EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

Date: November 23, 2010   Media Contact:
  Michael Kinney
  732-938-1031
  mkinney@njresources.com
  Investor Contact:
  Dennis Puma
  732-938-1229
  dpuma@njresources.com

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS

FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

WALL, NJ – New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR) today reported fiscal 2010 net financial earnings per share increased 2.5 percent compared with the same period last year.

A reconciliation of net income to net financial earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal years 2010 and 2009 is provided below.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,515      ($ 18,863 )    $ 117,457      $ 27,242   

Add:

         

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions, net of taxes

      (20,761 )      (303 )      (16,825 )      39,254   

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas, net of taxes

      17,999        13,984        1,132        34,474   
                                

Net financial (loss) earnings

    ($ 1,247 )    ($ 5,182 )    $ 101,764      $ 100,970   
                                

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

         

Basic

      41,183        41,953        41,364        42,119   

Diluted

      41,452        41,953        41,630        42,465   
                                

Basic earnings per share

    $ 0.04      ($ 0.45 )    $ 2.84      $ 0.65   
                                

Basic net financial earnings per share

    ($ 0.03 )    ($ 0.12 )    $ 2.46      $ 2.40   
                                

Net financial earnings is a financial measure not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of the United States as it excludes all unrealized, and certain realized, gains and losses associated with derivative instruments. For further discussion of this financial measure, as well as reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, please see the explanation below under “Additional Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

 

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•  

Net Financial Earnings Per Share Increase

For fiscal 2010, NJR reported net financial earnings of $101.7 million, or $2.46 per share, compared with $101 million, or $2.40 per share, in fiscal 2009. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the company’s net financial loss was $1.2 million compared with a loss of $5.2 million in the same period last year.

“Unwavering adherence to our core business model and conservative financial practices have allowed us to post our 19th consecutive year of higher net financial earnings, a record unmatched in our industry,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJR. “Our core, regulated business, New Jersey Natural Gas, remains the primary driver of our improved financial results. Our wholesale business has faced the same economic challenges experienced across the industry while, at the same time, potential opportunities in the renewable energy segments are emerging.”

“Our performance is a credit to the women and men of New Jersey Resources, who give their best every day,” Downes said. “Thanks to their dedication and efforts we achieved solid financial results and for the second consecutive year, NJNG ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the eastern United States among large utilities on the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank our employees for all that they do. They are the reason behind our solid performance and a source of pride for our entire company.”

 

•  

5.9 Percent Dividend Increase Recently Approved

On November 17, 2010, NJR announced that its board of directors approved a 5.9 percent increase in the quarterly dividend rate to $.36 per share from $.34 per share. The new quarterly rate will be effective with the dividend payable January 3, 2011 to shareowners of record on December 15, 2010. The new annual dividend rate will be $1.44 per share. NJR has increased its dividend in each of the past 16 years and has paid quarterly dividends continuously since its inception in 1952.

 

•  

Share Repurchase Update

NJR purchased 637,000 shares of common stock under its share repurchase plan during fiscal 2010 at a cost of $23.3 million. The plan authorizes NJR to purchase its shares on the open market or in negotiated transactions, based on market and other financial conditions. Since its inception in September 1996, NJR has invested over $208 million to repurchase 7.1 million shares at a split-adjusted, average price of $29.54. Earlier this year, the NJR board of directors approved an increase in the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 2 million. Approximately 1.7 million shares remain authorized under the repurchase plan.

 

•  

Fiscal 2011 Guidance

NJR expects to provide earnings guidance for fiscal 2011 after the completion of the first fiscal quarter. This should allow better insight into the timing of certain logistics associated with the startup of several commercial solar projects, including construction schedules and the permitting and regulatory processes. This information should also allow for a more accurate assessment of the earnings contributions of NJR Clean Energy Ventures, NJR’s recently launched subsidiary. Additionally, providing guidance at the conclusion of the first fiscal quarter will enhance the assessment of the impact of early winter weather on NJR Energy Services’ gross margin and New Jersey Natural Gas’ incentive program margins.

 

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•  

Strong Fiscal Year at New Jersey Natural Gas

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) delivered a strong financial performance during fiscal 2010, primarily due to continued customer growth, the ongoing acceleration of infrastructure construction projects and lower interest rates. For fiscal 2010, net income at NJNG increased to $70.2 million, compared with $65.4 million in 2009.

NJNG added 6,189 new customers in fiscal 2010, increasing customer additions by six percent over fiscal 2009, in spite of a difficult economic climate. This growth was driven primarily by the residential new construction and the commercial conversion markets. The new customer annual growth rate for 2010 was 1.3 percent. In total, this growth is expected to contribute approximately $3.3 million annually to utility gross margin.

Residential new construction accounted for 2,813 new customers, a 12 percent increase over fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, NJNG added 354 commercial new construction customers. Residential conversions totaled 2,526, a two percent increase over fiscal 2009. Commercial conversions in fiscal 2010 totaled 496, up 20 percent from fiscal 2009. In addition, 667 existing NJNG customers converted to natural gas heat in fiscal 2010.

In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, NJNG added 2,251 new customers, a 36 percent increase over the same period last year, an encouraging indication of a potential stabilization in the new construction market in its service area. NJNG met its goal of adding 12,000 to 14,000 new customers over the two-year period ended September 30, 2010 and has established the same two-year target through fiscal 2012. At September 30, 2010, NJNG served over 490,000 customers. (For more information on utility gross margin, please see Non-GAAP Financial Information below.)

 

•  

Accelerated Infrastructure Program Helps Strengthen New Jersey’s Economy

In fiscal 2010, NJNG spent $41.3 million on its Accelerated Infrastructure Program (AIP), designed to expedite previously planned capital work and ensure the continued integrity of its distribution system. NJNG completed or began construction on fourteen AIP projects in fiscal 2010. Total capital investment, including AIP, system growth and improvement projects exceeded $94 million. These expenditures will assist NJNG in meeting the energy needs of its growing customer base and contribute to job creation and economic growth throughout the state. AIP expenditures are recovered annually through base rates at a weighted average cost of capital of 7.76 percent.

Shortly after the close of fiscal 2010, NJNG submitted a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to continue AIP for an additional year in order to support continued economic development and job growth in the state, as well as ensure the reliability and integrity of the company’s delivery system. If approved, AIP II will expedite a number of previously planned replacement, reinforcement and expansion projects. In the filing, NJNG is proposing to spend approximately $52.2 million on nine additional capital projects in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties and seek recovery through base rates at a weighted average cost of capital of 7.76 percent.

 

•  

SAVEGREEN ProjectTM and Conservation Incentive Program Continue; New Programs Added

Since its inception in September 2009, NJNG’s successful energy-saving program, The SAVEGREEN Project, has resulted in 4,059 home energy audits and provided customers with rebates and incentive payments totaling more than $3.6 million. NJNG’s initial investment of over $12.1 million has resulted in approximately $31 million in economic activity. Based on its proven effectiveness, the BPU, as part of NJNG’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative filing, has approved an extension of The SAVEGREEN Project through 2011.

 

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In addition, the BPU approved two new NJNG programs for commercial customers: Combined Heat and Power and Fostering Environmental and Economic Development. These programs, developed collaboratively with the state’s regulators, will provide an infusion of capital to encourage investment in New Jersey and help attract and retain jobs.

NJNG’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), which eliminated the link between usage and gross margin, was also extended by the BPU through September 2013. CIP enables NJNG to aggressively encourage efficiency and conservation efforts without adversely affecting its business. Since its inception in 2006, CIP has helped customers reduce their usage and save approximately $164.5 million and has generated $57.5 million in gross margin.

 

•  

NJNG Earns Another J.D. Power Award

For the second consecutive year, NJNG ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Residential Natural Gas Service in the Eastern U.S. Among Large Utilities,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM.

 

•  

Innovative Solar Program Launched – NJR Clean Energy Ventures

NJR Clean Energy Ventures (NJRCEV) is exploring solar and renewable energy opportunities in the commercial and industrial markets by identifying projects consistent with NJR’s core competencies and business model. NJRCEV is continuing to seek out solar projects, both ground mounted and rooftop installations, and pursue opportunities with land developers, solar product manufacturers and solar project developers.

 

•  

NJR Home Services Signs 100 Residential Solar Customers in Successful Pilot Program

In fiscal 2010, NJR Home Services (NJRHS) launched a residential solar program making this renewable energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners, and saving the average customer about $100 on their monthly electric bills. Customers are not responsible for the costs of installation or maintenance over the 20-year contract. Monthly fees are fixed over the life of the contract at approximately $52 per month. NJRHS successfully executed over 100 home contracts with 59 completed units at year-end totaling almost 400 kilowatts of installed capacity. Through the program, NJRHS qualifies for a 30 percent federal investment tax credit and will generate Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. NJRHS may also be eligible for rebates available from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program. NJR recently announced the commitment of an additional $9.4 million investment in its residential solar program.

 

•  

NJR Energy Services

NJR’s unregulated wholesale energy services company, NJR Energy Services (NJRES), continued to contribute to profitability with net financial earnings of $24.8 million in fiscal 2010. Despite the challenges of a changing marketplace, NJRES identified opportunities that fit its core competencies and made strategic sense by providing infrastructure expertise and management to help producers bring natural gas to the midstream markets. Although the impacts of a struggling economy, changing market conditions and the availability of additional supply are expected to continue to impact net financial earnings in this segment in fiscal 2011, NJRES will adhere to its core business of managing storage and transportation infrastructure, which may include producers in the Marcellus Shale and elsewhere.

 

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•  

NJR Midstream Assets

The midstream asset sector, specifically natural gas storage and transportation pipelines, provides shareowners with another source of earnings. Steckman Ridge, a 12 billion cubic foot (Bcf) working gas storage facility in southwestern Pennsylvania with Spectra Energy, generated $3.3 million or 3.2 percent of NJR’s total 2010 net financial earnings. In addition to Steckman Ridge, NJR holds a 5.53 percent equity investment in Iroquois Pipeline. Net income from midstream assets in fiscal 2010 was $6.4 million, compared with $2.9 million over the same period last year.

Webcast Information

NJR will host a live webcast to discuss its financial results today at 9 a.m. ET. A few minutes prior to the webcast, go to www.njliving.com and select “New Jersey Resources” from the top navigation bar. Choose “Investor Relations,” then click just below the microphone under the heading “Latest Webcast” on the Investor Relations home page.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. NJR cautions readers that the assumptions forming the basis for forward-looking statements include many factors that are beyond NJR’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as estimates of future market conditions and the behavior of other market participants. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, weather; economic conditions; NJR dependence on operating subsidiaries; demographic changes in NJNG’s service territory; rate of customer growth; volatility of natural gas commodity prices and its impact on customer usage, NJR Energy Services operations and the company’s risk management efforts; changes in rating agency requirements and/or credit ratings and their effect on availability and cost of capital to the company; the impact of volatility in the credit markets that would result in the increased cost and/or limit the availability of credit at NJR to fund and support physical gas inventory purchases and other working capital needs at NJRES, and all other non-regulated subsidiaries, as well as negatively affect cost and access to the commercial paper market and other short-term financing markets by NJNG to allow it to fund its commodity purchases, capital expenditures and meet its short-term obligations as they come; the company’s ability to comply with debt covenants; continued failures in the market for auction rate securities; the impact to the asset values and resulting higher costs and funding obligations of NJR’s pension and post-employment benefit plans as a result of downturns in the financial market, and the impacts associated with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; the ability to maintain effective internal controls; accounting effects and other risks associated with hedging activities and use of derivatives contracts; commercial and wholesale credit risk, including the availability of creditworthy customers and counterparties and liquidity in the wholesale energy trading market; the company’s ability to obtain governmental approvals and/or financing for the construction, development and operation of its non-regulated energy investments; risks associated with our investments in solar energy projects, including the availability of regulatory and tax incentives, the construction and regulatory risks and the availability of viable projects; risks associated with the management of the company’s joint ventures and partnerships; the level and rate at which costs and expenses are incurred and the extent to which they are allowed to be recovered from customers through the regulatory process in connection with constructing, operating and maintain NJNG’s natural gas transmission and distribution system; dependence on third-party storage and transportation facilities for natural gas supply; operational risks incidental to handling, storing, transporting and providing customers with natural gas; access to adequate supplies of natural gas; the regulatory and pricing policies of federal and state regulatory agencies; the cost of compliance with present and future environmental law, including potential climate change-related legislation; the ultimate outcome of pending regulatory proceedings, the disallowance of recovery of environmental-related expenditures and other

 

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regulatory changes; and environmental-related and other litigation and other uncertainties. NJR does not, by including this paragraph, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement referenced herein in light of future events. More detailed information about these factors is set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in NJR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its most recent Form 10-K.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release includes the non-GAAP measures net financial earnings (losses), financial margin and utility gross margin. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP, can be found below. As an indicator of the company’s operating performance, these measures should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Net financial earnings (losses) and financial margin exclude unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments related to the company’s unregulated subsidiaries and certain realized gains and losses on derivative instruments related to natural gas that has been placed into storage at NJRES. Volatility associated with the change in value of these financial and physical commodity contracts is reported in the income statement in the current period. In order to manage its business, NJR views its results without the impacts of the unrealized gains and losses, and certain realized gains and losses, caused by changes in value of these financial instruments and physical commodity contracts prior to the completion of the planned transaction because it shows changes in value currently as opposed to when the planned transaction ultimately is settled. NJNG’s utility gross margin represents the results of revenues less natural gas costs, sales and other taxes and regulatory rider expenses, which are key components of the company’s operations that move in relation to each other. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures to other GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the company’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are more reflective of the company’s business model, provide transparency to investors and enable period-to-period comparability of financial performance. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP, can be found below. For a full discussion of NJR’s non-GAAP financial measures, please see NJR’s most recent Form 10-K, Item 7.

About New Jersey Resources

New Jersey Resources, a Fortune 1000 company, provides reliable and renewable energy and natural gas services including transportation, distribution and asset management in states from the Gulf Coast to the New England regions, including the Mid-Continent region, the West Coast and Canada, while investing in and maintaining an extensive infrastructure to support future growth. With over $2.5 billion in annual revenues, NJR safely and reliably operates and maintains 6,700 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve nearly half a million customers; develops and manages a diverse portfolio of more than 2.3 Bcf/day of transportation capacity and 50 Bcf of storage capacity; and provides appliance installation, repair and contract service to nearly 150,000 homes and businesses. Additionally, NJR holds investments in midstream assets through equity partnerships including Steckman Ridge and Iroquois. Through Conserve to Preserve®, NJR is helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency. For more information about NJR, visit www.njliving.com.

 

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Performance Measures

 

 

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

 

 

A reconciliation of Net income at NJR to net financial earnings, is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,515      ($ 18,863 )    $ 117,457      $ 27,242   

Add:

         

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions, net of taxes

      (20,761 )      (303 )      (16,825 )      39,254   

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas, net of taxes

      17,999        13,984        1,132        34,474   
                                

Net financial (loss) earnings

    ($ 1,247 )    ($ 5,182 )    $ 101,764      $ 100,970   
                                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

         

BASIC

      41,183        41,953        41,364        42,119   

DILUTED

      41,452        41,953        41,630        42,465   
                                

Basic net financial (loss) earnings per share

    ($ 0.03 )    ($ 0.12 )    $ 2.46      $ 2.40   
                                

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES

 

 

The following table is a computation of financial margin at Energy Services:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Operating revenues

    $ 477,878      $ 279,446      $ 1,685,044      $ 1,498,742   

Less: Gas purchases

      476,541        307,573        1,601,701        1,537,634   

Add:

         

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions

      (33,946 )      (146 )      (31,113 )      47,631   

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

      30,110        23,086        3,469        55,940   
                                

Financial margin

    ($ 2,499 )    ($ 5,187 )    $ 55,699        64,679   
                                

A reconciliation of Operating income at Energy Services, the closest GAAP financial measurement, to the financial margin is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Operating (loss) income

    ($ 3,289 )    ($ 32,042 )    $ 67,385      ($ 57,139 ) 

Add:

         

Operation and maintenance expense

      4,701        3,537        14,947        16,468   

Depreciation and amortization

      17        52        153        205   

Other taxes

      (92 )      326        858        1,574   
                                

Subtotal – Gross margin (loss)

    $ 1,337        (28,127 )    $ 83,343        (38,892 ) 

Add:

         

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions

      (33,946 )      (146 )      (31,113 )      47,631   

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

      30,110        23,086        3,469        55,940   
                                

Financial margin

    ($ 2,499 )    ($ 5,187 )    $ 55,699      $ 64,679   
                                

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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ENERGY SERVICES (continued)

 

 

A reconciliation of Energy Services Net income to net financial earnings, is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net (loss) income

    ($ 1,551 )    ($ 18,804 )    $ 42,711      ($ 32,632 ) 

Add:

         

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions, net of taxes

      (20,981 )      22        (19,029 )      29,337   

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas, net of taxes

      17,999        13,984        1,132        34,474   
                                

Net financial (loss) earnings

    ($ 4,533 )    ($ 4,798 )    $ 24,814      $ 31,179   
                                

 

 

Retail and Other

 

 

A reconciliation of Retail and Other Net income to net financial earnings, is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		    

Twelve Months Ended

September 30,

  

(Thousands)

    2010      2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,769       $ 2,731      ($ 1,712 )    ($ 8,251 ) 

Add:

          

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net of taxes

      136         (325 )      1,976        9,917   
                                 

Net financial earnings

    $ 1,905       $ 2,406      $ 264      $ 1,666   
                                 

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,		     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,		  

(Thousands, except per share data)

    2010     2009     2010      2009  

OPERATING REVENUES

          

Utility

    $ 143,122      $ 123,006      $ 937,433       $ 1,082,001   

Nonutility

      488,396        289,582        1,701,871         1,510,459   
                                 

Total operating revenues

      631,518        412,588        2,639,304         2,592,460   
                                 

OPERATING EXPENSES

          

Gas purchases

          

Utility

      97,501        76,046        576,220         707,758   

Nonutility

      476,496        309,628        1,591,338         1,537,411   

Operation and maintenance

      38,179        36,942        148,565         149,151   

Regulatory rider expenses

      4,949        4,407        45,966         44,992   

Depreciation and amortization

      8,331        7,579        32,267         30,328   

Energy and other taxes

      6,548        7,397        56,823         74,750   
                                 

Total operating expenses

      632,004        441,999        2,451,179         2,544,390   
                                 

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME

      (486 )      (29,411 )      188,125         48,070   

Other income

      1,800        1,314        5,258         4,409   

Interest expense, net

      5,305        5,061        21,251         21,014   
                                 

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES

      (3,991 )      (33,158 )      172,132         31,465   

Income tax (benefit) provision

      (3,374 )      (11,785 )      64,692         11,376   

Equity in earnings of affiliates

      2,132        2,510        10,017         7,153   
                                 

NET (LOSS) INCOME

    $ 1,515      ($ 18,863 )    $ 117,457       $ 27,242   
                                 

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

          

BASIC

    $ 0.04      ($ 0.45 )    $ 2.84       $ 0.65   

DILUTED

    $ 0.04      ($ 0.45 )    $ 2.82       $ 0.64   
                                 

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE

    $ 0.34      $ 0.31      $ 1.36       $ 1.24   
                                 

AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

          

BASIC

      41,183        41,953        41,364         42,119   

DILUTED

      41,452        41,953        41,630         42,465   
                                 

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

    

Twelve Months Ended

September 30,

  

(Thousands, except per share data)

    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Operating Revenues

         

Natural Gas Distribution

    $ 143,122      $ 123,006      $ 945,480      $ 1,082,001   

Energy Services

      477,878        279,446        1,685,044        1,498,742   

Midstream Assets

      —          —          —          —     

Retail and Other

      10,748        10,180        30,551        14,008   
                                

Sub-total

      631,748        412,632        2,661,075        2,594,751   
                                

Eliminations

      (230 )      (44 )      (21,771 )      (2,291 ) 
                                

Total

    $ 631,518      $ 412,588      $ 2,639,304      $ 2,592,460   
                                

Operating (Loss) Income

         

Natural Gas Distribution

    $ 136      ($ 1,062 )    $ 120,934      $ 120,364   

Energy Services

      (3,289 )      (32,042 )      67,385        (57,139 ) 

Midstream Assets

      (176 )      (351 )      (766 )      (681 ) 

Retail and Other

      2,110        3,943        (2,958 )      (14,759 ) 
                                

Sub-total

      (1,219 )      (29,512 )      184,595        47,785   
                                

Eliminations

      733        101        3,530        285   
                                

Total

    ($ 486 )    ($ 29,411 )    $ 188,125      $ 48,070   
                                

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

         

Midstream Assets

    $ 2,735      $ 2,347      $ 12,996      $ 6,886   
                                

Eliminations

      (603 )      163        (2,979 )      267   
                                

Total

    $ 2,132      $ 2,510      $ 10,017      $ 7,153   
                                

Net Income (Loss)

         

Natural Gas Distribution

    $ 155      ($ 3,393 )    $ 70,242      $ 65,403   

Energy Services

      (1,551 )      (18,804 )      42,711        (32,632 ) 

Midstream Assets

      1,226        754        6,444        2,873   

Retail and Other

      1,769        2,731        (1,712 )      (8,251 ) 
                                

Sub-total

      1,599        (18,712 )      117,685        27,393   
                                

Eliminations

      (84 )      (151 )      (228 )      (151 ) 
                                

Total

    $ 1,515      ($ 18,863 )    $ 117,457      $ 27,242   
                                

Net Financial Earnings (Loss)

         

Natural Gas Distribution

    $ 155      ($ 3,393 )    $ 70,242      $ 65,403   

Energy Services

      (4,533 )      (4,798 )      24,814        31,179   

Midstream Assets

      1,226        754        6,444        2,873   

Retail and Other

      1,905        2,406        264        1,666   
                                

Eliminations

      0        (151 )      0        (151 ) 
                                

Total

    ($ 1,247 )    ($ 5,182 )    $ 101,764      $ 100,970   
                                

Throughput (Bcf)

         

NJNG, Core Customers

      8.4        6.3        66.3        66.9   

NJNG, Off System/Capacity Management

      23.7        20.2        83.9        66.1   

NJRES Fuel Mgmt. and Wholesale Sales

      111.4        68.2        366.4        302.8   
                                

Total

      143.5        94.7        516.6        435.8   
                                

Common Stock Data

         

Yield at September 30

      3.5 %      3.4 %      3.5 %      3.4 % 

Market Price

         

High

    $ 39.68      $ 40.61      $ 39.68      $ 42.37   

Low

    $ 34.42      $ 35.64      $ 33.49      $ 21.90   

Close at September 30

    $ 39.22      $ 36.31      $ 39.22      $ 36.31   

Shares Out. at September 30

      41,174        41,586        41,174        41,586   

Market Cap. at September 30

    $ 1,614,844      $ 1,509,988      $ 1,614,844      $ 1,509,988   

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION

 

(Unaudited)

(Thousands, except customer & weather data)

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

    

Twelve Months Ended

September 30,

  
   2010     2009     2010     2009  

Utility Gross Margin

         

Operating revenues

    $ 143,122      $ 123,006      $ 945,480      $ 1,082,001   

Less:

         

Gas purchases

      98,324        78,194        590,813        709,906   

Energy and other taxes

      5,003        5,560        48,958        66,768   

Regulatory rider expense

      4,973        4,407        46,076        44,992   
                                

Total Utility Gross Margin

    $ 34,822      $ 34,845      $ 259,633      $ 260,335   
                                

Utility Gross Margin and Operating Income

         

Residential

    $ 20,172      $ 20,274      $ 170,556      $ 170,509   

Commercial, Industrial & Other

      6,839        7,369        45,041        47,767   

Firm Transportation

      5,695        4,845        34,268        29,683   
                                

Total Firm Margin

      32,706        32,488        249,865        247,959   

Interruptible

      146        83        411        319   
                                

Total System Margin

      32,852        32,571        250,276        248,278   
                                

Off System/Capacity Management/FRM/Storage Incentive

      1,970        2,274        9,357        12,057   
                                

Total Utility Gross Margin

      34,822        34,845        259,633        260,335   
                                

Operation and maintenance expense

      25,675        27,677        103,226        106,814   

Depreciation and amortization

      8,143        7,297        31,464        29,417   

Other taxes not reflected in gross margin

      868        933        4,009        3,740   
                                

Operating Income

    $ 136      ($ 1,062 )    $ 120,934      $ 120,364   
                                

Throughput (Bcf)

         

Residential

      2.8        3.1        40.3        43.6   

Commercial, Industrial & Other

      0.6        0.7        8.2        9.8   

Firm Transportation

      1.1        1.0        10.1        9.4   
                                

Total Firm Throughput

      4.5        4.8        58.6        62.8   

Interruptible

      3.9        1.5        7.7        4.1   
                                

Total System Throughput

      8.4        6.3        66.3        66.9   
                                

Off System/Capacity Management

      23.7        20.2        83.9        66.1   
                                

Total Throughput

      32.1        26.5        150.2        133.0   
                                

Customers

         

Residential

      438,274        437,793        438,274        437,793   

Commercial, Industrial & Other

      26,312        27,771        26,312        27,771   

Firm Transportation

      25,724        20,965        25,724        20,965   
                                

Total Firm Customers

      490,310        486,529        490,310        486,529   

Interruptible

      43        45        43        45   
                                

Total System Customers

      490,353        486,574        490,353        486,574   
                                

Off System/Capacity Management*

      40        36        40        36   
                                

Total Customers

      490,393        486,610        490,393        486,610   
                                

*    The number of customers represents those active during the last month of the period.

     

Degree Days

         

Actual

      3        38        4,341        4,791   

Normal

      41        42        4,747        4,749   
                                

Percent of Normal

      7.3 %      90.5 %      91.4 %      100.9 % 
                                

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES POSTS HIGHER NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS FOR THE 19th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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ENERGY SERVICES

 

     Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended  
(Unaudited)    September 30,     September 30,  

(Thousands)

    2010     2009     2010      2009  

Operating Revenues

    $ 477,878      $ 279,446      $ 1,685,044       $ 1,498,742   

Gas Purchases

      476,541        307,573        1,601,701         1,537,634   
                                 

Gross Margin

      1,337        (28,127 )      83,343         (38,892 ) 

Operation and maintenance expense

      4,701        3,537        14,947         16,468   

Depreciation and amortization

      17        52        153         205   

Energy and other taxes

      (92 )      326        858         1,574   
                                 

Operating Income

    ($ 3,289 )    ($ 32,042 )    $ 67,385       ($ 57,139 ) 
                                 

Net (Loss) Income

    ($ 1,551 )    ($ 18,804 )    $ 42,711       ($ 32,632 ) 
                                 

Financial Margin

    ($ 2,499 )    ($ 5,187 )    $ 55,699       $ 64,679   
                                 

Net Financial Earnings (Loss)

    ($ 4,533 )    ($ 4,798 )    $ 24,814       $ 31,179   
                                 

Gas Sold and Managed (Bcf)

      111.4        68.2        366.4         302.8   
                                 

MIDSTREAM ASSETS

 

     Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended  
(Unaudited)    September 30,      September 30,  

(Thousands)

    2010      2009      2010      2009  

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

    $ 2,735       $ 2,347       $ 12,996       $ 6,886   
                                   

Operations and Maintenance Expense

    $ 73       $ 274       $ 659       $ 595   
                                   

Interest expense

    $ 381       $ 1,005       $ 2,418       $ 1,951   
                                   

Net Income

    $ 1,226       $ 754       $ 6,444       $ 2,873   
                                   

RETAIL AND OTHER

 

     Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended  
(Unaudited)    September 30,      September 30,  

(Thousands, except customers)

    2010      2009      2010     2009  

Operating Revenues

    $ 10,748       $ 10,180       $ 30,551      $ 14,008   
                                  

Operating Income (Loss)

    $ 2,110       $ 3,943       ($ 2,958 )    ($ 14,759 ) 
                                  

Net Income (Loss)

    $ 1,769       $ 2,731         (1,712 )      (8,251 ) 
                                  

Net Financial Earnings (Loss)

    $ 1,905       $ 2,406       $ 264      $ 1,666   
                                  

Total Customers at September 30, 2010

      149,411         149,798         149,411        149,798