Attached files

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EX-10.2 - COBANK AMENDMENT - CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CTexhibit102-cobankamendment.htm
EX-32 - SOX CERTIFICATION - CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CTexhibit32q22014.htm
EX-31.2 - CFO CERTIFICATION - CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CTexhibit312q22014.htm
EX-31.1 - CEO CERTIFICATION - CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CTexhibit311q22014.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CTFinancial_Report.xls


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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
06-0739839
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
93 West Main Street, Clinton, CT
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
06413
(Zip Code)

(860) 669-8636
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(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 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x        No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o

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
11,099,574
Number of shares of common stock outstanding, August 1, 2014
(Includes 199,440 common stock equivalent shares awarded under the Performance Stock Programs) 



CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Financial Report
June 30, 2014
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I, Item 1:  Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32
Exhibit 101.INS
Exhibit 101.SCH
Exhibit 101.CAL
Exhibit 101.DEF
Exhibit 101.LAB
Exhibit 101.PRE



CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Utility Plant
 
$
653,429

 
$
639,704

Construction Work in Progress
 
16,014

 
12,066

 
 
669,443

 
651,770

Accumulated Provision for Depreciation
 
(185,605
)
 
(179,894
)
Net Utility Plant
 
483,838

 
471,876

Other Property and Investments
 
7,752

 
7,388

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
10,593

 
18,371

Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2014 - $1,147; 2013 - $1,127)
 
12,132

 
12,340

Accrued Unbilled Revenues
 
8,595

 
7,624

Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost
 
1,645

 
1,633

Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
9,262

 
6,928

Total Current Assets
 
42,227

 
46,896

Restricted Cash
 
4,384

 
5,777

Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense
 
6,566

 
6,841

Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset
 
50,309

 
47,135

Pension Benefits - Regulatory Asset
 
2,585

 
3,085

Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension - Regulatory Asset
 
1,433

 
1,288

Goodwill
 
31,685

 
31,685

Deferred Charges and Other Costs
 
9,736

 
8,840

Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets
 
106,698

 
104,651

Total Assets
 
$
640,515

 
$
630,811

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Common Stockholders' Equity:
 
 

 
 

Common Stock Without Par Value: Authorized - 25,000,000 Shares
 
 

 
 

     Issued and Outstanding: 2014 - 11,097,506; 2013 - 11,038,232
 
$
139,826

 
$
138,591

Retained Earnings
 
64,259

 
59,277

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
45

 
(115
)
Common Stockholders' Equity
 
204,130

 
197,753

Preferred Stock
 
772

 
772

Long-Term Debt
 
173,916

 
175,042

Total Capitalization
 
378,818

 
373,567

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
 
4,234

 
4,121

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
 
9,249

 
10,846

Accrued Interest
 
741

 
753

Current Portion of Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability
 
6,275

 
4,650

Other Current Liabilities
 
2,364

 
2,359

Total Current Liabilities
 
22,863

 
22,729

Advances for Construction
 
28,018

 
28,718

Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes
 
49,941

 
47,470

Unfunded Future Income Taxes
 
49,897

 
46,723

Long-Term Compensation Arrangements
 
22,059

 
20,651

Unamortized Investment Tax Credits
 
1,376

 
1,414

Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability
 
4,650

 
7,749

Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
1,013

 
1,018

Total Long-Term Liabilities
 
156,954

 
153,743

Contributions in Aid of Construction
 
81,880

 
80,772

Commitments and Contingencies
 

 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
640,515

 
$
630,811


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

3


CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Revenues
$
25,459

 
$
22,545

Operating Expenses
 
 
 
Operation and Maintenance
10,503

 
10,357

Depreciation
2,838

 
2,600

Income Taxes
1,840

 
2,519

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
2,001

 
1,810

Total Operating Expenses
17,182

 
17,286

Net Operating Revenues
8,277

 
5,259

Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes
202

 
179

Total Utility Operating Income
8,479

 
5,438

Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
 
 
 
Non-Water Sales Earnings
398

 
376

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
169

 
76

Other
51

 
(111
)
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes
618

 
341

Interest and Debt Expense
 
 
 
Interest on Long-Term Debt
1,768

 
1,791

Other Interest (Income) Charges, Net
(164
)
 
(157
)
Amortization of Debt Expense and Premium, Net
3

 
(165
)
Total Interest and Debt Expense
1,607

 
1,469

Net Income
7,490

 
4,310

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement
10

 
10

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
$
7,480

 
$
4,300

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
10,887

 
10,819

Diluted
11,085

 
10,989

Earnings Per Common Share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.69

 
$
0.40

Diluted
$
0.67

 
$
0.39

Dividends Per Common Share
$
0.2475

 
$
0.2425


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


4


CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Revenues
$
45,719

 
$
42,274

Operating Expenses
 

 
 

Operation and Maintenance
21,170

 
20,735

Depreciation
5,646

 
5,304

Income Taxes
2,334

 
3,647

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
4,388

 
3,970

Total Operating Expenses
33,538

 
33,656

Net Operating Revenues
12,181

 
8,618

Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes
387

 
385

Total Utility Operating Income
12,568

 
9,003

Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes
 
 
 
Non-Water Sales Earnings
831

 
762

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
267

 
130

Other
69

 
(172
)
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes
1,167

 
720

Interest and Debt Expense
 
 
 
Interest on Long-Term Debt
3,519

 
3,578

Other Interest (Income) Charges, Net
(322
)
 
(700
)
Amortization of Debt Expense and Premium, Net
62

 
(78
)
Total Interest and Debt Expense
3,259

 
2,800

Net Income
10,476

 
6,923

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement
19

 
19

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
$
10,457

 
$
6,904

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
10,878

 
10,811

Diluted
11,073

 
10,977

Earnings Per Common Share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.96

 
$
0.64

Diluted
$
0.94

 
$
0.63

Dividends Per Common Share
$
0.4950

 
$
0.4850


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


5


CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
2014
 
2013
Net Income
$
7,490

 
$
4,310

Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax
 

 
 

Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instrument Income, net of tax benefit of $0 and $0 in 2014 and 2013

 
1

Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other than Pension, net of tax (expense) of $(13) in 2014 and $(61) in 2013
61

 
92

Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax (expense) of $(26) in 2014 and $(3) in 2013
41

 
5

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
102

 
98

Comprehensive Income
$
7,592

 
$
4,408



CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
2014
 
2013
Net Income
$
10,476

 
$
6,923

Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax
 

 
 

Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instrument Income, net of tax benefit of $0 and $0 in 2014 and 2013

 
1

Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other than Pension, net of tax (expense) of $(26) in 2014 and $(45) in 2013
122

 
67

Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax (expense) of $(24) in 2014 and $(35) in 2013
38

 
53

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
160

 
121

Comprehensive Income
$
10,636

 
$
7,044



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

6


CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
2014
 
2013
Balance at Beginning of Period
$
59,519

 
$
51,756

Net Income
7,490

 
4,310

 
67,009

 
56,066

Dividends Declared:
 

 
 

Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share
3

 
3

Cumulative Preferred, Series $0.90, $0.225 per share
7

 
7

Common Stock - 2014 $0.2475 per share; 2013 $0.2425 per share
2,740

 
2,661

 
2,750

 
2,671

Balance at End of Period
$
64,259

 
$
53,395



CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
2014
 
2013
Balance at Beginning of Period
$
59,277

 
$
51,804

Net Income
10,476

 
6,923

 
69,753

 
58,727

Dividends Declared:
 

 
 

Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.40 per share
6

 
6

Cumulative Preferred, Series $0.90, $0.45 per share
13

 
13

Common Stock - 2014 $0.495 per share; 2013 $0.485 per share
5,475

 
5,313

 
5,494

 
5,332

Balance at End of Period
$
64,259

 
$
53,395


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


7


CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
10,476

 
$
6,923

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by
 

 
 

Operating Activities:
 

 
 

Deferred Revenues
(2,673
)
 
119

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net
2,433

 
3,485

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
(267
)
 
(130
)
Depreciation and Amortization (including $500 and $265 in 2014 and 2013 charged to other accounts)
6,146

 
5,569

Change in Assets and Liabilities:
 

 
 

Decrease in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues
(763
)
 
(1,652
)
Increase in Prepaid Income Taxes and Prepayments and Other Current Assets
(2,346
)
 
(673
)
Decrease in Other Non-Current Items
554

 
1,416

Decrease in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
(10
)
 
(1,715
)
Total Adjustments
3,074

 
6,419

Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities
13,550

 
13,342

Investing Activities:
 

 
 

Net Additions to Utility Plant Used in Continuing Operations
(17,458
)
 
(13,673
)
Release of Restricted Cash
1,395

 
1,295

Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Investing Activities
(16,063
)
 
(12,378
)
Financing Activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans

 
134

Repayment of Interim Bank Loans

 
(1,660
)
Proceeds from the Issuance of Long-Term Debt

 
14,550

Costs to Issue Long-Term Debt and Common Stock

 
(31
)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
886

 
797

Repayment of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion
(793
)
 
(15,269
)
Advances from Others for Construction
136

 
245

Cash Dividends Paid
(5,494
)
 
(5,332
)
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Financing Activities
(5,265
)
 
(6,566
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(7,778
)
 
(5,602
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
18,371

 
13,150

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
10,593

 
$
7,548

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 

 
 

Non-Cash Contributed Utility Plant
$
412

 
$
346

Short-term Investment of Bond Proceeds Held in Restricted Cash
$
4,384

 
$
9,937

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 

 
 

Cash Paid for:
 

 
 

Interest
$
3,313

 
$
3,118

State and Federal Income Taxes
$
1,135

 
$
1,500


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

8


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.
Basis of Preparation of Financials

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for interim periods.  Certain information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries are: The Connecticut Water Company (“Connecticut Water”) and The Maine Water Company (“Maine Water”). The Biddeford & Saco Water Company (“BSWC”) was merged with and into Maine Water, with Maine Water remaining as the surviving entity, effective January 1, 2014. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “10-K”) and as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to conform previously reported data to the current presentation.

The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year since the consolidated earnings are subject to seasonal factors.

Regulatory Matters

The rates we charge our Connecticut water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”).  It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return.  Connecticut Water’s allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective June 30, 2014 are 9.75% and 7.32%, respectively.

On January 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a Water Infrastructure Conservation Adjustment (“WICA”) application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.08% surcharge to customer bills related to approximately $6.5 million spending on WICA projects. This application also reduced the surcharge by 0.09% for the prior year reconciliation adjustment which expired April 1, 2013.  On January 30, 2013, Connecticut Water filed for a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment for the 2012 shortfall in WICA, to become effective April 1, 2013.  On March 25, 2013, the PURA approved an additional 1.06% surcharge, effective April 1, 2013. Additionally, on March 27, 2013, the PURA approved a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment, effective April 1, 2013. As of April 1, 2013, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge was 6.80%.

On July 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.09% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $5.6 million in WICA related projects. On September 18, 2013 the PURA approved the 1.09% surcharge with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2013. As of October 1, 2013, the cumulative WICA surcharge was 7.89%.

Effective April 1, 2014, in accordance with a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, discussed below, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge of 7.89% was rolled into base rates charged to customers.

On July 29, 2014, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.59% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $12.7 million in WICA related projects. Connecticut Water expects the PURA to issue a decision on the WICA application during the third quarter of 2014 with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2014.

On June 5, 2013, the Connecticut's General Assembly passed Public Act 13-78, “An Act Concerning Water Infrastructure and Conservation, Municipal Reporting Requirements and Unpaid Utility Accounts at Multi-Family Dwellings” (“PA 13-78”), which authorized a Water Revenue Adjustment (“WRA”) to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the last general rate case and allows companies to adjust rates as necessary to recover the revenues approved by PURA in the last general rate case. The WRA removes the financial disincentive for water utilities to develop and implement effective water conservation programs. The WRA allows water companies to defer on the balance sheet, as a regulatory asset or liability, for

9


later collection from or crediting to customers the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings. Additionally, PA 13-78 raised the cap for WICA charges to 10%, from 7.5%, between general rate cases and expands the eligible projects to include energy conservation projects, improvements required to comply with streamflow regulations, and improvements to acquired systems.

On June 28, 2013, Connecticut Water entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut (the “Settlement Agreement”), whereby Connecticut Water would adjust the water rates charged to its customers effective April 1, 2014 in accordance with the elements of the Settlement Agreement (the “Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan”). On July 1, 2013, Connecticut Water submitted an application to the PURA seeking formal approval of the Settlement Agreement.

The Settlement Agreement contemplates that Connecticut Water would adopt regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that allows the Company to adopt an alternative method for determining how expenditures related to tangible property can be treated for federal tax purposes for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012.  This tax accounting method change treats certain expenditures that the Company historically capitalized for tax purposes, as a deductible repair expense on its tax return.  The adoption of the tax accounting method change allows Connecticut Water to record a favorable “catch up adjustment” on the Company's consolidated 2012 federal tax return which was filed in September 2013. The Company filed for a tax refund of approximately $13.6 million by carrying back the net operating loss generated from this adjustment.

The Settlement Agreement includes, as a result of negotiated compromise of the parties' respective positions, the following key elements related to the Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan:

1)    Connecticut Water crediting its water customers with the amount of the catch up adjustment plus the amount by which 2012 federal income taxes are reduced by the repair deduction (the deduction amount filed on the Company's 2012 federal tax return was approximately $45 million) that would be offset in whole or in part by an anticipated rate increase arising from the WRA authorized by the State of Connecticut in Public Act No. 13-78 with any associated net change in rates reflected on Connecticut Water customers' bills as of April 1, 2014;

2)    Resetting Connecticut Water's adjustment under Connecticut's WICA mechanism to zero by integrating the present WICA surcharge of 7.89% into Connecticut Water's base rates; and

3)    Connecticut Water agreeing not to file for a general rate increase (except under extraordinary circumstances outside Connecticut Water's control) for new rates to be effective any sooner than October 1, 2015.

In the Settlement Agreement, the parties also requested that PURA approve an accounting treatment for Connecticut Water to: 1) allow for the deferral of the tax refund described above and a credit of the tax benefit to customers over a proposed two-year period through a credit on water bills issued which started on April 1, 2014 and 2) as discussed above, use the WRA to defer on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers of the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in Connecticut Water's most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings.

On August 30, 2013, the PURA issued a final decision approving the Settlement Agreement. Connecticut Water began to issue a credit on customers' bills of approximately 8.5% on April 1, 2014, related to the repair deduction. Additionally, Connecticut Water began adding an approximate 4.5% surcharge to customer bills related to the WRA for a net surcredit of approximately 4.0%.

Connecticut Water's allowed revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as approved by PURA during our 2010 general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $35.6 million. Through normal billing for the six months ended June 30, 2014, revenue for Connecticut Water would have been approximately $32.8 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water recorded $2.8 million in additional revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2014, the Company has $6.1 million in deferred revenues as a regulatory asset to be recovered from customers found on the "Prepayments and Other Current Assets" and "Deferred Charges and Other Costs" lines on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The rates we charge our Maine water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Maine Public Utility Commission (“MPUC”). It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of

10


return.  Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective June 30, 2014 were 9.50% and 7.96%, respectively.

In April 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three of its divisions, totaling approximately $94,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by declining consumption and small expense increases. On July 9, 2013, the MPUC approved rate increases totaling $88,000 for these divisions, to be effective July 1, 2013. In June 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three additional divisions, totaling approximately $554,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by capital expenditures, declining consumption and small expense increases. Two of these cases were approved by the MPUC with additional annual revenue of $90,000 effective November 1, 2013. The remaining case was approved by the MPUC during the first quarter of 2014 and approved an annual increase of $340,000, effective March 25, 2014.

Effective June 2013, a Water Infrastructure Charge (“WISC”) became available in Maine that allows for expedited recovery of investment in water system infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution. Because the MPUC sets rates for Maine Water on a division-by-division basis, the WISC must be implemented in the same manner. To date in 2014, Maine Water has implemented a WISC in two of its divisions with expected annual revenue totaling $120,000, with plans to implement additional WISCs in most of the remaining divisions by the end of 2014. Additionally, Maine Water currently intends to file for a general rate increase for its BSWC division in the third quarter of 2014.

2.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

The following tables set forth the components of pension and other post-retirement benefit costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Pension Benefits
Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
 
Three Months
 
Six Months
Period ended June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service Cost
$
488

 
$
513

 
$
976

 
$
1,100

Interest Cost
763

 
651

 
1,526

 
1,306

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(889
)
 
(727
)
 
(1,778
)
 
(1,473
)
Amortization of:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost
18

 
19

 
36

 
37

Net Recognized Loss
273

 
540

 
546

 
1,031

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
653

 
$
996

 
$
1,306

 
$
2,001


The Company plans to make a contribution to its defined benefit pension plan of $3,426,000 in 2014 for the 2013 plan year, as allowed by the current funding status.

Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
 
Three Months
 
Six Months
Period ended June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service Cost
$
154

 
$
176

 
$
308

 
$
337

Interest Cost
160

 
129

 
320

 
254

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(77
)
 
(70
)
 
(154
)
 
(145
)
Other
56

 
56

 
112

 
112

Amortization of:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Prior Service Credit
(201
)
 
(202
)
 
(402
)
 
(403
)
Recognized Net Loss
68

 
118

 
136

 
215

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
160

 
$
207

 
$
320

 
$
370



11


3.
Earnings per Share

Earnings per weighted average common share are calculated by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods as detailed below (diluted shares include the effect of stock awards):

Three months ended June 30,
2014
 
2013
Common Shares Outstanding End of Period:
11,097,506

 
11,001,715

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
 

 
 

Basic
10,886,883

 
10,818,883

Diluted
11,085,061

 
10,988,813

 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings per Share
$
0.69

 
$
0.40

Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
Diluted Earnings per Share
$
0.67

 
$
0.39

 
 
 
 
Six Months ended June 30,
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
 
 
 
Basic
10,877,883

 
10,811,100

Diluted
11,073,258

 
10,976,812

 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings per Share
$
0.96

 
$
0.64

Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
Diluted Earnings per Share
$
0.94

 
$
0.63


Total unrecognized compensation expense for all stock awards was approximately $1.5 million as of June 30, 2014 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

4.
New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry-forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry-forward Exists.” ASU No. 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carry-forward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carry-forward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the Net Operating Loss or other carry-forward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This ASU was effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact our consolidated financial position.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-05, “Service Concession Arrangements.” The ASU clarifies that an operating entity should not account for a services concession arrangement with a public-sector grantor as a lease if: (1) the grantor controls or has the ability to modify or approve the services the operating entity must provide, to whom it must provide them, and at what price and (2) the grantor controls any residual interest in the infrastructure at the end of the arrangement. In addition, the infrastructure used in a service concession arrangement would not be recognized as property, plant and equipment of the operating entity. The ASU is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements outstanding upon adoption and will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends its guidance related to revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a

12


performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, however early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact that this guidance may have on our consolidated financial position.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.” ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that can be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target that affects vesting should not be reflected in estimating that fair value of the award at the grant date. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which service has been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost for which requisite service has not yet been rendered is recognized prospectively over the remaining service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position.

5.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Interest Rate Swap
 
Unrealized Gains on Investments
 
Defined Benefit Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance (a)
 
$

 
$
256

 
$
(313
)
 
$
(57
)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification
 

 
41

 

 
41

Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 

 

 
61

 
61

Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income
 

 
41

 
61

 
102

Ending Balance
 
$

 
$
297

 
$
(252
)
 
$
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Interest Rate Swap
 
Unrealized Gains on Investments
 
Defined Benefit Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance (a)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
117

 
$
(1,381
)
 
$
(1,305
)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification
 

 
4

 

 
4

Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 
1

 
1

 
92

 
94

Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income
 
1

 
5

 
92

 
98

Ending Balance
 
$
(40
)
 
$
122

 
$
(1,289
)
 
$
(1,207
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.


13

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Interest Rate Swap
 
Unrealized Gains on Investments
 
Defined Benefit Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance (a)
 
$

 
$
259

 
$
(374
)
 
$
(115
)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification
 

 
27

 

 
27

Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 

 
11

 
122

 
133

Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income
 

 
38

 
122

 
160

Ending Balance
 
$

 
$
297

 
$
(252
)
 
$
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Interest Rate Swap
 
Unrealized Gains on Investments
 
Defined Benefit Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance (a)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
69

 
$
(1,356
)
 
$
(1,328
)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification
 

 
41

 

 
41

Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 
1

 
12

 
67

 
80

Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income
 
1

 
53

 
67

 
121

Ending Balance
 
$
(40
)
 
$
122

 
$
(1,289
)
 
$
(1,207
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.

The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Details about Other AOCI Components
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended June 30, 2014(a)
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended June 30, 2013(a)
 
Affected Line Items on Income Statement
Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument
 
$

 
$
1

 
Other Income
Tax benefit
 

 

 
Other Income
 
 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized Gains on Investments
 
$

 
$
3

 
Other Income
Tax expense
 

 
(2
)
 
Other Income
 
 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items
 
74

 
120

 
Other Income (b)
Tax expense
 
(13
)
 
(28
)
 
Other Income
 
 
61

 
92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
61

 
$
94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).


14

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Details about Other AOCI Components
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Six Months Ended June 30, 2014(a)
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Six Months Ended June 30, 2013(a)
 
Affected Line Items on Income Statement
Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument
 

 
1

 
Other Income
Tax benefit
 

 

 
Other Income
 
 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized Gains on Investments
 
$
18

 
$
21

 
Other Income
Tax expense
 
(7
)
 
(9
)
 
Other Income
 
 
11

 
12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items
 
148

 
112

 
Other Income (b)
Tax expense
 
(26
)
 
(45
)
 
Other Income
 
 
122

 
67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
133

 
$
80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).


15

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

6.
Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
2014
 
2013
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:
 
 
 
4.09%
 
Term Loan Note
$
15,948

 
$
16,420

The Connecticut Water Company:
 
 
 
Var.
 
2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029
12,500

 
12,500

Var.
 
2004 Series A, Due 2028
5,000

 
5,000

Var.
 
2004 Series B, Due 2028
4,550

 
4,550

5.10%
 
2009 A Series, Due 2039
19,950

 
19,950

5.00%
 
2011 A Series, Due 2021
23,571

 
23,602

3.16%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020
8,000

 
8,000

3.51%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022
14,795

 
14,795

4.29%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028
17,020

 
17,020

4.72%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032
14,795

 
14,795

4.75%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033
14,550

 
14,550

Total The Connecticut Water Company
134,731

 
134,762

The Maine Water Company:
 
 
 
8.95%
 
1994 Series G, Due 2024
9,000

 
9,000

2.68%
 
1999 Series J, Due 2019
424

 
474

0.00%
 
2001 Series K, Due 2031
697

 
739

2.58%
 
2002 Series L, Due 2022
83

 
90

1.53%
 
2003 Series M, Due 2023
381

 
401

1.73%
 
2004 Series N, Due 2024
451

 
451

0.00%
 
2004 Series O, Due 2034
133

 
140

1.76%
 
2006 Series P, Due 2026
431

 
451

1.57%
 
2009 Series R, Due 2029
237

 
242

0.00%
 
2009 Series S, Due 2029
695

 
717

0.00%
 
2009 Series T, Due 2029
1,949

 
2,012

0.00%
 
2012 Series U, Due 2042
166

 
171

1.00%
 
2013 Series V, Due 2033
1,385

 
1,410

2.52%
 
CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017
1,965

 
1,965

6.45%
 
BSWC Series M, Due 2014
2,700

 
2,700

7.72%
 
BSWC Series L, Due 2018
2,250

 
2,250

2.40%
 
BSWC Series N, Due 2022
1,251

 
1,297

1.86%
 
BSWC Series O, Due 2025
862

 
862

2.23%
 
BSWC Series P, Due 2028
1,354

 
1,354

Various
 
Various Capital Leases
55

 
70

Total The Maine Water Company
26,469

 
26,796

Add:  Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment
1,002

 
1,185

Less:  Current Portion
(4,234
)
 
(4,121
)
Total Long-Term Debt
$
173,916

 
$
175,042


There are no mandatory sinking fund payments required on Connecticut Water’s outstanding Water Facilities Revenue Bonds.  However, certain fixed rate 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.

On March 5, 2013, Connecticut Water and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) entered into a Promissory Note and Single Advance Term Loan Supplement to an existing Master Loan Agreement (the “Note”) in which CoBank agreed to make an additional

16

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Loan to Connecticut Water in an aggregate principal amount of up to $14,550,000, with a maturity date of March 4, 2033. Additionally, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Guarantee dated March 5, 2013 (the “Guarantee Amendment”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to guarantee the payment of certain of Connecticut Water's obligations under the Note pursuant to the same terms of the Guarantee. Connecticut Water used substantially all of the proceeds of the Loans to refinance the 2007 A Series bonds then outstanding.

On June 3, 2013, Maine Water completed the issuance of $1,409,888 aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series V, 1.0% due April 1, 2033 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued by Maine Water to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank (the “Bank”) and the proceeds of the issuance were loaned (the “Loan”) by the Bank to Maine Water pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between Maine Water and the Bank dated as of June 3, 2013. The proceeds of the Loan are being used by Maine Water to fund various water facilities projects.

Financial Covenants – The Company and its subsidiaries are required to comply with certain covenants in connection with various long term loan agreements.  The most restrictive of these covenants is to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 60%. Additionally, Maine Water has restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. The Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2014.

7.
Fair Value Disclosures

FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”) provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and expands disclosure with respect to fair value measurements.

FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs).  The hierarchy consists of three broad levels, as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using the Company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use.

The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Asset Type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Owned Life Insurance
$

 
$
2,948

 
$

 
$
2,948

Money Market Fund
27

 

 

 
27

Mutual Funds:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Funds (1)
1,546

 

 

 
1,546

Total
$
1,573

 
$
2,948

 
$

 
$
4,521


The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Asset Type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Owned Life Insurance
$

 
$
2,843

 
$

 
$
2,843

Money Market Fund
62

 

 

 
62

Mutual Funds:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Funds (1)
1,528

 

 

 
1,528

Total
$
1,590

 
$
2,843

 
$

 
$
4,433

(1)
Mutual funds consist primarily of equity securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


17

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The fair value of Company Owned Life Insurance is based on the cash surrender value of the contracts. These contracts are based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds that actively redeem shares and are observable and measurable and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value on the financial statements.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.  Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement.

Restricted Cash – As part of the Connecticut Water’s December 2011 and Maine Water's June 2013 bond offerings, the Company recorded unused proceeds from this bond issuance as restricted cash as the funds can only be used for certain capital expenditures.  The Company expects to use the remainder of the proceeds during 2014, as the approved capital expenditures are completed.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.  Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of restricted cash is classified as a Level 1 measurement.

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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $186,526,000 and $178,526,000, respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $173,916,000 and $175,042,000, respectively. The estimated fair value of long term debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that uses comparable interest rates and yield curve data based on the A-rated MMD (Municipal Market Data) Index which is the benchmark of current municipal bond yields. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of long term debt is classified as a Level 2 measurement.

Advances for Construction – Customer advances for construction have a carrying amount of $28,018,000 and $28,718,000 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.

The fair values shown above have been reported to meet the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“FASB ASC 825”) and do not purport to represent the amounts at which those obligations would be settled.

8.
Segment Reporting

The Company operates principally in three business segments: Water Activities, Real Estate Transactions, and Services and Rentals. Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Segment
 
Revenues
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Net Income
Water Activities
 
$
25,810

 
$
8,837

 
$
1,745

 
$
7,092

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
1,476

 
655

 
257

 
398

Total
 
$
27,286

 
$
9,492

 
$
2,002

 
$
7,490

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Segment
 
Revenues
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Net Income
Water Activities
 
$
22,854

 
$
6,379

 
$
2,445

 
$
3,934

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
1,477

 
634

 
258

 
376

Total
 
$
24,331

 
$
7,013

 
$
2,703

 
$
4,310


18

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Segment
 
Revenues
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Net Income
Water Activities
 
$
46,430

 
$
11,755

 
$
2,110

 
$
9,645

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
2,888

 
1,365

 
534

 
831

Total
 
$
49,318

 
$
13,120

 
$
2,644

 
$
10,476

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Segment
 
Revenues
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Net Income
Water Activities
 
$
42,982

 
$
9,929

 
$
3,768

 
$
6,161

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
2,866

 
1,287

 
525

 
762

Total
 
$
45,848

 
$
11,216

 
$
4,293

 
$
6,923



The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $25,459,000 and $22,545,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $351,000 and $309,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The revenues from water customers for the three months ended June 30, 2014 include $2,686,000 in revenues related to the implementation of the WRA. There were no such revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013, since the Company implemented the WRA in the period ended September 30, 2013. The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $45,719,000 and $42,274,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $711,000 and $708,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The revenues from water customers for the six months ended June 30, 2014 include $2,793,000 in revenues related to the implementation of the WRA. There were no such revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013, since the Company implemented the WRA in the period ended September 30, 2013.

The Company owns various small, discrete parcels of land that are no longer required for water supply purposes.  From time to time, the Company may sell or donate these parcels, depending on various factors, including the current market for land, the amount of tax benefits received for donations and the Company’s ability to use any benefits received from donations.

Assets by segment (in thousands):
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Total Plant and Other Investments:
 
 
 
Water Activities
$
490,848

 
$
478,560

Non-Water
744

 
704

 
491,592

 
479,264

Other Assets:
 
 
 
Water Activities
138,052

 
136,246

Non-Water
10,871

 
15,301

 
148,923

 
151,547

Total Assets
$
640,515

 
$
630,811


9.
Income Taxes

FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes (“FASB ASC 740”) addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FASB ASC 740, the Company must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.


19


On June 11, 2013, the Company was notified by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that its state tax filings for the years 2009 through 2011 would be reviewed beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013.  The Company is also aware that certain of its peers have been challenged on certain tax credits associated with fixed capital investment and believes that this may be a focus of the State's review.  While the Company firmly believes that all fixed capital investment credits are appropriate and conservatively measured, the Company believes, based on recent activities by taxing authorities, that it is more likely than not that the Company's fixed capital investment credits claimed in prior years may be challenged and ultimately disallowed. Through June 30, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $2.0 million, or 100% of the credits recorded for transmission and distribution projects that would be subject to disallowance.

On the 2012 Federal tax return, filed in September 2013, Connecticut Water filed a change in accounting method to adopt the IRS' temporary tangible property regulations.  This method change allowed the Company to take a current year deduction for expenses that were previously capitalized for tax purposes. Since the filing of the 2012 tax return, the IRS has issued final regulations.  On February 11, 2014, the Company was notified by the IRS that its Federal tax filing for the 2012 would be reviewed. This review, which is still ongoing, began in the first quarter of 2014. While the Company believes that the deduction taken on its tax return is appropriate, the methodology for determining the deduction could be challenged by the taxing authorities.  Through June 30, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $3.2 million for a portion of the benefit that is not being returned to customers resulting from any possible tax authority challenge.

From time to time, the Company may be assessed interest and penalties by taxing authorities.  In those cases, the charges would appear on the Other line item within the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  There were no such charges for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  Additionally, there were no accruals relating to interest or penalties as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The Company remains subject to examination by federal authorities for the 2010 through 2012 tax years; and the state authorities for the 2009 through 2012 tax years.

The Company is currently engaged in an analysis to determine the amount of expenditures related to tangible property that will be reflected on its 2014 Federal Tax Return to be filed in September 2015.  As a result, through the second quarter of 2014, the Company has estimated the portion of its infrastructure investment that will qualify as a repair deduction for 2014 and has reflected that deduction in its effective tax rate at 75% of the expected $15 million of infrastructure improvement.  Consistent with other differences between book and tax expenditures, the Company is required to flow-through any timing differences not required by the Internal Revenue Service to be normalized.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 21.1% and 38.6%, respectively.  The Company's effective tax rate, excluding discrete items booked during the quarter, was 14.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. These discrete items included an adjustment related to the recording of the provision for the repair deduction. The statutory income tax rates during each period were 41%.  In determining its annual estimated effective tax rate for interim periods, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations in the current year.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 20.2% and 38.3%, respectively.  The Company's effective tax rate, excluding discrete items booked during the quarter, was 17.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. These discrete items included an adjustment related to the recording in the first quarter of 2014, of a tax benefit associated with the amortization of the fair value of debt in connection with the purchases of Maine Water and BSWC, and the recording of the provision for the repair deduction. The statutory income tax rates during each period were 41%. In determining its annual estimated effective tax rate for interim periods, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations in the current year.

10.
Lines of Credit

The Company entered into a $15 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2016.  The Company maintains an additional line of credit of $20 million with RBS Citizens, N.A., with an expiration date of June 30, 2015.  As of June 30, 2014, the total lines of credit available to the Company was $35.0 million.  The Company did not have any Interim Bank Loans Payable at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $35.0 million in unused lines of credit.  Interest expense charged on lines of credit will fluctuate based on market interest rates.


20


Part I, Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited financial statements and related notes thereto and the audited financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

General Information

Regulated Companies

The Connecticut Water Company (“Connecticut Water”) and The Maine Water Company (“Maine Water”), the Company's regulated operating subsidiaries, derive their rights and franchises to operate from special state acts that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal by their respective state legislatures 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 either the State of Connecticut or the State of Maine could attempt to revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems.  While we would vigorously oppose any such attempts, from time to time such legislation is contemplated.

The rates we charge our Connecticut water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”).  It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return.  Connecticut Water's allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective June 30, 2014 are 9.75% and 7.32%, respectively.

On January 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a Water Infrastructure Conservation Adjustment (“WICA”) application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.08% surcharge to customer bills related to approximately $6.5 million spending on WICA projects. This application also reduced the surcharge by 0.09% for the prior year reconciliation adjustment which expired April 1, 2013.  On January 30, 2013, Connecticut Water filed for a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment for the 2012 shortfall in WICA, to become effective April 1, 2013.  On March 25, 2013, the PURA approved an additional 1.06% surcharge, effective April 1, 2013. Additionally, on March 27, 2013, the PURA approved a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment, effective April 1, 2013. As of April 1, 2013, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge was 6.80%.

On July 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.09% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $5.6 million in WICA related projects. On September 18, 2013 the PURA approved the 1.09% surcharge with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2013. As of October 1, 2013, the cumulative WICA surcharge was 7.89%.

Effective April 1, 2014, in accordance with a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, discussed below, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge of 7.89% was rolled into base rates charged to customers.

On July 29, 2014, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.59% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $12.7 million in WICA related projects. Connecticut Water expects the PURA to issue a decision on the WICA application during the third quarter of 2014 with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2014.

On June 5, 2013, the Connecticut's General Assembly passed Public Act 13-78, “An Act Concerning Water Infrastructure and Conservation, Municipal Reporting Requirements and Unpaid Utility Accounts at Multi-Family Dwellings” (“PA 13-78”), which authorized a Water Revenue Adjustment (“WRA”) to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the last general rate case and allows companies to adjust rates as necessary to recover the revenues approved by PURA in the last general rate case. The WRA removes the financial disincentive for water utilities to develop and implement effective water conservation programs. The WRA allows water companies to defer on the balance sheet, as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings. Additionally, PA 13-78 raised the cap for WICA charges to 10%, from 7.5%, between general rate cases and expands the eligible projects to include energy conservation projects, improvements required to comply with streamflow regulations, and improvements to acquired systems.

On June 28, 2013, Connecticut Water entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut (the “Settlement Agreement”), whereby Connecticut Water would adjust the water rates charged to its customers effective April 1, 2014 in accordance with the elements of the Settlement Agreement (the “Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan”). On July 1, 2013, Connecticut Water submitted an

21


application to the PURA seeking formal approval of the Settlement Agreement.

The Settlement Agreement contemplates that Connecticut Water would adopt regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that allows the Company to adopt an alternative method for determining how expenditures related to tangible property can be treated for federal tax purposes for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012.  This tax accounting method change treats certain expenditures that the Company historically capitalized for tax purposes, as a deductible repair expense on its tax return.  The adoption of the tax accounting method change allows Connecticut Water to record a favorable “catch up adjustment” on the Company's consolidated 2012 federal tax return which was filed in September 2013. The Company filed for a tax refund of approximately $13.6 million by carrying back the net operating loss generated from this adjustment.

The Settlement Agreement includes, as a result of negotiated compromise of the parties' respective positions, the following key elements related to the Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan:

1)    Connecticut Water crediting its water customers with the amount of the catch up adjustment plus the amount by which 2012 federal income taxes are reduced by the repair deduction (the deduction amount filed on the Company's 2012 federal tax return was approximately $45 million) that would be offset in whole or in part by an anticipated rate increase arising from the WRA authorized by the State of Connecticut in Public Act No. 13-78 with any associated net change in rates reflected on Connecticut Water customers' bills as of April 1, 2014;

2)    Resetting Connecticut Water's adjustment under Connecticut's WICA mechanism to zero by integrating the present WICA surcharge of 7.89% into Connecticut Water's base rates; and

3)    Connecticut Water agreeing not to file for a general rate increase (except under extraordinary circumstances outside Connecticut Water's control) for new rates to be effective any sooner than October 1, 2015.

In the Settlement Agreement, the parties also requested that PURA approve an accounting treatment for Connecticut Water to: 1) allow for the deferral of the tax refund described above and a credit of the tax benefit to customers over a proposed two-year period through a credit on water bills issued which started on April 1, 2014 and 2) as discussed above, use the WRA to defer on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers of the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in Connecticut Water's most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings.

On August 30, 2013, the PURA issued a final decision approving the Settlement Agreement. Connecticut Water began to issue a credit on customers' bills of approximately 8.5% on April 1, 2014, related to the repair deduction. Additionally, Connecticut Water began adding an approximate 4.5% surcharge to customer bills related to the WRA for a net surcredit of approximately 4.0%.

Connecticut Water's allowed revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as approved by PURA during our 2010 general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $35.6 million. Through normal billing for the six months ended June 30, 2014, revenue for Connecticut Water would have been approximately $32.8 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water recorded $2.8 million in additional revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

The rates we charge our Maine water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Maine Public Utility Commission (“MPUC”). It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return.  Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective June 30, 2014 were 9.50% and 7.96%, respectively. On September 3, 2013, an application was filed with the MPUC to merge Maine Water and the Biddeford & Saco Water Company (“BSWC”), with Maine Water as the surviving entity. This application was approved by the MPUC and BSWC was merged with and into Maine Water effective January 1, 2014.

In April 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three of its divisions, totaling approximately $94,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by declining consumption and small expense increases. On July 9, 2013, the MPUC approved rate increases totaling $88,000 for these divisions, to be effective July 1, 2013. In June 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three additional divisions, totaling approximately $554,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by capital expenditures, declining consumption and small expense increases. Two of these cases were approved by the MPUC with additional annual revenue of $90,000 effective November 1, 2013. The remaining case, was approved by the MPUC during the first quarter of 2014 and approved an annual increase of $340,000, effective March 25, 2014.

22



Effective June 2013, a Water Infrastructure Charge (“WISC”) became available in Maine that allows for expedited recovery of investment in water system infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution. Because the MPUC sets rates for Maine Water on a division-by-division basis, the WISC must be implemented in the same manner. To date in 2014, Maine Water has implemented a WISC in two of its divisions with expected annual revenue totaling $120,000, with plans to implement additional WISCs in most of the remaining divisions by the end of 2014. Additionally, Maine Water currently intends to file for a general rate increase for its BSWC division in the third quarter of 2014.

UCONN and Town of Mansfield Water Supply Agreements

Beginning in June 2011, the University of Connecticut (“UCONN”), in partnership with the Town of Mansfield, initiated a process to identify and implement actions to secure a long-term water solution to meet the water supply needs for UCONN and the Town of Mansfield.  On June 7, 2013, Connecticut Water submitted information to UCONN and the Town on its proposal to bring a reliable supply of water to the UCONN's Storrs campus and to residents of Mansfield.  Connecticut Water's submission for this project was made as part of the Environmental Impact Evaluation (“EIE”) process under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act.

As detailed in its proposal, Connecticut Water proposed to bring up to 2.2 million gallons of water a day with a water main extension of approximately 5 miles from its water system in the Town of Tolland to Mansfield to meet the UCONN campus and the Town of Mansfield's long term water supply needs.  On August 7, 2013, UCONN's Board of Trustees voted to recommend Connecticut Water's proposal.  On September 16, 2013, the State's Office of Policy and Management issued their approval of the Record of Decision of the EIE, allowing UCONN to proceed to implement the water supply solution.

UCONN Agreement
Connecticut Water and UCONN negotiated a definitive agreement for Connecticut Water to provide a long-term supply of potable water for UCONN’s Storrs campus facilities which was approved by the Board of Trustees at their December 11, 2013 meeting and executed on December 18, 2013. The definitive agreement is consistent with the requirements of the Project’s EIE and record of decision, as approved by the Office of Policy and Management that identified the Company as the preferred option to supply UCONN and the Town of Mansfield, Connecticut with up to 2.2 million gallons of water per day over the next 47 years.  Connecticut Water will fund a 5-mile pipeline from Tolland and other necessary infrastructure improvements at no cost to UCONN, the Town or the state’s taxpayers to serve the area. The Company is responsible for obtaining any required regulatory permits, licenses and approvals to implement the water supply solution, including but not limited to those from PURA, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. While there are specific timelines and milestones identified in the agreement that provide for the timely completion of the project, the agreement also recognizes that such completion is dependent upon the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The Company anticipates completing the capital improvements within 18 months of receipt of all required permits and expects that regulatory approvals will be received by the end of 2014 or the first quarter of 2015.

Town of Mansfield Agreement
Connecticut Water and the Town of Mansfield have finalized a definitive written agreement for Connecticut Water to serve the Town of Mansfield community. On January 13, 2014 the Mansfield Town Council voted to authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement with Connecticut Water and it was signed by the parties on January 21, 2014.

The key provisions of the agreement with the Town of Mansfield are as follows:
Current off-campus customers of UCONN will become customers of Connecticut Water at UCONN’s water rates in effect at that time (subject to any state-approved surcharges);
Future water customers in the Town of Mansfield will be served by Connecticut Water at the rates authorized by the PURA;
Connecticut Water will assume responsibility for maintaining, repairing and replacing the off-campus water system serving the Town of Mansfield;
Connecticut Water will make any source or system improvements to meet current and future water supply needs of the area;
A Water System Advisory Committee (“WASC”) will be created with representatives of the Town of Mansfield, UCONN, regional representatives and other key stakeholders to advise Connecticut Water regarding water service and the system’s operations, expansion or integration as well as recommended best management practices, including water conservation programs. The WSAC has been established and its first meeting was held on July 30, 2014.


23


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company maintains its accounting records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as directed by the PURA and the MPUC to which Connecticut Water and Maine Water, respectively, the Company’s regulated water utility subsidiaries, are subject.  Significant accounting policies employed by the Company, including the use of estimates, were presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Critical accounting policies are those that are the most important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  The application of such accounting policies requires management’s most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments and involves uncertainties and assumptions.  The Company’s most critical accounting policies pertain to public utility regulation related to ASC 980 “Regulated Operations”, revenue recognition (including the WRA), goodwill impairment, income taxes and accounting for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.  Each of these accounting policies and the application of critical accounting policies and estimates were discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Management must use informed judgments and best estimates to properly apply these critical accounting policies.  Because of the uncertainty in these estimates, actual results could differ from estimates used in applying the critical accounting policies.  The Company is not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in different amounts being reported that would materially affect its financial condition or results of operations.

Outlook

The following modifies and updates the “Outlook” section of the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company’s earnings and profitability are primarily dependent upon the sale and distribution of water. In Maine water revenues can be dependent on seasonal weather fluctuations, particularly during the summer months when water demand will vary with rainfall and temperature levels. The Company’s earnings and profitability in future years will also depend upon a number of other factors, such as the ability to control our operating costs, customer growth in the Company’s core regulated water utility businesses, growth in revenues attributable to non-water sales operations, availability and desirability of land no longer needed for water delivery for land sales, the outcome of the review of the Company's Connecticut state and federal tax filings by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services and the IRS, respectively, and the timing and adequacy of rate relief when requested, from time to time, by our regulated water companies.

The Company expects Net Income from its Water Activities segment to increase in 2014 over 2013 levels, based, in part, on the ability to take advantage of the WISC surcharge in Maine and the continued utilization of WICA in Connecticut, along with modest growth in its Services and Rentals segment.

The Company believes that the factors described above and those described in detail below under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies” below may have significant impact, either alone or in the aggregate, on the Company’s earnings and profitability in fiscal years 2014 and beyond.  Please also review carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled Item 1A – Risk Factors, “Commitments and Contingencies” in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and the risks and uncertainties described in the “Forward-Looking Information” section below.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company is not aware of demands, events, or uncertainties that will result in a decrease of liquidity or a material change in the mix or relative cost of its capital resources, other than those outlined below.

Borrowing Facilities

The Company entered into a $15 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”), that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2016.  The Company maintains an additional line of credit of $20 million with RBS Citizens, N.A., with an expiration date of June 30, 2015.  As of June 30, 2014, the total lines of credit available to the Company was $35.0 million.  The Company did not have any Interim Bank Loans Payable at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $35.0 million in unused lines of credit.  Interest expense charged on lines of credit will fluctuate based on market interest rates.

24



On March 5, 2013, Connecticut Water and CoBank entered into a Promissory Note and Single Advance Term Loan Supplement to an existing Master Loan Agreement (the “Note”) in which CoBank agreed to make an additional Loan to Connecticut Water in an aggregate principal amount of up to $14,550,000, with a maturity date of March 4, 2033. Additionally, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Guarantee dated March 5, 2013 (the “Guarantee Amendment”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to guarantee the payment of certain of Connecticut Water's obligations under the Note pursuant to the same terms of the Guarantee. Connecticut Water used substantially all of the proceeds of the Loans to refinance the 2007 A Series bonds then outstanding.

On June 3, 2013, Maine Water completed the issuance of $1,409,888 aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series V, 1.0% due April 1, 2033 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued by Maine Water to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank (the “Bank”) and the proceeds of the issuance were loaned (the “Loan”) by the Bank to Maine Water pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between Maine Water and the Bank dated as of June 3, 2013. The proceeds of the Loan are being used by Maine Water to fund various water facilities projects.

Credit Rating

On January 17, 2014, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (“S&P”) affirmed its 'A' corporate credit rating on the Company. Additionally, S&P revised the Company’s ratings outlook from negative to stable.  The stable outlook recognizes improvements in financial measures achieved through a combination of recovery of investments (including infrastructure surcharges in both Connecticut and Maine and the WRA in Connecticut) as well as a reduction in our debt to equity ratio through the issuance of equity in December 2012 and the repayment of debt.

Stock Plans

The Company offers a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan (“DRIP”) to all registered shareholders, and to the customers and employees of our regulated water companies, whereby participants can opt to have cash dividends directly reinvested into additional shares of the Company. In August 2011, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the DRIP (effective as of January 1, 2012) that permit the Company to add, at the Company’s discretion, an “up to 5.00% purchase price discount” feature to the DRIP which is intended to encourage greater shareholder, customer and employee participation in the DRIP. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, plan participants invested $886,000 and $797,000, respectively, in additional shares as part of the DRIP.

From 1999 through 2003, the Company issued stock options to certain employees of the Company. No stock options have been issued by the Company since 2003. As of December 31, 2013, the Company no longer had any outstanding stock options. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, no stock options were exercised.

2014 Construction Budget

The Board of Directors approved a $45.6 million construction budget for 2014, net of amounts to be financed by customer advances and contributions in aid of construction.  The Company is using and will continue to use a combination of its internally generated funds, remaining proceeds from its December 2012 equity issuance, borrowings under its available lines of credit, and the funds remaining under Connecticut Water's 2011 and Maine Water's 2013 debt issuances to fund the 2014 construction budget.

As the Company looks forward to the remainder of 2014 and 2015, it anticipates continued reinvestment to replace aging infrastructure and to seek recovery through periodic WICA applications in Connecticut and WISC applications in Maine.  The total cost of that investment may exceed the amount of internally generated funds.  If so, the Company will consider external financing.  In order to maintain a balanced capital structure, we would consider both debt and equity issuances.

Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30
Net Income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased from the same period in the prior year by $3,180,000 to $7,490,000. Earnings per basic average common share increased by $0.29 to $0.69 during the three months ended June 30, 2014.


25


This increase in Net Income is broken down by business segment as follows (in thousands):

Business Segment
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease)
Water Activities
 
$
7,092

 
$
3,934

 
$
3,158

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
398

 
376

 
22

Total
 
$
7,490

 
$
4,310

 
$
3,180


The increase in the Water Activity segment’s Net Income was primarily due to the net effects of the variances listed below:

Revenue

Revenue from our water customers increased by $2,914,000, or 12.9%, to $25,459,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013.  The primary reason for the increase in revenues was attributable to the benefit from the implementation of the WRA which allows Connecticut Water to record a revenue adjustment, on a monthly basis, based upon our actual billing compared to approved rates, including WICA surcharges, and also to record a regulatory asset or liability for future collection from or refund to customers. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded approximately $2,686,000 in additional revenue related to the WRA. There were no WRA revenues recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2013. This revenue variance is considered temporary, since the Company booked nine months' worth of WRA revenues in the third quarter of 2013 compared to a monthly basis in 2014. If the Company had recorded WRA revenues monthly throughout 2013, the amount of the WRA would have been $1,851,000 in additional revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2013. Additionally, the Company saw a benefit from increased WICA surcharges, which were rolled into base rates effective April, 1, 2014, in Connecticut and higher rates in certain Maine divisions.

Operation and Maintenance Expense

Operation and Maintenance (“O&M”) expense increased by $146,000, or 1.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. The following table presents the components of O&M expense (in thousands):

Expense Components
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Payroll
 
$
3,888

 
$
3,512

 
$
376

Customer
 
448

 
293

 
155

Maintenance
 
824

 
672

 
152

Water treatment (including chemicals)
 
747

 
674

 
73

Utility costs
 
854

 
786

 
68

Insurance costs
 
337

 
287

 
50

Purchased water
 
362

 
421

 
(59
)
Investor relations
 
168

 
287

 
(119
)
Medical
 
592

 
813

 
(221
)
Pension
 
648

 
988

 
(340
)
Other
 
1,635

 
1,624

 
11

Total
 
$
10,503

 
$
10,357

 
$
146


The changes in individual items are described below:
Payroll costs increased in the first quarter of 2014 due to an ongoing procurement project that allocated certain employee time to capital was completed during 2013 and normal wage increases. Employee time that had been charged to capital projects during the first quarter of 2013 returned to O&M at the completion of the project;
Customer costs increased primarily due to an increase in uncollectible accounts in the three months ended June 30, 2014. Additionally, the Company saw an increase in costs associated with customer communications and postage; and
The increase in water treatment costs was due primarily to an increase in costs associated with treatment in Maine.


26


The increases described above were partially offset by the following decreases to O&M expense:
Investor relations fees decreased primarily due to a reduction in costs associated with the Company's annual Proxy report. In addition, certain directors fees are down due to timing;
Medical expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in claims costs. Additionally, the Company saw a decrease in the costs to administer the health plan; and
Pension costs decreased primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used in determining the 2014 expense.

The Company saw an approximate $238,000, or 9.2%, increase in its Depreciation expense from the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.  The primary driver of this increase was due to higher Utility Plant in Service as of June 30, 2014 compared to June 30, 2013.

Income Tax expense decreased by $679,000 in the second quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013 due to a lower effective income tax rate, partially offset by higher pre-tax net income. The Company's effective tax rate decreased from 38.6% to 21.1% in the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The primary reasons for the decrease in the effective tax rate was the inclusion of an estimate for the 2014 repair deduction in the current year provision.

Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes increased for the three months ended June 30, 2014 by $277,000. The primary drivers of this increase were a decrease in costs related to the Company's supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”), an increase of investment income on assets held for the SERP and an increase in the Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (“AFUDC”) during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Total Interest and Debt Expense increased by $138,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase in Interest and Debt Expense is due to a catch up of amortization of the fair value of debt acquired in the purchase of Maine Water and BSWC in the second quarter of 2013.

Six months ended June 30
Net Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased from the same period in the prior year by $3,553,000 to $10,476,000. Earnings per basic average common share increased by $0.32 to $0.96 during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

This increase in Net Income is broken down by business segment as follows (in thousands):

Business Segment
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease)
Water Activities
 
$
9,645

 
$
6,161

 
$
3,484

Real Estate Transactions
 

 

 

Services and Rentals
 
831

 
762

 
69

Total
 
$
10,476

 
$
6,923

 
$
3,553


The increase in the Water Activity segment’s Net Income was primarily due to the net effects of the variances listed below:

Revenue

Revenue from our water customers increased by $3,445,000, or 8.2%, to $45,719,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013.  The primary reason for the increase in revenues was attributable to the benefit from the implementation of the WRA which allows Connecticut Water to record a revenue adjustment, on a monthly basis, based upon our actual billing compared to approved rates, including WICA surcharges, and also to record a regulatory asset or liability for future collection from or refund to customers. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded approximately $2,793,000 in additional revenue related to the WRA. There were no WRA revenues recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2013. This revenue variance is considered temporary, since the Company booked nine months' worth of WRA revenues in the third quarter of 2013 compared to a monthly basis in 2014. If the Company had recorded WRA revenues monthly throughout 2013, the amount of the WRA would have been $2,231,000 in additional revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2013. Additionally, the Company saw a benefit from increased WICA surcharges, which were rolled into base rates effective April, 1, 2014, in Connecticut and higher rates in certain Maine divisions.


27


Operation and Maintenance Expense

O&M expense increased by $435,000, or 2.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. The following table presents the components of O&M expense (in thousands):

Expense Components
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Payroll
 
$
7,668

 
$
7,037

 
$
631

Other benefits
 
769

 
449

 
320

Maintenance
 
1,528

 
1,293

 
235

Water treatment (including chemicals)
 
1,439

 
1,285

 
154

Insurance costs
 
678

 
564

 
114

Utility costs
 
1,967

 
1,885

 
82

Vehicles
 
886

 
814

 
72

Post-retirement medical
 
320

 
371

 
(51
)
Regulatory and commission expense
 
169

 
226

 
(57
)
Medical
 
1,306

 
1,445

 
(139
)
Outside services
 
1,020

 
1,159

 
(139
)
Investor relations
 
319

 
461

 
(142
)
Pension
 
1,297

 
1,985

 
(688
)
Other
 
1,804

 
1,761

 
43

Total
 
$
21,170

 
$
20,735

 
$
435


The changes in individual items are described below:
Payroll costs increased in the first quarter of 2014 due to an ongoing procurement project that allocated certain employee time to capital was completed during 2013 and normal wage increases. Employee time that had been charged to capital projects during the first quarter of 2013 returned to O&M at the completion of the project;
The increase in Other benefit costs was attributable primarily to an increase in costs associated with certain stock-based compensation awarded to executives;
The increase in water treatment costs was due primarily to increases in waste disposal costs, treatment costs in Maine and the cost of chemicals used in 2014; and
Insurance costs increased primarily due to higher premiums on directors and officers coverage.

The increases described above were partially offset by the following decreases to O&M expense:
Medical expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in claims costs. Additionally, the Company saw a decrease in the costs to administer the health plan;
Outside services decreased primarily as a result of the completion of the procurement project discussed above. A portion of the consulting fees paid during this project was expensed through O&M during 2013;
Investor relations fees decreased primarily due to a reduction in costs associated with the Company's annual Proxy report. In addition, certain directors fees are down due to timing; and
Pension costs decreased primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used in determining the 2014 expense.

The Company saw an approximate $342,000, or 6.5%, increase in its Depreciation expense from the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.  The primary driver of this increase was due to higher Utility Plant in Service as of June 30, 2014 compared to June 30, 2013.

Income Tax expense decreased by $1,313,000 in the first two quarters of 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013 due to a lower effective income tax rate, partially offset by higher pre-tax net income. The Company's effective tax rate decreased from 38.3% to 20.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The primary reasons for the decrease in the effective tax rate was the inclusion of an estimate for the 2014 repair deduction in the current year provision.

Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes increased for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by $447,000. The primary drivers of this increase were a decrease in costs related to the Company's SERP, an increase of investment income on assets held for the SERP and an increase in the AFUDC during the six months ended June 30, 2014.


28


Total Interest and Debt Expense increased by $459,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013. This is primarily due to a timing difference in patronage income the Company receives from one of its banking partners. The Company recorded patronage income related to the 2012 year in the first quarter of 2013 and simultaneously began to accrue for 2013 patronage income. During 2014, the Company accrued only for 2014 patronage income. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a catch up of amortization of the fair value of debt acquired in the purchase of Maine Water and BSWC.

Commitments and Contingencies

On June 11, 2013, the Company was notified by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that its state tax filings for the years 2009 through 2011 would be reviewed during the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company has provided requested information to the taxing authorities and is currently awaiting further correspondence. The Company is also aware that certain of its peers have been challenged on certain tax credits associated with fixed capital investment and believes that this may be a focus of the State's review. While the Company firmly believes that all fixed capital investment credits are appropriate and conservatively measured, the Company believes, based on recent activities by taxing authorities, that it is more likely than not that the Company's fixed capital investment credits claimed in prior years may be challenged and ultimately disallowed. Therefore, as required by FASB ASC 740, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a provision of $2.0 million, or 100% of the credits recorded for transmission and distribution projects that would be subject to disallowance.

On the 2012 Federal tax return, filed in September 2013, Connecticut Water filed a change in accounting method to adopt the IRS' temporary tangible property regulations. This method change allowed the Company to take a current year deduction for expenses that were previously capitalized for tax purposes. Since the filing of the 2012 tax return, the IRS has issued final regulations. On February 11, 2014, the Company was notified by the IRS that its Federal tax filing for the 2012 tax year would be reviewed. This review, which is still ongoing, began in the first quarter of 2014. While the Company believes that the deduction taken on its tax return is appropriate, the methodology for determining the deduction could be challenged by the taxing authorities. Through June 30, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $3.2 million for a portion of the benefit that is not being returned to customers resulting from any possible tax authority challenge.

The Company remains subject to examination by federal authorities for the 2010 through 2012, and the state authorities for the 2009 through 2012 tax years.

There were no material changes under this subheading to any of the other items previously disclosed by the Company in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period year December 31, 2013.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, (“10-Q”) are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) that are made based upon, among other things, our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us.  These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements where statements are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “future,” “potential,” “probably,” “predictions,” “continue” or the negative of such terms or similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements included in this 10-Q, include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

projected capital expenditures and related funding requirements;
the availability and cost of capital;
developments, trends and consolidation in the water and wastewater utility industries;
dividend payment projections;
our ability to successfully acquire and integrate regulated water and wastewater systems, as well as unregulated businesses, that are complementary to our operations and the growth of our business;
the capacity of our water supplies, water facilities and wastewater facilities;
the impact of limited geographic diversity on our exposure to unusual weather;
the impact of conservation awareness of customers and more efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances on water usage per customer;
our capability to pursue timely rate increase requests;
our authority to carry on our business without unduly burdensome restrictions;

29


our ability to maintain our operating costs at the lowest possible level, while providing good quality water service;
our ability to obtain fair market value for condemned assets;
the impact of fines and penalties;
changes in laws, governmental regulations and policies, including environmental, health and water quality and public utility regulations and policies;
the decisions of governmental and regulatory bodies, including decisions to raise or lower rates;
our ability to successfully extend and expand our service contract work within our Service and Rentals Segment in both Connecticut and Maine;
the development of new services and technologies by us or our competitors;
the availability of qualified personnel;
the condition of our assets;
the impact of legal proceedings;
general economic conditions;
the profitability of our Real Estate Segment, which is subject to the amount of land we have available for sale and/or donation, the demand for any available land, the continuation of the current state tax benefits relating to the donation of land for open space purposes and regulatory approval for land dispositions;
the amount of repair tax deductions and the Internal Revenue Service’s ultimate acceptance of the deduction methodology; and
acquisition-related costs and synergies.

Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:

changes in general economic, business, credit and financial market conditions;
changes in environmental conditions, including those that result in water use restrictions;
the determination of what qualifies for a repair expense tax deduction;
abnormal weather conditions;
increases in energy and fuel costs;
unfavorable changes to the federal and/or state tax codes;
significant changes in, or unanticipated, capital requirements;
significant changes in our credit rating or the market price of our common stock;
our ability to integrate businesses, technologies or services which we may acquire;
our ability to manage the expansion of our business;
the extent to which we are able to develop and market new and improved services;
the continued demand by telecommunication companies for antenna site leases on our property;
the effect of the loss of major customers;
our ability to retain the services of key personnel and to hire qualified personnel as we expand;
labor disputes;
increasing difficulties in obtaining insurance and increased cost of insurance;
cost overruns relating to improvements or the expansion of our operations;
increases in the costs of goods and services;
civil disturbance or terroristic threats or acts; and
changes in accounting pronouncements.

Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  You should read this 10-Q, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (“10-K”) and the documents that we incorporate by reference into the 10-K completely and with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect.  These forward-looking statements represent our assumptions, expectations and beliefs only as of the date of this 10-Q.  Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose certain information under the federal securities laws, we are not obligated, and assume no obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future.  For further information or other factors which could affect our financial results and such forward-looking statements, see Part I, Item 1A“Risk Factors” found in the 10-K.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.


30


Part I, Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

The primary market risk faced by the Company is interest rate risk.  The Company has 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, variable long-term debt and short-term variable borrowings under financing arrangements entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries.  The Company has $35.0 million of variable rate lines of credit with two banks, under which the Company did not have any interim bank loans payable at June 30, 2014.

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $22.05 million of variable-rate long-term debt outstanding.  Holding other variables constant, including levels of indebtedness, a one-percentage point change in interest rates would impact pre-tax earnings by approximately $0.2 million, annually.  The Company monitors its exposure to variable rate debt and will make future financing decisions as the need arises.
 
Part I, Item 4:  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2014, 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 Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)).  Based upon, and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II, Item 1:  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 the subject that presents a reasonable likelihood of a material adverse impact on the Company.

Part II, Item 1A: Risk Factors

Information about the material risks related to our business, financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 does not materially differ from that set out under Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. You should carefully consider the risk factors and other information discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as well as the information provided elsewhere in this report. Additional risks, uncertainties and other factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations, financial condition or operating results.

Part II, Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

No stock repurchases were made during the quarter ended June 30, 2014.


31


Part II, Item 6: Exhibits

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 December 31, 1998).
 
 
 
3.2
 
By-Laws, as amended, of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. as amended and restated as of August 16, 2007. (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2007).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Certification of Incorporation of The Connecticut Water Company effective April, 1998.  (Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).
 
 
 
3.4
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. dated August 6, 2001 (Exhibit to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
 
 
 
3.5
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. dated April 23, 2004.  (Exhibit 3.5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement for non-employee Directors under the Company’s 2014 Performance Stock Program (Exhibit 10.1 to current report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2014).
 
 
 
10.2*
 
Amended and Restated Promissory Note and Supplement, by and between the Company and CoBank, ACB, dated August 6, 2014.
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Rule 13a-14 Certification of Eric W. Thornburg, Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Rule 13a-14 Certification of David C. Benoit, Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
 
32**
 
Certification of Eric W. Thornburg, Chief Executive Officer, and David C. Benoit, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 
* filed herewith
** furnished herewith
 

32


SIGNATURES

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

 
 
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date:
August 8, 2014
By:  /s/ David C. Benoit
 
 
David C. Benoit
Senior Vice President – Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Date:
August 8, 2014
By:  /s/ Nicholas A. Rinaldi
 
 
Nicholas A. Rinaldi
Controller

33