10-Q 1 f2ndquarter10q.htm 2ND QUARTER 10-Q 2006 2nd QTR 10-Q 2006


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)


[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006



[  ] 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:  001-10608



FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Florida

59-0539080

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


401 South Dixie Highway,

West Palm Beach, Fl.  33401

(561) 832-0872

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices

and principal place of business)



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 report), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  [ X ]     No  [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  [  ]

Accelerated filer [  ]

Non-accelerated filer [X]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  [  ]      No [X]


On July 26, 2006, there were 5,986,159 shares of $1.50 par value common stock outstanding.



INDEX


Part I.

Financial Information

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures


Part II.

Other Information


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


Item 1A.

Risk Factors


Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders


Item 6.

Exhibits


Signatures




PART I - Financial Information


Item 1.

Financial Statements


FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 
 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 June 30,

 

 June 30,

Revenues

       2006

 

2005

 

 2006

 

2005

Natural gas

$14,632 

 

$14,161 

 

 $41,586 

 

 $34,377 

Electric

11,815 

 

11,063 

 

23,511 

 

22,453 

Propane gas

3,431 

 

3,105 

 

8,129 

 

6,937 

Total revenues

29,878 

 

28,329 

 

73,226 

 

63,767 

Cost of Fuel and Other Pass Through Costs

18,476 

 

17,366 

 

47,689 

 

39,185 

Gross Profit

11,402 

 

10,963 

 

25,537 

 

24,582 

 

       

Operating Expenses

       

Operation and maintenance

6,732 

 

6,246 

 

13,537 

 

12,543 

Depreciation and amortization

1,925 

 

1,789 

 

3,903 

 

3,629 

Taxes other than income taxes

680 

 

713 

 

1,504 

 

1,511 

Total operating expenses

9,337 

 

8,748 

 

18,944 

 

17,683 

Operating Income

2,065 

 

2,215 

 

6,593 

 

6,899 

        

Other Income and (Deductions)

       

Merchandise and service revenue

   1,090 

 

    1,124 

 

2,316 

 

       2,173 

Merchandise and service expenses

(1,007)

 

(1,157)

 

(2,192)

 

(2,180)

Other income

    133 

 

    150 

 

284 

 

291 

Interest expense

(1,119)

 

(1,127)

 

(2,332)

 

(2,267)

Total other deductions (net)

(903)

 

(1,010)

 

(1,924)

 

(1,983)

Earnings Before Income Taxes

   1,162 

 

    1,205 

 

4,669 

 

4,916 

Income Taxes

(424)

 

(354)

 

(1,710)

 

(1,712)

Net Income

    738 

 

    851 

 

2,959 

 

3,204 

Preferred Stock Dividends

    7 

 

    7 

 

14 

 

14 

Earnings For Common Stock

$731 

 

$844 

 

 $2,945 

 

 $3,190 

        

(Basic and Diluted):

       

Earnings Per Common Share

   $0.12 

 

    $0.14 

 

 $0.49 

 

 $0.54 

        

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

        $0.1075 

 

  $0.1033 

 

 $0.2108 

 

$0.2033 

  

       

Average Shares Outstanding

     5,985,162 

 

5,945,697 

 

5,982,599 

 

5,943,226 

These financial statements should be read with the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.





FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   

ASSETS

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

2006

 

2005

    

   Utility plant

$184,252 

 

       $179,278 

Less Accumulated depreciation

57,860 

 

           56,217 

Net utility plant

126,392 

 

          123,061 

 

   

Current Assets

   

Cash

1,120 

 

                695 

Accounts receivable

               11,061 

 

            15,780 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 (240)

 

 (272)

Unbilled receivables

1,634 

 

              1,918 

Notes receivable-current portion

317 

 

                 299 

Inventories (at average unit cost)

3,916 

 

                3,781 

Prepaid expenses

483 

 

                 951 

   Under-recovery of fuel costs

                     - 

 

               3,375 

   Income tax prepayments

                     - 

 

               1,159 

Total current assets

               18,291 

 

              27,686 

 

   

Other Assets

   

Investments held for environmental costs

3,265 

 

3,258 

Regulatory assets-environmental

8,635 

 

               8,868 

Regulatory assets-storm reserve

                   352 

 

                 452 

Long-term receivables and other investments

5,604 

 

 5,794 

Deferred charges

6,766 

 

6,751 

Goodwill

2,405 

 

2,405 

Intangible assets (net)

                 4,341 

 

4,391 

Total other assets

 31,368 

 

31,919 

Total Assets

           $176,051 

 

$182,666 

    

These financial statements should be read with the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.





FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

  

    

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

2006

 

2005

Capitalization

   

Common shareholders' equity

$47,478 

 

$45,503 

Preferred stock

 600 

 

 600 

Long-term debt

 50,661 

 

50,620 

Total capitalization

 98,739 

 

96,723 

    

Current Liabilities 

   

Line of credit

1,437 

 

9,558 

Accounts payable

8,120 

 

13,166 

Insurance accrued

263 

 

 296 

Interest accrued

833 

 

 1,014 

Other accruals and payables

 2,095 

 

2,684 

Taxes accrued

                  2,333 

 

              1,512 

Over-recovery of fuel costs and other

                  3,253 

 

                   24 

Deferred income tax-current

 664 

 

1,066 

Customer deposits

               9,296 

 

            8,851 

 Total current liabilities

28,294 

 

38,171 

    

Other Liabilities

   

Deferred income taxes

 17,477 

 

17,979 

Environmental liability

14,000 

 

14,001 

Regulatory liability-storm reserve

                  1,563 

 

1,536 

Regulatory liabilities-other

9,520 

 

               9,247 

Other liabilities

 6,458 

 

5,009 

Total other liabilities

49,018 

 

47,772 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

             $176,051 

 

         $182,666 

    

These financial statements should be read with the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.





FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

2006

 

2005

 

   

Net cash provided by operating activities

$16,155 

 

         $9,893 

 

   

Investing Activities

   

Construction expenditures

                 (6,751)

 

         (5,716)

Proceeds received on notes receivable

                   296 

 

             279 

Other

                   513 

 

             176 

Net cash used in investing activities

                (5,942)

 

         (5,261)

 

   

 

   

Financing Activities

   

Net decrease in short-term borrowings

                (8,121)

 

          (3,519)

Dividends paid

                (1,899)

 

            (1,201)

Other increases

                    232 

 

             226 

Net cash used in financing activities

                  (9,788)

 

         (4,494)

 

   

Net increase in cash

                425 

 

             138 

 

   

Cash at beginning of period

                    695 

 

              499 

 

   

Cash at end of period

                 $1,120 

 

            $637 

These financial statements should be read with the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2006


1.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation have been included. The operating results for the period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.


2.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include allowances, accruals for pensions, environmental liabilities, liability reserves, regulatory deferred tax liabilities, unbilled revenue and over-earnings liability. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.


3.

Regulation

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71 – "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation".  SFAS No. 71 recognizes that accounting for rate-regulated enterprises should reflect the relationship of costs and revenues introduced by rate regulation. A regulated utility may defer recognition of a cost (a regulatory asset) or show recognition of an obligation (a regulatory liability) if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in revenues. The Company has recognized certain regulatory assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


As a result, Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) regulation has a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations. The FPSC approves rates that are intended to permit a specified rate of return on investment. Rate tariffs allow the flexibility of automatically passing through the cost of natural gas and electricity to customers. Increases in the operating expenses of the regulated segments may require a request for increases in the rates charged to customers.


4.

Pledged Assets

Substantially all of the Company’s utility plant and the shares of Flo-Gas Corporation collateralize the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds (long-term debt).  Balances in cash, accounts receivable and inventory are collateral for the line of credit.


5.

Restriction on Dividends

The Company’s Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust restricts the amount that is available for cash dividends. At June 30, 2006, approximately $9 million of retained earnings were free of such restriction and available for the payment of dividends. The Company’s line of credit agreement contains covenants that, if violated, could restrict or prevent the payment of dividends. The Company is not in violation of these covenants.


6.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical information and trended current economic conditions. Despite a decrease in accounts receivable, the amount that is over 90 days has increased approximately $170,000 over the amount at December 31, 2005. Management has increased focus on collecting these receivables and believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. Due to the uncertainty in the estimate and the Company's ability to collect as anticipated, it is possible that additional allowances may be required.


7.

Storm Reserves

As of June 30, 2006, the Company had a storm reserve of approximately $1.6 million for the electric segment. The Company does not have a storm reserve for the natural gas or propane gas segments. Any future storm costs affecting the natural gas segment will be deferred pending review by the FPSC for possible recovery from customers either through rate increases or through applying any available over-earnings as a reduction to the costs.


The Company deferred storm costs for the natural gas segment incurred in 2004 as a regulatory asset on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The FPSC approved recovery of these storm costs, plus interest and revenue related taxes, over a 30-month period beginning in November 2005. As of June 30, 2006, the remaining balance of these storm costs is $352,000.


8.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company does not amortize goodwill or intangibles with indefinite lives. The Company periodically tests the applicable reporting segments, natural gas and propane gas, for impairment. In the event goodwill or intangible assets related to a segment are determined to be impaired, the Company would write down such assets to fair value. The impairment test performed in 2006 showed no impairment for either reporting segment.


Goodwill associated with the Company’s acquisitions consists of $500,000 in the natural gas segment and $1.9 million in the propane gas segment. The summary of intangible assets at June 30, 2006, is as follows:


Intangible Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

  

2006 

Customer distribution rights

(Indefinite life)

$ 1,900 

Customer relationships

(Indefinite life)

900 

Software

(Five to nine year life)

3,088 

Non-compete agreement

(Five year life)

35 

Accumulated amortization

(1,582)

Total intangible assets, net of amortization

$ 4,341 


The amortization expense of intangible assets was approximately $167,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.


9.

Common Shareholders’ Equity

Items impacting common shareholders’ equity other than income and dividends are the dividend reinvestment program, employee stock purchase program, stock compensation plans and treasury stock. The net impact of these additional items increased common shareholders’ equity approximately $333,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.


10.

Over-earnings – Natural Gas Segment

The FPSC approves rates that are intended to permit a specified rate of return on investment and limits the maximum amount of earnings of regulated operations. The Company has agreed with the FPSC staff to limit the earned return on equity for regulated natural gas and electric operations.


The Company estimated over-earnings in 2005 of $700,000 for the natural gas segment. This liability is included in the category of “other accruals and payables” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The estimate of the over-earnings liabilities could change upon the FPSC finalization and review of earnings.


The FPSC determines the disposition of over-earnings with alternatives that include refunding to customers, funding storm or environmental reserves or reducing any depreciation reserve deficiency. Finalization of the disposition and determination of the amount of 2005 natural gas over-earnings is expected in the second half of 2006.


11.

Environmental Contingencies

The Company is subject to federal and state legislation with respect to soil, groundwater and employee health and safety matters and to environmental regulations issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal and state agencies. For full disclosure of the legal items that impact the Company, please refer to "Contingencies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.


12.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2005 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.


13.

Recent Accounting Standards

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The pronouncement prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this interpretation will impact its financial condition; however, the Company is currently assessing the impact of FIN 48, which must be implemented effective January 1, 2007.





Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Overview

We have three primary business segments: natural gas, electric and propane gas. The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) regulates the natural gas and electric segments.


Recent increases in the price of natural gas and propane gas may have resulted in lower than normal energy use in 2006 and may affect future demand and net operating income. Along with concerns of the turmoil in the Middle East spreading to other oil producing countries, the recent heat wave gripping the country has caused prices to rise for natural gas and propane gas. Natural gas prices remain at historically high levels.  


Results of Operations


Revenues and Gross Profit Summary

Normal sales revenues include cost recovery revenues. The FPSC allows cost recovery revenues to directly recover costs of fuel, conservation and revenue-based taxes in our natural gas and electric segments. Revenues collected for these expenses have no effect on results of operations and fluctuations could distort the relationship of revenues between periods. Gross profit is defined as gross operating revenues less fuel, conservation and revenue based taxes that are passed directly through to customers. Because gross profit eliminates these cost recovery revenues, we believe it provides a more meaningful basis for evaluating utility revenues. The following summary, including the energy units utilized Dekatherm (Dth) and Megawatt Hour (MWH), compares gross profit between periods.





 Revenues and Gross Profit

(Dollars and units in thousands)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

Natural Gas

       

Revenues

$14,632 

 

$14,161 

 

 $41,586 

 

$34,377 

Cost of fuel and other pass through costs

   8,402 

 

   8,132 

 

26,957 

 

 20,152 

Gross Profit

$ 6,230 

 

$ 6,029 

 

$ 14,629 

 

$14,225 

Units sold:  (Dth)

    1,402 

 

    1,453 

 

     3,348 

 

     3,390 

Electric

       

Revenues

$11,815 

 

$11,063 

 

$23,511 

 

$22,453 

Cost of fuel and other pass through costs

   8,243 

 

   7,709 

 

16,516 

 

15,671 

Gross Profit

$ 3,572 

 

$ 3,354 

 

$ 6,995 

 

$ 6,782 

Units sold: (MWH)

    217 

 

    191 

 

        414 

 

     376 

Propane Gas

       

Revenues

$  3,431 

 

$  3,105 

 

 $ 8,129 

 

$ 6,937 

Cost of fuel

1,831 

 

1,525 

 

4,216 

 

3,362 

Gross Profit

$  1,600 

 

$  1,580 

 

$ 3,913 

 

$ 3,575 

Units sold:  (Dth)

    147 

 

    154 

 

        347 

 

        355 

Consolidated

       

Revenues

$29,878 

 

$28,329 

 

 $73,226 

 

$63,767 

Cost of fuel

18,476 

 

17,366 

 

47,689 

 

39,185 

Gross Profit

$11,402 

 

$10,963 

 

$25,537 

 

$24,582 

        



Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2005.


Revenues and Gross Profit

Natural Gas

Natural gas service revenues increased $471,000 in the second quarter of 2006 over the same period in 2005. The cost of fuel and other costs passed through to customers contributed to $270,000 of this increase. Gross profit increased by $201,000 or 3.3% in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This was primarily due to an adjustment in the prior year for over-earnings, which reduced 2005 revenues and gross profit by $251,000. In the second quarter of 2006, the number of customers increased slightly; however, the usage per customer decreased. This usage decrease may have been due to the increased price of natural gas paid by our customers, which caused them to conserve energy.


Electric

Electric service revenues increased $752,000 in the second quarter of 2006 over the same period in 2005.  $534,000 of the increase was attributable to the cost of fuel and other costs that were passed through to customers. Gross profit increased by $218,000 or 6.5%, while usage increased by 13.6%. The usage increase resulted in a lower gross profit increase because the usage was primarily by our large commercial and industrial customers that provide lower profit margins.


Propane Gas

Propane gas revenues increased $326,000 and gross profit increased $20,000 or 1.3% in the second quarter of 2006 over the same period in 2005. The revenue increase was the result of an increase in our propane rates over the prior period to cover the rising cost of propane gas. However, as propane prices remain at historically high levels, we decreased our profit margins in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter to remain competitive. We anticipate our profit margins to remain at similar reduced levels for the second half of 2006.


Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $589,000 or approximately 7% in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The increase in expenses was due to inflationary impacts and additional payroll of $319,000. The payroll increases relate to an increased number of employees and annual pay raises. As we continue our efforts to respond more effectively to customer needs, additional employees have been added due to increased interest in gas conversions because of recent storms along with increased business from new subdivision developments. Temporary staff expense and equipment upgrades used to support our customer service effort further increased expenses.


Other increases included regulatory storm surcharges of $44,000 approved in our 2005 natural gas storm petition hearing, higher medical insurance premiums of $68,000 and higher depreciation expense of $128,000 due to the addition of fixed assets.


Other Income and Deductions

Merchandise and Service profitability increased by $116,000 in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of strategic changes implemented by management. These changes included revising the product markup structure, increasing fees for installation and increasing employee training. In addition, more appliances were sold as a result of the increased interest in natural and propane gas.


Net Income

Although gross profit increased in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005, net income decreased because operating expense increases exceeded the increase in gross profit.


Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2005.


Revenues and Gross Profit

Natural Gas

Natural gas service revenues increased $7.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, over the same period in 2005. The cost of fuel and other costs passed through to customers contributed to $6.8 million of this increase. Gross profit increased by $404,000 or 2.8% for six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. This was primarily due to an adjustment in the prior year for over-earnings, which reduced revenues and gross profit by $251,000, along with the collection in 2006 of $111,000 for regulatory storm surcharges. In 2006 the number of customers increased slightly; however, the usage per customer decreased. This usage decrease may have been due to the increased price of natural gas paid by our customers, which caused them to conserve energy.


Despite the increased cost of fuel and the slow down of construction over the past year, we continue to experience customer growth with our efforts still focused on contracting with builders to use gas in these new developments. Continuing interest by customers to install stand-by gas generators for use during power outages is also contributing to growth.


Electric

Electric service revenues increased $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, over the same period in 2005. $845,000 of the increase was attributable to the cost of fuel and other costs that were passed through to customers. Gross profit increased by $213,000 or 3%, while usage increased by 10%. The usage increase resulted in a lower gross profit increase because the usage was primarily by our large commercial and industrial customers that provide lower profit margins.


Propane Gas

Propane gas revenues increased $1.2 million and gross profit increased $338,000 or 9.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, over the same period in 2005. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the propane rates over the prior period, which exceeded increased fuel costs.


Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $1.3 million or approximately 7% in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. The increase in expenses was due to inflationary impacts and additional payroll of $531,000. In addition to pay raises, the number of employees increased over the prior year as we continue our efforts to respond more effectively to customer needs.  


Other increases included regulatory storm surcharges of $108,000 approved in our 2005 natural gas storm petition hearing, higher medical insurance premiums of $130,000 and higher depreciation expense of $246,000 due to the addition of fixed assets.


Other Income and Deductions

Merchandise and Service profitability increased by $131,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to this same period in 2005 primarily as a result of strategic changes implemented by management. These changes included revising the product markup structure, increasing fees for installation and increasing employee training. In addition, more appliances were sold as a result of the increased interest in natural and propane gas.


Net Income

Although gross profit increased in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, net income decreased because the operating expense increases exceeded the increase in gross profit.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2006, increased by approximately $6.3 million over the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the over-recovery of fuel costs of $5.4 million. Also improving cash flow was a decrease in accounts receivable that was mainly due to lower June 2006 sales and fuel costs, which were passed through to customers. These increases were partially offset by increased payments on accounts payable and other liabilities.  


Investing Activities

Construction expenditures through June 30, 2006 increased by approximately $1 million compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the purchase of $800,000 in new vehicles.


Financing Activities

Increases in the cash flow used in financing activities resulted from a reduction in short-term debt of approximately $4.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period last year.


Capital Resources

We have a $12 million line of credit (LOC), which expires on June 30, 2007. Upon 30 days notice by us we can increase the LOC to a maximum of $20 million. The LOC contains affirmative and negative covenants that, if violated, would give the bank the right to accelerate the due date of the loan to be immediately payable. The covenants include certain financial ratios. All ratios are currently within the required limits and management believes we are in full compliance with all covenants and anticipates continued compliance in the foreseeable future. We reserve $1 million of the LOC to cover expenses for any major storm repairs in our electric segment and an additional $250,000 for a letter of credit insuring propane facilities. As of June 30, 2006, the amount borrowed from the LOC was $1.4 million. At June 30, 2006, the LOC, long-term debt and preferred stock comprised 53% of total capitalization, which includes debt.


Our 1942 Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, which is a mortgage on all real and personal property, permits the issuance of additional bonds based upon a calculation of unencumbered net real and personal property. At June 30, 2006, such calculation would permit the issuance of approximately $37.1 million of additional bonds.


We have $3.3 million in invested funds held for payment of future environmental costs. We expect to use some of these funds in 2007.


Capital Requirements

Portions of our business are seasonal and depend on weather conditions in Florida.  The weather affects the sale of electricity and gas, and thereby impacts the cash provided by operations. Construction costs also impact cash requirements throughout the year. Cash needs for operations and construction are met partially through short-term borrowings from our LOC.  


The construction expenditures for the remainder of 2006 are expected to increase by approximately $6 million over the same period last year . The primary reason is the anticipated purchase of land for a new South Florida division office. The current division office is located on environmentally impacted property, which requires relocating the office to allow for clean up of the property. It will not be possible to rebuild at the current location since this site has been rezoned with a residential designation. The estimated cost of land is $4 million to $7 million. We are planning to build and complete this new facility in the next five years.

A substation transformer in our Northeast division failed during 2005. Testing was completed which indicated that the cost to repair is between $300,000 and $400,000. The failed transformer has limited capacity considering the growth in the area. The replacement cost of a new, larger capacity transformer is approximately $900,000. An analysis of the bid information and future load growth in the area are being considered in order to make a final decision on this situation. Repair or replacement is expected to occur during the second half of 2006.

We do not currently have any material commitments for capital expenditures other than vehicle purchases totaling approximately $800,000.


Cash requirements are anticipated to increase significantly in the future due to environmental clean up costs, sinking fund payments on long-term debt and pension contributions. Environmental clean up costs are forecasted to be approximately $2 million in 2007, with remaining payments of approximately $12 million in 2008 and thereafter. Annual long-term debt sinking fund payments of approximately $1.4 million will begin in 2008 and will continue for eleven years. Current projections indicate that we will make annual contributions to our defined benefit pension plan of $250,000 in 2006 and 2007. When Congress finalizes the new funding rules, which will be completely different than the current rules, there is a good chance we will have significant contribution requirements for a few years beginning in 2008.


We believe that cash from operations, coupled with short-term borrowings on the LOC, will be sufficient to satisfy our operating expenses, normal capital expenditure requirements and dividend payments for the next year.  However, cash requirements will increase significantly in the future due to environmental clean up costs, land purchase, sinking fund payments on long-term debt and pension contributions. Depending on cash needs relating to the possible land purchase and related construction, we may consider equity or debt financing in the second half of 2006.  The need and timing will depend upon operational requirements, environmental expenditures, pension contributions and construction expenditures. In addition, if we experience significant environmental expenditures in the next two or three years, it is possible we may need to raise additional funds as early as 2007. We may consider equity or debt offerings for any such additional financing. There can be no assurance, however, that equity or debt financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all, in 2006 or later years when we will seek such financings.


Outlook


Electric Power Supply

Contracts with our two electric suppliers expire December 31, 2007. The contracts currently provide electricity to our customers at rates that are much lower than market rates. The savings are passed through to our customers without profit to the Company. We expect a substantial increase between our current contract prices and the anticipated contract prices. We anticipate new contracts will result in rates closer to market which could cause our customers’ bills to double. We are unable to estimate what impact, if any, the higher rates could have on electric consumption.


We have entered into negotiations with various suppliers and anticipate during 2006 the completion of final contracts for the supply of our electricity. One contract under consideration in the Northeast division would result in a new contract for the supply of our electricity beginning January 1, 2007.   


Over-earnings – Natural Gas Segment

The FPSC approves rates that are intended to permit a specified rate of return on investment and limits the maximum amount of earnings of regulated operations. We have estimated over-earnings in 2005 of $700,000. This liability has been included in the category of “other accruals and payables” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, with the potential of rate refunds to customers. The calculations supporting these liabilities are complex and involve a variety of projections and estimates before the ultimate settlement of such obligations. We believe our 2005 estimate of over-earnings liabilities is accurate, but it could change upon the FPSC finalization and review of our earnings. We have estimated that there are no over-earnings in 2006 to date.


The FPSC determines the disposition of over-earnings with alternatives that include refunding to customers, funding storm damage or environmental reserves or reducing any depreciation reserve deficiency. Recently, the FPSC ordered 2002 natural gas over-earnings of approximately $118,000 to be added to our “regulatory liability-storm reserve” to cover future storm costs. Finalization of the disposition and determination of the amount of 2005 natural gas over-earnings is expected in 2006.


Indiantown Gas

We have completed negotiations with Indiantown Gas regarding our transportation and territorial agreements and have jointly filed these for approval with the FPSC. We anticipate approval in the third quarter of 2006. We have also begun construction in the Indiantown area to install natural gas mains in the first phase of this development for approximately 100 homes. The next two developments are slated to break ground in 2007 for construction of approximately 1,000 homes.


Land Purchase

During the first half of 2006, we entered into negotiations to purchase land for use in construction of our new South Florida division office. After a due diligence process during the second quarter of 2006, we withdrew our original offer price and tried to re-negotiate with the seller of this same property in July 2006. We were not successful and on August 1, 2006, our offer price was rejected and we determined that we would not purchase this land. In August 2006 we will expense approximately $50,000 for costs incurred in negotiating the purchase of the land.


Storm Related Expenditures

Regulators continue to focus on hurricane preparedness and storm recovery issues for utility companies. Proposed rules could impact our operating expenses and capital expenditures beginning in 2007. The initial forecasts of these annual expenditures range from $700,000 to $1 million. It is possible that additional regulation and rules will be mandated regarding storm related expenditures over the next several years.


Impact of Recent Accounting Standards

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The pronouncement prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We do not believe that the adoption of this interpretation will have an impact on our financial condition; however, we are currently assessing the impact of FIN 48, which must be implemented effective January 1, 2007.


Forward-Looking Statements (Cautionary Statement)

This report contains forward-looking statements including those relating to the following:


·

Based on our current expectations for cash needs, including cash needs relating to the possible land purchase and related construction, we may choose to consider an equity or debt financing in 2006 to address those cash needs. 

·

Our anticipation of continued compliance in the foreseeable future with our LOC covenants.

·

Our expectation that some of the $3.3 million in invested funds held for payment of future environmental costs will be used in 2007.

·

Construction expenditures for the remainder of 2006 are expected to increase by $6 million over the same period 2005.

·

Our expectation that the substation transformer in our Northeast division will be repaired or replaced during the second half of 2006.

·

Our expectation that cash requirements will increase significantly in the future due to environmental clean-up costs, sinking fund payment on long-term debt and pension contributions.

·

Our belief that cash from operations, coupled with short-term borrowings on our LOC, will be sufficient to satisfy our operating expenses, normal construction expenditure and dividend payments for the next year.

·

Our 2005 over-earnings liability in natural gas will materialize as estimated after the FPSC review and audit.

·

We expect higher fuel costs beginning in 2008, possibly 2007 for our Northeast division. These new fuel costs may cause customers’ electricity bills to double.

·

The development in Indiantown will occur as estimated and we will provide natural gas to this area.

·

Storm related expenditures may be necessary beginning in 2007 and the total cost may be significant.

·

The purchase of land for our new South Florida division office will occur in 2006.

·

We do not believe the adoption of FIN 48 will have an impact on our financial condition.

·

We expect propane profit margins to remain at levels similar to the second quarter of 2006.


These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those set forth in “Risk Factors” below and in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


All financial instruments held by us were entered into for purposes other than for trading.  We have market risk exposure only from the potential loss in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates. We have no material exposure relating to commodity prices because under our regulatory jurisdictions, we are fully compensated for the actual costs of commodities (natural gas and electricity) used in our operations. Any commodity price increases for propane gas are normally passed through monthly to propane gas customers as the fuel charge portion of their rate.


None of our gas or electric contracts are accounted for using the fair value method of accounting. While some of our contracts meet the definition of a derivative, we have designated these contracts as "normal purchases and sales" under SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".


We have no exposure to equity risk, as we do not hold any equity instruments. Our exposure to interest rate risk is limited to investments held for environmental costs, the water sale long-term receivable and short-term borrowings on the line of credit. The investments held for environmental costs are short-term fixed income debt securities whose carrying amounts are not materially different than fair value. The short-term borrowings were approximately $1.4 million at the end of June 2006. We do not believe we have material market risk exposure related to these instruments. The indentures governing our two first mortgage bond series outstanding contain "make-whole" provisions, (pre-payment penalties that charge for lost interest,) which render refinancing impracticable.


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures


Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as of June 30, 2006, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.




PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


None.


Item 1A.

Risk Factors

The risk factors should be read in conjunction with those included in our most recent Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.


New supply contracts could result in substantial increases to our prices, and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.


Two pipeline suppliers under firm contracts having expiration dates from 2007 to 2023 transport our natural gas to us. All of these contracts have provisions which allow us to extend the terms ranging from 2020 to 2032. Our electric services are provided by two suppliers under contracts which both expire in 2007.


Electricity supply contracts expiring in 2007 will result in the cost of electricity more than doubling over existing prices. This increase could have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations.



Conflict or turmoil in oil producing countries could impact future prices for commodities including natural gas, propane gas and electricity, and increases in these prices could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.


Recent turmoil in the Middle East is causing crude oil and its associated products to rise on concerns of the conflict spreading to other oil producing countries. If the conflict escalates or spreads, the impact to the cost of all fuel related commodities could increase substantially. These increases could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  




Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders


The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on May 9, 2006.  At that meeting, the stockholders were asked to consider and act on the following:


·

Election of two directors

·

Ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, as the Company’s independent audit firm    


The following people were elected as directors for terms expiring in 2009 and received the number of votes set forth opposite his or her respective name:


Nominee

For

Against/Withheld

Broker Non-votes

Abstentions

Ellen Terry Benoit

4,850,179

394,839

0

0

John T. English

4,878,784

366,234

0

0


The following votes were cast to ratify appointment of the Company’s independent audit firm, BDO Seidman, LLP:  


For

Against/Withheld

Broker Non-votes

Abstentions

5,214,963

6,842

0

23,213






Item 6.

Exhibits


3.1

Amended Articles of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002.)


3.2

Amended By-Laws (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3(ii) to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002.)


4.1

Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of FPU dated as of September 1, 1942 (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 7-A to Registration No. 2-6087).


4.2

Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated September 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 on our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).


4.3

Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated November 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 on our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).


31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


32

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.







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.


FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

(Registrant)



Date: August 10, 2006

By:           /s/ George M. Bachman         

George M. Bachman

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)





FLORIDA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY

EXHIBIT INDEX

Item Number



31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) per Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer per Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002