lacledegasform10-qdec2011.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[ X ]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2011

[ ]	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 1-1822

LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Missouri (State of Incorporation)	43-0368139 (I.R.S. Employer Identification number)
720 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63101 (Address and zip code of principal executive offices) 314-342-0500 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark if 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 [ ]

has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ X ] No [ ]

is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

	Large accelerated filer	[ ]		Accelerated filer	[ ]
	Non-accelerated filer	[ X ]		Smaller reporting company	[ ]

is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [ X ]

As of January 26, 2012, there were 11,728 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding, 100% of which were owned by The Laclede Group, Inc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS			Page No.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1	Financial Statements:
		Statements of Income	4
		Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
		Balance Sheets	6-7
		Statements of Cash Flows	8
		Notes to Financial Statements	9-22

Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
		Results of Operations	23-32

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		33

Item 4	Controls and Procedures		33

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings		34

Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		34

Item 6	Exhibits		34

SIGNATURE			35

INDEX TO EXHIBITS			36

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by Laclede Gas Company (Laclede Gas or the Utility), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Utility’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

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Item 1. Financial Statements

LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011		2010

Operating Revenues:
Utility	$	250,902	$	277,443
Other		1,081		—
Total Operating Revenues		251,983		277,443
Operating Expenses:
Utility
Natural and propane gas		146,751		173,365
Other operation expenses		37,565		34,862
Maintenance		5,308		6,140
Depreciation and amortization		10,089		9,638
Taxes, other than income taxes		14,667		15,748
Total Utility Operating Expenses		214,380		239,753
Other		81		5
Total Operating Expenses		214,461		239,758
Operating Income		37,522		37,685
Other Income and (Income Deductions) – Net		1,939		1,815
Interest Charges:
Interest on long-term debt		5,739		5,942
Other interest charges		619		777
Total Interest Charges		6,358		6,719
Income Before Income Taxes		33,103		32,781
Income Tax Expense		11,406		11,326
Net Income	$	21,697	$	21,455

See Notes to Financial Statements.

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LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011			2010

Net Income	$	21,697		$	21,455
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax:
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging derivative instruments:
Net hedging gain arising during the period		50			173
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income		(14	)		(49	)
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedging derivative instruments		36			124
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic pension and
postretirement benefit cost		91			107
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax		127			231
Income Tax Expense Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income		49			89
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax		78			142
Comprehensive Income	$	21,775		$	21,597

See Notes to Financial Statements.

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LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

	Dec. 31,			Sept. 30,			Dec. 31,
(Thousands)	2011			2011			2010

ASSETS
Utility Plant	$	1,400,001		$	1,386,590		$	1,338,568
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		463,148			457,907			447,582
Net Utility Plant		936,853			928,683			890,986
Other Property and Investments		48,859			46,950			46,332

Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,341			923			1,208
Accounts receivable:
Utility		135,758			71,090			165,171
Non-utility		1,865			1,347			732
Associated companies		6,889			426			5,947
Other		11,167			6,935			6,665
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(5,885	)		(9,969	)		(6,628	)
Inventories:
Natural gas stored underground at LIFO cost		113,668			115,170			109,171
Propane gas at FIFO cost		8,964			8,961			16,881
Materials, supplies, and merchandise at average cost		4,730			4,104			4,130
Derivative instrument assets		—			4,746			10,415
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments		19,413			25,719			18,136
Prepayments and other		7,989			8,527			5,920
Total Current Assets		305,899			237,979			337,748

Deferred Charges:
Regulatory assets		458,648			423,492			453,030
Other		5,776			5,942			7,100
Total Deferred Charges		464,424			429,434			460,130
Total Assets	$	1,756,035		$	1,643,046		$	1,735,196

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LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

	Dec. 31,			Sept. 30,			Dec. 31,
(Thousands, except share amounts)	2011			2011			2010

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock and Paid-in capital (11,728, 11,717, and 11,684 shares issued, respectively)	$	213,415		$	212,970		$	209,238
Retained earnings		235,832			223,460			218,373
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,395	)		(2,473	)		(2,733	)
Total Common Stock Equity		446,852			433,957			424,878
Long-term debt (less current portion)		339,372			364,357			364,313
Total Capitalization		786,224			798,314			789,191

Current Liabilities:
Notes payable		113,000			46,000			97,450
Notes payable – associated companies		62,822			52,879			68,910
Accounts payable		54,367			45,635			68,625
Accounts payable – associated companies		5			1,730			5
Advance customer billings		11,600			15,230			9,639
Current portion of long-term debt		25,000			—			—
Wages and compensation accrued		12,529			13,650			12,406
Dividends payable		9,325			9,084			9,062
Customer deposits		10,080			10,048			11,315
Interest accrued		5,519			8,812			5,756
Taxes accrued		14,545			10,038			18,670
Deferred income taxes		8,204			9,165			4,159
Other		20,900			9,191			23,781
Total Current Liabilities		347,896			231,462			329,778

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes		335,176			315,325			298,176
Unamortized investment tax credits		3,272			3,326			3,485
Pension and postretirement benefit costs		172,791			185,701			210,642
Asset retirement obligations		27,895			27,486			26,215
Regulatory liabilities		51,904			50,846			47,898
Other		30,877			30,586			29,811
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities		621,915			613,270			616,227
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$	1,756,035		$	1,643,046		$	1,735,196

See Notes to Financial Statements.

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LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011			2010

Operating Activities:
Net Income	$	21,697		$	21,455
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		10,100			9,638
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits		7,939			1,157
Other – net		(672	)		(761	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable – net		(79,965	)		(103,575	)
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments		6,306			5,582
Deferred purchased gas costs		(26,415	)		30,860
Accounts payable		9,031			32,711
Advance customer billings		(3,630	)		(7,170	)
Taxes accrued		3,992			9,987
Natural gas stored underground		1,502			4,405
Other assets and liabilities		(11,067	)		(6,351	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(61,182	)		(2,062	)

Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures		(18,331	)		(15,512	)
Other investments		(280	)		1,002
Net cash used in investing activities		(18,611	)		(14,510	)

Financing Activities:
Maturity of first mortgage bonds		—			(25,000	)
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt - net		67,000			(32,200	)
Borrowings from Laclede Group		99,123			88,762
Repayment of borrowings from Laclede Group		(89,180	)		(19,852	)
Changes in book overdrafts		11,842			13,310
Dividends paid		(9,084	)		(8,806	)
Issuance of common stock to Laclede Group		407			352
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		117			205
Other		(14	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		80,211			16,771

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		418			199
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		923			1,009
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1,341		$	1,208


Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid During the Period for:
Interest	$	9,634		$	10,321
Income taxes		2,014			595

See Notes to Financial Statements.

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LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These notes are an integral part of the accompanying unaudited financial statements of Laclede Gas Company (Laclede Gas or the Utility). In the opinion of Laclede Gas, this interim report includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Laclede Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Laclede Group Inc. (Laclede Group). This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Financial Statements contained in the Utility’s Fiscal Year 2011 Form 10-K.

Laclede Gas is a regulated natural gas distribution utility having a material seasonal cycle. As a result, these interim statements of income for Laclede Gas are not necessarily indicative of annual results or representative of succeeding quarters of the fiscal year. Due to the seasonal nature of the business of Laclede Gas, earnings are typically concentrated in the November through April period, which generally corresponds with the heating season.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION - In compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, transactions between Laclede Gas and its affiliates as well as intercompany balances on Laclede Gas’ Balance Sheets have not been eliminated from the Laclede Gas financial statements. Transactions with associated companies include sales of natural gas from Laclede Gas to Laclede Energy Resources, Inc. (LER), sales of natural gas from LER to Laclede Gas, and transportation services provided by Laclede Pipeline Company to Laclede Gas. Sales of natural gas from Laclede Gas to LER were negligible for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and were $0.9 million for the same period last year. Sales of natural gas from LER to Laclede Gas during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 totaled $6.6 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Transportation services provided by Laclede Pipeline Company to Laclede Gas totaled $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Laclede Gas provides administrative and general support to affiliates. All such costs, which are not material, are billed to the appropriate affiliates. Also, Laclede Group may charge or reimburse Laclede Gas for certain tax-related amounts. Unpaid balances relating to these activities are reflected in the Laclede Gas Balance Sheets as Accounts receivable-Associated companies or as Accounts payable-associated companies. Additionally, Laclede Gas may, on occasion, borrow funds from Laclede Group. Unpaid balances relating to this arrangement, if any, are reflected in Notes payable-associated companies. Laclede Gas had outstanding borrowings from Laclede Group under a revolving credit note of $62.8 million, $52.9 million, and $68.9 million at December 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. The interest rate on these borrowings was 0.3% at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, and 0.4% at December 31, 2010. Advances under this note are due and payable on demand.

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Laclede Gas reads meters and bills its customers on monthly cycles. The Utility records its utility operating revenues from gas sales and transportation services on an accrual basis that includes estimated amounts for gas delivered, but not yet billed. The accruals for unbilled revenues are reversed in the subsequent accounting period when meters are actually read and customers are billed. The amounts of accrued unbilled revenues at December 31, 2011 and 2010, for the Utility, were $38.3 million and $54.6 million, respectively. The amount of accrued unbilled revenue at September 30, 2011 was $11.8 million.

GROSS RECEIPTS TAXES - Gross receipts taxes associated with Laclede Gas’ natural gas utility service are imposed on the Utility and billed to its customers. These amounts are recorded gross in the Statements of Income. Amounts recorded in Utility Operating Revenues for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $10.2 million, and $11.3 million, respectively. Gross receipts taxes are expensed by the Utility and included in the Taxes, other than income taxes line.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION – Officers and employees of Laclede Gas, as determined by the Compensation Committee of Laclede Group’s Board of Directors, are eligible to be selected for awards under the Laclede Group 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. For Laclede Group’s non-employee directors, shares are awarded under the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements included in Laclede Gas’ Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 for descriptions of these plans. For awards made to its employees, the Utility records its allocation of compensation cost from Laclede Group with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.

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The amounts of compensation cost allocated to the Utility for share-based compensation arrangements for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)		2011			2010

Total equity compensation cost	$	567		$	613
Compensation cost capitalized		(138	)		(154	)
Compensation cost recognized in net income		429			459
Income tax benefit recognized in net income		(165	)		(177	)
Compensation cost recognized in net income, net of income tax	$	264		$	282

As of December 31, 2011, there was $5.6 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements that is expected to be allocated to the Utility over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS – In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” This ASU amends Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The ASU does not change what items are measured at fair value, but instead makes various changes to the guidance pertaining to how fair value is measured. Additionally, the ASU sets forth additional disclosure requirements, including additional information about Level 3 fair value measurements. Many of the amendments in this ASU are changes to align the wording in U.S. GAAP with IFRS and, as such, are not intended to result in a change in the application of the guidance. The Utility is required to adopt the guidance in this ASU on a prospective basis in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012. The Utility does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” to amend ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income,” by changing certain financial statement presentation requirements. Under the amended guidance, entities may either present a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or, consistent with the Utility’s current presentation, provide separate but consecutive statements (a statement of income and a statement of comprehensive income). ASU No. 2011-05 would have required that, regardless of the method chosen, reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements, displaying the effect on both net income and other comprehensive income. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12 to defer the effective date of this particular requirement while it reconsiders this provision of the guidance. The amendments in these ASUs do not change the items that are required to be reported in other comprehensive income and, accordingly, will not impact total net income, comprehensive income, or earnings per share.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” to amend ASC Topic 210, “Balance Sheet,” to require additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that have been presented on a net basis (offset) in the balance sheet. Additionally, information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements, irrespective of whether they are presented net in the balance sheet, is required to be disclosed. The ASU impacts disclosures only and will not require any changes to financial statement presentation. The Utility will present the new disclosures retrospectively beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

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2.	PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Pension Plans

Laclede Gas has non-contributory, defined benefit, trusteed forms of pension plans covering substantially all employees. Plan assets consist primarily of corporate and U.S. government obligations and equity market exposure achieved through derivative instruments.

Pension costs for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $4.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively, including amounts charged to construction.

The net periodic pension costs include the following components:

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011			2010

Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	2,312		$	2,388
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		4,871			4,705
Expected return on plan assets		(4,899	)		(4,712	)
Amortization of prior service cost		148			160
Amortization of actuarial loss		2,277			2,557
Sub-total		4,709			5,098
Regulatory adjustment		(483	)		(3,533	)
Net pension cost	$	4,226		$	1,565

Pursuant to the provisions of the Laclede Gas pension plans, pension obligations may be satisfied by lump-sum cash payments. Pursuant to a Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC or Commission) Order, lump-sum payments are recognized as settlements (which can result in gains or losses) only if the total of such payments exceeds 100% of the sum of service and interest costs. No lump-sum payments were recognized as settlements during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Pursuant to a MoPSC Order, the return on plan assets is based on the market-related value of plan assets implemented prospectively over a four-year period. Gains or losses not yet includible in pension cost are amortized only to the extent that such gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. Such excess is amortized over the average remaining service life of active participants. The recovery in rates for the Utility’s qualified pension plans is based on an annual allowance of $4.8 million effective August 1, 2007 and $15.5 million effective January 1, 2011. The difference between these amounts and pension expense as calculated pursuant to the above and that otherwise would be included in the Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income is deferred as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.

The funding policy of Laclede Gas is to contribute an amount not less than the minimum required by government funding standards, nor more than the maximum deductible amount for federal income tax purposes. Fiscal year 2012 contributions to the pension plans through December 31, 2011 were $17.6 million to the qualified trusts and approximately $0.1 million to the non-qualified plans. Contributions to the pension plans for the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2012 are anticipated to be at least $15.7 million to the qualified trusts and $6.6 million to the non-qualified plans.

Postretirement Benefits

Laclede Gas provides certain life insurance benefits at retirement. Medical insurance is available after early retirement until age 65. The transition obligation not yet includible in postretirement benefit cost is being amortized over 20 years. Postretirement benefit costs for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $2.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, including amounts charged to construction.

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Net periodic postretirement benefit costs consisted of the following components:

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011			2010

Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	2,015		$	1,919
Interest cost on accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation		1,380			1,211
Expected return on plan assets		(991	)		(911	)
Amortization of transition obligation		34			34
Amortization of prior service credit		(518	)		(582	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		1,065			1,110
Sub-total		2,985			2,781
Regulatory adjustment		(604	)		(871	)
Net postretirement benefit cost	$	2,381		$	1,910

Missouri state law provides for the recovery in rates of costs accrued pursuant to GAAP provided that such costs are funded through an independent, external funding mechanism. Laclede Gas established Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Rabbi trusts as its external funding mechanisms. VEBA and Rabbi trusts’ assets consist primarily of money market securities and mutual funds invested in stocks and bonds.

Pursuant to a MoPSC Order, the return on plan assets is based on the market-related value of plan assets implemented prospectively over a four-year period. Gains and losses not yet includible in postretirement benefit cost are amortized only to the extent that such gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. Such excess is amortized over the average remaining service life of active participants. The recovery in rates for the Utility’s postretirement benefit plans is based on an annual allowance of $7.6 million effective August 1, 2007 and $9.5 million effective January 1, 2011. The difference between these amounts and postretirement benefit cost based on the above and that otherwise would be included in the Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income is deferred as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.

Laclede Gas’ funding policy is to contribute amounts to the trusts equal to the periodic benefit cost calculated pursuant to GAAP as recovered in rates. Fiscal year 2012 contributions to the postretirement plans through December 31, 2011 were approximately $0.1 million paid directly to participants from Laclede Gas’ funds. No contributions were made to the qualified trusts during the three months ended December 31, 2011. Contributions to the postretirement plans for the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2012 are anticipated to be $11.9 million to the qualified trusts and $0.3 million paid directly to participants from Laclede Gas’ funds.

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3.	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

(Thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
As of December 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,341	$	1,341
Marketable securities		15,916		15,916
Short-term debt		175,822		175,822
Long-term debt, including current portion		364,372		449,968

As of September 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	923	$	923
Marketable securities		14,833		14,833
Derivative instrument assets		5,702		5,702
Short-term debt		98,879		98,879
Long-term debt		364,357		443,739

As of December 31, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,208	$	1,208
Marketable securities		13,652		13,652
Derivative instrument assets		12,516		12,516
Short-term debt		166,360		166,360
Long-term debt		364,313		393,705

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of long-term debt are estimated based on market prices for similar issues. The fair values of marketable securities, derivative instrument assets, and derivative instrument liabilities are valued as described in Note 4, Fair Value Measurements.

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4.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table categorizes the assets and liabilities in the Balance Sheets that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.

(Thousands)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Effects of Netting and Cash Margin Receivables /Payables			Total
As of December 31, 2011
Assets
U. S. Stock/Bond Mutual Funds	$	15,916	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	15,916
NYMEX natural gas contracts		8		—		—		(8	)		—
NYMEX gasoline and heating
oil contracts		31		—		—		(31	)		—
Total	$	15,955	$	—	$	—	$	(39	)	$	15,916

Liabilities
NYMEX natural gas contracts	$	26,349	$	—	$	—	$	(26,349	)	$	—

As of September 30, 2011
Assets
U. S. Stock/Bond Mutual Funds	$	14,833	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	14,833
NYMEX natural gas contracts		457		—		—		5,064			5,521
NYMEX gasoline and heating
oil contracts		19		—		—		162			181
Total	$	15,309	$	—	$	—	$	5,226		$	20,535

Liabilities
NYMEX natural gas contracts	$	16,738	$	—	$	—	$	(16,738	)	$	—
NYMEX gasoline and heating
oil contracts		124		—		—		(124	)		—
Total	$	16,862	$	—	$	—	$	(16,862	)	$	—

As of December 31, 2010
Assets
U. S. Stock/Bond Mutual Funds	$	13,652	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	13,652
NYMEX natural gas contracts		2,383		—		—		9,636			12,019
NYMEX gasoline and heating
oil contracts		182		—		—		315			497
Total	$	16,217	$	—	$	—	$	9,951		$	26,168

Liabilities
NYMEX natural gas contracts	$	23,425	$	—	$	—	$	(23,425	)	$	—

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The mutual funds included in Level 1 are valued based on exchange-quoted market prices of identical securities. Derivative instruments included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The Utility’s policy is to recognize transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy, if any, as of the beginning of the interim reporting period in which circumstances change or events occur to cause the transfer. The mutual funds are included in the Other investments line of the Balance Sheets. Derivative assets and liabilities, including receivables and payables associated with cash margin requirements, are presented net in the Balance Sheets when a legally enforceable netting agreement exists between Laclede Gas and the counterparty to a derivative contract. For additional information on derivative instruments, see Note 5, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

5.	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Laclede Gas has a risk management policy that allows for the purchase of natural gas derivative instruments with the goal of managing price risk associated with purchasing natural gas on behalf of its customers. This policy prohibits speculation and permits the Utility to hedge up to 70% of its normal volumes purchased for up to a 36-month period. Costs and cost reductions, including carrying costs, associated with the Utility’s use of natural gas derivative instruments are allowed to be passed on to the Utility’s customers through the operation of its Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Clause, through which the MoPSC allows the Utility to recover gas supply costs, subject to prudence review by the MoPSC. Accordingly, Laclede Gas does not expect any adverse earnings impact as a result of the use of these derivative instruments. The Utility does not designate these instruments as hedging instruments for financial reporting purposes because gains or losses associated with the use of these derivative instruments are deferred and recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities pursuant to ASC Topic 980, “Regulated Operations,” and, as a result, have no direct impact on the Statements of Income. The timing of the operation of the PGA Clause may cause interim variations in short-term cash flows, because the Utility is subject to cash margin requirements associated with changes in the values of these instruments. Nevertheless, carrying costs associated with such requirements are recovered through the PGA Clause.

From time to time, Laclede Gas purchases NYMEX futures and options contracts to help stabilize operating costs associated with forecasted purchases of gasoline and diesel fuels used to power vehicles and equipment used in the course of its business. At December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas held 0.2 million gallons of gasoline futures contracts at an average price of $2.92 per gallon and 0.4 million gallons of gasoline options contracts. Most of these contracts, the longest of which extends to September 2012, are designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions pursuant to ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The gains or losses on these derivative instruments are not subject to the Utility’s PGA Clause.

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions are recognized on the Balance Sheets at fair value and the change in the fair value of the effective portion of these hedge instruments is recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (OCI). Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) is a component of Total Common Stock Equity. Amounts are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when the hedged items affect net income, using the same revenue or expense category that the hedged item impacts. Based on market prices at December 31, 2011, it is expected that essentially no net amount will be reclassified into the Statements of Income during the next twelve months. Cash flows from hedging transactions are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the items that are being hedged in the Statements of Cash Flows.

The Utility’s derivative instruments consist primarily of NYMEX positions. The NYMEX is the primary national commodities exchange on which natural gas derivatives are traded. Open NYMEX natural gas futures positions at December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	MMBtu (millions)	Avg. Price Per MMBtu
Open long futures positions
Fiscal 2012	15.41	$	4.42
Fiscal 2013	14.34		4.56

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At December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas also had 5.2 million MMBtu of other price mitigation in place through the use of NYMEX natural gas option-based strategies.

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income


		Three Months Ended
	Location of Gain (Loss)	December 31,
(Thousands)	Recorded in Income		2011		2010

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts:
Effective portion of gain recognized in
OCI on derivatives		$	50	$	173

Effective portion of gain reclassified from
AOCI to income	Utility – Other Operation Expenses		14		49

Ineffective portion of gain on derivatives
recognized in income:	Utility – Other Operation Expenses		6		29

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments *

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts:

Gain recognized in income on derivatives	Other Income and (Income Deductions) – Net	$	1	$	16

Gains and losses on Laclede Gas’ natural gas derivative instruments, which are not designated as hedging instruments for financial reporting purposes, are deferred pursuant to the Utility’s PGA Clause and initially recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. These gains and losses are excluded from the table above because they have no direct impact on the Statements of Income. Such amounts are recognized in the Statements of Income as a component of Utility Natural and Propane Gas operating expenses when they are recovered through the PGA Clause and reflected in customer billings.

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Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011

	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
(Thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Accounts Receivable – Other	$	24		Accounts Receivable - Other	$	—

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX natural gas contracts	Accounts Receivable – Other		8		Accounts Receivable – Other		26,349
NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Accounts Receivable – Other		7		Accounts Receivable – Other		—
Sub-total			15				26,349
Total derivatives		$	39			$	26,349

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Balance Sheet at September 30, 2011

	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
(Thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets	$	15		Derivative Instrument Assets	$	117

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX natural gas contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets		457		Derivative Instrument Assets		16,330
	Other Deferred Charges		—		Other Deferred Charges		408
NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets		4		Derivative Instrument Assets		7
Sub-total			461				16,745
Total derivatives		$	476			$	16,862

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010

	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
(Thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*	Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value	*
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets	$	169		Derivative Instrument Assets	$	—

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

NYMEX natural gas contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets		2,289		Derivative Instrument Assets		23,180
	Other Deferred Charges		94		Other Deferred Charges		245
NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts	Derivative Instrument Assets		13		Derivative Instrument Assets		—
Sub-total			2,396				23,425
Total derivatives		$	2,565			$	23,425

The fair values of Asset Derivatives and Liability Derivatives exclude the fair value of cash margin receivables or payables with counterparties subject to netting arrangements. Fair value amounts of derivative contracts (including the fair value amounts of cash margin receivables and payables) for which there is a legal right to set off are presented net on the Balance Sheets. As such, the gross balances presented in the table above are not indicative of the Utility’s net economic exposure. Refer to Note 4, Fair Value Measurements, for information on the valuation of derivative instruments.

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Following is a reconciliation of the amounts in the tables above to the amounts presented in the Balance Sheets:

		Dec. 31,			Sept. 30,			Dec. 31,
	(Thousands)	2011			2011			2010

	Fair value of asset derivatives presented above	$	39		$	476		$	2,565
	Fair value of cash margin receivables offset with derivatives		26,310			22,088			33,376
	Netting of assets and liabilities with the same counterparty		(26,349	)		(16,862	)		(23,425	)
	Total	$	—		$	5,702		$	12,516

	Derivative Instrument Assets, per Balance Sheets:
	Derivative instrument assets	$	—		$	4,746		$	10,415
	Other deferred charges		—			956			2,101
	Total	$	—		$	5,702		$	12,516

	Fair value of liability derivatives presented above	$	26,349		$	16,862		$	23,425
	Netting of assets and liabilities with the same counterparty		(26,349	)		(16,862	)		(23,425	)
	Derivative instrument liabilities, per Balance Sheets*	$	—		$	—		$	—

*	Included in the Other line of the Current Liabilities section

6.	OTHER INCOME AND (INCOME DEDUCTIONS) – NET

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
(Thousands)	2011		2010

Interest income	$	337	$	411
Net investment gain		1,041		744
Other income		—		13
Other income deductions		561		647
Other Income and (Income Deductions) – Net	$	1,939	$	1,815

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7.	INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT

The Regulated Gas Distribution segment consists of the regulated operations of Laclede Gas. The Non-Regulated Other segment includes Laclede Gas’ non-regulated business activities, which are comprised of its non-regulated propane sales transactions and its propane storage and related services. Accounting policies are described in Note 1. There are no material intersegment revenues.

Management evaluates the performance of the operating segments based on the computation of net economic earnings. Net economic earnings exclude from reported net income the after-tax impacts of net unrealized gains and losses and other timing differences associated with energy-related transactions. Net economic earnings will also exclude, if applicable, the after-tax impact of costs related to acquisition, divestiture, and restructuring activities.

	Regulated		Non-		Adjustments
	Gas		Regulated		&
(Thousands)	Distribution		Other		Eliminations		Total

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2011
Operating revenues	$	250,902	$	1,081	$	—	$	251,983
Net economic earnings		21,079		615		—		21,694
Total assets		1,753,859		2,176		—		1,756,035

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2010
Operating revenues	$	277,443	$	—	$	—	$	277,443
Net economic earnings		21,434		—		—		21,434
Total assets		1,734,389		807		—		1,735,196

Reconciliation of Net Economic Earnings to Net Income

		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2011		2010

	Total Net Economic Earnings above	$	21,694	$	21,434
	Add: Unrealized gain on energy-related
	derivative contracts, net of tax		3		21
	Net Income	$	21,697	$	21,455

8.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

Laclede Gas has entered into various contracts, expiring on dates through 2017, for the storage, transportation, and supply of natural gas. Minimum payments required under the contracts in place at December 31, 2011 are estimated at approximately $244 million. Additional contracts are generally entered into prior to or during the heating season. Laclede Gas recovers its costs from customers in accordance with the PGA Clause.

During fiscal 2011, the Utility initiated a multi-year project to replace its existing work management, financial, and supply chain software applications to enhance its technology, customer service, and business processes. At December 31, 2011, the Utility was contractually committed to costs of approximately $8 million related to this project, with additional expenditures to be incurred throughout the project’s life.

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Leases and Guarantees

Laclede Gas has several operating leases for the rental of vehicles that contain provisions requiring Laclede Gas to guarantee certain amounts related to the residual value of the leased property. These leases have various terms, the longest of which extends into 2015. At December 31, 2011, the maximum guarantees under these leases are $0.9 million. However, the Utility believes it is unlikely that it will be subject to the maximum payment amount because it estimates that the residual value of the leased vehicles will be adequate to satisfy most of the guaranteed amounts. At December 31, 2011, the carrying value of the liability recognized for these guarantees was $0.2 million.

Contingencies

Laclede Gas owns and operates natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage facilities, the operations of which are subject to various environmental laws, regulations, and interpretations. While environmental issues resulting from such operations arise in the ordinary course of business, such issues have not materially affected Laclede Gas’ financial position and results of operations. As environmental laws, regulations, and their interpretations change, however, Laclede Gas may be required to incur additional costs.

Similar to other natural gas utility companies, Laclede Gas faces the risk of incurring environmental liabilities. In the natural gas industry, these are typically associated with sites formerly owned or operated by gas distribution companies like Laclede Gas and/or its predecessor companies at which manufactured gas operations took place. At this time, Laclede Gas has identified three former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites where costs have been incurred and claims have been asserted: one in Shrewsbury, Missouri and two in the City of St. Louis, Missouri.

With regard to the former MGP site located in Shrewsbury, Missouri, Laclede Gas and state and federal environmental regulators agreed upon certain remedial actions to a portion of the site in a 1999 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC), which actions have been completed. On September 22, 2008, EPA Region VII issued a letter of Termination and Satisfaction terminating the AOC. However, if after this termination of the AOC, regulators require additional remedial actions, or additional claims are asserted, Laclede Gas may incur additional costs.

One of the sites located in the City of St. Louis is currently owned by a development agency of the City, which, together with other City development agencies, has selected a developer to redevelop the site. In conjunction with this redevelopment effort, Laclede Gas and another former owner of the site entered into an agreement (Remediation Agreement) with the City development agencies, the developer, and an environmental consultant that obligates one of the City agencies and the environmental consultant to remediate the site and obtain a No Further Action letter from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Remediation Agreement also provides for a release of Laclede Gas and the other former site owner from certain liabilities related to the past and current environmental condition of the site and requires the developer and the environmental consultant to maintain certain insurance coverages, including remediation cost containment, premises pollution liability, and professional liability. The operative provisions of the Remediation Agreement were triggered on December 20, 2010, on which date Laclede Gas and the other former site owner, as full consideration under the Remediation Agreement, paid a small percentage of the cost of remediation of the site. The amount paid by Laclede Gas, which is its only monetary obligation under the Remediation Agreement, did not materially impact the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of Laclede Gas.

Laclede Gas has not owned the other site located in the City of St. Louis for many years. In a letter dated June 29, 2011, the Attorney General for the State of Missouri informed Laclede Gas that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources had completed an investigation of the site. The Attorney General requested that Laclede Gas participate in the follow up investigations of the site. In a letter dated January 10, 2012, the Utility stated that it would participate in future environmental response activities at the site assuming that other potentially responsible parties are willing to contribute to such efforts in a meaningful and equitable fashion.

To date, amounts required for remediation at these sites have not been material. However, the amount of costs relative to future remedial actions at these and other sites is unknown and may be material. Laclede Gas has notified its insurers that it seeks reimbursement for costs incurred in the past and future potential liabilities associated with the MGP sites. While some of the insurers have denied coverage and reserved their rights, Laclede Gas continues to discuss potential reimbursements with them. In 2005, the Utility’s outside consultant completed an analysis of the MGP sites to determine cost estimates for a one-time contractual transfer of risk from each of the Utility’s insurers of environmental coverage for the MGP sites. That analysis demonstrated a range of possible future expenditures to

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investigate, monitor, and remediate these MGP sites from $5.8 million to $36.3 million based upon then currently available facts, technology, and laws and regulations. The actual costs that Laclede Gas may incur could be materially higher or lower depending upon several factors, including whether remedial actions will be required, final selection and regulatory approval of any remedial actions, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other potentially responsible parties to pay, the successful completion of remediation efforts required by the Remediation Agreement described above, and any insurance recoveries. Costs associated with environmental remediation activities are accrued when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable.

Laclede Gas anticipates that any costs it may incur in the future to remediate these sites, less any amounts received as insurance proceeds or as contributions from other potentially responsible parties, would be deferred and recovered in rates through periodic adjustments approved by the MoPSC. Accordingly, any potential liabilities that may arise associated with remediating these sites are not expected to have a material impact on the future financial position and results of operations of Laclede Gas.

On December 28, 2006, the MoPSC Staff proposed a disallowance of $7.2 million related to Laclede Gas’ recovery of its purchased gas costs applicable to fiscal year 2005, which the Staff later reduced to a $1.7 million disallowance pertaining to Laclede Gas’ purchase of gas from a marketing affiliate, LER. The MoPSC Staff has also proposed disallowances of $2.8 million and $1.5 million of gas costs relating to Laclede Gas purchases of gas supply from LER for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, respectively. The MoPSC Staff proposed a number of non-monetary recommendations, based on its review of gas costs for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Laclede Gas believes that the proposed disallowances lack merit and is vigorously opposing these adjustments in proceedings before the MoPSC. As such, no amount has been recorded in the financial statements for these proposed disallowances.

In connection with the affiliate transactions mentioned above, on July 7, 2010, the MoPSC Staff filed a complaint against Laclede Gas alleging that, by stating that it was not in possession of proprietary LER documents, Laclede Gas violated the MoPSC Order authorizing the holding company structure (2001 Order). Laclede Gas counterclaimed that the Staff failed to adhere to the pricing provisions of the MoPSC’s affiliate transaction rules and Laclede Gas’ Cost Allocation Manual. By orders dated November 3, 2010 and February 4, 2011, respectively, the MoPSC dismissed Laclede’s counterclaim and granted summary judgment to Staff, finding that Laclede Gas violated the terms of the 2001 Order and authorizing its General Counsel to seek penalties in court against Laclede Gas. On March 30, 2011, Laclede Gas sought review of the February 4 Order with the Missouri Cole County Circuit Court. On May 19, 2011, the Commission’s General Counsel filed a petition with the Cole County Circuit Court seeking penalties in connection with the Commission’s February 4 Order. On July 7, 2011, the Circuit Court Judge signed an agreed Order holding the penalty case in abeyance while the February 4 Order is appealed. On December 21, 2011, the Circuit Court reversed both the MoPSC’s November 3, 2010 Order and its February 4, 2011 Order.

Subsequent to the July 7, 2010 complaint, the MoPSC Staff filed a related complaint on October 6, 2010 against Laclede Gas, LER, and Laclede Group, alleging that the Utility has failed to comply with the MoPSC’s affiliate transaction rules. LER and Laclede Group both filed motions to be dismissed from the proceeding, which were granted by the Commission on December 22, 2010. On January 26, 2011, the Commission also dismissed certain counts of the complaint against Laclede Gas. The remaining counts and a counterclaim against the Staff, filed by Laclede Gas, are still pending before the Commission. Laclede Gas believes that the complaint lacks merit and is vigorously opposing it.

On June 29, 2010, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs issued a Notice of Violations to Laclede Gas alleging lapses in certain employment selection procedures during a two-year period ending in February 2006. The Utility believes that the allegations lack merit and is vigorously defending its position. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the financial position and results of operations of the Utility.

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As discussed in Note 5, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Laclede Gas enters into NYMEX exchange-traded derivative instruments. Previously, these instruments were held in accounts at MF Global, Inc. On October 31, 2011, affiliated entities of MF Global filed a Chapter 11 petition at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. Subsequently, the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee transferred all of the open positions and a significant portion of the margin deposits of Laclede Gas to a new brokerage firm. As of January 26, 2012, the Utility had $1.5 million on deposit with MF Global in customer-segregated accounts that remain unavailable to the Utility pending final resolution by the bankruptcy trustee. While the Utility’s exposure at this time is not considered material, management is unable to predict when, or to what extent, these remaining funds will be returned.

Laclede Gas is involved in other litigation, claims, and investigations arising in the normal course of business. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes that the final outcome will not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Utility.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This management’s discussion analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of Laclede Gas Company (Laclede Gas or the Utility). It includes management’s view of factors that affect its business, explanations of past financial results including changes in earnings and costs from the prior year periods, and their effects on overall financial condition and liquidity.

Certain matters discussed in this report, excluding historical information, include forward-looking statements. Certain words, such as “may,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” and similar words and expressions identify forward-looking statements that involve uncertainties and risks. Future developments may not be in accordance with our expectations or beliefs and the effect of future developments may not be those anticipated. Among the factors that may cause results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement are:

•	weather conditions and catastrophic events, particularly severe weather in the natural gas producing areas of the country;
•	volatility in gas prices, particularly sudden and sustained changes in natural gas prices, including the related impact on margin deposits associated with the use of natural gas derivative instruments;
•	the impact of changes and volatility in natural gas prices on our competitive position in relation to suppliers of alternative heating sources, such as electricity;
•	changes in gas supply and pipeline availability, including decisions by natural gas producers to reduce production or shut in producing natural gas wells as well as other changes that impact supply for and access to our service area;
•	legislative, regulatory and judicial mandates and decisions, some of which may be retroactive, including those affecting
	•	allowed rates of return
	•	incentive regulation
	•	industry structure
	•	purchased gas adjustment provisions
	•	rate design structure and implementation
	•	regulatory assets
	•	non-regulated and affiliate transactions
	•	franchise renewals
	•	environmental or safety matters, including the potential impact of legislative and regulatory actions related to climate change and pipeline safety
	•	taxes
	•	pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and funding obligations
	•	accounting standards, including the effect of potential changes relative to adoption of or convergence with international accounting standards;
•	the results of litigation;
•	retention of, ability to attract, ability to collect from, and conservation efforts of, customers;
•	capital and energy commodity market conditions, including the ability to obtain funds with reasonable terms for necessary capital expenditures and general operations and the terms and conditions imposed for obtaining sufficient gas supply;
•	discovery of material weakness in internal controls; and
•	employee workforce issues.

Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our business as described in this report. All forward-looking statements made in this report rely upon the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not, by including this statement, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement in light of future events.

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Utility’s Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Laclede Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Laclede Group, Inc. (Laclede Group). Laclede Gas is regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC or Commission) and serves the City of St. Louis and parts of ten counties in eastern Missouri. Laclede Gas delivers natural gas to retail customers at rates and in accordance with tariffs authorized by the MoPSC. The Utility’s earnings are primarily generated by the sale of heating energy. The Utility’s weather mitigation rate design lessens the impact of weather volatility on Laclede Gas’ customers during cold winters and stabilizes the Utility’s earnings by recovering fixed costs more evenly during the heating season. Due to the seasonal nature of the business of Laclede Gas, earnings are typically concentrated in the November through April period, which generally corresponds with the heating season.

Ms. Suzanne Sitherwood will become Laclede Gas Company’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective February 1, 2012, succeeding Mr. Douglas H. Yaeger, who will retire on that same date. Ms. Sitherwood, who currently serves as President of The Laclede Group, Inc., will also become its CEO effective February 1, 2012.

Based on the nature of the business of the Utility, as well as current economic conditions, management focuses on the following key variables in evaluating the financial condition and results of operations and managing the business:

•	the Utility’s ability to recover the costs of purchasing and distributing natural gas from its customers;
•	the impact of weather and other factors, such as customer conservation, on revenues and expenses;
•	changes in the regulatory environment at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as decisions by regulators, that impact the Utility’s ability to earn its authorized rate of return;
•	the Utility’s ability to access credit markets and maintain working capital sufficient to meet operating requirements; and,
•	the effect of natural gas price volatility on the business.

Further information regarding how management seeks to manage these key variables is discussed below.

Laclede Gas continues to provide reliable natural gas service at a reasonable cost, while maintaining and building a secure and dependable infrastructure. The Utility’s strategy focuses on improving performance and mitigating the impact of weather fluctuations on Laclede Gas’ customers while improving the ability to recover its authorized distribution costs and return. The Utility’s distribution costs are the essential, primarily fixed, expenditures it must incur to operate and maintain more than 16,000 miles of mains and services comprising its natural gas distribution system and related storage facilities. The Utility’s distribution costs include wages and employee benefit costs, depreciation and maintenance expenses, and other regulated utility operating expenses, excluding natural and propane gas expense. Distribution costs are considered in the ratemaking process, and recovery of these types of costs is included in revenues generated through the Utility’s tariff rates, as approved by the MoPSC. The settlement of the Utility’s rate case in 2010 retained the Utility’s weather mitigation rate design that better ensures the recovery of its fixed costs and margins despite variations in sales volumes due to the impacts of weather and other factors that affect customer usage.

The Utility’s income from off-system sales and capacity release remains subject to fluctuations in market conditions. The Utility is allowed to retain 15% to 25% of the first $6 million in annual income earned (depending on the level of income earned) and 30% of income exceeding $6 million annually. Some of the factors impacting the level of off-system sales include the availability and cost of the Utility’s natural gas supply, the weather in its service area, and the weather in other markets. When Laclede Gas’ service area experiences warmer-than-normal weather while other markets experience colder weather or supply constraints, some of the Utility’s natural gas supply is available for off-system sales and there may be a demand for such supply in other markets. See the Regulatory and Other Matters section on page 26 of this report for additional information on regulatory issues.

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Laclede Gas works actively to reduce the impact of wholesale natural gas price volatility on its costs by strategically structuring its natural gas supply portfolio to increase its gas supply availability and pricing alternatives and through the use of derivative instruments to protect its customers from significant changes in the commodity price of natural gas. Nevertheless, the overall cost of purchased gas remains subject to fluctuations in market conditions. The Utility’s Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Clause allows Laclede Gas to flow through to customers, subject to prudence review by the MoPSC, the cost of purchased gas supplies, including costs, cost reductions, and related carrying costs associated with the use of derivative instruments to hedge the purchase price of natural gas, as well as gas inventory carrying costs. The Utility believes it will continue to be able to obtain sufficient gas supply. The price of natural gas supplies and other economic conditions may affect sales volumes, due to the conservation efforts of customers, and cash flows associated with the timing of collection of gas costs and related accounts receivable from customers.

The Utility relies on both short-term credit and long-term capital markets, as well as cash flows from operations, to satisfy its seasonal cash requirements and fund its cost of capital expenditures. Laclede Gas’ ability to issue commercial paper supported by lines of credit, to issue long-term bonds, or to obtain new lines of credit is dependent on current conditions in the credit and capital markets. Management focuses on maintaining a strong balance sheet and believes it currently has adequate access to credit and capital markets and will have sufficient capital resources to meet its foreseeable obligations. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section on page 28 for additional information.

EARNINGS

Laclede Gas’ net income totaled $21.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $0.2 million compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to the following factors, quantified on a pre-tax basis:

•	higher Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS) revenues totaling $1.2 million; and
•	decreases in maintenance expense totaling $0.8 million.

These factors were partially offset by increases in pension expenses totaling $1.8 million.

Utility Operating Revenues

Laclede Gas passes on to Utility customers (subject to prudence review by the MoPSC) increases and decreases in the wholesale cost of natural gas in accordance with its PGA Clause. The volatility of the wholesale natural gas market results in fluctuations from period to period in the recorded levels of, among other items, revenues and natural gas cost expense. Nevertheless, increases and decreases in the cost of gas associated with system gas sales volumes have no direct effect on net revenues and net income.

Utility Operating Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $250.9 million, or $26.5 million less than the same period last year. Temperatures experienced in the Utility’s service area during the quarter were 20.8% warmer than the same quarter last year and 22.1% warmer than normal. Total system therms sold and transported were 238.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared with 285.9 million for the same period last year. Total off-system therms sold and transported were 98.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared with 53.7 million for the same period last year. The decrease in Utility Operating Revenues was primarily attributable to the following factors:

(Millions)
Lower system sales volumes and other variations	$	(29.7	)
Higher off-system sales volumes (reflecting more favorable market conditions as described in greater detail in the Results of Operations)		17.7
Lower wholesale gas costs passed on to Utility customers (subject to prudence review by the MoPSC)		(10.0	)
Lower prices charged for off-system sales		(5.7	)
Higher ISRS revenues		1.2
Total Variation	$	(26.5	)

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Utility Operating Expenses

Utility Operating Expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 decreased $25.4 million from the same quarter last year. Natural and propane gas expense decreased $26.6 million, or 15.4%, from last year’s level, primarily attributable to decreased system volumes purchased for sendout and lower rates charged by our suppliers, partially offset by higher off-system gas expense. Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased $1.9 million, or 4.6%, primarily due to increased pension and compensation expenses, partially offset by decreased maintenance charges. Taxes, other than income taxes, decreased $1.1 million, or 6.9%, primarily due to decreased gross receipts taxes (attributable to the decreased revenues).

Other Income and (Income Deductions) - Net

Other Income and (Income Deductions) – Net increased $0.1 million primarily due to higher net investment gains, largely offset by a decrease in income associated with carrying costs applied to under-recoveries of gas costs, and other minor variations. Carrying costs on under-recoveries of gas costs are recovered through the Utility’s PGA Clause.

Interest Charges

The $0.4 million decrease in interest charges was primarily due to lower interest on long-term debt, attributable to the November 2010 maturity of $25 million principal amount of 6 1/2 % first mortgage bonds, and lower interest on short-term debt. Average short-term interest rates were 0.3% for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared with 0.4% for the quarter ended December 31, 2010. Average short-term borrowings were $143.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared with $164.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS

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On July 9, 2008, Laclede Gas made a tariff filing with the MoPSC that would make the payment provisions for the restoration of gas service under the Utility’s Cold Weather Rule available to customers in the summer of 2008 and enable the Utility to increase or decrease its PGA rates to correct for any shortfall or surplus created by the difference between the gas cost portion of the Utility’s actual net bad debt write-offs and the amount of such cost that is embedded in its existing rates. As a result of the ensuing procedural schedule, the Cold Weather Rule portion of the filing became moot. On April 15, 2009, the Commission rejected the Utility’s tariffs on the grounds that it did not have the legal authority to approve them. On appeal, the Cole County Circuit Court reversed the Commission’s Order, but that Court’s decision was likewise reversed by the Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. Laclede’s application to the Missouri Supreme Court was denied on January 25, 2011.

On November 9, 2011, the Utility made an ISRS filing with the Commission designed to increase revenues by $2.0 million annually, essentially all of which was approved by the MoPSC effective January 13, 2012.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). GAAP requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our Financial Statements are described in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 and include the following:

	•	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	•	Employee benefits and postretirement obligations
	•	Regulated operations

There were no significant changes to these critical accounting policies during the three months ended December 31, 2011. For discussion of other significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements included in the Utility’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

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ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Utility has evaluated or is in the process of evaluating the impact that recently issued accounting standards will have on the Utility’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption. For disclosures related to the adoption of new accounting standards, see the New Accounting Standards section of Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

The Utility continues to monitor the developments of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) relative to possible changes in accounting standards. Currently, the FASB is considering various changes to U. S. GAAP, some of which may be significant, as part of a joint effort with the International Accounting Standards Board to converge accounting standards. Future developments, depending on the outcome, have the potential to impact the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

CASH FLOWS

Laclede Gas’ short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during colder months when Laclede Gas borrows money to cover the lag between when it purchases its natural gas and when its customers pay for that gas. Changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas (including cash payments for margin deposits associated with the Utility’s use of natural gas derivative instruments), variations in the timing of collections of gas cost under the Utility’s PGA Clause, and the utilization of storage gas inventories cause short-term cash requirements to vary during the year and from year to year, and can cause significant variations in the Utility’s cash provided by or used in operating activities.

Net cash used in operating activities was $61.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 compared with $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. The difference is primarily attributable to increased cash payments for margin deposits associated with the Utility’s use of natural gas derivative instruments and other variations associated with the timing of collections of gas cost under the Utility’s PGA Clause, as well as increased cash payments for the funding of pension plans.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2011 was $18.6 million compared with $14.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. Cash used in investing activities primarily reflected capital expenditures in both periods.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $80.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 compared with $16.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. The variation primarily reflects the increased issuance of short-term debt this year and the effect of the maturity of long-term debt last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Short-term Debt

As indicated in the discussion of cash flows above, the Utility’s short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during the colder months. These short-term cash requirements can be met through the sale of commercial paper supported by lines of credit with banks or through direct use of the lines of credit. At December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas had a syndicated line of credit in place of $300 million from seven banks, with the largest portion provided by a single bank being 17.9%. This line is scheduled to expire in July 2016. Laclede Gas’ lines of credit include a covenant limiting total debt, including short-term debt, to no more than 70% of total capitalization On December 31, 2011, total debt was 55% of total capitalization.

Due to lower yields available to Laclede Group on its short-term investments, Laclede Group elected to provide a portion of Laclede Gas’ short-term funding through intercompany lending during the three months ended December 31, 2011. Information about the Utility’s short-term borrowings during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and as of December 31, 2011, is presented below:

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	Commercial Paper Borrowings	Borrowings from Laclede Group	Total Short-Term Borrowings

Three Months Ended December 31, 2011
Weighted average borrowings outstanding	$81.2 million	$62.1 million	$143.3 million
Weighted average interest rate	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Range of borrowings outstanding	$40.0 – $133.5 million	$13.0 - $76.8 million	$98.9 - $180.4 million

As of December 31, 2011
Borrowings outstanding at end of period	$113.0 million	$62.8 million	$175.8 million
Weighted average interest rate	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%

Based on average short-term borrowings for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase in the average interest rate of 100 basis points would decrease the Utility’s pre-tax earnings and cash flows by approximately $1.4 million on an annual basis, portions of which may be offset through the application of PGA carrying costs.

Long-term Debt and Equity

The Utility has MoPSC authority to issue debt securities and preferred stock, including on a private placement basis, as well as to issue common stock, receive paid-in capital, and enter into capital lease agreements, all for a total of up to $518 million, effective through June 30, 2013. During the three months ended December 31, 2011, pursuant to this authority, the Utility sold 11 shares of its common stock to Laclede Group for $0.4 million. For more information on these sales of stock, see Part II., Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. As of January 27, 2012, $515.3 million remains available under this authorization. The amount, timing, and type of additional financing to be issued will depend on cash requirements and market conditions, as well as future MoPSC authorizations.

At December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas had fixed-rate long-term debt totaling $365 million (including current maturities). While these long-term debt issues are fixed-rate, they are subject to changes in their fair value as market interest rates change. However, increases or decreases in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Laclede Gas were to reacquire any of these issues in the open market prior to maturity. Under GAAP applicable to Laclede Gas’ regulated operations, losses or gains on early redemptions of long-term debt would typically be deferred as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities and amortized over a future period. Of the Utility’s $365 million in long-term debt, $50 million have no call option, $235 million have make-whole call options, and $80 million are callable at par in 2013. None of the debt has any put options.

Guarantees

Laclede Gas has several operating leases for the rental of vehicles that contain provisions requiring Laclede Gas to guarantee certain amounts related to the residual value of the leased property. These leases have various terms, the longest of which extends into 2015. At December 31, 2011, the maximum guarantees under these leases were $0.9 million. However, the Utility believes it is unlikely that it will be subject to the maximum payment amount because it estimates that the residual value of the leased vehicles will be adequate to satisfy most of the guaranteed amounts. At December 31, 2011, the carrying value of the liability recognized for these guarantees was $0.2 million.

Other

The Utility’s access to capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and its financing costs, may depend on its credit rating. The credit ratings of the Utility remain at investment grade, but are subject to review and change by the rating agencies.

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Utility capital expenditures were $18.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011, compared with $15.5 million for the same period last year. The increase in capital expenditures, compared with the prior period, is primarily attributable to additional expenditures for distribution plant and information technology investments. During fiscal 2011, Laclede Gas began a multi-year project to enhance its technology, customer service, and business processes by replacing its existing work management, financial, and supply chain software applications.

Capitalization at December 31, 2011 consisted of 56.8% common stock equity and 43.2% long-term debt.

It is management’s view that the Laclede Gas has adequate access to capital markets and will have sufficient capital resources, both internal and external, to meet anticipated capital requirements, which primarily include capital expenditures, scheduled maturities of long-term debt, short-term seasonal needs, and dividends.

The seasonal nature of Laclede Gas’ sales affects the comparison of certain balance sheet items at December 31, 2011 and at September 30, 2011, such as Accounts receivable - net, Gas stored underground, Notes payable, Accounts payable, Regulatory assets and Regulatory liabilities, and Advance customer billings. The Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010 is presented to facilitate comparison of these items with the corresponding interim period of the preceding fiscal year.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As of December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas had contractual obligations with payments due as summarized below (in millions):

			Payments due by period
			Remaining						Fiscal Years
Contractual Obligations	Total		Fiscal Year 2012		Fiscal Years 2013-2014		Fiscal Years 2015-2016		2017 and thereafter
Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt	$	365.0	$	—	$	25.0	$	—	$	340.0
Interest Payments on Long-Term Debt		452.1		13.9		43.5		42.7		352.0
Capital Leases (a)		0.3		0.1		0.1		0.1		—
Operating Leases (a)		10.2		3.4		6.1		0.7		—
Purchase Obligations – Natural Gas (b)		244.3		152.2		70.6		14.1		7.4
Purchase Obligations – Other (c)		91.5		28.1		23.1		18.4		21.9
Total (d)	$	1,163.4	$	197.7	$	168.4	$	76.0	$	721.3

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(a)	Lease obligations are primarily for office space, office equipment, vehicles, and power operated equipment. Additional payments will be incurred if renewal options are exercised under the provisions of certain agreements.
(b)	These purchase obligations represent the minimum payments required under existing natural gas transportation and storage contracts and natural gas supply agreements. These amounts reflect fixed obligations as well as obligations to purchase natural gas at future market prices, calculated using December 31, 2011 NYMEX futures prices. Laclede Gas recovers the costs related to its purchases, transportation, and storage of natural gas through the operation of its PGA Clause, subject to prudence review by the MoPSC; however, variations in the timing of collections of gas costs from customers affect short-term cash requirements. Additional contractual commitments are generally entered into prior to or during the heating season.
(c)	These purchase obligations primarily reflect miscellaneous agreements for the purchase of materials and the procurement of services necessary for normal operations.
(d)	The category of Other Long-Term Liabilities has been excluded from the table above because there are no material amounts of contractual obligations under this category. Long-term liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits, totaling $5.7 million, have been excluded from the table above because the timing of future cash outflows, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Also, commitments related to pension and postretirement benefit plans have been excluded from the table above. At this writing, Laclede Gas expects to make contributions to its qualified, trusteed pension plans of at least $15.7 million during the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2012. Laclede Gas anticipates a $6.6 million contribution relative to its non-qualified pension plans during the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2012. With regard to the postretirement benefits, the Utility anticipates it will contribute $11.9 million to the qualified trusts and $0.3 million directly to participants from Laclede Gas’ funds during the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2012. For further discussion of the Utility’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, refer to Note 2, Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, of the Notes to Financial Statements.

MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

Laclede Gas’ commodity price risk, which arises from market fluctuations in the price of natural gas, is primarily managed through the operation of its PGA Clause. The PGA Clause allows Laclede Gas to flow through to customers, subject to prudence review by the MoPSC, the cost of purchased gas supplies. The Utility is allowed the flexibility to make up to three discretionary PGA changes during each year, in addition to its mandatory November PGA change, so long as such changes are separated by at least two months. The Utility is able to mitigate, to some extent, changes in commodity prices through the use of physical storage supplies and regional supply diversity. Laclede Gas also has a risk management policy that allows for the purchase of natural gas derivative instruments with the goal of managing its price risk associated with purchasing natural gas on behalf of its customers. This policy prohibits speculation. Costs and cost reductions, including carrying costs, associated with the Utility’s use of natural gas derivative instruments are allowed to be passed on to the Utility’s customers through the operation of its PGA Clause. Accordingly, Laclede Gas does not expect any adverse earnings impact as a result of the use of these derivative instruments. However, the timing of recovery for cash payments related to margin requirements may cause short-term cash requirements to vary. Nevertheless, carrying costs associated with such requirements, as well as other variations in the timing of collections of gas costs, are recovered through the PGA Clause. For more information about the Utility’s natural gas derivative instruments, see Note 5, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, of the Notes to Financial Statements.

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Interest Rate Risk

The Utility is subject to interest rate risk associated with its long-term and short-term debt issuances. Based on average short-term borrowings during the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 100 basis points in the underlying average interest rate for short-term debt would have caused an increase in interest expense of approximately $1.4 million on an annual basis. Portions of such increases may be offset through the application of PGA carrying costs. At December 31, 2011, Laclede Gas had fixed-rate long-term debt totaling $365 million (including current maturities). While these long-term debt issues are fixed-rate, they are subject to changes in fair value as market interest rates change. However, increases or decreases in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Laclede Gas were to reacquire any of these issues in the open market prior to maturity. Under GAAP applicable to Laclede Gas’ regulated operations, losses or gains on early redemptions of long-term debt would typically be deferred as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities and amortized over a future period.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Laclede Gas owns and operates natural gas distribution, transmission and storage facilities, the operations of which are subject to various environmental laws, regulations and interpretations. While environmental issues resulting from such operations arise in the ordinary course of business, such issues have not materially affected Laclede Gas’ financial position and results of operations. As environmental laws, regulations, and their interpretations change, however, Laclede Gas may be required to incur additional costs. For information relative to environmental matters, see Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Financial Statements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Laclede Gas has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For this discussion, see Part I., Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk, on page 31 of this report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15e and Rule 15d-15e under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For a description of environmental matters and legal proceedings, see Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Financial Statements. For a description of pending regulatory matters of Laclede Gas, see Part I., Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory and Other Matters, on page 26 of this report.

Laclede Gas is involved in litigation, claims and investigations arising in the normal course of business. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Utility.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On December 13, 2011, the Board of Directors of Laclede Gas approved the sale of 11 shares of Laclede Gas common stock to Laclede Group. The proceeds from the sale, totaling $0.4 million, were used to reduce short-term borrowings. Exemption from registration was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a)	See Exhibit Index

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SIGNATURE

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.

		Laclede Gas Company

Dated:	January 27, 2012	By:	/s/ Mark D. Waltermire
			Mark D. Waltermire
			Senior Vice President and
			Chief Financial Officer
			(Authorized Signatory and Chief Financial Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

12	-	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31	-	CEO and CFO Certifications under Exchange Act Rule 13a – 14(a).

32	-	CEO and CFO Section 1350 Certifications.

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STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Net Income

$ 21,697

$ 21,455

Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging derivative instruments:

Net hedging gain arising during the period

173

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

(14)

(49)

Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedging derivative instruments

124

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans:

Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost

107

Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax

127

231

Income Tax Expense Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

142

Comprehensive Income

$ 21,775

$ 21,597

BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2011

ASSETS

Utility Plant

$ 1,400,001

$ 1,338,568

$ 1,386,590

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

463,148

447,582

457,907

Net Utility Plant

936,853

890,986

928,683

Other Property and Investments

48,859

46,332

46,950

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

1,341

1,208

923

Accounts receivable:

Utility

135,758

165,171

71,090

Non-utility

1,865

732

1,347

Associated companies

6,889

5,947

426

Other

11,167

6,665

6,935

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(5,885)

(6,628)

(9,969)

Inventories:

Natural gas stored underground at LIFO cost

113,668

109,171

115,170

Propane gas at FIFO cost

8,964

16,881

8,961

Materials, supplies, and merchandise at average cost

4,730

4,130

4,104

Derivative instrument assets

10,415

4,746

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments

19,413

18,136

25,719

Prepayments and other

7,989

5,920

8,527

Total Current Assets

305,899

337,748

237,979

Deferred Charges:

Regulatory assets

458,648

453,030

423,492

Other

5,776

7,100

5,942

Total Deferred Charges

464,424

460,130

429,434

Total Assets

1,756,035

1,735,196

1,643,046

Capitalization:

Common stock and Paid-in capital (11,728, 11,684, and 11,717 shares issued, respectively)

213,415

209,238

212,970

Retained earnings

235,832

218,373

223,460

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(2,395)

(2,733)

(2,473)

Total Common Stock Equity

446,852

424,878

433,957

Long-term debt (less current portion)

339,372

364,313

364,357

Total Capitalization

786,224

789,191

798,314

Current Liabilities:

Notes payable

113,000

97,450

46,000

Notes payable - associated companies

62,822

68,910

52,879

Accounts payable

54,367

68,625

45,635

Accounts payable - associated companies

1,730

Advance customer billings

11,600

9,639

15,230

Current portion of long-term debt

25,000

Wages and compensation accrued

12,529

12,406

13,650

Dividends payable

9,325

9,062

9,084

Customer deposits

10,080

11,315

10,048

Interest accrued

5,519

5,756

8,812

Taxes accrued

14,545

18,670

10,038

Deferred income taxes

8,204

4,159

9,165

Other

20,900

23,781

9,191

Total Current Liabilities

347,896

329,778

231,462

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

Deferred income taxes

335,176

298,176

315,325

Unamortized investment tax credits

3,272

3,485

3,326

Pension and postretirement benefit costs

172,791

210,642

185,701

Asset retirement obligations

27,895

26,215

27,486

Regulatory liabilities

51,904

47,898

50,846

Other

30,877

29,811

30,586

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

621,915

616,227

613,270

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

$ 1,756,035

$ 1,735,196

$ 1,643,046

STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Operating Revenues:

Utility

$ 250,902

$ 277,443

Other

1,081

Total Operating Revenues

251,983

277,443

Utility

Natural and propane gas

146,751

173,365

Other operation expenses

37,565

34,862

Maintenance

5,308

6,140

Depreciation and amortization

10,089

9,638

Taxes, other than income taxes

14,667

15,748

Total Utility Operating Expenses

214,380

239,753

Other

Total Operating Expenses

214,461

239,758

Operating Income

37,522

37,685

Other Income and (Income Deductions) - Net

1,939

1,815

Interest Charges:

Interest on long-term debt

5,739

5,942

Other interest charges

619

777

Total Interest Charges

6,358

6,719

Income Before Income Taxes

33,103

32,781

Income Tax Expense

11,406

11,326

Net Income

$ 21,697

$ 21,455

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Operating Activities:

Net Income

$ 21,697

$ 21,455

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

10,100

9,638

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

7,939

1,157

Other - net

(672)

(761)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable - net

(79,965)

(103,575)

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments

6,306

5,582

Deferred purchased gas costs

(26,415)

30,860

Accounts payable

9,031

32,711

Advance customer billings

(3,630)

(7,170)

Taxes accrued

3,992

9,987

Natural gas stored underground

1,502

4,405

Other assets and liabilities

(11,067)

(6,351)

Net cash used in operating activities

(61,182)

(2,062)

Investing Activities:

Capital expenditures

(18,331)

(15,512)

Other investments

(280)

1,002

Net cash used in investing activities

(18,611)

(14,510)

Financing Activities:

Maturity of first mortgage bonds

(25,000)

Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt - net

67,000

(32,200)

Borrowings from Laclede Group

99,123

88,762

Repayment of borrowings from Laclede Group

(89,180)

(19,852)

Changes in book overdrafts

11,842

13,310

Dividends paid

(9,084)

(8,806)

Issuance of common stock to Laclede Group

407

352

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

117

205

Other

(14)

Net cash provided by financing activities

80,211

16,771

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

418

199

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

923

1,009

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

1,341

1,208

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid During the Period for:

Interest

9,634

10,321

Income taxes

$ 2,014

$ 595

Document Information

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Document Type

10-Q

Amendment Flag

false

Document Period End Date

Dec. 31, 2011

Entity Information (USD $)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 26, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Entity Registrant Name

Laclede Gas Company

Entity Central Index Key

0000057183

Current Fiscal Year End Date

--09-30

Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer

Entity Voluntary Filers

Entity Current Reporting Status

Yes

Entity Filer Category

Non-accelerated Filer

Entity Public Float

$ 0

Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding

11,728

Document Fiscal Year Focus

2012

Document Fiscal Period Focus


	Twelve Months Ended
	Dec. 31,		September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)		2011		2011		2010		2009		2008		2007

Income before interest
charges and income taxes	$	102,278	$	102,317	$	84,727	$	77,395	$	84,684	$	80,134
Add: One third of applicable
rentals charged to operating
expense (which approximates
the interest factor)		1,730		1,780		1,820		1,833		1,691		1,485
Total Earnings	$	104,008	$	104,097	$	86,547	$	79,228	$	86,375	$	81,619


Interest on long-term debt	$	22,957	$	23,161	$	24,583	$	24,583	$	19,851	$	22,502
Other interest		2,226		2,383		2,269		5,770		10,363		11,101
Add: One third of applicable
rentals charged to operating
expense (which approximates
the interest factor)		1,730		1,780		1,820		1,833		1,691		1,485
Total Fixed Charges	$	26,913	$	27,324	$	28,672	$	32,186	$	31,905	$	35,088


Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges		3.86		3.81		3.02		2.46		2.71		2.33

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Douglas H. Yaeger, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laclede Gas Company, hereby certify that

	(a)	To the best of my knowledge, the accompanying report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

	(b)	To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in the accompanying report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Laclede Gas Company.

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Mark D. Waltermire, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Laclede Gas Company, hereby certify that

	(a)	To the best of my knowledge, the accompanying report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

	(b)	To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in the accompanying report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Laclede Gas Company.

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Laclede Gas Company;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

		a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

		b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

		c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

		d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

		a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

		b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	January 27, 2012	Signature:	/s/ Douglas H. Yaeger
			Douglas H. Yaeger
			Chairman of the Board,
			President and Chief
			Executive Officer