1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------------- FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2001 ------------- 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: 001-11590 CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION -------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 51-0064146 ------------ ------------ (State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 909 SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD, DOVER, DELAWARE 19904 ------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code) (302) 734-6799 ------------- (Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Common Stock, par value $.4867 -- 5,363,755 shares issued as of June 30, 2001.
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION...................................................................................1 ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................1 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................................6 1. Quarterly Financial Data.............................................................................6 2. Calculation of Earnings Per Share....................................................................6 3. Commitments and Contingencies........................................................................6 4. Reclassification of Amounts for Prior Years..........................................................8 5. Recent Authoritative Pronouncements on Financial Reporting and Accounting............................8 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS......................................................................................9 Business Description.......................................................................................9 FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES..........................................................9 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2001...................................................11 Consolidated Overview....................................................................................11 Natural Gas Distribution and Transmission................................................................11 Propane Gas Distribution and Marketing...................................................................12 Advanced Information Services............................................................................12 Other Business Operations................................................................................12 Operating Income Taxes...................................................................................12 Interest Expense.........................................................................................12 Environmental Matters....................................................................................13 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001................................................13 Consolidated Overview....................................................................................13 Natural Gas Distribution and Transmission................................................................13 Propane Gas Distribution and Marketing...................................................................14 Advanced Information Services............................................................................14 Other Business Operations................................................................................14 Operating Income Taxes...................................................................................14 Interest Expense.........................................................................................15 Environmental Matters....................................................................................15 OTHER MATTERS...............................................................................................15 Acquisitions.............................................................................................15 Regulatory Matters.......................................................................................15 Competition..............................................................................................15 Inflation................................................................................................16 Cautionary Statement.....................................................................................16 ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK..........................................16 PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION.....................................................................................18 SIGNATURES.......................................................................................................19
3 PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING REVENUES $ 71,051,256 $ 65,950,982 COST OF SALES 57,289,023 53,482,299 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GROSS MARGIN 13,762,233 12,468,683 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING EXPENSES Operations 8,305,274 7,903,429 Maintenance 359,163 512,764 Depreciation and amortization 1,937,004 1,806,892 Other taxes 1,016,499 860,864 Income taxes 403,064 149,502 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total operating expenses 12,021,004 11,233,451 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING INCOME 1,741,229 1,235,232 OTHER INCOME, NET 114,337 55,451 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 1,855,566 1,290,683 INTEREST CHARGES 1,188,840 971,135 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET INCOME $ 666,726 $ 319,548 ====================================================================================================== EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK: BASIC $ 0.12 $ 0.06 ====================================================================================================== DILUTED $ 0.12 $ 0.06 ====================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 1
4 CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING REVENUES $ 205,090,741 $ 164,460,161 COST OF SALES 168,317,775 130,535,663 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GROSS MARGIN 36,772,966 33,924,498 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING EXPENSES Operations 17,529,021 15,999,242 Maintenance 854,199 916,057 Depreciation and amortization 4,035,627 3,668,621 Other taxes 2,174,089 1,889,149 Income taxes 3,772,471 3,575,469 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total operating expenses 28,365,407 26,048,538 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING INCOME 8,407,559 7,875,960 OTHER INCOME, NET 249,210 82,332 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 8,656,769 7,958,292 INTEREST CHARGES 2,624,574 1,969,278 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET INCOME $ 6,032,195 $ 5,989,014 ====================================================================================================== EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK: BASIC $ 1.13 $ 1.15 ====================================================================================================== DILUTED $ 1.10 $ 1.12 ====================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 2
5 CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income $ 6,032,195 $ 5,989,014 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating cash: Depreciation and amortization 4,939,875 4,577,274 Deferred income taxes, net (501,427) 194,063 Investment tax credit adjustments (17,089) (17,646) Mark-to-market adjustments 444,419 (10,637) Other, net 647,783 441,923 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 19,581,318 1,806,742 Inventory, materials, supplies and storage gas 2,071,093 (672,358) Other current assets (182,539) 316,592 Other deferred charges (1,752,404) (296,094) Accounts payable, net (20,865,948) 64,324 Refunds payable to customers (105,517) (97,321) Over (under) recovered purchased gas costs 1,037,234 (81,438) Other current liabilities 4,018,755 1,685,970 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 15,347,748 13,900,408 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property, plant and equipment expenditures, net (9,708,090) (7,718,465) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by investing activities (9,708,090) (7,718,465) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Common stock dividends, net of amounts reinvested (2,576,452) (2,458,573) Issuance of stock: Dividend Reinvestment Plan optional cash 88,746 111,419 Retirement Savings Plan 535,470 470,471 Net repayment under line of credit agreements (3,200,000) (1,600,000) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 300,000 - Repayment of long-term debt (1,385,292) (1,378,068) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by financing activities (6,237,528) (4,854,751) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (597,870) 1,327,192 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 4,606,316 2,357,173 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 4,008,446 $ 3,684,365 ============================================================================================ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3
6 CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, ASSETS 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Natural gas distribution and transmission $ 155,570,386 $ 149,121,319 Propane gas distribution and marketing 32,343,435 31,630,208 Advanced information services 1,914,936 1,699,968 Other plant 11,372,758 10,488,581 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total property, plant and equipment 201,201,515 192,940,076 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (65,151,703) (61,473,757) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net property, plant and equipment 136,049,812 131,466,319 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INVESTMENTS 615,759 616,293 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 4,008,446 4,606,316 Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectibles 17,915,435 37,941,172 Materials and supplies, at average cost 1,326,455 1,566,126 Merchandise inventory, at average cost 1,679,377 1,234,072 Propane inventory, at average cost 2,714,209 4,379,599 Storage gas prepayments 2,888,986 3,500,323 Underrecovered purchased gas costs 4,703,861 5,388,725 Income taxes receivable - 1,159,761 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,197,814 2,015,274 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total current assets 37,434,583 61,791,368 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS Environmental regulatory assets 2,859,905 2,910,000 Environmental expenditures 3,405,162 3,626,475 Underrecovered purchased gas costs 1,607,193 1,959,562 Other deferred charges and intangible assets 10,487,924 8,329,485 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total deferred charges and other assets 18,360,184 16,825,522 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL ASSETS $ 192,460,338 $ 210,699,502 ====================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4
7 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CAPITALIZATION Stockholders' equity Common Stock, par value $.4867 per share; (authorized 12,000,000 shares; issued 5,363,755 and 5,297,443 shares, respectively) $ 2,610,157 $ 2,577,992 Additional paid-in capital 28,706,413 27,672,005 Retained earnings 36,840,027 33,721,747 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total stockholders' equity 68,156,597 63,971,744 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 49,770,437 50,920,818 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total capitalization 117,927,034 114,892,562 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CURRENT LIABILITIES Current portion of long-term debt 2,685,283 2,665,091 Short-term borrowing 22,200,000 25,400,000 Accounts payable 12,788,768 33,654,718 Refunds payable to customers 909,610 1,015,128 Income taxes payable 1,378,834 - Accrued interest 1,762,980 595,175 Dividends payable 1,474,968 1,429,945 Deferred income taxes payable 986,664 985,349 Other accrued liabilities 5,881,757 5,674,418 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total current liabilities 50,068,864 71,419,824 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES Deferred income taxes 14,583,676 15,086,951 Deferred investment tax credits 640,083 657,172 Environmental liability 2,859,905 2,910,000 Accrued pension costs 1,701,762 1,625,128 Other liabilities 4,679,014 4,107,865 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total deferred credits and other liabilities 24,464,440 24,387,116 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 192,460,338 $ 210,699,502 ====================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5
8 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA The financial information for Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (the "Company") included herein is unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, this financial information reflects only normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's interim results. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, there are substantial variations in the results of operations reported on a quarterly basis and, accordingly, results for any particular quarter may not give a true indication of results for the year. Certain amounts in 2000 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the current year. 2. CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALCULATION OF BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE: Net Income $ 666,726 $ 319,548 $ 6,032,195 $ 5,989,014 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 5,354,405 5,237,741 5,336,184 5,222,004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.12 $ 0.06 $ 1.13 $ 1.15 =========================================================================================================== CALCULATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE: RECONCILIATION OF NUMERATOR: Net Income-- Basic $ 666,726 $ 319,548 $ 6,032,195 $ 5,989,014 Effect of 8.25% Convertible debentures - - 85,793 90,414 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted numerator-- Diluted $ 666,726 $ 319,548 $ 6,117,988 $ 6,079,428 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF DENOMINATOR: Weighted Shares Outstanding-- Basic 5,354,405 5,237,741 5,336,184 5,222,004 Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock options 11,635 11,029 11,438 11,461 8.25% Convertible debentures - - 202,628 212,370 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted denominator-- Diluted 5,366,040 5,248,770 5,550,250 5,445,835 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 0.12 $ 0.06 $ 1.10 $ 1.12 =========================================================================================================== 3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Company is continuing to participate in the investigation, assessment and remediation of three former manufactured gas plant sites located in different jurisdictions. The Company continues to seek cost-effective remedial options that are protective of human health and the environment. In May 2001, Chesapeake, General Public Utilities Corporation, Inc. ("GPU"), the State of Delaware and the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") signed a settlement term sheet reflecting the agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit with respect to the Dover Gas Light site. The parties are in the process of memorializing the terms of the final agreement in two consent decrees. The consent decrees will then be published for public comment and submitted to a federal judge for approval. At June 30, 2001, the Company had accrued $2.1 million of costs associated with the remediation of the Dover site and an associated regulatory asset for the same amount. Of that amount, $1.5 million was for estimated ground-water remediation and $600,000 was for remaining soil remediation. The $1.5 million represented the low end of the ground-water remediation estimates prepared by an independent consultant and was used because the Company could not, at that time, predict the remedy the EPA might require. 6
9 If the agreement in principle receives final approval, Chesapeake will: - Design and construct a parking lot on the site and dismantle the soil vapor extraction system that had been erected at the site. - Receive a net payment of $1.15 million from other parties to the agreement. These proceeds will be passed on to Chesapeake's firm customers, in accordance with the environmental rate rider. - Receive a release from liability and covenant not to sue from the EPA and the State of Delaware. This will relieve Chesapeake from liability for future remediation at the site, unless previously unknown conditions are discovered at the site, or information previously unknown to EPA is received that indicates the remedial action is not sufficiently protective, related to the prior manufactured gas plant. This provision is standard, and is required by the United States in all liability settlements. Upon receiving final court approval of the consent decrees, Chesapeake will reduce both the accrued environmental liability and the associated environmental regulatory asset to the amount required to complete its obligations (primarily the design and construction of the parking lot). In accordance with approval from the Maryland Department of the Environment ("MDE"), the Company's remedial system at the Salisbury Town Gas Light site has been temporarily shut down. The Company continues to perform ground-water monitoring at the site and is currently collecting ground-water monitoring data to support a permanent shut-down of the remedial system. The Company reduced the accrual for the costs associated with remediation procedures at this site to $125,000 from the $175,000 that was accrued as of December 31, 2000. This revised amount is based on current estimates of the costs of continuing the remediation procedures for the next two years and shutting down the process. The corresponding regulatory asset that was recorded based on management's belief that costs incurred will be recoverable in base rates, was also reduced. The Winter Haven Coal Gas site is located in the state of Florida. In May 2001, a Remedial Action Plan ("RAP") was approved by the Florida Department of the Environment ("FDEP") to address a majority of the site impacts. Proposals for implementation of the remedial system described in the approved RAP for remediation of soil and ground-water impacts on site were received in June 2001. Negotiations are currently underway for performance of this work. The Company has recorded a liability of $635,000 and a corresponding regulatory asset at June 30, 2001. Most of the costs associated with the remediation of environmental contamination caused by natural gas distribution or transmission are recoverable by the Company through its base rates. Management believes that any unrecovered costs incurred to date, as well as costs to be incurred in the future, relating to remediation of contamination of the sites identified above will be recoverable through future rates, or from other responsible parties. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company has made contractual commitments of varying terms for daily entitlements of natural gas from various suppliers. In 2000, the Company entered into a long-term contract with an energy marketing and risk management company for management of its natural gas transportation and storage capacity. That contract is still in effect. The Company is involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. The Company is also involved in certain legal and administrative proceedings before various governmental agencies concerning rates. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. 7
10 Certain assets and liabilities of the Company are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 71, which, among other matters, provides standards for regulated enterprises for the deferral of costs that will be recovered through future rate increases. If the Company were required to terminate the application of these standards to its regulated operations, all such deferred amounts would be recognized in the income statement at that time. This would result in a charge to earnings, net of applicable income taxes, which could be material. 4. RECLASSIFICATION OF AMOUNTS FOR PRIOR YEARS Certain amounts and balances reported in prior years have been reclassified in the financial statements included in this report to conform to the presentation for the current period. 5. RECENT AUTHORITATIVE PRONOUNCEMENTS ON FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ACCOUNTING The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 133 in 1998, establishing accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. In June of 2000, SFAS No. 138, amending certain provisions of SFAS No. 133, was issued by the FASB. The Company adopted these new standards in the first quarter of 2001, as required. The adoption of these new standards did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. On June 30, 2001, the FASB issued SFAS Nos. 141, 142 and 143. A summary of each is listed below. - SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations," eliminates the pooling-of-interest method of accounting for business combinations and requires the use of the purchase method. In addition, the reassessment of intangible assets to determine if they are appropriately classified either separately or within goodwill is required. SFAS No. 141 is effective for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. The Company adopted SFAS No. 141 on July 1, 2001 with no material impact on net income. - SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which eliminates the amortization of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite economic useful lives. SFAS No. 142 requires an annual impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization. SFAS No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 142 is not yet determinable, but may be material. - SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," on the accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 requires a liability to be recognized in the financial statements for retirement obligations meeting specific criteria. Measurement of the initial obligation is to approximate fair value with an equivalent amount recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset. The asset will be depreciable in accordance with normal depreciation policy and the liability will be increased, with a charge to the income statement, until the obligation is settled. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The potential impact of adopting SFAS No. 143 is not yet determinable. 8
11 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (the "Company") is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas distribution and transmission, propane distribution and marketing, advanced information services and other related businesses. The Company's strategy is to grow earnings from a stable utility foundation by investing in related businesses and services that provide opportunities for higher, unregulated returns. This growth strategy includes acquisitions and investments in unregulated businesses as well as the continued investment and expansion of the Company's utility operations that provide the stable base of earnings. The Company continually reevaluates its investments to ensure that they are consistent with its strategy and the goal of enhancing shareholder value. The Company's unregulated businesses and services currently include propane distribution and marketing, water conditioning and treatment, and advanced information services. By investing in these related business and services, Chesapeake has created opportunities to earn higher returns than a traditional utility. The reinvestment of these higher returns has increased the Company's earnings and is expected to contribute to future earnings growth. FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's capital requirements reflect the capital-intensive nature of its business and are principally attributable to the construction program and the retirement of outstanding debt. The Company relies on cash generated by operations and short-term borrowing to meet normal working capital requirements and to temporarily finance capital expenditures. To permanently finance capital improvements and acquisitions, the Company uses long-term debt and equity as required to maintain a sound capital structure. During the first six months of 2001, net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used by investing activities and net cash used by financing activities were approximately $15.3 million, $9.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Based upon anticipated cash requirements in 2001, the Company may fund its capital expenditures and refinance short-term borrowings through the issuance of long-term debt. The timing of the issuance of any long-term debt is dependent upon a number of considerations, including the nature of the securities to be issued, and existing economic and financial market conditions. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to borrow up to $45 million from various banks and trust companies. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had three unsecured bank lines of credit with two financial institutions, totaling $60 million. One of the lines of credit is fully committed. Short-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 was $22.2 million and $25.4 million, respectively. In the first six months, cash provided by operations and cash on hand was adequate to fund capital expenditures and the reduction in debt outstanding. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had deferred $6.3 million, down $1.0 million since December 31, 2000, of natural gas costs in excess of the cost of gas presently included in its base rates. Management expects to continue to recover these deferred costs through the gas cost recovery mechanism in each of the jurisdictions that regulate the Company's natural gas businesses. During the six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, capital expenditures, including acquisitions, were approximately $9.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively. The Company has budgeted $31.5 million for capital expenditures during 2001. This amount includes $25.8 million for natural gas distribution and transmission; $2.5 million for propane distribution and marketing; $495,000 for advanced information services; and $2.7 million for general plant. The natural gas expenditures are for expansion and improvement of facilities, for the improvement and expansion of the pipeline system to better serve existing customers and to extend service to customers in the City of Milford, Delaware. The propane expenditures are to support customer growth and for the replacement of older equipment. The advanced information services expenditures are for computer hardware, software and related equipment. Expenditures for general plant include building improvements, and computer software and hardware. Management expects to finance the 9
12 2001 construction program from short-term borrowing, cash from operations and the issuance of long-term debt, if conditions warrant. The construction program is subject to continual review and modification. Actual capital expenditures may differ from these estimates due to a number of factors including acquisition opportunities, changing economic conditions, customer growth in existing markets, regulation and new growth opportunities. The Company does not budget for acquisitions. The Company has budgeted $1.9 million for capital expenditures in 2001 related to environmental remediation projects, and expects to make additional expenditures in future years, a portion of which may need to be financed through external sources. Management does not expect such financing to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or capital resources of the Company (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). As of June 30, 2001, common equity represented 57.8 percent of permanent capitalization, compared to 55.7 percent as of December 31, 2000. Including both short-term financing and total capitalization, the equity component would have been 47.7 percent and 44.7 percent, respectively. The Company remains committed to maintaining a sound capital structure and strong credit ratings in order to provide the financial flexibility needed to access the capital markets when required. This commitment, along with adequate and timely rate relief for the Company's regulated operations, is intended to ensure that the Company will be able to attract capital from outside sources at a reasonable cost. Interest for the first half of 2001 increased approximately $655,000, or 33%, over the same period in 2000. The increase was caused by an increase in average short-term borrowing for the first six months of $5.0 million and an increase in the average long-term debt balances of $17.3 million. The increase in borrowing was generated primarily by capital spending and under-recovered gas costs. The Company earns interest on the under-recovered gas costs in Delaware and Florida. The weighted average interest rates for the first half of 2001 was down. There was a reduction of $20,026,000 in accounts receivable and $20,866,000 in accounts payable from December 31, 2000 to June 30, 2001. Balances at year-end were higher, partially due to the higher wholesale price of propane affecting propane marketing receivables and payables, compared to the June 30, 2001 pricing levels. Additionally, the natural gas and propane distribution operations experienced higher revenue and receivables and the corresponding cost of sales and payables in the winter months due to colder temperatures when compared to the summer months. 10
13 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW The Company recognized net income of $667,000 or $0.12 per share for the second quarter of 2001. As indicated in the following table, the increase in income is primarily due to higher contributions of pre-tax operating income by the natural gas, propane and advanced information services businesses. These gains were partially offset by lower pre-tax operating income for other business operations, higher interest expense and higher operating income taxes. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income (Loss) Natural Gas Distribution & Transmission $ 2,547,649 $ 2,065,853 $ 481,796 Propane Gas Distribution & Marketing (526,508) (908,013) 381,505 Advanced Information Services 112,154 (51,221) 163,375 Other & Eliminations 10,998 278,115 (267,117) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income 2,144,293 1,384,734 759,559 Operating Income Taxes 403,064 149,502 253,562 Interest 1,188,840 971,135 217,705 Non-Operating Income, net 114,337 55,451 58,886 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 666,726 $ 319,548 $ 347,178 ============================================================================================== NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION The natural gas distribution and transmission segment reported pre-tax operating income of $2.5 million for the second quarter 2001 as compared to $2.1 million for the corresponding period last year -- an increase of $482,000, or 23%. The increase in pre-tax operating income is due to an increase in gross margin and a reduction in operating expenses. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 26,360,685 $ 21,824,727 $ 4,535,958 Cost of Gas 18,067,903 13,967,238 4,100,665 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 8,292,782 7,857,489 435,293 Operations & Maintenance 3,808,183 3,983,137 (174,954) Depreciation & Amortization 1,330,608 1,286,388 44,220 Other Taxes 606,342 522,111 84,231 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 5,745,133 5,791,636 (46,503) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income $ 2,547,649 $ 2,065,853 $ 481,796 ============================================================================================== Gross margins increased principally due to rate increases in Florida and customer and volume growth in Delaware and Maryland. These were partially offset by a reduction in Delaware distribution margins that resulted from a weather normalization adjustment of $60,000 that was recorded in the second quarter of 2000. Additionally, margins for the Florida gas marketing operations increased. Operating expenses declined primarily due to decreases in operations and maintenance expenses. These were the result of cost containment measures initiated by management. 11
14 PROPANE GAS DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING For the second quarter of 2001, the propane segment recognized a seasonal pre-tax operating loss of $527,000 compared to $908,000 for the same period last year. The decrease in the loss was the result of an increase in propane marketing gross margins and a reduction in operating expenses in distribution. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 38,742,890 $ 39,233,290 $ (490,400) Cost of Sales 36,213,305 36,885,264 (671,959) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 2,529,585 2,348,026 181,559 Operations & Maintenance 2,567,801 2,766,644 (198,843) Depreciation & Amortization 327,462 347,375 (19,913) Other Taxes 160,830 142,020 18,810 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 3,056,093 3,256,039 (199,946) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Loss $ (526,508) $ (908,013) $ 381,505 ============================================================================================== The increase in marketing margins is primarily due to opportunities created by the volatility in propane prices. Operating expenses decreased partially due to cost reduction initiatives undertaken by management during the first quarter. ADVANCED INFORMATION SERVICES The advanced information services segment recognized pre-tax operating income of $112,000 for the second quarter of 2001 as compared to a pre-tax operating loss of $51,000 for the same period last year. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 3,605,098 $ 3,192,537 $ 412,561 Cost of Sales 1,884,868 1,850,974 33,894 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 1,720,230 1,341,563 378,667 Operations & Maintenance 1,379,042 1,181,014 198,028 Depreciation & Amortization 67,649 74,403 (6,754) Other Taxes 161,385 137,367 24,018 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 1,608,076 1,392,784 215,292 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income (Loss) $ 112,154 $ (51,221) $ 163,375 ============================================================================================== The increase in pre-tax operating income was primarily the result of an increase in revenues over the depressed levels experienced in 2000. During 2000, many companies curtailed their information technology expenditures, after implementing their Year 2000 contingency plans. During 2001, this segment has expanded its service offerings and repositioned itself under a new name. The margin increase was partially offset by increased operating expenses, primarily sales and marketing, which increased $170,000. OTHER BUSINESS OPERATIONS Pre-tax operating income for the second quarter decreased by $267,000 over the same period last year for other operations. This decline was primarily the result of costs associated with establishing a management infrastructure for the water businesses recently acquired. Additionally, costs were incurred in conjunction with water expanding into new service territories. OPERATING INCOME TAXES Operating income taxes were higher due to the increase in operating income for the current quarter. For 2001, the Company anticipates paying tax at a higher composite income tax rate. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest for the second quarter of 2001 increased approximately $218,000, or 22%, over the same period in 2000. The increase was caused by an increase in average short-term borrowing of $3.7 million and an 12
15 increase in the average long-term debt balances of $17.5 million. The increase in borrowing was generated primarily by capital spending and under-recovered gas costs. The Company earns interest on the under-recovered gas costs. The weighted average interest rates for the first quarter of 2001 were lower. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Company continues to work with federal and state environmental agencies to assess the environmental impact and explore options for corrective action at three former gas manufacturing plant sites (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company believes that future costs associated with these sites will be recoverable in rates or through sharing arrangements with, or contributions by, other responsible parties. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW The Company recognized net income of $6.0 million for the first six months of 2001 -- a slight increase over the prior year. As indicated in the following table, the increase in income is primarily due to a greater contribution of pre-tax operating income by the natural gas, propane and advanced information services segments. These gains were mostly offset by lower pre-tax operating income from other business operations and increases interest expense. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income (Loss) Natural Gas Distribution & Transmission $ 8,815,643 $ 8,453,272 $ 362,371 Propane Gas Distribution & Marketing 3,168,965 2,583,985 584,980 Advanced Information Services 215,767 (24,966) 240,733 Other & Eliminations (20,345) 439,138 (459,483) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income 12,180,030 11,451,429 728,601 Operating Income Taxes 3,772,471 3,575,469 197,002 Interest 2,624,574 1,969,278 655,296 Non-Operating Income, net 249,210 82,332 166,878 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 6,032,195 $ 5,989,014 $ 43,181 ================================================================================================= NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION The natural gas distribution and transmission segment reported pre-tax operating income of $8.8 million for the first six months of 2001 as compared to $8.5 million for the corresponding period last year -- an increase of $362,000. The increase in pre-tax operating income is due to an increase in gross margin partially offset by higher operating expenses. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 70,600,734 $ 51,897,295 $ 18,703,439 Cost of Gas 49,742,525 31,848,320 17,894,205 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 20,858,209 20,048,975 809,234 Operations & Maintenance 7,919,677 7,870,325 49,352 Depreciation & Amortization 2,809,976 2,608,489 201,487 Other Taxes 1,312,913 1,116,889 196,024 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 12,042,566 11,595,703 446,863 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income $ 8,815,643 $ 8,453,272 $ 362,371 ================================================================================================= The increase in margin was the result of a rate increase for the Florida distribution operation, increased volumes in Delaware and Maryland related to customer growth and colder weather, and increased firm revenue generated by an expansion of transmission facilities that was completed in November 2000. These were partially offset by a reduction in Delaware distribution margins that resulted from a weather normalization 13
16 adjustment of $418,000 that was recorded in 2000. Operating expenses were higher primarily due to increased depreciation and property taxes calculated on capital additions during the past year. PROPANE GAS DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING For the first six months of 2001, the propane segment contributed pre-tax operating income of $3.2 million as compared to $2.6 million for the same period last year. The increase is the result of an increase in gross margin partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 123,338,796 $ 103,025,163 $ 20,313,633 Cost of Sales 112,905,127 93,600,076 19,305,051 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 10,433,669 9,425,087 1,008,582 Operations & Maintenance 6,166,415 5,812,469 353,946 Depreciation & Amortization 714,285 690,976 23,309 Other Taxes 384,004 337,657 46,347 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 7,264,704 6,841,102 423,602 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income $ 3,168,965 $ 2,583,985 $ 584,980 ================================================================================================== Margins increased for both propane distribution and marketing. Retail margins per gallon for the first quarter of 2001 were improved over depressed levels in 2000. Marketing margins were enhanced due to propane price volatility. These increases were partially offset by increased operating expenses caused by higher energy prices and customer service initiatives implemented in 2000. ADVANCED INFORMATION SERVICES The advanced information services segment recognized pre-tax operating income of $216,000 for the first six months of 2001 as compared to a pre-tax operating loss of $25,000 for the same period last year. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 2000 CHANGE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 7,095,884 $ 6,362,604 $ 733,280 Cost of Sales 3,652,483 3,582,213 70,270 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Margin 3,443,401 2,780,391 663,010 Operations & Maintenance 2,777,096 2,352,261 424,835 Depreciation & Amortization 129,922 147,442 (17,520) Other Taxes 320,616 305,654 14,962 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Expenses 3,227,634 2,805,357 422,277 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Operating Income (Loss) $ 215,767 $ (24,966) $ 240,733 ================================================================================================= This increase reflects higher revenues in 2001 compared to depressed levels in 2000. During 2000, revenues from the Company's traditional information technology services (i.e. non web-related services) declined after their clients finished implementing their Year 2000 contingency plans. New service offerings, particularly web-related services, have helped improve 2001 revenues. This business segment adopted a new name and has been marketing aggressively. Sales and marketing expenses, which increased $357,000, were the main factors in the rise in operating expenses from 2000 to 2001. OTHER BUSINESS OPERATIONS Pre-tax operating income for the second quarter decreased by $459,000 over the same period last year for other operations. This decline was primarily the result of costs associated with establishing a management infrastructure for the water businesses recently acquired. Additionally, costs were incurred in conjunction with water expanding into new service territories. OPERATING INCOME TAXES Operating income taxes were higher due to the increase in operating income for the fist half of the year. For 2001, the Company anticipates paying tax at a higher composite income tax rate. 14
17 INTEREST EXPENSE Interest for the first six months of 2001 increased approximately $655,000, or 33%, over the same period in 2000. The increase was caused by an increase in average short-term borrowing of $5.0 million and an increase in the average long-term debt balances of $17.3 million. The increase in borrowing was generated primarily by capital spending and under-recovered gas costs. The Company earns interest on the under-recovered gas costs. The weighted average interest rate for the first six months of 2001 was down. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Company continues to work with federal and state environmental agencies to assess the environmental impact and explore options for corrective action at three former gas manufacturing plant sites (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company believes that future costs associated with these sites will be recoverable in rates or through sharing arrangements with, or contributions by, other responsible parties. OTHER MATTERS ACQUISITIONS During the second quarter of 2001, the Company acquired Absolute Water Care, Inc. and certain assets of Aquarius Systems, Inc., two water conditioning and treatment dealerships operating out of three locations in Florida. In July 2001, the Company purchased selected assets of EcoWater Systems of Rochester, located in Rochester, Minnesota, and Intermountain Water, Inc. and Blue Springs Water, located in Boise, Idaho. As a result, the Company will now provide water treatment, water conditioning and bottled water to customers in those geographic regions. REGULATORY MATTERS The Company's natural gas distribution operations are subject to regulation by the Delaware, Maryland and Florida Public Service Commissions, while the natural gas transmission operation is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A request for approval of a rate increase was filed in June 2000 and interim rates went into effect on August 10, 2000. An order was issued by the Commission in November 2000 approving a rate increase. Final rates were effective in December 2000. Also, in 2000, the Company was notified that two of its large industrial customers in Florida would be closing their facilities. Considering these two factors, management estimates that gross margin on gas sales in Florida in 2001 will increase by approximately $449,000 over gross margin earned in 2000. The Company filed for a base rate increase with the Delaware Public Service Commission on August 2, 2001. Management expects to begin charging higher interim rates, subject to refund, in October 2001 with permanent rates going into effect subject to approval by the Public Service Commission. COMPETITION The Company's natural gas operations compete with other forms of energy such as electricity, oil and propane. The principal competitive factors are price, and to a lesser extent, accessibility. The Company's natural gas distribution operations have several large volume industrial customers that have the capacity to use fuel oil as an alternative to natural gas. When the cost of using fuel oil to provide power for their operations is lower than the cost of natural gas, these "interruptible" customers convert to oil. Oil prices, as well as the prices of electricity and other fuels, are subject to fluctuation for a variety of reasons; therefore, future competitive conditions are not predictable. In order to address this uncertainty, the Company uses flexible pricing arrangements on both the supply and sales side of its business to maximize sales volumes. As a result of the transmission segment's conversion to open access, the segment has shifted from providing bundled sales service to providing transportation and contract storage services. 15
18 In some cases the Company's natural gas operations compete with alternative natural gas delivery companies, including the Company's own interstate pipeline. The customers at risk are usually large volume commercial and industrial customers with the financial resources and capability to bypass the distribution of transmission systems. In certain situations, the Company may adjust services and rates for these customers to retain their business. The Company provides unbundled natural gas supply services to compete more effectively for these customers. The Company's propane distribution operations compete with several other propane distributors in their service territories, primarily on the basis of service and price. Competitors include both large national companies and many, generally smaller, local companies. The number of small local competitors has increased significantly in the last couple of years as fuel oil dealers have entered the propane distribution business. The Company's advanced information services segment faces significant competition from a number of larger competitors, many of which have substantially greater resources available to them than those of the Company. This segment competes on the basis of technological expertise, reputation and price. INFLATION Inflation affects the cost of labor, products and services required for operation, maintenance and capital improvements. While the impact of inflation has lessened in recent years, natural gas and propane prices are subject to rapid fluctuations. Fluctuations in natural gas prices are passed on to customers through the gas cost recovery mechanism in the Company's tariffs. To help cope with the effects of inflation on its capital investments and returns, the Company seeks rate relief from regulatory commissions for regulated operations while monitoring the returns of its unregulated business operations. To compensate for fluctuations in propane gas prices, the Company adjusts its propane selling prices to the extent allowed by the market. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT The Company has made statements in this report that are considered to be forward-looking statements. Such statements are not matters of historical fact. Sometimes they contain words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will," or "may," and other similar words of a predictive nature. These statements relate to matters such as customer growth, changes in revenues or margins, capital expenditures, environmental remediation costs, regulatory approvals, market risks associated with the Company's propane marketing operation, the competitive position of the Company and other matters. It is important to understand that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees, but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things: - the temperature sensitivity of the natural gas and propane businesses; - the wholesale prices of natural gas and propane and market movements in these prices; - the effects of competition on the Company's unregulated and regulated businesses; - the effect of changes in federal, state or local legislative requirements; - the ability of the Company's new and planned facilities and acquisitions to generate expected revenues; and - the Company's ability to obtain the rate relief and cost recovery requested from utility regulators and the timing of the requested regulatory actions. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Market risk represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. The Company's long-term debt consists of first mortgage bonds, senior notes and convertible debentures with fixed interest rates, none of which was entered into for trading purposes. The carrying value of this long-term debt at June 30, 2001 was $52.5 million with a fair value of $57.1 million, based mainly on current market prices or discounted cash flows using current rates for similar issues with similar terms and remaining maturities. The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates due to the use of fixed rate long-term debt to 16
19 finance the business. Management continually monitors fluctuations in interest rates and debt markets to assess the benefits of changing the mix of long and short-term debt or refinancing existing debt. The Company's propane marketing business is a party to natural gas liquids ("NGL") forward contracts, primarily propane contracts, with various third parties. These contracts obligate the propane marketing business to purchase or sell NGL at a fixed price at fixed future dates. At expiration, the contracts are settled by the delivery of NGL to the respective party. The propane marketing business also enters into futures contracts that are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In certain cases, the futures contracts are settled by the payment of a net amount equal to the difference between the current market price of the futures contract and the original contract price. The forward and futures contracts are entered into for trading and wholesale marketing purposes. The propane marketing business is subject to commodity price risk on its open positions to the extent that market prices for NGL deviate from fixed contract settlement prices. Market risk associated with the trading of futures and forward contracts are monitored daily for compliance with the Company's Risk Management Policy, which includes volumetric limits for open positions. To manage exposures to changing market prices, open positions are marked up or down to market prices and reviewed by oversight officials on a daily basis. Additionally, the Risk Management Committee reviews periodic reports on market and credit risk, approves any exceptions to the Risk Management Policy (within limits established by the Board of Directors) and authorizes the use of any new types of contracts. Quantitative information on forward and futures contracts at June 30, 2001 is presented in the following table. All of the contracts mature within twelve months. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUANTITY ESTIMATED WEIGHTED AVERAGE AT JUNE 30, 2001 IN GALLONS MARKET PRICES CONTRACT PRICES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORWARD CONTRACTS Sale 32,650,800 $0.3825-- $0.4100 $0.4738 Purchase 27,510,000 $0.3750-- $0.4200 $0.4655 FUTURES CONTRACTS Purchase 3,066,000 $0.3750 $0.4485 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated market prices and weighted average contract prices are in dollars per gallon. 17
20 PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS None ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS (a) The matters described in Item 4(c) below were submitted to a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 15, 2001 in connection with which, proxies were solicited in accordance with Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (b) Not applicable. (c) Proposals as submitted in the proxy statement were voted on as follows: i. The election of Ralph J. Adkins, Richard Bernstein and Robert F. Rider as Class II Directors for three-year terms ending in 2004, and until their successors are elected and qualified; and ii. The ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits None (b) Reports on Form 8-K On May 14, 2001, Chesapeake filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 11, 2001 reporting on Item 5, Other Events, of the entry into an agreement in principle with General Public Utilities Corporation, Inc. 18
21 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. CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION /s/ Michael P. McMasters - ------------------------ Michael P. McMasters Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Date: August 14, 2001 19