-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, J2sEMzVRgmHo2O/3vrZbfsDNzRn5/Vf0rPLFeyNxEXYiLKSfeimxas+Xfg+FX7Ev HpmCEIXalmkPTLTCGizn4Q== 0000091928-06-000063.txt : 20061108 0000091928-06-000063.hdr.sgml : 20061108 20061108095437 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000091928-06-000063 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060930 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20061108 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20061108 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000091928 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION [4924] IRS NUMBER: 221901645 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-06364 FILM NUMBER: 061195774 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1 SOUTH JERSEY PLAZA STREET 2: ROUTE 54 CITY: FOLSOM STATE: NJ ZIP: 08037 BUSINESS PHONE: 609-561-9000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1 SOUTH JERSEY PLAZA STREET 2: ROUTE 54 CITY: FOLSOM STATE: NJ ZIP: 08037 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: SOUTH JERSEY GAS CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19700507 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ATLANTIC CITY GAS CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19680301 8-K 1 sji8k3q2006.htm SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES FORM 8-K FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 South Jersey Industries Form 8-K for September 30, 2006







UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
                                         

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report
(Date of earliest event reported)
November 8, 2006


SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


New Jersey
1-6364
22-1901645
(State of incorporation)
( Commission File Number)
(IRS employer identification no.)

1 South Jersey Plaza, Folsom, New Jersey 08037
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(609) 561-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 r
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 r
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 r
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 r
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 


 


Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On November 8, 2006, South Jersey Industries (“SJI”) issued a press release reporting the results of its operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and reaffirming previously provided earnings guidance for the 2006 fiscal year and beyond. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99. SJI does not intend for this Item 2.02, Item 7.01 or Item 9.01, Exhibit 99, to be treated as “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On November 8, 2006, South Jersey Industries (“SJI”) issued a press release reporting the results of its operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and reaffirming previously provided earnings guidance for the 2006 fiscal year and beyond. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99. SJI does not intend for this Item 2.02, Item 7.01 or Item 9.01, Exhibit 99, to be treated as “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit 99. South Jersey Industries press release dated November 8, 2006.


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.


 
 
SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES
   
Date: November 8, 2006
By:          /s/ David A. Kindlick           
 
David A. Kindlick
 
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer


EX-99 2 sjiexhibit99dated110806.htm SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES PRESS RELEASE DATED NOVEMBER 8, 2006 South Jersey Industries Press Release Dated November 8, 2006



November 8, 2006      
For Immediate Release
Phone: 609-561-9000
Contact: Stephen Clark x4260
Media: Joanne Brigandi x4240



SJI Reports Third Quarter Results
Reaffirms EPS Target Growth Range for 2006 at 6 -10%


Folsom, NJ - South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) today announced earnings from continuing operations of $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2006, compared with $2.7 million posted for the same quarter in 2005. Earnings per share from continuing operations totaled $0.09 per share for both the current and prior year periods.
“SJI remains on target to produce at least 6%-10% earnings per share growth for 2006 over 2005,” stated Edward J. Graham, SJI’s chairman and CEO. “The combination of new energy projects coming on-line, significant quantities of gas in storage with profit margins on future sales fully hedged, and approval of a decoupling tariff by the NJ Board of Public Utilities bodes well for the future of SJI. Our confidence in SJI’s performance for 2006, 2007 and beyond was reflected in the enhanced dividend policy that we announced last week,” continued Graham. Under its new policy, SJI’s board will look to grow SJI’s dividend by at least 6 to 7% per year.

Results and Highlights:

Non-Utility Income Contribution Up: Non-Utility earnings increased for the quarter by 14% to $4.0 million from $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2005. The driver for improved performance came from our commodity marketing business.

·
Wholesale Commodity Marketing Boosts Storage Capacity - South Jersey Resources Group added $1.7 million to SJI’s bottom line for the quarter, up slightly over the same quarter in 2005. Results were impacted by carrying costs on higher volumes of storage gas. However, attractive margins on future sales of that storage gas are fully hedged and will begin to be recognized as the gas is delivered this winter. SJI added to storage capacity in the quarter, bringing total storage under lease to 7.9 Bcf in 2006 and 9.4 Bcf beginning in 2007. Storage capacity has enabled SJRG to lock in significant positive spreads on storage deals that will benefit the next three winter seasons. SJRG markets wholesale natural gas, fuel management and commodity risk management services. 




-MORE-
 

 
SJI Earnings - Add 1

·
Retail Commodity Marketing Posts Strong Performance - Retail commodity marketing at South Jersey Energy contributed $0.9 million to net income in the third
quarter of 2006 compared with a breakeven performance for the same period last year. The quarterly comparison benefited from the recovery of $0.4 million from a utility for overcharges on electric commodity during previous periods. Also, the third quarter of 2005 was negatively impacted by the return of our retail gas customer base to the utility during the quarter. In 2006 we resumed marketing to residential and small commercial customers through new offers that provide customers with price certainty. To date we have enrolled over 10,300 new customers and continue to experience growth in line with expectations. SJE markets both natural gas and electricity on a retail basis.

·
Marina Brings Energy Projects on Line - Our on-site energy production business contributed $1.1 million to SJI’s bottom line in the third quarter of 2006, compared with $1.2 million in the prior-year period. Marina’s 2005 performance reflected the contribution from our design/build project with Seneca Gaming and much warmer weather conditions that benefited the performance of our thermal facility during the third quarter of that year.

At the end of June 2006, Marina began serving the energy needs of the new 500,000sq.ft. expansion at the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa in Atlantic City. The second stage of that expansion, which includes a 40-story hotel tower, is due to open in late 2007. At the end of August, we more than doubled the capacity of our Atlantic County Landfill Energy plant, bringing on-line 1.9 MW of additional electric generation. Since the end of the third quarter, Marina’s 51%-owned, 3.8 MW Warren County Landfill Energy plant began selling electricity as part of the completion of its test phase. We expect the plant to become fully operational during the fourth quarter. Also, Marina announced a 50% interest in a new 7.25 MW landfill energy project that is expected to be operational by the end of 2007. In addition, Marina is actively pursuing several other landfill energy projects and another major thermal facility development. Marina develops, owns and operates on-site energy plants. These projects provide annuity-like income streams under long-term contracts.

·
Residential & Commercial Service Business Moves Forward - South Jersey Energy Service Plus produced earnings of $0.2 million in the third quarter, compared with $0.4 million recorded in the same quarter in 2005. Softness in our HVAC installation business tied to cooler weather than last year and higher advertising and promotional expenses impacted results for the quarter. Going forward, we expect a strong fourth quarter from this business line as we benefit from HVAC installation activity that has rebounded, a growing contribution from hot water heater installations and the benefits of our marketing activities. SJESP sells appliance service contracts, repairs appliances on a time and material basis, and installs HVAC systems. 



-MORE-
 

 
SJI Earnings - Add 2

Utility Positions for the Future: South Jersey Gas posted a net loss of $1.5 million for the quarter compared with a loss of $0.8 million for the 2005 period. Traditionally a loss quarter for the utility due to lack of heating demand, the quarterly comparison was further impacted by higher interest expense and lower than normal customer utilization rates in 2006, and a normal seasonal reduction to the bad-debt reserve in the 2005 third quarter. SJG experienced the seasonal reduction to the bad-debt reserve in the second quarter of 2006 due to the impact of mild temperatures during the winter of 2006 on receivable balances. We anticipate lower receivable balances in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared with 2005 as credit balances accrued by our budget plan customers and rate reductions for natural gas are reflected in customer bills. The reduced receivable balances are expected to lower exposure to bad debt expense in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared with 2005.

·
Customer Growth Remains Strong - South Jersey Gas continues to experience strong growth in its service territory, adding over 8,300 customers during the 12 months ended September 30, 2006, for a total of 325,589. This 2.6% growth rate reflects the strength of the new housing market in SJG’s service territory and remains well above the average national growth rate of 1.5%. We expect customer growth for the full year 2006 to be above our current level. Customers added in the past 12 months are anticipated to contribute approximately $1.8 million to net income annually.

·
Decoupling Tariff Approved and Implemented - In October 2006 the NJ Board of Public Utilities approved a Conservation Incentive Program that enables SJG to be an active promoter of energy conservation to our customers without negatively impacting our bottom line. The CIP effectively insulates SJG from the impact of all changes in the levels at which customers consume natural gas, including changes due to conservation. Utilization levels for the third quarter of 2006 were below the same period in 2005, costing SJG $0.2 million of net income. For the year-to-date, lower utilization levels compared with last year reduced net income by $2.8 million. The CIP would have prevented that impact. Under the CIP the customer utilization levels upon which SJG’s profits are based will increase to the level reflected in our base rate case settled in 2004.

Webcast and Conference Call Details
South Jersey Industries’ President and CEO, Edward J. Graham, will be hosting an open conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 11:00am EST to discuss the company’s third quarter 2006 results and future prospects. To participate in the conference call, dial 1-888-396-2298 approximately 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled time and enter the participant passcode 53694515. To access the webcast simply visit the South Jersey Industries website at http://www.sjindustries.com , click on Investors and then click on the webcast icon. A recorded version of the webcast will be available at SJI’s website. A rebroadcast of the conference call will also be available by calling 1-888-286-8010 and entering the code: 32988698. SJI encourages shareholders, media and members of the financial community to listen to the conference call or webcast.
 
-MORE-
 

 
SJI Earnings - Add 3


Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by the Company and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “goal”, “intend”, “objective”, “plan”, “project”, “seek”, “strategy” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level; weather conditions in our marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; changes in the availability of natural gas; “non-routine” or “extraordinary” disruptions in our distribution system; regulatory, legislative and court decisions; competition; the availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers or suppliers to fulfill their contractual obligations; and changes in business strategies. SJI assumes no duty to update these statements should actual events differ from expectations.

South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) is an energy services holding company for South Jersey Gas, South Jersey Energy Solutions, South Jersey Energy, South Jersey Resources Group, South Jersey Energy Service Plus and Marina Energy. Visit http://www.sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

###



SOURCE: DAVID A. KINDLICK
     
609-561-9000
       
 STEPHEN H. CLARK
               
COMPANY NAME: SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC.
               
MARKET: N
               
STOCK SYMBOL: SJI
               
                 
 SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               
 COMPARATIVE EARNINGS STATEMENTS
               
 (In Thousands Except for Per Share Data)
               
 UNAUDITED
               
     
Three Months Ended
 
     
September 30,
 
       
2006
   
2005
 
Operating Revenues:
               
Utility 
   
$
73,541
 
$
89,053
 
Nonutility 
     
59,520
   
67,918
 
                 
 Total Operating Revenues
     
133,061
   
156,971
 
                 
Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of Sales - Utility 
     
50,840
   
66,428
 
Cost of Sales - Nonutility 
     
45,774
   
56,002
 
Operation and Maintenance 
     
17,050
   
16,788
 
Depreciation 
     
6,646
   
6,052
 
Energy and Other Taxes 
     
1,783
   
1,733
 
                 
 Total Operating Expenses
     
122,093
   
147,003
 
                 
Operating Income
     
10,968
   
9,968
 
                 
Equity in Affiliated Companies
     
196
   
183
 
                 
Other Income and Expense
     
639
   
(51
)
                 
Interest Charges *
     
(7,462
)
 
(5,326
)
                 
Income Taxes
     
(1,830
)
 
(2,092
)
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
     
2,511
   
2,682
 
                 
Discontinued Operations - Net
     
(149
)
 
(191
)
                 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
   
$
2,362
 
$
2,491
 
                 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
0.086
 
$
0.095
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.005
)
$
(0.007
)
                 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
0.081
 
$
0.088
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic
     
29,225
   
28,244
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
0.086
 
$
0.094
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.005
)
$
(0.007
)
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
0.081
 
$
0.087
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted
     
29,320
   
28,459
 
 

     
Nine Months Ended
 
     
September 30,
 
       
2006
   
2005
 
Operating Revenues:
               
Utility 
   
$
438,168
 
$
385,980
 
Nonutility 
     
215,400
   
253,600
 
                 
 Total Operating Revenues
     
653,568
   
639,580
 
                 
Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of Gas Sold - Utility 
     
318,041
   
262,189
 
Cost of Sales - Nonutility 
     
175,314
   
216,258
 
Operation and Maintenance 
     
52,229
   
56,121
 
Depreciation 
     
19,384
   
17,895
 
Energy and Other Taxes 
     
8,405
   
9,008
 
                 
 Total Operating Expenses
     
573,373
   
561,471
 
                 
Operating Income
     
80,195
   
78,109
 
                 
Equity in Affiliated Companies
     
906
   
593
 
                 
Other Income and Expense
     
1,434
   
278
 
                 
Interest Charges *
     
(20,045
)
 
(15,553
)
                 
Income Taxes
     
(25,684
)
 
(26,297
)
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
     
36,806
   
37,130
 
                 
Discontinued Operations - Net
     
(378
)
 
(517
)
                 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
   
$
36,428
 
$
36,613
 
                 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
1.263
 
$
1.326
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.013
)
$
(0.018
)
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
1.250
 
$
1.308
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic
     
29,140
   
27,999
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
1.260
 
$
1.315
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.013
)
$
(0.018
)
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
1.247
 
$
1.297
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted
     
29,215
   
28,221
 
 

     
Twelve Months Ended
 
     
September 30,
 
       
2006
   
2005
 
Operating Revenues:
               
Utility 
   
$
628,593
 
$
540,059
 
Nonutility 
     
306,377
   
344,984
 
                 
 Total Operating Revenues
     
934,970
   
885,043
 
                 
Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of Sales - Utility 
     
459,997
   
365,668
 
Cost of Sales - Nonutility 
     
256,408
   
295,732
 
Operation and Maintenance 
     
77,145
   
80,658
 
Depreciation 
     
25,519
   
23,673
 
Energy and Other Taxes 
     
12,031
   
12,275
 
                 
 Total Operating Expenses
     
831,100
   
778,006
 
                 
Operating Income
     
103,870
   
107,037
 
                 
Equity in Affiliated Companies
     
1,215
   
802
 
                 
Other Income and Expense
     
1,775
   
221
 
                 
Interest Charges *
     
(25,442
)
 
(21,051
)
                 
Income Taxes
     
(33,155
)
 
(35,724
)
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
     
48,263
   
51,285
 
                 
Discontinued Operations - Net
     
(530
)
 
(731
)
                 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
   
$
47,733
 
$
50,554
 
                 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
1.663
 
$
1.837
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.018
)
$
(0.026
)
                 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
1.645
 
$
1.811
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic
     
29,029
   
27,923
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Based on
               
  Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding):
               
Continuing Operations 
   
$
1.656
 
$
1.822
 
Discontinued Operations - Net 
   
$
(0.018
)
$
(0.026
)
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
   
$
1.638
 
$
1.796
 
                 
Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted
     
29,144
   
28,150
 
                 
*  Net of rate recovery of carrying costs on certain
               
unrecovered fuel and environmental remediation expenses. 
               
                 

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