United States

SJI Reports Fourth Quarter and 2021 Results

Earnings Conference Call Cancelled Given Agreement to be Acquired by the Infrastructure Investments Fund

FOLSOM, NJ , Feb. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Investor Contact:
Daniel Fidell
609-561-9000 x7027
[email protected]
 
Media Contact:
Dominick DiRocco
609-561-9000 x4262
[email protected]

SJI Reports Fourth Quarter and 2021 Results

Earnings Conference Call Cancelled Given Agreement
to be Acquired by the Infrastructure Investments Fund

FOLSOM, NJ (February 24, 2022) – SJI (NYSE: SJI) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year periods ended December 31, 2021. Highlights include:

  • 2021 GAAP earnings $0.80 per diluted share compared to $1.62 per diluted share in 2020 Economic Earnings* $1.62 per diluted share compared to $1.68 per diluted share in 2020 2020 results included $0.13 per diluted share in non-recurring gains
  • Q4 2021 GAAP earnings $0.72 per diluted share compared to $0.69 per diluted share in 2020 Economic Earnings $0.58 per diluted share compared to $0.62 per diluted share in 2020
  • 2021 economic earnings increased $15.0 million or 9.2%, despite ongoing challenge of pandemic, driven by increased profitability from core operating entities SJI Utilities and SJI Energy Enterprises
  • 2021 highlights include continued strong customer growth and infrastructure modernization, advancement of key regulatory initiatives and clean energy investments, and significant balance sheet improvement
  • Dividend increased to indicated annual $1.24 per share, reflecting 23 consecutive years of rising dividends
  • Today announced definitive agreement under which the Infrastructure Investments Fund (IIF), an investment vehicle advised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. will purchase SJI for $36.00 per share in cash, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $8.1 billion

“I’m pleased to report that 2021 results achieved the higher end of the expectations we outlined at our Investor Day last May, driven by solid growth across our core operating businesses,” said Michael Renna, SJI President and Chief Executive Officer. “As energy markets across the U.S. and New Jersey accelerate the transition toward low carbon and renewable energy, the SJI Board determined that now is the opportune time to join forces with IIF, a trusted partner and long-term investor in utility and renewable energy companies. Together we will be well positioned to execute on our clean energy and decarbonization initiatives in support of the environmental goals of our State and region,” added Renna.

    Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020
    GAAP GAAP Economic Economic   GAAP GAAP Economic Economic
    Earnings EPS Earnings EPS   Earnings EPS Earnings EPS
Utility   $ 178.4   $ 1.62   $ 170.5   $ 1.55     $ 156.1   $ 1.61   $ 157.3   $ 1.62  
Non-Utility   $ (52.7 ) $ (0.49 ) $ 44.3   $ 0.40     $ 45.9   $ 0.47   $ 45.9   $ 0.47  
Other   $ (37.1 ) $ (0.34 ) $ (36.8 ) $ (0.33 )   $ (44.7 ) $ (0.46 ) $ (40.3 ) $ (0.41 )
Total – Continuing Ops   $ 88.5   $ 0.80   $ 178.0   $ 1.62     $ 157.3   $ 1.62   $ 163.0   $ 1.68  
Average Diluted Shares     110.1       110.1         97.0       97.0  
*Non-GAAP, see “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”          
Note: Earnings and average shares outstanding are in millions. Amounts and/or EPS may not add due to rounding.    

2021 Results

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2021, SJI reported consolidated GAAP earnings of $88.5 million compared to $157.3 million in the prior year period.

SJI uses the non-GAAP measure of economic earnings when discussing results. We believe this presentation provides clarity into the continuing earnings of our business. A full explanation and reconciliation of economic earnings is provided under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this report and in our 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2021.

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2021, economic earnings were $178.0 million compared to $163.0 million in the prior year period.

UTILITY

SJI’s utility entities include the regulated operations of South Jersey Gas (SJG) and Elizabethtown Gas (ETG). 2021 GAAP earnings were $178.4 million compared with $156.1 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $170.5 million compared with $157.3 in 2020.

South Jersey Gas

Performance. 2021 GAAP earnings were $127.6 million compared to $108.1 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $127.6 million compared to $109.3 million. Utility margin increased $38.2 million, reflecting rate relief effective October 1, 2020, customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. SJI defines utility margin, a non-GAAP measure, as natural gas revenues plus depreciation and amortization expenses, less natural gas costs, regulatory rider expenses and related volumetric and revenue-based energy taxes. Total expenses increased $19.9 million, primarily reflecting higher depreciation and interest expenses.

Customer Growth. SJG added approximately 6,400 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves approximately 411,000 customers. SJG’s 1.6% customer growth rate compares favorably to the peer average and remains driven by gas conversions from alternate fuels such as oil and propane, and new construction.

Infrastructure Modernization. Through infrastructure replacement programs, SJG enhances the safety and reliability of our system while earning our authorized utility return on approved investments in a timely manner. SJG’s Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP II) authorized investment of $302.5 million from 2016-2021 for infrastructure replacement upgrades. Our investment of approximately $69 million from July 2020 through September 2021 was rolled into rates on January 1, 2022. SJG’s Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) authorized investment of $100 million from 2018-2021 for four projects to enhance the safety, redundancy and resiliency of the distribution system along our coastal communities. Our investment of approximately $23 million from July 2020 to June 2021 was rolled into rates on October 1, 2021.

IIP Proposal. SJG has filed a request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) for approval of an Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) that would accelerate planned capital expenditures to enhance the delivery of safe, reliable, affordable natural gas, create jobs, and support the State’s environmental goals. Under the proposed five-year program, SJG will invest approximately $742.5 million to replace 825 miles of aging steel mains and install excess flow valves on new service lines. These enhancements ensure the continued safety and reliability of SJG’s system. The procedural schedule contemplates a resolution during Q2 2022.

Energy Efficiency. Through energy efficiency programs, SJG advances New Jersey’s clean energy goals in a manner that benefits customers, the environment and the State’s green economy while recovering our investments in a timely manner. SJG’s energy efficiency program, as approved by the NJBPU in April 2021, authorizes investment of $133.2 million from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. Our investment of approximately $40 million from July 2021 to June 2022 commenced recovery in July 2021.

Redundancy. In August 2021, the NJBPU approved SJG’s engineering and route proposal to construct system upgrades in support of a planned 2.0+ Bcf liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. This project is critically important to ensure service is not interrupted to our customers in the event of a significant outage, either behind our city gate, or on one of the two interstate pipelines that serve the SJG system. Pre-construction engineering and permitting of the project has commenced. We also continue to explore alternatives that will allow for a secondary supply of gas needed to create reliability and resiliency for ~140,000 customers in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Elizabethtown Gas

Performance. 2021 GAAP earnings were $50.7 million compared with $47.7 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $42.9 million compared with $47.7 million in 2020. Utility margin, as previously defined, increased $1.6 million, reflecting customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. Total expenses increased $6.4 million, primarily reflecting higher O&M, depreciation and interest expenses.

Customer Growth. ETG added approximately 4,000 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves approximately 305,000 customers. ETG’s 1.3% customer growth rate has increased from its historic 0.9% rate, driven by increases in gas conversions from alternate fuels such as oil and propane, and new construction.

Infrastructure Modernization. ETG’s Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) authorizes investment of $300 million from 2019-2024 for important infrastructure upgrades including the replacement of up to 250 miles of cast iron and bare steel mains. Our investment of approximately $64 million from July 2020 to June 2021 was rolled into rates on October 1, 2021.

Energy Efficiency. ETG’s energy efficiency program, as approved by the NJBPU in April 2021, authorizes investment of $74.0 million from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. Our investment of approximately $21 million from July 2021 to June 2022 commenced recovery in July 2021.

Base Rate Case. In December 2021, ETG filed a petition with the NJBPU requesting an increase of $76.6 million to its base rates. An update to this petition was filed in February 2022 updating the requested base rate revenue increase to $72.9 million. The request is based on a proposed after tax return on invested capital of 7.63%, with a capital structure that includes a common equity component of 54.89% and a return on common equity of 10.75%. The request is predominantly driven by the significant capital investments that ETG has made since its last base rate proceeding that was resolved in 2019. Since that time, ETG has invested approximately $215 million of capital investments that are not currently reflected in rates, with an additional $175 million of capital investment anticipated to be invested by September 30, 2022. These capital investments have been and will continue to be made to ensure the safety, reliability and resiliency of ETG’s distribution system, allow ETG to continue to provide safe, reliable and best in class customer service, and facilitate the environmental goals of NJ and SJI’s commitment to ensuring that it is part of New Jersey’s clean energy future. A resolution of the case is expected later this year.

NON-UTILITY

SJI’s non-utility entities include Energy Management, Energy Production and Midstream. 2021 GAAP earnings were $(52.7) million compared to $45.9 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $44.3 million compared with $45.9 million in 2020.

Energy Management

Performance. Energy Management includes Wholesale Services (Fuel Management/Marketing) and Retail Services (Account Services/Energy Consulting). 2021 GAAP earnings were $40.1 million compared to $26.9 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $36.9 million compared with $26.0 million in 2020.

  • Wholesale Services 2021 GAAP earnings were $37.3 million compared with $25.6 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $33.5 million compared with $25.1 million in 2020, primarily reflecting improved asset optimization opportunities. For comparative purposes, note that 2020 results included a one-time $2.9 million after-tax refund from a third-party supplier.
  • Retail Services 2021 GAAP earnings were $2.8 million compared with $1.2 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $3.5 million compared with $0.9 million in 2020, reflecting improved contributions from consulting activities, meter reading and appliance service contract fees.

Energy Production

Performance. Energy Production includes renewable (fuel cell/solar) and decarbonization (REV/RNG development) investments. 2021 GAAP earnings were ($7.1) million compared with $14.9 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $5.8 million compared with $15.7 million in 2020.

  • Renewables 2021 GAAP earnings were ($7.5) million compared to $14.9 million in 2020, reflecting an other-than-temporary impairment charge taken on the Company’s equity investment in Energenic. Economic earnings were $5.4 million compared to $15.7 million in 2020, primarily reflecting income associated with past fuel cell and solar investments and the timing of recognition of investment tax credits (ITC) from current investments. SJI invested $46.4 million net in renewable projects in 2021, recognizing approximately $3.9 million in ITC. Development of our 5.0 MW fuel cell project in Bronx, New York continues to advance and is expected to become operational in Q2 2022.
  • Decarbonization 2021 GAAP/economic earnings were $0.4 million, reflecting contributions from SJI’s 35% equity interest in REV partially offset by new business investment. RNG development activities at eight dairy farms is proceeding on track, with in-service anticipated later this year.

Midstream

Performance. Midstream includes SJI’s 20% equity interest in the PennEast Pipeline. 2021 GAAP earnings were $(85.8) million compared with $4.2 million in 2020, reflecting an impairment charge of $87.4 million recorded during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021. Economic earnings were $1.6 million compared to $4.2 million, reflecting allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) related to the project. As previously communicated, following extensive evaluation and discussion, the PennEast partners determined that further development of the project is no longer supported.

OTHER

Performance. Other includes interest on debt, including debt associated with past acquisitions. 2021 GAAP earnings were $(37.1) million compared to $(44.7) million in 2020. Economic earnings were $(36.8) million compared to $(40.3) million in 2020, reflecting lower outstanding debt partially offset by higher interest and bank fees.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2021   Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
    GAAP GAAP Economic Economic   GAAP GAAP Economic Economic
    Earnings EPS Earnings EPS   Earnings EPS Earnings EPS
Utility   $ 62.8   $ 0.55   $ 62.8   $ 0.55     $ 63.8   $ 0.63   $ 63.8   $ 0.63  
Non-Utility   $ 28.4   $ 0.25   $ 12.1   $ 0.11     $ 18.7   $ 0.19   $ 12.9   $ 0.13  
Other   $ (9.1 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (9.0 ) $ (0.08 )   $ (13.4 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (13.8 ) $ (0.14 )
Total – Continuing Ops   $ 82.2   $ 0.72   $ 66.0   $ 0.58     $ 69.1   $ 0.69   $ 63.0   $ 0.62  
Average Diluted Shares     113.6       113.6         100.8       100.8  
*Non-GAAP, see “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”          
Note: Earnings and average shares outstanding are in millions. Amounts and/or EPS may not add due to rounding.    

For the three month period ended December 31, 2021, SJI reported consolidated GAAP earnings of $82.2 million compared to $69.1 million in the prior year period.

Economic earnings were $66.0 million compared to $63.0 million in the prior year period.

UTILITY

Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP/economic earnings were $62.8 million compared with $63.8 million in 2020.

  • SJG. Fourth Quarter GAAP/economic earnings were $45.4 million compared with $43.4 million in 2020. Utility margin increased $4.5 million, primarily reflecting customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. Total expenses increased $2.5 million, primarily reflecting higher depreciation and interest expenses.
  • ETG. Fourth Quarter GAAP/economic earnings were $17.4 million compared with $20.4 million in 2020. Utility margin decreased $2.6 million, primarily reflecting timing associated with customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. Total expenses increased $0.4 million, primarily reflecting higher depreciation and interest expenses.

NON-UTILITY

Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $28.4 million compared with $18.7 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $12.1 million compared with $12.9 million in 2020.

  • Energy Management. Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $40.5 million compared with $13.2 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $11.5 million compared with $7.2 million in 2020.
    • Wholesale Services GAAP earnings were $39.7 million compared with $12.9 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $10.2 million compared with $6.8 million in 2020, primarily reflecting improved asset optimization opportunities.
    • Retail Services GAAP earnings were $0.7 million compared with $0.2 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $1.4 million compared with $0.3 million in 2020, primarily reflecting improved contributions from consulting activities.
  • Energy Production. Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $(11.7) million compared with $4.6 million in 2020. Economic earnings were $0.9 million compared with $4.8 million in 2020.
    • Renewables GAAP earnings were ($11.2) million compared with $4.6 million in 2020, reflecting an other-than-temporary impairment charge taken on the Company’s equity investment in Energenic. Economic earnings were $1.4 million compared with $4.8 million in 2020, reflecting income associated with past fuel cell and solar investments and the timing of recognition of ITC’s from current investments.
    • Decarbonization GAAP/economic earnings were $(0.5) million, reflecting contributions from SJI’s 35% equity interest in REV offset by initial operating costs and new business investments.
  • Midstream. Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP/economic earnings were $(0.3) million compared with $0.9 million in 2020, reflecting the absence of AFUDC related to the project.

OTHER

Fourth quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $(9.1) million compared with $(13.4) million in 2020. Economic earnings were $(9.0) million compared with $(13.8) million in 2020, reflecting lower outstanding debt partially offset by higher interest and bank fees.

Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021:

  • Net cash provided by operating activities was $273.1 million compared with $311.6 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting rate relief at SJG, improved wholesale marketing results and customer growth offset by increased utility remediation costs and a third-party gas supplier refund in 2020.
  • Net cash used in investing activities was $645.5 million compared with $507.8 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting $532.0 million in capital expenditures and $58.4 million in REV, fuel cell and solar investments.
  • Net cash provided by financing activities was $360.0 million compared with $209.6 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting debt and equity issuances partially offset by debt repayment and refinancing.

Balance Sheet

  • Equity-to-total capitalization was 35.8% at December 31, 2021 compared with 32.2% at December 31, 2020, largely reflecting equity financing and repayment of debt.
  • Assuming conversion of mandatory convertible equity units and equity credit from rating agencies for long-duration debt, SJI’s adjusted equity-to-total capitalization, a non-GAAP measure, was 43.6% at December 31, 2021 compared with 39.6% at December 31, 2020.
  • At December 31, 2021, SJI had total credit facilities of $1.0 billion, with $653.3 million of available liquidity.

Acquisition

In a separate press release issued today, SJI announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by the Infrastructure Investments Fund, an investment vehicle advised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (IIF).   The per share purchase price of $36.00 represents a 46.3% premium to SJI’s 30-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) as of February 23, 2022, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the agreement. The transaction was unanimously approved by SJI’s Board of Directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to the approval of SJI’s shareholders, the receipt of regulatory approvals, including by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and other customary closing conditions. Dividends payable to SJI shareholders are expected to continue in the ordinary course until the closing, subject to approval by SJI’s Board of Directors. Upon completion of the transaction, SJI’s shares will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange, and SJI will become a private company.

Conference Call Cancelled

In light of the announced transaction with IIF, SJI’s previously planned conference call and webcast set for Thursday, February 24 at 11:00am ET to discuss 2021 financial results is cancelled. SJI will not be providing financial guidance for full year 2022 as a result of the pending transaction.

About SJI

SJI (NYSE: SJI), an energy infrastructure holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to customers through two primary subsidiaries: SJI Utilities (SJIU) and SJI Energy Enterprises (SJIEE). SJIU houses the company’s regulated natural gas utility operations, delivering safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to more than 700,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across New Jersey via its South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas subsidiaries. SJIEE houses the company’s non-utility operations primarily focused on clean energy development and decarbonization via renewable energy production and energy management activities. Visit sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This news release, including information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance, industry prospects, future results of operations or financial position, expected sources of incremental margin, strategy, financing needs, future capital expenditures and the outcome or effect of ongoing litigation, should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by SJI, as applicable, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this release, or any other documents, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are inherently uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in any other SEC filings made by SJI or SJG during 2020 and 2021 and prior to the filing of this earnings release.

Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management uses the non-GAAP financial measures of Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings Per Share when evaluating its results of operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures, such as net income, operating income, earnings per share from continuing operations or any other GAAP measure of financial performance. We define Economic Earnings as: Income from Continuing Operations, (i) less the change in unrealized gains and plus the change in unrealized losses on non-utility derivative transactions; (ii) less income and plus losses attributable to noncontrolling interests; and (iii) less the impact of transactions, contractual arrangements or other events where management believes period to period comparisons of SJI’s and SJG’s operations could be difficult or potentially confusing. With respect to part (iii) of the definition of Economic Earnings, items excluded from Economic Earnings for 2021, 2020 and 2019 are described in (A)-(G) in the table below. Economic Earnings is a significant financial measure used by our management to indicate the amount and timing of income from continuing operations that we expect to earn after taking into account the impact of the items described above. Management uses Economic Earnings to manage its business and to determine such items as incentive/compensation arrangements and allocation of resources. Specifically regarding derivatives, we believe that this financial measure indicates to investors the profitability of the entire derivative-related transaction and not just the portion that is subject to mark-to-market valuation under GAAP. We believe that considering only the change in market value on the derivative side of the transaction can produce a false sense as to the ultimate profitability of the total transaction as no change in value is reflected for the non-derivative portion of the transaction.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table presents a reconciliation of our income from continuing operations and earnings per share from continuing operations to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

    2021     2020     2019  
Income from Continuing Operations $         88,514           $         157,297           $         77,189          
Minus/Plus:      
Unrealized Mark-to-Market (Gains) Losses on Derivatives           (5,567 )           (5,145 )           14,546          
(Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests           (653 )           42                     —          
Impairment of Equity Method Investments (A)           102,872                     —                     —          
Loss on Property, Plant and Equipment (B)           —                     —                     10,745          
Net Losses from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (C)           —                     —                     2,336          
Acquisition/Sale Net Costs (D)           1,438                     2,174                     3,468          
Other Costs (E)           (7,855 )           1,983                     4,179          
Income Taxes (F)           (14,897 )           527                     (9,423 )
Additional Tax Adjustments (G)           14,176                     6,081                     —          
Economic Earnings $         178,028           $         162,959           $         103,040          
       
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $         0.80           $         1.62           $         0.84          
Minus/Plus:      
Unrealized Mark-to-Market (Gains) Losses on Derivatives           (0.05 )           (0.05 )           0.16          
Impairment of Equity Method Investments (A)           0.93                     —                     —          
Loss on Property, Plant and Equipment (B)           —                     —                     0.12          
Net Losses from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (C)           —                     —                     0.02          
Acquisition/Sale Net Costs (D)           0.01                     0.02                     0.04          
Other Costs (E)           (0.07 )           0.02                     0.04          
Income Taxes (F)           (0.13 )           0.01                     (0.10 )
Additional Tax Adjustments (G)           0.13                     0.06                     —          
Economic Earnings per Share $         1.62           $         1.68           $         1.12          

(A) Represents other-than-temporary impairment charges on the Company’s equity method investments in PennEast and Energenic, as well as an other-than-temporary impairment charge recognized by Marina related to the realizability of the outstanding notes receivable, including accrued interest, related to Energenic.

(B) Represents impairment charges taken in 2019 on solar generating facilities along with the agreement to sell MTF and ACB, which were both driven by the expected purchase prices being less than the carrying value of the assets.

(C) Represents net losses, including interest, legal fees and the realized difference in the market value of the commodity (including financial hedges), resulting from a ruling in a legal proceeding related to a pricing dispute between SJI and a gas supplier that began in October 2014.

(D) Represents the following:

  • Costs incurred in 2021 to finalize the transactions related to acquiring Bronx Midco and solar projects
  • The final working capital payment on the sale of ELK, which was finalized during the first quarter of 2021
  • Costs incurred in 2020 to acquire EnerConnex, Annadale, and four solar LLCs
  • Gain recorded in 2020 on the step-acquisition of EnerConnex
  • Costs incurred and gains/losses recognized in 2020 on the sales of MTF/ACB and ELK
  • Costs incurred and gains recognized in 2020 and 2019 on the sale of certain solar assets. The gains pertain to those projects that were not impaired in previous periods.

(E) For 2021, includes a gain recognized by ETG from a UTUA settlement agreement. For 2021, 2020 and 2019, represents severance and other employee separation costs, along with costs incurred to cease operations at landfill gas-to-energy production facilities, including ACLE in 2021.

(F) The income taxes on (A) through (E) above are determined using a combined average statutory tax rate applicable to each period presented.

(G) Represents additional tax adjustments, primarily including

  • In 2021, a federal deferred tax asset valuation allowance at SJI related to the impairment charge described in (A)
  • In 2020, a state deferred tax valuation allowance at SJI
  • In 2020, a one-time tax expense resulting from SJG’s stipulation of settlement with the BPU.

Summary of Utility Margin

The following tables summarize Utility Margin for SJG and ETG (in thousands):

SJG:

    2021   2020   2019  
Utility Margin:      
Residential $         251,758         $         217,399         $         213,787          
Commercial and Industrial           103,740                   88,684                   90,489          
Cogeneration and Electric Generation           4,840                   4,788                   4,896          
Interruptible           119                   58                   88          
Off-system Sales & Capacity Release           2,964                   1,781                   3,333          
Other Revenues           1,947                   1,385                   1,646          
Margin Before Weather Normalization & Decoupling           365,368                   314,095                   314,239          
CIP mechanism           14,982                   27,965                   (844 )
EET mechanism           5,954                   5,999                   4,489          
Utility Margin (C) $         386,304         $         348,059         $         317,884          

ETG:

    2021     2020     2019
Utility Margin:      
Residential           144,688           $         139,230           $         110,519        
Commercial & Industrial           88,912                     86,851                     63,605        
Regulatory Rider Mechanisms           (19,650 )           (13,690 )           1,746        
Utility Margin** $         213,950           $         212,391           $         175,870        

*Represents pass-through expenses for which there is a corresponding credit in operating revenues.  Therefore, such recoveries have no impact on financial results.
**Utility Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure and is further defined on page 2 under SJG performance. The definition of Utility Margin is the same for SJG and ETG gas utility operations.

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands Except for Per Share Data)

  Year Ended December 31,
    2021       2020       2019  
Operating Revenues:          
Utility $         958,383             $         918,428             $         896,874          
Nonutility           1,033,613                       622,955                       731,752          
Total Operating Revenues           1,991,996                       1,541,383                       1,628,626          
Operating Expenses:          
Cost of Sales – (Excluding depreciation and amortization)          
– Utility           296,356                       297,094                       351,284          
– Nonutility           948,167                       561,841                       680,683          
Operations and Maintenance           265,140                       272,171                       276,093          
Impairment Charges           —                       —                       10,745          
Depreciation           131,778                       118,715                       99,753          
Energy and Other Taxes           1,435                       11,918                       11,996          
Net Gain on Sales of Assets           —                       (2,578 )             (3,133 )
Total Operating Expenses           1,642,876                       1,259,161                       1,427,421          
Operating Income           349,120                       282,222                       201,205          
Other Income and Expense           4,592                       7,979                       4,208          
Interest Charges           (127,130 )             (118,534 )             (114,477 )
Income Before Income Taxes           226,582                       171,667                       90,936          
Income Taxes           (47,107 )             (22,664 )             (21,061 )
Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Affiliated Companies           (90,961 )             8,294                       7,314          
Income from Continuing Operations           88,514                       157,297                       77,189          
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations – (Net of taxes)           51                       (255 )             (272 )
Net Income           88,565                       157,042                       76,917          
Subtract/Add: Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests           474                       (42 )             —          
Net Income Attributable to South Jersey Industries, Inc. $         88,091             $         157,084             $         76,917          
Basic Earnings per Common Share:          
Continuing Operations $         0.81             $         1.62             $         0.84          
Discontinued Operations           —                       —                       —          
Net Income           0.81                       1.62                       0.84          
Subtract/Add: Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests           —                       —                       —          
Net Income Attributable to South Jersey Industries, Inc. $         0.81             $         1.62             $         0.84          
           
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – Basic           109,269                       96,854                       92,130          
           
Diluted Earnings per Common Share:          
Continuing Operations $         0.80             $         1.62             $         0.84          
Discontinued Operations           —                       —                       —          
Net Income           0.80                       1.62                       0.84          
Subtract/Add: Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests           —                       —                       —          
Net Income Attributable to South Jersey Industries, Inc. $         0.80             $         1.62             $         0.84          
           
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – Diluted           110,120                       96,995                       92,253          

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)

  Year Ended December 31,
    2021       2020       2019  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net Income $         88,565             $         157,042             $         76,917          
(Income) Loss from Discontinued Operations – Net of taxes           (51 )             255                       272          
Income from Continuing Operations           88,514                       157,297                       77,189          
Adjustments to Reconcile Income from Continuing Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:          
Net Gain on Sales of Assets           —                       (2,578 )             (3,133 )
Step Acquisition Gain           —                       (1,971 )             0          
Payment of Swap Termination           —                       (8,173 )             —          
Gain on Insurance Proceeds           —                       —                       (794 )
Impairment Charges           —                       —                       10,745          
Impairment on Investments in Equity Method Investees           102,872                       —                       —          
Gain from Tax Settlement           (10,960 )             —                       —          
Depreciation and Amortization           211,652                       170,647                       133,385          
Net Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivatives – Energy Related           (5,567 )             (385 )             11,748          
Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivatives – Other           —                       (4,760 )             2,798          
Provision for Uncollectibles           10,159                       9,558                       10,432          
CIP Receivable/Payable           3,237                       (27,807 )             922          
Deferred Gas Costs and Energy Related Derivatives – Net of Recoveries           (29,000 )             44,450                       16,654          
Stock-Based Compensation Expense           5,966                       5,797                       5,209          
Deferred and Noncurrent Income Taxes – Net           47,342                       21,841                       21,543          
Environmental Remediation Costs – Net of Recoveries           (34,057 )             (19,325 )             (49,180 )
Gas Plant Cost of Removal           (13,847 )             (16,777 )             (18,823 )
Dividends Received from Equity Method Investments           2,849                       1,714                       1,770          
Income from Equity Method Investments           (5,467 )             (8,294 )             (7,314 )
Societal Benefit Costs Regulatory Asset and Liabilities           (21,915 )             (23,068 )             (24,503 )
Excess Deferred Income Tax           (21,901 )             (14,668 )             (8,505 )
Changes in:          
Accounts Receivable           (85,911 )             (48,576 )             92,614          
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities           80,715                       49,981                       (137,717 )
Other Assets and Liabilities           (51,570 )             26,733                       (13,988 )
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations           2                       3                       —          
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities           273,113                       311,639                       121,052          
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Capital Expenditures           (532,026 )             (486,451 )             (504,212 )
Acquisition-related Working Capital Settlement           (267 )             —                       15,600          
Cash Paid for Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired           —                       (21,613 )             (3,952 )
Proceeds from Business Dispositions and Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment           —                       119,948                       26,938          
Investment in Contract Receivables           (22,215 )             (24,449 )             (15,718 )
Proceeds from Contract Receivables           13,969                       12,904                       10,301          
Proceeds from Company-Owned Life Insurance           —                       —                       1,694          
Investment in Subsidiary, Net of Cash Acquired           (44,356 )             (79,181 )             —          
Investment in Affiliates           (14,039 )             (12,139 )             (4,866 )
Net Advances on Notes Receivable – Affiliates           (46,563 )             (19,301 )             (3,433 )
Net Repayment of Notes Receivable – Affiliates           —                       2,531                       —          
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities           (645,497 )             (507,751 )             (477,648 )
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Net (Repayments of) Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities           (262,400 )             (252,300 )             578,200          
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt           460,000                       1,050,000                       429,657          
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt           (17,632 )             (8,191 )             (2,744 )
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt           (117,909 )             (667,909 )             (733,909 )
Dividends on Common Stock           (133,336 )             (114,643 )             (106,938 )
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock           429,772                       200,000                       189,032          
Payments for the Issuance of Common Stock           (2,322 )             (2,409 )             —          
Capital Contributions of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiary           3,820                       6,037                       —          
Other           —                       (1,023 )             —          
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities           359,993                       209,562                       353,298          
           
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash           (12,391 )             13,450                       (3,298 )
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year           41,831                       28,381                       31,679          
           
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year $         29,440             $         41,831             $         28,381          
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information          
Cash paid (received) during the year for:          
Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized) $         122,070             $         108,901             $         114,015          
Income Taxes (Net of Refunds) $         (301 )   $         (4,336 )   $         (10,639 )
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing Activities          
Capital Expenditures acquired on account but unpaid as of year-end $         36,389             $         37,616             $         54,321          

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)

    2021       2020  
Assets      
Property, Plant and Equipment:      
Utility Plant, at original cost $         5,682,805             $         5,265,661          
Accumulated Depreciation           (975,619 )             (914,122 )
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost           240,503                       147,764          
Accumulated Depreciation           (35,367 )             (35,069 )
       
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net           4,912,322                       4,464,234          
       
Investments:      
Available-for-Sale Securities           37                       32          
Restricted           686                       7,786          
Investment in Affiliates           38,509                       106,230          
       
Total Investments           39,232                       114,048          
       
Current Assets:      
Cash and Cash Equivalents           28,754                       34,045          
Accounts Receivable           343,835                       278,723          
Unbilled Revenues           87,357                       85,423          
Provision for Uncollectibles           (41,763 )             (30,582 )
Notes Receivable – Affiliate           5,695                       2,847          
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost           59,744                       39,440          
Materials and Supplies, average cost           1,053                       2,561          
Prepaid Taxes           33,977                       23,851          
Derivatives – Energy Related Assets           95,041                       41,439          
Other Prepayments and Current Assets           25,269                       29,081          
       
Total Current Assets           638,962                       506,828          
       
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:      
Regulatory Assets           672,416                       673,992          
Derivatives – Energy Related Assets           22,488                       6,935          
Notes Receivable – Affiliate           64,254                       31,073          
Contract Receivables           45,339                       41,428          
Goodwill           706,960                       706,960          
Other           206,699                       143,650          
       
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets           1,718,156                       1,604,038          
       
Total Assets $         7,308,672             $         6,689,148          

    2021       2020  
Capitalization and Liabilities      
Equity:      
Common Stock $         146,675             $         125,740          
Premium on Common Stock           1,559,060                       1,218,000          
Treasury Stock (at par)           (287 )             (321 )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss           (26,729 )             (38,216 )
Retained Earnings           310,433                       355,678          
Total South Jersey Industries, Inc. Equity           1,989,152                       1,660,881          
Noncontrolling Interests           10,289                       5,995          
Total Equity           1,999,441                       1,666,876          
       
Long-Term Debt           3,189,009                       2,776,400          
       
Total Capitalization           5,188,450                       4,443,276          
       
Current Liabilities:      
Notes Payable           334,000                       596,400          
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt           66,076                       142,801          
Accounts Payable           330,164                       256,589          
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances           40,355                       35,899          
Environmental Remediation Costs           40,905                       45,265          
Taxes Accrued           4,937                       6,025          
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities           60,002                       27,006          
Derivatives – Other Current           568                       659          
Deferred Contract Revenues           753                       479          
Interest Accrued           23,611                       21,140          
Other Current Liabilities           54,311                       31,369          
       
Total Current Liabilities           955,682                       1,163,632          
       
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:      
Deferred Income Taxes           198,901                       149,534          
Environmental Remediation Costs           125,176                       148,310          
Asset Retirement Obligations           229,030                       202,092          
Derivatives – Energy Related Liabilities           16,079                       4,947          
Derivatives – Other Noncurrent           7,432                       9,279          
Regulatory Liabilities           398,951                       420,577          
Other           188,971                       147,501          
       
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities           1,164,540                       1,082,240          
       
Commitments and Contingencies  (Note 15)      
       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities $         7,308,672             $         6,689,148          

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