoke Gas also utilizes a WNA, which is designed to partially offset the impact of weather that is either more than approximately 6% warmer than normal or approximately 6% colder than normal over a 12 month period. The calculation of the WNA requires the use of estimates. Without the WNA, the Company’s operating revenues and gross margins would have been reduced by approximately $363,000 and $439,000 for the nine-month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company bills its regulated natural gas customers on a monthly cycle. The billing cycle periods for most customers do not coincide with the accounting periods used for financial reporting. The Company accrues estimated revenue for natural gas delivered to customers not yet billed during the accounting period. Determination of unbilled revenue relies on the use of estimates and current and historical data. The financial statements included unbilled revenues of $1,660,046 and $1,278,635 at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Roanoke also accrues a provision for rate refund during periods in which it has implemented new non-gas billing rates pending the results of a final review and hearing on the increases by the SCC.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Bad debt reserves – The Company evaluates the collectibility of its accounts receivable balances based upon a variety of factors including loss history, level of delinquent account balances and general economic climate.

Retirement plans – The Company offers a defined benefit pension plan (“pension plan”) and a postretirement medical and life insurance plan (“postretirement plan”) to eligible employees. The expenses and liabilities associated with these plans are determined through actuarial means requiring the use of estimates and assumptions. In regard to the pension plan, these factors include assumptions regarding discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, compensation increases and life expectancies, among others. Similarly, the postretirement plan also requires the estimation of many of the same factors as the pension plan in addition to assumptions regarding rate of medical inflation and Medicare availability. Actual results may differ materially from the results expected from the actuarial assumptions due to changing economic conditions, volatility in interest rates and changes in life expectancy. Such differences may result in a material impact on the amount of expense recorded in future periods or the value of the obligations on the balance sheet.

Derivatives – The Company may hedge certain risks incurred in the normal operation of business through the use of derivative instruments. The Company applies the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet at fair value. In most instances, fair value is based upon quoted futures prices for the natural gas commodities and interest rate futures for interest rate swaps. Changes in the commodity and futures markets will impact the estimates of fair value in the future. Furthermore, the actual market value at the point of realization of the derivative may be significantly different from the values used in determining fair value in prior financial statements.

Asset Management

Roanoke Gas uses a third party as an asset manager to manage its pipeline transportation and storage rights and gas supply inventories and deliveries. In return for being able to utilize the excess capacities of the transportation and storage rights, the third party pays Roanoke Gas a monthly utilization fee, which is used to reduce the cost of gas for customers. The current agreement expires in October 2010.

Energy Costs

Like other energy sources, natural gas prices continued their increase during the quarter as the NYME X price (New York Mercantile Exchange) exceeded $13.50 per decatherm for the first of July purchases. Since the end of June, the market has pulled back and prices have dropped significantly in the near term and the winter futures prices are below the June peak. However, volatility in the market remains a concern as hurricane activity, severity of winter weather and demand for electric generation can all have an impact on the ultimate price for natural gas.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Energy costs represent the single largest expense of the Company. To help mitigate the impact of potential price volatility, the Company uses various hedging mechanisms, including summer storage injections and financial instruments. Prudently incurred natural gas costs are fully recoverable under the present regulatory Purchased Gas Adjustment (“PGA”) mechanism, and increases and decreases in the cost of gas are passed through to the Company’s customers. Although rising energy prices are recoverable through the PGA mechanism, high energy prices may have a negative impact on earnings through increases in bad debt expense and higher interest costs because the delay in recovering higher gas costs requires borrowing to temporarily fund receivables from customers. The Company’s rate structure provides a level of protection against the impact that rising energy prices may have on bad debts and carrying costs of gas in storage by allowing for more timely recovery of these costs. However, the rate structure will not protect the Company from increased rate of bad debts or increases in interest rates.

Regulatory Affairs

On September 17, 2007, Roanoke filed an application with the Virginia SCC for an expedited increase in non-gas rates to provide approximately $700,000 in additional annual revenues. The requested rates were placed into effect on November 1, 2007 subject to refund for any differences between the implemented rates and the final rates approved by the SCC. An agreement was reached among all parties on the proceeding and a Stipulation was filed with the SCC on April 11, 2008 supporting an annual increase in non-gas rates of $416,000 based on a 10% return on equity. The Company received the final order from the SCC on May 22, 2008 approving the stipulated agreement, which provided for approximately $416,000 in additional annual revenues. In June, the Company completed its refund of rates billed in excess of the amount authorized by the final order including interest on the excess amount.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Due to the capital intensive nature of the utility business, as well as the related weather sensitivity, the Company’s primary capital needs are the funding of its continuing construction program, the seasonal funding of its natural gas inventories and accounts receivable and payment of dividends. To meet these needs, the Company relies on its operating cash flows, line-of-credit agreements, and capital raised through the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRIP”).

Due to the seasonal nature of the natural gas business, operating cash flows may fluctuate significantly during the year as well as from year to year. Factors including weather, energy prices, natural gas storage levels and customer collections all contribute to working capital levels and the related cash flows. Generally, operating cash flows are positive during the second and third quarters as a combination of earnings, storage gas levels and collections on customer accounts all contribute to higher cash levels. During the first and fourth quarters, operating cash flows generally decrease due to the increases in natural gas storage levels, rising customer receivable balances and construction activity.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Investing activities are generally composed of expenditures under the Company’s construction program, which involves a combination of replacing aging bare steel and cast iron pipe with new plastic or coated steel pipe and expansion of its natural gas system to meet the demands of customer growth. Total capital expenditures from continuing operations were $5,010,388 and $4,557,706 for the nine-month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Roanoke Gas’ total capital budget for the current year is more than $6,200,000 and total capital expenditures for the year are expected to exceed the prior year’s level. Although new construction related to expanding natural gas service has declined due to the current slow-down in real estate development, the Company plans to continue its focus on pipeline renewals. The Company relies on its line-of-credit agreements to provide temporary financing of its capital projects and operating cash flows, DRIP activity and long-term debt financing to provide the underlying funding for long-term funding.

As discussed above, the Company and Roanoke Gas closed on the sale of the Bluefield Operations effective as of October 31, 2007. On the date of closing the Company received payment of $9,000,000 and a subordinated note of $1,300,000 based on estimated values as of October 31, 2007. After payoff of Bluefield’s outstanding debt at the date of closing and payment of the estimated income taxes associated with the taxable gain on sale of the stock of Bluefield Gas, the Company’s cash resources increased by approximately $3,300,000. The Company used the net proceeds to infuse capital into Roanoke Gas to help fund its construction and pipeline renewal programs.

Financing activities generally consist of long-term and short-term borrowings and repayments, issuance of stock and the payment of dividends. As discussed above, the Company uses its line-of-credit arrangements to fund seasonal working capital needs as well as provide temporary financing for capital projects. The level of borrowing under the Company’s line-of-credit agreements can fluctuate significantly due to the time of the year, changes in the wholesale price of energy and weather outside the normal temperature ranges. As the wholesale price of natural gas increases, short-term debt generally increases because the payment to the Company’s energy suppliers is due before the Company can recover its costs through the monthly billing of its customers. In addition, colder weather requires the Company to purchase greater volumes of natural gas, the cost of which is recovered from customers on a delayed basis. As the second quarter is a strong generator of operating cash flows, the Company generally is able to pay down most of its line-of-credit balances before the seasonal funding requirements begin to increase in the third and fourth quarters.

On June 30, 2008, the Company executed a new line-of-credit agreement for Roanoke Gas. The new agreement increases the total available line-of-credit for the balance of the term of the original note dated March 28, 2008. Significantly higher natural gas prices have prompted the need for additional working capital to fund natural gas purchases and accounts receivable. The lines-of-credit agreements expire March 31, 2009, unless extended. The Company anticipates being able to extend or replace the line-of-credit agreements upon expiration.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

On July 1, 2008, Roanoke Gas retired its $5,000,000 first mortgage notes. The Company used its line of credit agreement to payoff the debt while it evaluates its options for refinancing the note in the current credit environment. Management anticipates being able to obtain new financing on terms acceptable to the Company.

Stockholders equity increased by $2,508,539 for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, primarily due to earnings and proceeds from stock issued under the DRIP Plan. The activity is summarized below:

 

Net income

   $ 4,299,305  

Dividends

     (2,064,478 )

DRIP

     503,465  

Restricted stock and stock options

     109,235  

Net comprehensive income

     (338,988 )
        

Increase in stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,508,539  
        

At June 30, 2008, the Company’s consolidated long-term capitalization was 62% equity and 38% debt.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 4T – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2008, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Management routinely reviews the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and from time to time makes changes intended to enhance the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. There has been no change during the quarter ended June 30, 2008, in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Part II – Other Information

ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Pursuant to the RGC Resources Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Directors (the “Restricted Stock Plan”), 40% of the monthly retainer fee of each non-employee director of the Company is paid in shares of unregistered common stock and is subject to vesting and transferability restrictions (“restricted stock”). A participant can, subject to approval of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), elect to receive up to 100% of his retainer fee in restricted stock. The number of shares of restricted stock is calculated each month based on the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ-NMS on the first day of the month. The shares of restricted stock are issued in reliance on Section 3(a)(11) and Section 4(2) exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) and will vest only in the case of the participant’s death, disability, retirement or in the event of a change in control of the Company. Shares of restricted stock will be forfeited to the Company upon (i) the participant’s voluntary resignation during his term on the Board or (ii) removal for cause. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company issued a total of 792 shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan as follows:

 

Investment Date

  

Price

  

Number of Shares

4/1/2008    $27.260    275
5/1/2008    $29.200    257
6/2/2008    $28.800    260

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

Number

 

Description

31.1   Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32.1   Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
32.2   Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer.


RGC RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned there unto duly authorized.

 

    RGC Resources, Inc.
Date: August 14, 2008     By:  

/s/ Howard T. Lyon

      Howard T. Lyon
     

Vice-President, Treasurer and

Chief Financial Officer