Financing Activities

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Financing Activities

Note 6 – Financing Activities

On May 7, 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Community Bank N.A. for a $1.05 million promissory note at a fixed interest rate of 6.25% for the purpose of funding construction projects at our then new franchise location in the Town of Virgil. This agreement gives our lender a security interest in all fixtures, equipment and inventory related to the Company’s franchise in the Town of Virgil as well as the Rabbi Trust account. The note also required an equity contribution of $350,000 which was accomplished by the exercise of 24,000 stock options by Michael I. German, President and CEO, at $15.00 per share or $360,000. The agreement included the following covenants to be measured at each fiscal year end starting with the September 30, 2009 financial statement:

(i) Maintain a tangible net worth of not less than $11.0 million,

(ii) Maintain a debt to tangible net worth ratio of less than 3.0 to 1.0, and

(iii) Maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.

On March 10, 2011, the interest rate on this loan was modified from a fixed interest rate to a floating rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 2.75% with a floor rate of 4.5% and a ceiling rate of 6.25%. The rate was 4.5% as of March 31, 2013.

In September 2010, we entered into an agreement with Five Star Bank to provide $750,000 to fund construction of an upgrade to existing natural gas piping to serve increased gas demands on one of our main supply lines, including three Corning Incorporated plants. Interest is payable monthly at a fixed rate of 4.25% per annum and, unless sooner accelerated or demanded, the note was to mature on September 25, 2011. This note was refinanced with Five Star Bank on September 1, 2011 with the same terms. On August 13, 2012 the note was refinanced at a variable interest rate of prime rate plus 1.00% until July 30, 2013. Commencing July 30, 2013 and continuing until August 1, 2018, the Company will pay principal and interest at a fixed rate equal to the prevailing Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Fixed Advance Rate as published five days prior to July 30, 2013, plus 3.75%. The interest rate at March 31, 2013 was 4.25%.

On October 27, 2010, the Company entered into a Multiple Disbursement Term Note with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company in the amount of $1,865,000 to refinance construction costs originally financed through internally generated funds. The interest rate of this note is 5.76% and is payable monthly for five years calculated on a ten-year amortization schedule. A final payment equal to the outstanding principal and interest will be due on the maturity date.

In February 2011, we renewed our $7.0 million revolving line of credit with Community Bank N.A. The line of credit had a fluctuating interest rate equal to the greater of 3.5% or the 30-day LIBOR plus 2.25% and expired on February 28, 2012. In February 2012, we refinanced the line of credit with Community Bank and the new line of credit bears interest at the greater of 3.25% or the 30-day LIBOR plus 2.25%. In February 2013, we extended this line until May 31, 2013 with the same terms. The interest rate on this loan is adjusted monthly and was 3.25% at March 31, 2013.

On July 14, 2011, the Company entered into a Multiple Disbursement Term Note and Credit Agreement in the amount of $2 million with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company to fund construction projects in our NYPSC-mandated repair/replacement program for calendar year 2011. Until October 31, 2011, the note was payable as interest only at a rate of the greater of 3.50% above 30-day LIBOR or 4.25%. On November 1, 2011 the note converted to a permanent loan payable monthly for five years calculated on a ten-year amortization schedule with a variable rate, adjusting daily, based on the greater of 3.25% above 30-day LIBOR or 4.25%. The interest rate was 4.25% as of March 31, 2013.

On August 13, 2012, the Company entered into agreements with Five Star Bank pursuant to two Promissory Notes in the amount of $250,000 each. Each Note will be payable monthly for five years at the fixed interest rate of 4.46% per annum. At that time, the Notes will have the option to be paid-in-full, refinanced or remain in place for an additional five years with a new effective rate established at that time. The purpose of these Notes is to fund construction of two major projects.