NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingencies during the reporting period. We regularly evaluate our estimates, including those related to the calculation of the fair value of derivative instruments, acquisitions, regulatory assets, income taxes, pension and postemployment benefits other than pensions and contingencies related to environmental matters and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In the normal course of business, estimated amounts are subsequently adjusted to actual results that may differ from estimates.
Regulatory Accounting
NJNG maintains its accounts in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the BPU and recognizes the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. As a result of the ratemaking process, NJNG is required to apply the accounting principles in ASC 980, Regulated Operations, which differ in certain respects from those applied by unregulated businesses. Specifically, NJNG records regulatory assets when it is probable that certain operating costs will be recoverable from customers in future periods and records regulatory liabilities associated with probable future obligations to customers. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered by rates. The BPU's regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions to be made by the BPU in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. If the BPU indicates that recovery of all or a portion of a regulatory asset is not probable or does not allow for recovery of and a reasonable return on investments in property plant and equipment, a charge to income would be made in the period of such determination.
Environmental Costs
At the end of each fiscal year, NJNG, with the assistance of an independent
consulting firm, updates the environmental review of its MGP sites, including
its potential liability for investigation and remedial action. From this review,
NJNG estimates expenditures necessary to remediate and monitor these MGP sites.
NJNG's estimate of these liabilities is developed from then-currently available
facts, existing technology and current laws and regulations.
In accordance with accounting standards for contingencies, NJNG's policy is to
record a liability when it is probable that the cost will be incurred and can be
reasonably estimated. NJNG will determine a range of liabilities and will record
the most likely amount. If no point within the range is more likely than any
other, NJNG will accrue the lower end of the range. Since we believe that
recovery of these expenditures, as well as related litigation costs, is possible
through the regulatory process, we record a regulatory asset corresponding to
the related accrued liability. Accordingly, NJNG records an MGP remediation
liability and a corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets, which is based on the most likely amount.
The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors,
including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and
governmental regulations and the ultimate ability of other responsible parties
to pay, as well as the potential impact of any litigation and any insurance
recoveries. Previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from
customers and insurance proceeds received are included in regulatory assets on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
If there are changes in the regulatory position surrounding these costs, or
should actual expenditures vary significantly from estimates in that these costs
are disallowed for recovery by the BPU, such costs would be charged to income in
the period of such determination. See the Legal Proceedings section in Note 15.
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for more details.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Postemployment Employee Benefits
Our costs of providing postemployment employee benefits are dependent upon
numerous factors, including actual plan experience and assumptions of future
experience. Postemployment employee benefit costs are affected by actual
employee demographics including age, compensation levels and employment periods,
the level of contributions made to the plans, changes in long-term interest
rates and the return on plan assets. Changes made to the provisions of the plans
or healthcare legislation may also impact current and future postemployment
employee benefit costs. Postemployment employee benefit costs may also be
significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including
anticipated rates of return on plan assets, changes in mortality tables, health
care cost trends and discount rates used in determining the PBO. In determining
the PBO and cost amounts, assumptions can change from period to period and could
result in material changes to net postemployment employee benefit periodic costs
and the related liability recognized by us.
The remeasurement of plan assets and obligations for a significant event should
occur as of the date of the significant event. We may use a practical expedient
to remeasure the plan assets and obligations as of the nearest calendar
month-end date. When performing interim remeasurements, we obtain new asset
values, roll forward the obligation to reflect population changes and review the
appropriateness of all assumptions, regardless of the reason for performing the
interim remeasurement.
Our postemployment employee benefit plan assets consist primarily of U.S. equity
securities, international equity securities, fixed-income investments and other
assets, with a targeted allocation of 34 percent, 17 percent, 38 percent and 11
percent, respectively. Fluctuations in actual market returns, as well as changes
in interest rates, may result in increased or decreased postemployment employee
benefit costs in future periods. Postemployment employee benefit expenses are
included in O&M and other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
The following is a summary of a sensitivity analysis for each actuarial
assumption as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 :
Pension Plans
Estimated Estimated
Increase/ Increase/(Decrease) on PBO Increase/(Decrease) to Expense
Actuarial Assumptions (Decrease) (Thousands) (Thousands)
Discount rate 1.00 % $ (47,822) $ (4,708)
Discount rate (1.00) % $ 59,241 $ 5,669
Rate of return on plan assets 1.00 % n/a $ (2,986)
Rate of return on plan assets (1.00) % n/a $ 2,986
Other Postemployment Benefits
Estimated Estimated
Increase/ Increase/(Decrease) on PBO Increase/(Decrease) to Expense
Actuarial Assumptions (Decrease) (Thousands) (Thousands)
Discount rate 1.00 % $ (34,782) $ (3,622)
Discount rate (1.00) % $ 44,191 $ 4,500
Rate of return on plan assets 1.00 % n/a $ (962)
Rate of return on plan assets (1.00) % n/a $ 962
Estimated Estimated
Increase/ Increase/(Decrease) on PBO Increase/(Decrease) to Expense
Actuarial Assumptions (Decrease) (Thousands) (Thousands)
Health care cost trend rate 1.00 % $ 43,217 $ 7,745
Health care cost trend rate (1.00) % $ (34,669) $ (6,041)
Acquisitions
The Company follows the guidance in ASC 805, Business Combinations, for
determining the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisitions. ASU No.
2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, provides an initial fair value
screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the assets
acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets. If the
initial screening test is not met, the set is considered a business based on
whether there are inputs and substantive processes in place. Based on the
results of this analysis and conclusion on an acquisition's classification of a
business combination or an asset acquisition, the accounting treatment is
derived.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
If the acquisition is deemed to be a business, the acquisition method of
accounting is applied. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at
the acquisition date are recorded at fair value. If the transaction is deemed to
be an asset purchase, the cost accumulation and allocation model is used whereby
the assets and liabilities are recorded based on the purchase price and
allocated to the individual assets and liabilities based on relative fair
values.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets
acquired and liabilities assumed are based on various assumptions and valuation
methodologies requiring considerable management judgment. The most significant
variables in these valuations are discount rates and the number of years on
which to base the cash flow projections, as well as other assumptions and
estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. Management determines
discount rates based on the risk inherent in the acquired assets and related
cash flows. The valuation of an acquired business is based on available
information at the acquisition date and assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable. However, a change in facts and circumstances as of the acquisition
date can result in subsequent adjustments during the measurement period, but no
later than one year from the acquisition date.
Investments in Equity Investees
The Company accounts for its investments inSteckman Ridge and PennEast, using the equity method of accounting where it is not the primary beneficiary, as defined under ASC 810, Consolidation, in that its respective ownership interests are 50 percent or less and/or it has significant influence over operating and management decisions. The Company's share of earnings is recognized as equity in earnings of affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the current fair value may be less than the asset's carrying amount. Factors that the Company analyzes in determining whether an impairment in its equity investments exists include reviewing the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investees, including economic conditions and trends in the general market, significant delays in or failure to complete significant projects, unfavorable regulatory or legal actions expected to substantially impact future earnings potential and lower than expected cash distributions from investees. If the Company determines the decline in the value of its equity method investment is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. The fair value of the Company's investment inSteckman Ridge was determined using a discounted cash flow method and utilized management's best estimates and assumptions related to expected future results, including the price and capacity of firm natural gas storage contracting, operations and maintenance costs, the nature and timing of major maintenance and capital investment, and discount rates. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and other factors. As a result, it is reasonably possible that unfavorable developments, such as the failure to execute storage contracts and other services for available capacity at anticipated price levels could result in an other-than temporary impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. OnJanuary 19, 2018 , PennEast first received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project fromFERC . There were considerable delays throughout the duration of the project. Despite a favorable outcome from the latestSupreme Court ruling onJune 29, 2021 , PennEast continued to experience regulatory and legal challenges preventing the commencement of construction and commercial operation of the project. As a result, we evaluated our equity investment in PennEast for impairment as ofJune 30, 2021 , and determined that it was other-than-temporarily impaired. We estimated the fair value of our investment in PennEast using probability weighted scenarios assigned to discounted future cash flows. The impairment is the result of management's estimates and assumptions regarding the likelihood of certain outcomes related to required regulatory approvals and pending legal matters (the timing of which remains uncertain), the timing and magnitude of construction costs and in-service dates, the evaluation of the current environmental and political climate as it relates to interstate pipeline development, and transportation capacity revenues and discount rates. As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment which is recorded in equity in (losses) earnings from affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. OnSeptember 27, 2021 , it was determined that this project is no longer supported and all further development has ceased. It is possible that future developments could impact the fair value and could result in the recognition of additional impairment charges.
For further information on these investments, see Note 7. Investments in Equity Investees.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed
periodically for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable in accordance
with the appropriate accounting guidance. Factors that the Company analyzes in
determining whether an impairment in its long-lived assets exists include
determining if a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset
is present; a significant adverse change in the extent in which a long-lived
asset is being used in its physical condition; legal proceedings or factors;
significant business climate changes, accumulations of costs in significant
excess of the amounts expected; a current-period operating or cash flow loss
coupled with historical negative cash flows or expected future negative cash
flows; and current expectations that more likely than not, a long-lived asset
will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its
estimated useful life. When an impairment indicator is present, the Company
determines if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable by comparing it to
its expected undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of the asset
is greater than the expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment
charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the
asset over its fair value.
Derivative Instruments
We record our derivative instruments held as assets and liabilities at fair
value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, since we choose not to
designate any of our physical and financial natural gas commodity derivatives as
accounting hedges, changes in the fair value of Energy Services' commodity
derivatives are recognized in earnings, as they occur, as a component of
operating revenues or natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange contracts are
recognized in natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
The fair value of derivative instruments is determined by reference to quoted
market prices of listed exchange-traded contracts, published price quotations,
pipeline tariff information or a combination of those items. Energy Services'
portfolio is valued using the most current and reasonable market information. If
the price underlying a physical commodity transaction does not represent a
visible and liquid market, Energy Services may utilize additional published
pipeline tariff information and/or other services to determine an equivalent
market price. As of September 30, 2021 , the fair value of its derivative assets
and liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets that is based on
such pricing is considered immaterial.
Should there be a significant change in the underlying market prices or pricing
assumptions, Energy Services may experience a significant impact on its
financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Refer to Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks for a sensitivity
analysis related to the impact to derivative fair values resulting from changes
in commodity prices. The valuation methods we use to determine fair values
remained consistent for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019. We apply a discount to our
derivative assets to factor in an adjustment associated with the credit risk of
its physical natural gas counterparties and to our derivative liabilities to
factor in an adjustment associated with its own credit risk. We determine this
amount by using historical default probabilities corresponding to the
appropriate S&P issuer ratings. Since the majority of our counterparties are
rated investment grade, this results in an immaterial credit risk adjustment.
Gains and losses associated with derivatives utilized by NJNG to manage the
price risk inherent in its natural gas purchasing activities are recoverable
through its BGSS, subject to BPU approval. Accordingly, the offset to the change
in fair value of these derivatives is recorded as either a regulatory asset or
liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Clean Energy Ventures hedges certain of its expected production of SRECs through
forward and futures contracts. Clean Energy Ventures intends to physically
deliver all SRECs it sells and recognizes SREC revenue as operating revenue on
the Consolidated Statements of Operations upon delivery of the underlying SREC.
We have not designated any derivatives as fair value or cash flow hedges as of
Income Taxes
The determination of our provision for income taxes requires the use of
estimates and the interpretation and application of tax laws. Judgment is
required in assessing the deductibility and recoverability of certain tax
benefits. We use the asset and liability method to determine and record deferred
tax assets and liabilities, representing future tax benefits and taxes payable,
which result from the differences in basis recorded in GAAP financial statements
and amounts recorded in the income tax returns. The deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recorded utilizing the statutorily enacted tax rates expected to
be in effect at
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
the time the assets are realized, and/or the liabilities settled. An offsetting
valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all
of the deferred income tax assets won't be realized. Any significant changes to
the estimates and judgments with respect to the interpretations, timing or
deductibility could result in a material change to earnings and cash flows. For
a more detailed description of Income Taxes see Note 13. Income Taxes in the
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
For state income tax and other taxes, estimates and judgments are required with
respect to the apportionment among the various jurisdictions. In addition, we
operate within multiple tax jurisdictions and are subject to audits in these
jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an
extended period of time to resolve. We maintain a liability for the estimate of
potential income tax exposure and, in our opinion, adequate provisions for
income taxes have been made for all years reported. Any significant changes to
the estimates and judgments with respect to the apportionment factor could
result in a material change to earnings and cash flows.
Occasionally, the federal and state taxing authorities determine that it is
necessary to make certain changes to the income tax laws. These changes may
include but are not limited to changes in the tax rates and/or the treatment of
certain items of income or expense. Accounting guidance requires that the
Company reflect the effect of tax laws or tax rates at the date of enactment.
Additionally, the Company is required to re-measure its deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of the date of enactment. For non-regulated entities, the effect
of changes in tax rates and/or tax laws are required to be included in income
from continuing operations for the period that includes the enactment date. For
regulated entities, if as the result of an action by a regulator it is probable
that the future increase or decrease in taxes payable for items such as changes
in tax law or rates will be recovered from or returned to customers through
future rates, an asset or liability shall be recognized for that probable
increase or decrease in future revenue. Accounting guidance also requires that
regulatory liabilities and/or assets be considered a temporary difference for
which a related deferred tax asset and/or liability shall be recognized.
Accounting guidance requires that we establish reserves for uncertain tax
positions when it is more likely than not that the positions will not be
sustained when challenged by taxing authorities. Any changes to the estimates
and judgments with respect to the interpretations, timing or deductibility could
result in a change to earnings and cash flows. Interest and penalties related to
unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recognized within income tax expense and
accrued interest, and penalties are recognized within accrued taxes on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
To the extent that NJNG invests in property that qualifies for ITCs, the ITC is
deferred and amortized to income over the life of the equipment in accordance
with regulatory treatment. In general, for our unregulated subsidiaries, we
record ITCs on the balance sheet as a contra-asset as a reduction to property,
plant and equipment when the property is placed in service. The contra asset is
amortized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction to
depreciation expense, over the useful lives of the related assets.
Changes to the federal statutes related to ITCs, which have the effect of reducing or eliminating the credits, could have a negative impact on earnings and cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of recently issued accounting
standards.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Management's Overview
Consolidated
NJR is a diversified energy services holding company providing retail natural
gas service in New Jersey and wholesale natural gas and related energy services
to customers in the U.S. and Canada . In addition, we invest in clean energy
projects, storage and transportation assets and provide various repair, sales
and installation services. A more detailed description of our organizational
structure can be found in Item 1. Business.
The following sections include a discussion of results for fiscal 2021 compared
to fiscal 2020. The comparative results for fiscal 2020 with fiscal 2019 have
been omitted from this Form 10-K, but may be found in Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in
Exhibit Number 99.1 on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 27, 2021 .
Reporting Segments
We have four primary reporting segments as presented in the chart below: [[Image Removed: njr-20210930_g6.jpg]]
In addition to our four reporting segments above, we have non-utility operations that either provide corporate support services or do not meet the criteria to be treated as a separate reporting segment. These operations, which comprise Home Services and Other, include: appliance repair services, sales and installations at NJRHS and commercial real estate holdings at CR&R.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
We closely monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and have taken
steps intended to limit potential exposure for our employees and those we serve.
We have also taken proactive steps to ensure business continuity in the safe
operation of our business. Both NJR and NJNG continue to have sufficient
liquidity to meet their current obligations, and business operations remain
fundamentally unchanged at this time. This remains an evolving situation, and we
cannot predict the extent or duration of the outbreak, the effects of the
pandemic on the global, national or local economy or its effects on our
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We cannot predict the
nature and extent of impacts to future operations. We will continue to monitor
developments affecting our employees, customers and operations and take
additional steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, as necessary.
Operating Results
Net income (loss) and assets by reporting segment and operations for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , are as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Net Income Assets Net Income Assets Net Income Assets Natural Gas Distribution$ 107,375 $ 3,707,461 $ 126,902 $ 3,531,477 $ 78,062 $ 3,064,309 Clean Energy Ventures 16,789 914,788 22,111 814,277 31,903 694,439 Energy Services 58,957 365,423
(11,008) 244,836 (1,268) 290,847
(67,787) 862,407 18,311 844,799 14,689 240,955
Home Services and Other (826) 162,134 5,784 138,375 1,637 104,411
Intercompany (1) 3,382 (289,935) 907 (257,287) (1,088) (237,019)
Total $ 117,890 $ 5,722,278 $ 163,007 $ 5,316,477 $ 123,935 $ 4,157,942 (1)Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation.
The decrease in net income of$45.1 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, was driven primarily by the impairment of our equity method investment in PennEast, partially offset by increased earnings at Energy Services due to strong market demand related to the extreme cold weather duringFebruary 2021 . The primary drivers of the changes noted above are described in more detail in the individual segment discussions. The increase in assets during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, was additional investment in utility plant in our Natural Gas Distribution segment, solar asset investments atClean Energy Ventures , and increased infrastructure spend inStorage and Transportation primarily related to the on-going conversion and construction of the southern end of Adelphia Gateway, along with an increase in accounts receivable at Energy Services, partially offset by the impairment of our equity method investment in PennEast.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Our management uses NFE, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating our
operating results. Energy Services economically hedges its natural gas inventory
with financial derivative instruments. NFE is a measure of the earnings based on
eliminating timing differences surrounding the recognition of certain gains or
losses, to effectively match the earnings effects of the economic hedges with
the physical sale of natural gas and, therefore, eliminates the impact of
volatility to GAAP earnings associated with the derivative instruments. To the
extent we utilize forwards, futures or other derivatives to hedge forecasted
SREC production, unrealized gains and losses are also eliminated from NFE. NFE
also excludes impairment charges associated with equity method investments,
which are a non-cash charge considered unusual in nature that occur infrequently
and are not indicative of the Company's performance for our ongoing operations.
Included in the tax effects are current and deferred income tax expense
corresponding with the components of NFE.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to,
GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or a
replacement of, the comparable GAAP measure and should be read in conjunction
with those GAAP results.
Page 36
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Below is a reconciliation of consolidated net income, the most directly
comparable GAAP measure, to NFE for the fiscal years ended September 30 :
(Thousands, except per share data) 2021 2020 2019
Net income $ 117,890 $ 163,007 $ 123,935
Add:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related
transactions 54,203 (9,644) 2,881
Tax effect (12,887) 2,296 (711)
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (1) (42,405) 12,690 4,309
Tax effect 10,078 (3,016) (1,024)
Impairment of equity method investment 92,000 - -
Tax effect (11,167) - -
Net financial earnings $ 207,712 $ 165,333 $ 129,390
Basic earnings per share $ 1.23 $ 1.72 $ 1.39
Add:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related
transactions 0.56 (0.10) 0.03
Tax effect (0.13) 0.02 (0.01)
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (1) (0.44) 0.13 0.05
Tax effect 0.10 (0.03) (0.01)
Impairment of equity method investment 0.96 - -
Tax effect (0.12) - -
Basic net financial earnings per share $ 2.16 (1)Effects of hedging natural gas inventory transactions where the economic impact is realized in a future period.
NFE by reporting segment and other operations for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , discussed in more detail within the operating results sections of each segment, is summarized as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Natural Gas Distribution$ 107,375 52 %$ 126,902 77 %$ 78,062 60 % Clean Energy Ventures 16,789 8 22,111 13 31,903 25 Energy Services 71,117 34 (7,873) (5) 2,918 2 Storage and Transportation 13,046 6 18,311 11 14,689 11 Home Services and Other (826) - 5,784 4 1,911 2 Eliminations (1) 211 - 98 - (93) - Total$ 207,712 100 %$ 165,333 100 %$ 129,390 100 %
(1) Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation.
The increase in NFE of$42.4 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, was due primarily to increased earnings at Energy Services as previously discussed.
Natural Gas Distribution Segment
Overview
Our Natural Gas Distribution segment is comprised of NJNG, a natural gas utility that provides regulated natural gas service throughoutBurlington ,Middlesex ,Monmouth ,Morris ,Ocean andSussex counties inNew Jersey to approximately 564,000 residential and commercial customers in its service territory and also participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. The business is subject to various risks, including those risks associated with COVID-19, which may include but are not limited to impacts to customer growth and customer usage, customer collections, the timing and costs of capital expenditures and construction of infrastructure projects, operating and financing costs, fluctuations in commodity prices and customer conservation efforts. In addition, NJNG may be subject to adverse economic conditions, certain regulatory actions, environmental remediation and severe weather conditions. It is often difficult to predict the impact of events or trends associated with these risks. Page 37 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) NJNG's business is seasonal by nature, as weather conditions directly influence the volume of natural gas delivered to customers on an annual basis. Specifically, customer demand substantially increases during the winter months when natural gas is used for heating purposes. As a result, NJNG receives most of its natural gas distribution revenues during the first and second fiscal quarters and is subject to variations in earnings and working capital during the fiscal year. As a regulated company, NJNG is required to recognize the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. See Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion on regulatory actions, including filings related to programs and associated expenditures, as well as rate requests related to recovery of capital investments and operating costs.
NJNG's operations are managed with the goal of providing safe and reliable service, growing its customer base, diversifying its utility gross margin, promoting clean energy programs and mitigating the risks discussed above.
Base Rate Case
OnMarch 30, 2021 , NJNG filed a base rate case with the BPU requesting a natural gas revenue increase of$165.7 million including a rate recovery for SRL and other infrastructure investments. OnJuly 9, 2021 , the Company updated its base rate request to$163.9 million , based on nine months of actual information throughJune 30, 2021 . OnSeptember 23, 2021 , NJNG filed its second update to the base rate case. The updated filing seeks a base rate increase of$162.5 million . OnNovember 17, 2021 , the BPU issued an order adopting a stipulation of settlement approving a$79.0 million increase to base rates, effectiveDecember 1, 2021 . The increase includes an overall rate of return on rate base of 6.84 percent, return on common equity of 9.6 percent, a common equity ratio of 54.0 percent and a composite depreciation rate of 2.78 percent.
Infrastructure Projects
NJNG has significant annual capital expenditures associated with the management
of its natural gas distribution and transmission system, including new utility
plant associated with customer growth and its associated PIM and infrastructure
programs. Below is a summary of NJNG's capital expenditures, including accruals
for fiscal 2021 and estimates of expected investments over the next fiscal year:
[[Image Removed: njr-20210930_g7.jpg]]Estimated capital expenditures are reviewed on a regular basis and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory oversight, environmental regulations, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Infrastructure Investment Program
On February 28, 2019 , NJNG filed a petition with the BPU seeking authority to
implement a five-year IIP. The IIP consisted of two components: transmission and
distribution investments and information technology replacement and
enhancements. The total investment for the IIP was approximately $507.0 million .
All approved investments will be recovered through annual filings to adjust base
rates. On October 28, 2020 , the BPU approved the Company's transmission and
distribution component of the IIP for $150.0 million over five years, effective
November 1, 2020 . NJNG voluntarily withdrew the information technology upgrade
component and will seek to recover associated costs in future rate case
proceedings.
SAFE II and NJ RISE
NJNG continues to implement BPU-approved infrastructure projects that are designed to enhance the reliability and integrity of NJNG's natural gas distribution system.
The BPU approved the 5-year SAFE II program and the associated rate mechanism to replace the remaining unprotected steel mains and services from NJNG's natural gas distribution system at an estimated cost of approximately$200.0 million , excluding AFUDC. With the approval of SAFE II,$157.5 million was approved for accelerated cost recovery methodology. The remaining$42.5 million in capital expenditures must be requested for recovery in base rate cases, of which$23.4 million was approved in NJNG's 2019 base rate case with the remainder included in the 2021 base rate case. The BPU approved NJNG's NJ RISE capital infrastructure program, which consists of six capital investment projects estimated to cost$102.5 million , excluding AFUDC, for natural gas distribution storm hardening and mitigation projects, along with associated depreciation expense. These system enhancements are intended to minimize service impacts during extreme weather events to customers in the most storm-prone areas of NJNG's service territory. Recovery of NJ RISE investments is included in NJNG's base rates. OnMarch 30, 2020 , NJNG filed a petition with the BPU requesting a rate increase of approximately$7.4 million for the recovery associated with NJ RISE and SAFE II capital investment costs of approximately$57.9 million . OnJuly 24, 2020 , the Company updated the filing with actual information throughJune 30, 2020 and the revised rate increase requested was$7.1 million based on$55.1 million of actual capital investments. OnSeptember 9, 2020 , the BPU approved the increase to base rate revenue, effectiveOctober 1, 2020 . OnMarch 31, 2021 , NJNG filed a petition with the BPU requesting the final base rate increase of approximately$311,000 for the recovery associated with NJ RISE and SAFE II capital investments cost of approximately$3.4 million made throughJune 30, 2021 . OnJune 22, 2021 , this filing was consolidated with the 2021 base rate case and onJuly 30, 2021 , was updated for actual information throughJune 30, 2021 , which revised the increase requested to$269,000 . OnNovember 17, 2021 , the BPU issued an order for the consolidated matter which included approval for the final increase for the NJ RISE/SAFE II programs for the requested$269,000 .
Southern Reliability Link
The SRL is an approximately 30-mile, 30-inch transmission main designed to support improved system reliability and integrity in the southern portion of NJNG's service territory. Construction began on the project inDecember 2018 and SRL was placed in service duringAugust 2021 .
Customer Growth
In conducting NJNG's business, management focuses on factors it believes may
have significant influence on its future financial results. NJNG's policy is to
work with all stakeholders, including customers, regulators and policymakers, to
achieve favorable results. These factors include the rate of NJNG's customer
growth in its service territory, which can be influenced by political and
regulatory policies, the delivered cost of natural gas compared with competing
fuels, interest rates and general economic and business conditions.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
NJNG's total customers as of September 30 , include the following:
2021 2020 2019
Firm customers
Residential 502,546 497,779 486,474
Commercial, industrial & other 30,615 28,735 28,992
Residential transport 21,882 22,420 22,870
Commercial transport 8,815 9,184 9,237
Total firm customers 563,858 558,118 547,573
Other 47 48 53
Total customers 563,905 558,166 547,626
During fiscal 2021, NJNG added 7,854 new customers. NJNG expects these new
customer additions, and those customers who added additional natural gas
services to their premises to contribute approximately $5.6 million to utility
gross margin during fiscal 2022. NJNG also added 8,349 and 9,711 new customers
during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NJNG continues to expect to add approximately 28,000 to 30,000 new customers
during the three-year period of fiscal 2022 to 2024. Based on information from
municipalities and developers, as well as external industry analysts and
management's experience, NJNG estimates that approximately 63 percent of the
growth will come from new construction markets and 37 percent from customer
conversions to natural gas from other fuel sources. This new customer and
conversion growth would increase utility gross margin under NJNG's base rates by
approximately $6.2 million annually, as calculated under NJNG's CIP tariff. See
the Natural Gas Distribution Segment Operating Results section that follows for
a definition and further discussion of utility gross margin.
Energy Efficiency Programs
SAVEGREEN conducts home energy audits and provides various grants, incentives and financing alternatives designed to encourage the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and other energy efficiency upgrades. Depending on the specific incentive or approval, NJNG recovers costs associated with the programs over a two- to 10-year period through a tariff rider mechanism. OnMarch 3, 2021 , the BPU approved a three-year SAVEGREEN program consisting of approximately$126.1 million of direct investment,$109.4 million in financing options, and approximately$23.4 million in operation and maintenance expenses, which resulted in a$15.6 million annual recovery increase, effectiveJuly 1, 2021 . OnMay 29, 2020 , NJNG filed a petition with the BPU for a slight decrease in its EE recovery rate. Throughout the course of the proceeding, NJNG updated the filing with additional actual information. Based on the updated information, the BPU approved NJNG to maintain its existing rate, which will result in an annual recovery of approximately$11.4 million , effectiveNovember 1, 2020 . OnJune 11, 2021 , NJNG submitted its annual cost recovery filing for the SAVEGREEN programs established from 2010 through 2018. If approved, the proposed rate increase will increase annual recoveries by$2.2 million , expected to be effective in early 2022. The following table summarizes loans, grants, rebates and related investments as ofSeptember 30 : (Thousands) 2021 2020 Loans$ 132,800 $ 119,400
Grants, rebates and related investments 98,100 80,500 Total
$ 230,900 $ 199,900 Program recoveries from customers during the fiscal year endedSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, were$12.4 million and$10.3 million , respectively. The recovery includes a weighted average cost of capital that ranges from 6.69 percent to 7.76 percent, with a return on equity of 9.6 percent to 10.3 percent. Page 40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Conservation Incentive Program/BGSS The CIP facilitates normalizing NJNG's utility gross margin for variances not only due to weather but also for other factors affecting customer usage, such as conservation and energy efficiency. Recovery of utility gross margin for the non-weather variance through the CIP is limited to the amount of certain natural gas supply cost savings achieved and is subject to a variable margin revenue test. Additionally, recovery of the CIP utility gross margin is subject to an annual earnings test. An annual review of the CIP must be filed byJune 1 , coincident with NJNG's annual BGSS filing, during which NJNG can request rate changes to the CIP. NJNG's total utility firm gross margin includes the following adjustments related to the CIP mechanism: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Weather (1)$ 13,273 $ 17,882 $ 2,699 Usage (1,852) 292 (341) Total$ 11,421 $ 18,174 $ 2,358
(1)Compared with the CIP 20-year average, weather was 6.5 percent, 7.6 percent and 1 percent warmer-than-normal during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
Recovery of Natural Gas Costs
NJNG's cost of natural gas is passed through to our customers, without markup, by applying NJNG's authorized BGSS rate to actual therms delivered. There is no utility gross margin associated with BGSS costs; therefore, changes in such costs do not impact NJNG's earnings. NJNG monitors its actual natural gas costs in comparison to its BGSS rates to manage its cash flows associated with its allowed recovery of natural gas costs, which is facilitated through BPU-approved deferred accounting and the BGSS pricing mechanism. Accordingly, NJNG occasionally adjusts its periodic BGSS rates or can issue credits or refunds, as appropriate, for its residential and small commercial customers when the commodity cost varies from the existing BGSS rate. BGSS rates for its large commercial customers are adjusted monthly based on NYMEX prices. NJNG's residential and commercial markets are currently open to competition, and its rates are segregated between BGSS (i.e., natural gas commodity) and delivery (i.e., transportation) components. NJNG earns utility gross margin through the delivery of natural gas to its customers and, therefore, is not negatively affected by customers who use its transportation service and purchase natural gas from another supplier. Under an existing order from the BPU, BGSS can be provided by suppliers other than the state's natural gas utilities; however, customers who purchase natural gas from another supplier continue to use NJNG for transportation service. OnNovember 20, 2020 , NJNG notified the BPU of its intent to provide BGSS bill credits to residential and small commercial sales customers effectiveDecember 1, 2020 toDecember 31, 2020 . OnDecember 22, 2020 , NJNG notified the BPU of the extension of the BGSS bill credits throughJanuary 31, 2021 . The actual bill credits given to customers totaled$20.6 million ,$19.3 million net of tax. OnMarch 3, 2021 , the BPU approved, on a final basis, NJNG's annual petition to modify its BGSS, balancing charge and CIP rates for residential and small commercial customers. The rate changes resulted in a$20.4 million decrease to the annual revenues credited to BGSS, a$3.8 million annual decrease related to its balancing charge, as well as changes to CIP rates, which resulted in a$16.5 million annual recovery increase, effectiveOctober 1, 2020 . The balancing charge rate includes the cost of balancing natural gas deliveries with customer usage for sales and transportation customers and balancing charge revenues are credited to BGSS. OnMay 28, 2021 , NJNG submitted its annual petition to modify its BGSS, balancing charge and CIP rates. OnNovember 17, 2021 , the BPU approved a$2.9 million increase to the annual revenues credited to BGSS, a$13.0 million annual increase related to its balancing charge, as well as changes to CIP rates, which result in a$6.3 million decrease to our annual recovery decrease, effectiveDecember 1, 2021 .
Refer to Note 4. Regulation - BGSS and CIP in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of NJNG's periodic BGSS and CIP rate adjustments.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
BGSS Incentive Programs
NJNG is eligible to receive financial incentives for reducing BGSS costs through
a series of utility gross margin-sharing programs that include off-system sales,
capacity release and storage incentive programs. These programs are designed to
encourage better utilization and hedging of NJNG's natural gas supply,
transportation and storage assets. Depending on the program, NJNG shares 80 or
85 percent of utility gross margin generated by these programs with firm
customers. Utility gross margin from incentive programs was $13.4 million , $9.5
million and $8.4 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 , 2020
and 2019, respectively.
Hedging
In order to provide relative price stability to its natural gas supply
portfolio, NJNG employs a hedging strategy with the goal of having at least 75
percent of the Company's projected winter periodic BGSS natural gas sales
volumes hedged by each November 1 and at least 25 percent of the projected
periodic BGSS natural gas sales hedged for the following April-through-March
period. This is accomplished with the use of various financial instruments
including futures, swaps and options used in conjunction with commodity and/or
weather-related hedging activity.
Commodity Prices
Our Natural Gas Distribution segment is affected by the price of natural gas,
which can have a significant impact on our cash flows, short-term financing
costs, the price of natural gas charged to our customers through the BGSS
clause, our ability to collect accounts receivable, which impacts our bad debt
expense, and our ability to maintain a competitive advantage over other energy
sources. Natural gas commodity prices are shown in the graph below, which
illustrates the daily natural gas prices(1) in the Northeast market region, also
known as TETCO M-3.
[[Image Removed: njr-20210930_g8.jpg]]
(1) Data sourced from
The maximum price per MMBtu was$14.57 ,$5.59 and$9.17 and the minimum price was$0.28 ,$0.68 and$1.09 for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30, 2021 , 2020 and 2019, respectively. A more detailed discussion of the impacts of the price of natural gas on operating revenues, natural gas purchases and cash flows can be found in the Results of Operations and Cash Flow sections of Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Page 42 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Societal Benefits Charge NJNG's qualifying customers are eligible for the USF program, which is administered by theNew Jersey Department of Community Affairs , to help make energy bills more affordable. OnJune 25, 2020 , NJNG filed its annual USF compliance filing proposing a decrease to the statewide USF rate, which will result in annual decreases of approximately$400,000 . OnSeptember 23, 2020 , the BPU approved the decrease, effectiveOctober 1, 2020 .
On
OnApril 7, 2021 , the BPU approved on a final basis NJNG's annual SBC application to recover remediation expenses, including an increase in the RAC, of approximately$1.3 million annually and an increase to the NJCEP factor, of approximately$6.0 million , which was effectiveMay 1, 2021 .
On
OnSeptember 30, 2021 , NJNG filed its annual SBC application requesting recovery of remediation expenses, an increase in the RAC of approximately$2.0 million annually and an annual decrease to the NJCEP factor of$500,000 effectiveApril 1, 2022 .
Environmental Remediation
NJNG is responsible for the environmental remediation of former MGP sites, which contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations that ceased operating at these sites by the mid-1950s and, in some cases, had been discontinued many years earlier. Actual MGP remediation costs may vary from management's estimates due to the developing nature of remediation requirements, regulatory decisions by the NJDEP and related litigation. NJNG reviews these costs at the end of each fiscal year and adjusts its liability and corresponding regulatory asset as necessary to reflect its expected future remediation obligation. Accordingly, NJNG recognized a regulatory asset and an obligation of$135.0 million as ofSeptember 30, 2021 , a decrease of$15.6 million compared with the prior fiscal period. InJune 2019 , NJNG initiated a preliminary assessment of a site in Aberdeen,New Jersey to determine prior ownership and if former MGP operations were active at the location. The preliminary assessment and site investigation activities are ongoing at the Aberdeen, NJ site location and based on initial findings will be moving to remedial investigation phase. The costs associated with preliminary assessment, site investigation and remedial investigation activities are considered immaterial and are included as a component of NJNG's annual SBC application to recover remediation expenses. We will continue to gather information to further refine and enhance its estimate of potential costs for this site as it becomes available. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for a more detailed description.
Other regulatory filings and a more detailed discussion of the filings in this section can be found in Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Operating Results
NJNG's operating results for the fiscal years ended September 30 , are as
follows:
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Operating revenues $ 731,796 $ 729,923 $ 710,793
Operating expenses
Natural gas purchases (1) (2) 260,714 287,307 336,489
Operation and maintenance 203,740 162,792 171,198
Regulatory rider expense (3) 38,304 34,529 33,937
Depreciation and amortization 80,045 71,883 57,980
Total operating expenses 582,803 556,511 599,604
Operating income 148,993 173,412 111,189
Other income, net 13,841 11,486 2,441
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 36,405 30,975 26,134
Income tax provision 19,054 27,021 9,434
Net income $ 107,375 $ 126,902 $ 78,062
(1)Includes the purchased cost of the natural gas, fees paid to pipelines and
storage facilities, adjustments as a result of BGSS incentive programs and
hedging transactions. These expenses are passed through to customers and are
offset by corresponding revenues.
(2)Includes related party transactions of approximately $13.0 million , $11.5
million and $16.2 million during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, a
portion of which are eliminated in consolidation.
(3)Consists of expenses associated with state-mandated programs, the RAC and
energy efficiency programs, and are calculated on a per-therm basis. These
expenses are passed through to customers and are offset by corresponding
revenues.
Operating Revenues and Natural Gas Purchases
Operating revenues remained relatively flat during fiscal 2021 compared with
fiscal 2020. Natural gas purchases decreased 9.3 percent during fiscal 2021
compared with fiscal 2020. The factors contributing to the increases and
decreases in operating revenues and natural gas purchases during fiscal 2021,
are as follows:
2021 v. 2020
Operating Natural gas
(Thousands) revenues purchases
Firm sales $ 24,853 $ 8,839
Bill credits (20,590) (20,590)
Average BGSS rates (20,398) (20,398)
BGSS incentives 9,460 5,517
Base rate impact 5,076 -
CIP adjustments (6,753) -
SAFE II/NJ RISE 6,689 -
Other (1) 3,536 39
Total increase (decrease) $ 1,873 $ (26,593) (1)Other includes changes in rider rates, including those related to EE, NJCEP and other programs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management uses utility gross margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, when
evaluating the operating results of NJNG. NJNG's utility gross margin is defined
as natural gas revenues less natural gas purchases, sales tax and regulatory
rider expenses, and may not be comparable to the definition of gross margin used
by others in the natural gas distribution business and other industries.
Management believes that utility gross margin provides a meaningful basis for
evaluating utility operations since natural gas costs, sales tax and regulatory
rider expenses are included in operating revenues and passed through to
customers and, therefore, have no effect on utility gross margin. Non-GAAP
financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and
should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable
GAAP measure.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Utility Gross Margin
A reconciliation of operating revenues, the closest GAAP financial measure to
NJNG's utility gross margin, is as follows for the fiscal years ended September
30 :
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Operating revenues $ 731,796 $ 729,923 $ 710,793
Less:
Natural gas purchases 260,714 287,307 336,489
Regulatory rider expense 38,304 34,529 33,937
Utility gross margin $ 432,778 $ 408,087 $ 340,367 Utility gross margin consists of three components:
•utility firm gross margin generated from only the delivery component of either a sales tariff or a transportation tariff from residential and commercial customers who receive natural gas service from NJNG;
•BGSS incentive programs, where revenues generated or savings achieved from BPU-approved off-system sales, capacity release or storage incentive programs are shared between customers and NJNG; and
•utility gross margin generated from off-tariff customers, as well as interruptible customers.
The following provides more information on the components of utility gross
margin and associated throughput (Bcf) of natural gas delivered to customers:
2021 2020 2019
($ in thousands) Margin Bcf Margin Bcf Margin Bcf
Utility gross margin/throughput
Residential $ 288,723 46.2
64,950 8.6 57,929 8.2 50,553 9.7
Firm transportation 61,870 13.7 60,199 13.3 51,069 13.7
Total utility firm gross margin/throughput 415,543 68.5 393,161 66.1 326,219 69.4
BGSS incentive programs 13,415 101.3 9,471 118.4 8,398 123.8
Interruptible/off-tariff agreements 3,820 22.9 5,455 30.9 5,750 39.0
Total utility gross margin/throughput $ 432,778 192.7 $ 408,087 215.4 $ 340,367 232.2
Utility Firm Gross Margin
Utility firm gross margin increased $22.4 million during fiscal 2021 compared
with fiscal 2020, due primarily to the increase in firm sales and base rates,
along with increased returns on infrastructure programs related to SAFE II and
NJ RISE.
BGSS Incentive Programs
The factors contributing to the change in utility gross margin generated by BGSS
incentive programs are as follows:
(Thousands) 2021 v. 2020
Storage $ 2,664
Off-system sales 1,263
Capacity release 16
Total increase $ 3,943
The increase in utility gross margin was due primarily to improved opportunities
for storage incentive compared with the prior year along with increased margins
from off-system sales.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Operation and Maintenance Expense
O&M expense increased
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense increased
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased$5.4 million in fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to the timing of issuance of outstanding long-term debt and additional short-term borrowings.
Other Income
Other income increased
Income Tax Provision
Income tax provision decreased
Net Income
Net income decreased
Clean Energy Ventures Segment
Overview
OurClean Energy Ventures segment actively pursues opportunities in the renewable energy markets. Clean Energy Ventures enters into various agreements to install solar net-metered systems for residential and commercial customers, as well as large commercial grid-connected projects. In addition,Clean Energy Ventures enters into various long-term agreements, including PPAs, to supply energy from commercial solar projects. Capital expenditures related to clean energy projects are subject to change due to a variety of factors that may affect our ability to commence operations at these projects on a timely basis or at all, including logistics associated with the start-up of residential and commercial solar projects, such as timing of construction schedules, the permitting and regulatory process, any delays related to electric grid interconnection, economic trends, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital or allocation of capital to other investments or business opportunities. Clean Energy Ventures is also subject to risks associated with COVID-19, which may include impacts to residential solar customer growth and customer collections, our ability to identify and develop commercial solar asset investments, impacts to our supply chain and our ability to source materials for construction. The primary contributors toward the value of qualifying clean energy projects are tax incentives and RECs. Changes in the federal statutes related to the ITC and/or relevant state legislation and regulatory policies affecting the market for solar renewable energy credits, could significantly affect future results. Page 46 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Solar Solar projects placed in service and related expenditures for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , are as follows: ($ in Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Placed in service Projects MW Costs Projects MW Costs Projects MW Costs Grid-connected (1) (2) 1 2.9$ 3,433 9 60.1$ 121,516 3 29.0$ 64,684 Net-metered: Commercial (1) (3) 1 2.7 5,576 - - 43 4 22.8 71,730 Residential 421 4.8 13,885 481 5.9 17,474 815 8.3 26,796 Total placed in service 423 10.4$ 22,894 490 66.0$ 139,033 822 60.1$ 163,210 (1)Includes projects subject to sale leaseback arrangements. (2)Includes an operational 2.9 MW commercial solar project acquired inDecember 2020 . (3)Includes a 4.4 MW commercial solar project acquired inAugust 2019 . Since inception,Clean Energy Ventures has constructed a total of 367.8 MW of solar capacity. Projects that were placed in service throughDecember 31, 2019 , qualified for a 30-percent federal ITC. The ITC declined to 26 percent for property under construction before the end of 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the 26 percent ITC for property under construction during 2021 and 2022. The ITC will drop to 22 percent for property under construction before the end of 2023. After 2023 the ITC will be reduced to 10 percent. Projects placed in service afterDecember 31, 2019 , also qualified for a 30 percent federal ITC if five percent or more of the total costs of a solar property are incurred before the end of the applicable year and there are continuous efforts to advance towards completion of the project, based on theIRS guidance around the ITC safe harbor determination. We have taken steps to preserve the ITC at the higher rate for certain solar projects that are completed after the scheduled reduction in rates, in accordance withIRS guidance. Clean Energy Ventures may enter into transactions to sell certain of its commercial solar assets concurrent with agreements to lease the assets back over a period of five to 15 years. The Company will continue to operate the solar assets and are responsible for related expenses and entitled to retain the revenue generated from SRECs, TRECs and energy sales. The ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects transfer to the buyer, if applicable; however, the lease payments are structured so thatClean Energy Ventures is compensated for the transfer of the related tax incentives. Accordingly, for solar projects financed under sale leasebacks for which the assets were sold during the first 5 years of in-service life,Clean Energy Ventures recognizes the equivalent value of the ITC in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective five-year ITC recapture periods, starting with the second year of the lease. During fiscal 2021 and 2020,Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of$17.7 million and$42.9 million , respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of commercial solar assets. There were no sale leasebacks during fiscal 2019. As part of its solar investment portfolio,Clean Energy Ventures operates a residential and small commercial solar program, The Sunlight Advantage®, that provides qualifying homeowners and small business owners the opportunity to have a solar system installed at their home or place of business with no installation or maintenance expenses. Clean Energy Ventures owns, operates and maintains the system over the life of the contract in exchange for monthly payments. For solar installations placed in-service inNew Jersey prior toApril 30, 2020 , each MWh of electricity produced creates an SREC that represents the renewable energy attribute of the solar-electricity generated that can be sold to third parties, predominantly load-serving entities that are required to comply with the solar requirements underNew Jersey's renewable portfolio standard. InDecember 2019 , the BPU established the TREC as pursuant to the successor program to the SREC program. TRECs provide a fixed compensation base multiplied by an assigned project factor in order to determine their value. The project factor is determined by the type and location of the project, as defined. All TRECs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a TREC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. Page 47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) SREC and TREC activity for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , is as follows: 2021 2020 2019 SRECs TRECs SRECs TRECs SRECs Inventory balance as of October 1, 35,011 9,270 53,395 - 105,192 RECs generated 406,118 31,767 389,716 9,270 311,803 RECs delivered (333,025) (34,093) (408,100) - (363,600) Inventory balance as of September 30, 108,104 6,944 35,011 9,270 53,395 The average SREC sales price was$196 in fiscal 2021,$199 in fiscal 2020 and$207 in fiscal 2019 and the average TREC price was$144 in both fiscal 2021 and 2020. Clean Energy Ventures hedges its expected SREC production through the use of forward sales contracts. The following table reflects the hedged percentage of our projected inventory related to its in-service commercial and residential assets: Energy Year (1) Percent of SRECs Hedged 2022 100% 2023 99% 2024 95% 2025 41% 2026 17%
(1)Energy years are compliance periods for
There are no direct costs associated with the production of SRECs or TRECs by our solar assets. All related costs are included as a component of O&M expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, including such expenses as facility maintenance and broker fees.
Operating Results
Clean Energy Ventures' financial results for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , are summarized as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Operating revenues$ 95,275 $ 102,617 $ 98,099 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 36,715 30,310 28,614 Depreciation and amortization (1) 20,567 25,329 22,376 Total operating expenses (1) 57,282 55,639 50,990 Operating income (1) 37,993 46,978 47,109 Other income, net 6,392 6,420 6,910 Interest expense, net 22,548 20,253 14,846 Income tax provision (1) 5,048 11,034 7,270 Net income (1)$ 16,789 $ 22,111 $ 31,903
(1)Amounts in fiscal 2020 and 2019 have been adjusted for the change in accounting method related to ITCs, see Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more detail.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased
Operation and Maintenance Expense
O&M expense increased$6.4 million in fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to increased project maintenance, lease expenses and information technology expenses. Page 48 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Depreciation Expense Depreciation expense decreased$4.8 million in fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to the change in estimated useful lives of our commercial solar assets, effectiveJuly 1, 2020 .
Income Tax Provision
Income tax provision decreased$6.0 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to lower operating income along with a decrease in the state tax rate resulting from tax reform inNew Jersey .
Net Income
Net income in fiscal 2021 decreased
Energy Services Segment
Overview
Energy Services markets and sells natural gas to wholesale and retail customers and manages natural gas transportation and storage assets throughout major market areas acrossNorth America . Energy Services maintains a strategic portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage contracts that it utilizes in conjunction with its market expertise to provide service and value to its customers. Availability of these transportation and storage contracts allows Energy Services to generate market opportunities by capturing price differentials over specific time horizons and between geographic market locations. Energy Services also provides management of transportation and storage assets for natural gas producers and regulated utilities. These management transactions typically involve the release of producer/utility-owned storage and/or transportation capacity in combination with either an obligation to purchase and/or deliver physical natural gas. In addition to the contractual purchase and/or sale of physical natural gas, Energy Services generates or pays fee-based margin in exchange for its active management and may provide the producer and/or utility with additional margin based on actual results. In conjunction with the active management of these contracts, Energy Services generates financial margin by identifying market opportunities and simultaneously entering into natural gas purchase/sale, storage or transportation contracts and financial derivative contracts. In cases where storage is utilized to fulfill these contracts, these forecast sales and/or purchases are economically hedged through the use of financial derivative contracts. The financial derivative contracts consist primarily of exchange-traded futures, options and swap contracts, and are frequently used to lock in anticipated transactional cash flows and to help manage volatility in natural gas market prices. Generally, when its transportation and storage contracts are exposed to periods of increased market volatility, Energy Services is able to implement strategies that allow it to capture margin by improving the respective time or geographic spreads on a forward basis. Energy Services accounts for its physical commodity contracts and its financial derivative instruments at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of physical commodity contracts and financial derivative instruments are included in earnings as a component of operating revenues or natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Volatility in reported net income at Energy Services can occur over periods of time due to changes in the fair value of derivatives, as well as timing differences related to certain transactions. Unrealized gains and losses can fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of natural gas, SRECs and foreign currency from the original transaction price. Volatility in earnings can also occur as a result of timing differences between the settlement of financial derivatives and the sale of the underlying physical commodity. For example, when a financial instrument settles and the physical natural gas is injected into inventory, the realized gains and losses associated with the financial instrument are recognized in earnings. However, the gains and losses associated with the physical natural gas are not recognized in earnings until the natural gas inventory is withdrawn from storage and sold, at which time Energy Services realizes the entire margin on the transaction. OnDecember 16, 2020 , Energy Services entered into a series of asset management agreements with an investment grade public utility to release pipeline capacity associated with certain natural gas transportation contracts. The utility will provide certain asset management services and Energy Services may deliver natural gas to the utility in exchange for aggregate net proceeds of approximately$500 million , payable throughNovember 1, 2030 . The asset management agreements include a series of initial and permanent releases commencing onNovember 1, 2021 . NJR will receive approximately$260 million in cash from fiscal 2022 through fiscal 2024 and$34 million per year from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2031 under the agreements. Page 49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Operating Results Energy Services' financial results for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , are summarized as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Operating revenues (1)$ 1,228,420 $ 1,030,419 $ 1,742,791 Operating expenses Natural gas purchases (including demand charges (2)(3)) 1,098,261 1,024,579 1,719,519 Operation and maintenance 50,885 17,368 20,943 Depreciation and amortization 111 123 118 Total operating expenses 1,149,257 1,042,070 1,740,580 Operating income (loss) 79,163 (11,651) 2,211 Other income 369 304 153 Interest expense, net 2,204 3,276 5,205 Income tax provision (benefit) 18,371 (3,615) (1,573) Net income (loss)$ 58,957 $ (11,008) $ (1,268) (1)Includes related party transactions of approximately$426,000 ,$1.1 million and$8.2 million during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which are eliminated in consolidation. (2)Costs associated with pipeline and storage capacity that are expensed over the term of the related contracts, which generally varies from less than one year to 10 years. (3)Includes related party transactions of approximately$841,000 ,$183,000 and$3.4 million during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, a portion of which are eliminated in consolidation. As ofSeptember 30 , Energy Services' portfolio of financial derivative instruments are composed of: (in Bcf) 2021 2020 2019 Net short futures contracts 13.7 29.3 34.6 Net long options - - 1.0
Operating Revenues and Natural Gas Purchases
During fiscal 2021, operating revenues increased$198.0 million and natural gas purchases increased$73.7 million , due primarily to increased natural gas price and volumes compared to the prior period, along with volatility related to the extreme weather in the mid-continent and southern regions of theU.S. duringFebruary 2021 . Future results at Energy Services are contingent upon natural gas market price volatility driven by variations in both the supply and demand balances caused by weather and other factors. As a result, variations in weather patterns in the key market areas served may affect earnings during the fiscal year. Changes in market fundamentals, such as an increase in supply and decrease in demand due to warmer temperatures, and reduced volatility, can negatively impact Energy Services' earnings. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations- Natural Gas Distribution Segment for TETCO M-3 Daily Prices, which illustrates the daily natural gas prices in the Northeast market region.
Operation and Maintenance Expense
O&M expense increased$33.5 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to increased compensation costs, charitable contributions and bad debt expense.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Income taxes increased$22.0 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to increased operating income related to increased natural gas price volatility duringFebruary 2021 , as discussed above.
Net Income (Loss)
Net income increased
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management uses financial margin and NFE, non-GAAP financial measures, when
evaluating the operating results of Energy Services. Financial margin and NFE
are based on removing timing differences associated with certain derivative
instruments, as discussed above. There is a related tax effect on current and
deferred income tax expense corresponding with NFE.
Management views these measures as representative of the overall expected
economic result and uses these measures to compare Energy Services' results
against established benchmarks and earnings targets as these measures eliminate
the impact of volatility on GAAP earnings as a result of timing differences
associated with the settlement of derivative instruments. To the extent that
there are unanticipated impacts from changes in the market value related to the
effectiveness of economic hedges, Energy Services' actual non-GAAP results can
differ from the results anticipated at the outset of the transaction. Non-GAAP
financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and
should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable
GAAP measure.
When Energy Services reconciles the most directly comparable GAAP measure to
both financial margin and NFE, the current period unrealized gains and losses on
derivatives are excluded as a reconciling item. Financial margin and NFE also
exclude the effects of economic hedging of the value of our natural gas in
storage and, therefore, only include realized gains and losses related to
natural gas withdrawn from storage, effectively matching the full earnings
effects of the derivatives with realized margins on the related physical natural
gas flows.
Financial Margin
The following table is a computation of Energy Services' financial margin for
the fiscal years ended September 30 .
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Operating revenues $ 1,228,420 $ 1,030,419 $ 1,742,791
Less: Natural gas purchases 1,098,261 1,024,579 1,719,519
Add:
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related
transactions (1) 58,362 (8,583) 1,195
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory
(2) (42,405) 12,690 4,309
Financial margin $ 146,116 $ 9,947 $ 28,776
(1)Includes unrealized (gains) losses related to an intercompany transaction
between NJNG and Energy Services that have been eliminated in consolidation of
approximately $(3.2) million , $(809,000) and $995,000 , net of taxes for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 , 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)Effects of hedging natural gas inventory transactions where the economic
impact is realized in a future period.
A reconciliation of operating income, the closest GAAP financial measure to
Energy Services' financial margin, is as follows for the fiscal years ended
September 30 :
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Operating income (loss) $ 79,163 $ (11,651) $ 2,211
Add:
Operation and maintenance 50,885 17,368 20,943
Depreciation and amortization 111 123 118
Subtotal 130,159 5,840 23,272
Add:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related
transactions 58,362 (8,583) 1,195
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (42,405) 12,690 4,309
Financial margin $ 146,116 $ 9,947 $ 28,776 Financial margin increased
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Net Financial Earnings
A reconciliation of Energy Services' net income (loss), the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure to NFE, is as follows for the fiscal years
ended September 30 :
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Net income (loss) $ 58,957 $ (11,008) $ (1,268)
Add:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related
transactions 58,362 (8,583) 1,195
Tax effect (1) (13,875) 2,044 (294)
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (42,405) 12,690 4,309
Tax effect 10,078 (3,016) (1,024)
Net financial earnings $ 71,117 $ (7,873) $ 2,918
(1)Includes taxes related to an intercompany transaction between NJNG and Energy
Services that have been eliminated in consolidation of approximately $988,000 ,
$252,000 and $(310,000) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 , 2020 and
2019, respectively.
NFE increased $79.0 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due
primarily to volatility related to the extreme weather in the mid-continent and
southern regions of the U.S. during February 2021 , as previously discussed.
Future results are subject to Energy Services' ability to expand its wholesale
sales and service activities and are contingent upon many other factors,
including an adequate number of appropriate and credit-qualified counterparties
in an active and liquid natural marketplace; volatility in the natural gas
market due to weather or other fundamental market factors impacting supply
and/or demand; transportation, storage and/or other market arbitrage
opportunities; sufficient liquidity in the overall energy trading market; and
continued access to liquidity in the capital markets.
Storage and Transportation Segment
Overview
OurStorage and Transportation segment invests in natural gas assets, such as natural gas transportation and storage facilities. We believe that acquiring, owning and developing these storage and transportation assets, which operate under a tariff structure that has either cost- or market-based rates, can provide us a growth opportunity. OurStorage and Transportation segment is subject to various risks, including the construction, development and operation of our transportation and storage assets, obtaining necessary governmental, environmental and regulatory approvals, our ability to obtain necessary property rights and our ability to obtain financing at reasonable costs for the construction, operation and maintenance of our assets. In addition, our storage and transportation assets may be subject to risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disruption to the supply chain and availability of critical equipment and supplies, disruptions to the availability of our specialized workforce and contractors and changes to demand for natural gas, transportation and other downstream activities. OurStorage and Transportation segment is comprised ofLeaf River , a 32.2 million Dth salt dome natural gas storage facility that operates under market-based rates and Adelphia Gateway, an existing 84-mile pipeline in southeasternPennsylvania . Adelphia Gateway operates under cost of service rates but can enter into negotiated rates with counterparties. The northern portion of the pipeline was operational upon acquisition and it currently serves two natural gas generation facilities. OnOctober 5, 2020 , we began the conversion of the southern zone of the pipeline to natural gas. OurStorage and Transportation segment also has a 50 percent ownership interest inSteckman Ridge , a storage facility that operates under market-based rates and a 20 percent interest in PennEast, a partnership whose purpose was to construct and operate a 120-mile natural gas pipeline that would have extended from northeastPennsylvania to westernNew Jersey . PennEast received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project fromFERC onJanuary 19, 2018 . However, because of numerous regulatory and legal challenge, we evaluated our equity investment in PennEast for impairment as ofJune 30, 2021 , and determined that it was other-than-temporarily impaired. We estimated the fair value of our investment in PennEast using probability weighted scenarios assigned to discounted future cash flows. The impairment is the result of management's estimates and assumptions regarding the likelihood of certain outcomes related to required regulatory approvals and pending legal matters, the timing of which remains uncertain, the timing and magnitude of construction costs and in-service dates, the evaluation of the current environmental and political climate as it relates to interstate pipeline development, and transportation capacity revenues and discount rates. Page 52 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge of$92.0 million , or approximately$74.5 million , net of income taxes. The other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in equity in (losses) earnings from affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. OnSeptember 27, 2021 , the PennEast partnership determined that this project is no longer supported and all further development has ceased. It is possible that future developments could impact the fair value and could result in the recognition of additional impairment charges.
As of
Operating Results
The financial results of ourStorage and Transportation segment for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , are summarized as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Operating revenues (1)$ 51,020 $ 44,728 $ - Operating expenses Natural gas purchases 1,266 1,122 - Operation and maintenance 29,135 21,862 4,043
Depreciation and amortization 9,960 9,293 6 Total operating expenses
40,361 32,277 4,049
Operating income 10,659 12,451 (4,049)
Other income, net 5,931 7,328 7,345
Interest expense, net 13,348 13,124 2,185
Income tax (benefit) provision (10,043) 4,247 2,254 Equity in earnings of affiliates (81,072) 15,903 15,832 Net (loss) income
$ (67,787) $ 18,311 $ 14,689 (1)Includes related party transactions of approximately$1.8 million and$2.7 million during fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively, which are eliminated in consolidation. Operation Revenues
Operating revenue in fiscal 2021 increased
Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased$97.0 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to the impairment of our equity method investment in PennEast.
Operation and Maintenance Expense
O&M increased
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense increased$667,000 during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to operations of Adelphia Gateway during fiscal 2021, that were not present in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, net increased
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
Net Income
Net income in fiscal 2021 decreased $86.1 million , compared with fiscal 2020,
due primarily to the impairment of our equity method investment in PennEast, as
previously discussed.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management uses NFE, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating the operating
results of our Storage and Transportation segment. We feel that the impairment
of our equity method investment in PennEast is a special item that is not
indicative of our ongoing performance and its impact has been excluded for NFE
purposes. The details of such adjustments can be found in the table below.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to
GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for the
comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Storage and Transportations' net
income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to NFE is as
follows:
(Thousands) 2021 2020 2019
Net (loss) income $ (67,787) $ 18,311 $ 14,689 Add:
Impairment of equity method investment 92,000 - - Tax effect (11,167) - - Net financial earnings$ 13,046 $ 18,311 $ 14,689 NFE decreased$5.3 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to increased O&M and depreciation expense, partially offset by increased operating revenue atLeaf River and Adelphia Gateway, as previously discussed. Home Services and Other Operations
Overview
The financial results of Home Services and Other consist primarily of the operating results of NJRHS. NJRHS provides service, sales and installation of appliances to approximately 106,000 service contract customers and has been focused on growing its installation business and expanding its service contract customer base. Home Services and Other also includes organizational expenses incurred at NJR and rental income at CR&R.
Operating Results
The condensed consolidated financial results of Home Services and Other for the
fiscal years ended
2021 2020 2019
Operating revenues $ 52,229 $ 51,017 $ 50,902 Operation and maintenance
Income tax (provision) benefit$ (196) $ (2,478) $ 1,428 Net (loss) income$ (826) $ 5,784 $ 1,637 Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased
Operation and Maintenance Expense
O&M expense increased
Income Tax (Benefit) Provision
Income tax benefit decreased
Net Income
Net income decreased$6.6 million during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, due primarily to increased shared corporate costs, information technology costs and compensation expense along with decreased income tax benefit as described above. Non-GAAP Financial Measures NFE is based on removing timing differences associated with NJR's variable-for-fixed interest rate swap. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute, for the comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Home Services and Other's net income for the fiscal years endedSeptember 30 , to the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to NFE, is as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2020 2019 Net (loss) income$ (826) $ 5,784 $ 1,637 Add: Unrealized loss on derivative instruments and related transactions - - 381 Tax effect - - (107) Net financial (loss) earnings$ (826)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our objective is to maintain an efficient consolidated capital structure that reflects the different characteristics of each reporting segment and business operations and provides adequate financial flexibility for accessing capital markets as required.
Our consolidated capital structure as of
2021 2020
Common stock equity 38 % 40 %
Long-term debt 51 56
Short-term debt 11 4
Total 100 % 100 %
Common Stock Equity
We satisfy our external common equity requirements, if any, through issuances of
our common stock, including the proceeds from stock issuances under our DRP. The
DRP allows us, at our option, to use treasury shares or newly issued shares to
raise capital. On September 28, 2021 , we registered 2.5 million shares of
additional common stock for issuance under the DRP. NJR raised approximately
$15.1 million of equity through the DRP by issuing approximately 290,000 shares
of common stock and approximately 141,000 shares of treasury stock during fiscal
2021, and raised $18.1 million during fiscal 2020, by issuing approximately
520,000 shares of treasury stock. There were no shares of common stock issued
through the waiver discount feature of the DRP during fiscal 2021 and 2020.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
In December 2019 , we completed an equity offering of 6,545,454 common shares,
consisting of 5,333,334 common shares issued directly by NJR and 1,212,120
common shares issuable pursuant to forward sales agreements with investment
banks. The issuance of 5,333,334 common shares resulted in proceeds of
approximately $212.9 million , net of issuance costs, and was reflected in
shareholders' equity and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows.
Under the forward sale agreements, a total of 1,212,120 common shares were
borrowed from third parties and sold to the underwriters. Each forward sale
agreement allows us, at our election and prior to September 30, 2020 , to
physically settle the forward sale agreements by issuing common shares in
exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by
the agreement, which was initially $40.0125 per share, or, alternatively, to
settle the forward sale agreements in whole or in part through the delivery or
receipt of shares or cash. The forward sale price was subjected to adjustment
daily based on a floating interest rate factor and would decrease with respect
to certain fixed amounts specified in the agreements, such as dividends.
On September 18, 2020 , we amended our forward sale agreements to extend the
maturity date of such forward sales agreements from September 30, 2020 to
September 10, 2021 . On March 3, 2021 , we cash settled a portion of the forward
sale agreement for a payout of approximately $388,000 in lieu of the issuance of
727,272 common shares. On May 26, 2021 , we cash settled the rest of the forward
sale agreements for a payout of approximately $2.4 million in lieu of the
issuance of 484,848 common shares.
In 1996, the Board of Directors authorized us to implement a share repurchase
program, which was expanded seven times since the inception of the program,
authorizing a total of 19.5 million shares of common stock for repurchase. As of
September 30, 2021 , we had repurchased a total of approximately 17.8 million of
those shares and may repurchase an additional 1.7 million shares under the
approved program. There were 746,000 shares repurchased during fiscal 2021 and
no shares repurchased during fiscal 2020.
Debt
NJR and its unregulated subsidiaries generally rely on cash flows generated from
operating activities and the utilization of committed credit facilities to
provide liquidity to meet working capital and short-term debt financing
requirements. NJNG also relies on the issuance of commercial paper for
short-term funding. NJR and NJNG periodically access the capital markets to fund
long-life assets through the issuance of long-term debt securities.
We believe that our existing borrowing availability, equity proceeds and cash
flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital, capital
expenditures and dividend requirements for at least the next 12 months. NJR,
NJNG, Clean Energy Ventures , Storage and Transportation and Energy Services
currently anticipate that each of their financing requirements for the next 12
months will be met primarily through the issuance of short and long-term debt,
and meter or solar asset sale leasebacks.
We believe that as of
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there have been disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the credit and capital markets. The Company has been able to obtain sufficient financing to meet its funding requirements for operations and capital expenditures, however, our ability to access funds from financial institutions at a reasonable cost may impact the nature and timing of future capital market transactions. Short-Term Debt We use our short-term borrowings primarily to finance Energy Services' short-term liquidity needs,Storage and Transportation investments, share repurchases and, on an initial basis,Clean Energy Ventures' investments. Energy Services' use of high-volume storage facilities and anticipated pipeline park-and-loan arrangements, combined with related economic hedging activities in the volatile wholesale natural gas market, create significant short-term cash requirements.
As of
NJNG satisfies its debt needs by issuing short-term and long-term debt based on
its financial profile. The seasonal nature of NJNG's operations creates large
short-term cash requirements, primarily to finance natural gas purchases and
customer accounts receivable. NJNG obtains working capital for these
requirements, and for the temporary financing of construction and MGP
remediation expenditures and energy tax payments, based on its financial
profile, through the issuance of commercial paper supported by the NJNG Credit
Facility or through short-term bank loans under the NJNG Credit Facility.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
NJNG's commercial paper is sold through several commercial banks under an
issuing and paying agency agreement and is supported by the $250 million NJNG
Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2021 , the unused amount available under the
NJNG Credit Facility, including amounts allocated to the backstop under the
commercial paper program and the issuance of letters of credit, was $91.1
million .
Short-term borrowings were as follows:
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
(Thousands) September 30, 2021
NJR
Notes Payable to banks:
Balance at end of period $ 219,100 $ 219,100
Weighted average interest rate at end of period 1.05 % 1.05 %
Average balance for the period $ 163,018 $ 119,982
Weighted average interest rate for average balance 1.08 % 1.05 %
Month end maximum for the period $ 219,100 $ 219,100
NJNG
Commercial Paper and Notes Payable to banks:
Balance at end of period $ 158,200 $ 158,200
Weighted average interest rate at end of period 0.17 % 0.17 %
Average balance for the period $ 5,814 $ 2,699
Weighted average interest rate for average balance 0.16 % 0.09 %
Month end maximum for the period $ 158,200 $ 158,200
Due to the seasonal nature of natural gas prices and demand, and because inventory levels are built up during its natural gas injection season (April through October), NJR and NJNG's short-term borrowings tend to peak in the November through January time frame.
NJR
Based on its average borrowings during fiscal 2021, NJR's average interest rate
was 1.05 percent, resulting in interest expense of approximately
OnSeptember 2, 2021 , NJR entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing a$500 million NJR Credit Facility. The agreement refinances a$425 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to expire onDecember 5, 2023 , but has now been terminated. The NJR Credit Facility expires onSeptember 2, 2026 , subject to two mutual options for a one-year extension beyond that date. The NJR Credit Facility permits the borrowing of revolving loans and swingline loans, as well as a$75 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The NJR Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature, which would allow NJR, in the absence of a default or event of default, to increase from time to time, with the existing or new lenders, the revolving credit commitments under the NJR Credit Facility in minimum increments of$50 million increments up to a maximum of$250 million . Certain of NJR's unregulated subsidiaries have guaranteed all of NJR's obligations under the NJR Credit Facility. The credit facility is used primarily to finance its share repurchases, to satisfy Energy Services' short-term liquidity needs and to finance, on an initial basis, unregulated investments. As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , NJR had eight letters of credit outstanding totaling$10.6 million , which reduced the amount available under the NJR Credit Facility by the same amount. NJR does not anticipate that these letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparties.
Neither NJNG nor its assets are obligated or pledged to support the NJR Credit Facility.
NJNG
As noted above, based on its average borrowings during fiscal 2021, NJNG's
average interest rate was 0.09 percent, resulting in interest expense of
approximately
OnSeptember 2, 2021 , NJNG entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing a$250 million , NJNG Credit Facility. The agreement refinances a$250 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to expire onDecember 5, 2023 , but has now been terminated. The NJNG Credit Facility expires onSeptember 2, 2026 , subject to two Page 56 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) mutual options for a one-year extension beyond that date. The NJNG Credit Facility permits the borrowing of revolving loans and swingline loans, as well as a$30 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The NJNG Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature, which would allow NJNG, in the absence of a default or event of default, to increase from time to time, with the existing or new lenders, the revolving credit commitments under the NJNG Credit Facility in minimum increments of$50 million up to a maximum of$100 million .
As of
Short-Term Debt Covenants
Borrowings under the NJR Credit Facility and the NJNG Credit Facility are conditioned upon compliance with a maximum leverage ratio (consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization as defined in the applicable agreements), of not more than .70 to 1.00 for NJR and .65 to 1.00 for NJNG. These revolving credit facilities contain customary representations and warranties for transactions of this type. They also contain customary events of default and certain covenants that will limit NJR's or NJNG's ability, beyond agreed upon thresholds, to, among other things: •incur additional debt; •incur liens and encumbrances; •make dispositions of assets; •enter into transactions with affiliates; and •merge, consolidate, transfer, sell or lease all or substantially all of the borrowers' or guarantors' assets.
These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications set forth in the applicable agreements.
Default Provisions
The agreements governing our long-term and short-term debt obligations include provisions that, if not complied with, could require early payment or similar actions. Default events include, but are not limited to, the following: •defaults for non-payment; •defaults for breach of representations and warranties; •defaults for insolvency; •defaults for non-performance of covenants; •cross-defaults to other debt obligations of the borrower; and •guarantor defaults. The occurrence of an event of default under these agreements could result in all loans and other obligations of the borrower becoming immediately due and payable and the termination of the credit facilities or term loan.
Long-Term Debt
NJR
As of
Neither NJNG nor its assets are obligated or pledged to support NJR's long-term debt.
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
On May 14, 2020 , NJR entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $260 million of
its senior notes, of which $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.5
percent, maturing in 2030, and $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.6
percent, maturing in 2032. On July 23, 2020 , NJR issued all $260 million of the
senior notes. The senior notes are unsecured and guaranteed by certain
unregulated subsidiaries of NJR.
On September 1, 2020 , NJR entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for
$200 million of its senior notes, of which $120 million are at a fixed interest
rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2031, and $80 million are at a fixed interest
rate of 3.25 percent, maturing in 2033. The senior notes are unsecured and
guaranteed by certain unregulated subsidiaries of NJR.
NJNG
As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , NJNG's long-term debt consisted of$1.1 billion in fixed-rate debt issuances secured by the Mortgage Indenture, with maturities ranging from 2024 to 2060, and$14.7 million in finance leases with various maturities ranging from 2021 to 2037. OnMay 14, 2020 , NJNG entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for$125 million of its senior notes, of which$100 million were at an interest rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2050, and$25 million were at an interest rate of 3.33 percent, maturing in 2060. OnJune 30, 2020 , NJNG issued$50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes dueJune 30, 2050 . OnJuly 23, 2020 , NJNG issued the remaining$50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes dueJuly 23, 2050 and$25 million of 3.33 percent senior notes dueJuly 23, 2060 . The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG's FMBs issued under NJNG's Mortgage Indenture. OnSeptember 1, 2020 , NJNG entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for$75 million of its senior notes, of which$25 million were at an interest rate of 2.87 percent, maturing in 2050, and$50 million were at an interest rate of 2.97 percent, maturing in 2060. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG's FMBs issued under NJNG's Mortgage Indenture. OnOctober 28, 2021 , NJNG entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for, and issued,$100 million of its senior notes, of which$50 million were issued at an interest rate of 2.97 percent, maturing in 2051, and$50 million were issued at an interest rate of 3.07 percent, maturing in 2061. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG's FMBs issued under NJNG's Mortgage Indenture.
NJR is not obligated directly or contingently with respect to the NJNG's fixed-rate debt issuances.
Long-Term Debt Covenants and Default Provisions
The NJR and NJNG long-term debt instruments contain customary representations and warranties for transactions of their type. They also contain customary events of default and certain covenants that will limit NJR or NJNG's ability beyond agreed upon thresholds to, among other things: •incur additional debt (including a covenant that limits the amount of consolidated total debt of the borrower at the end of a fiscal quarter to 70 percent for NJR and 65 percent for NJNG of the consolidated total capitalization of the borrower, as those terms are defined in the applicable agreements, and a covenant limiting priority debt to 20 percent of the borrower's consolidated total capitalization, as those terms are defined in the applicable agreements); •incur liens and encumbrances; •make loans and investments; •make dispositions of assets; •make dividends or restricted payments; •enter into transactions with affiliates; and •merge, consolidate, transfer, sell or lease substantially all of the borrower's assets.
The aforementioned covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications set forth in the applicable note purchase agreements.
In addition, the FMBs issued by NJNG under the Mortgage Indenture are subject to certain default provisions. Events of Default, as defined in the Mortgage Indenture, consist mainly of:
•failure for 30 days to pay interest when due;
•failure to pay principal or premium when due and payable;
•failure to make sinking fund payments when due;
•failure to comply with any other covenants of the Mortgage Indenture after 30
days' written notice from the Trustee;
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New Jersey Resources Corporation
Part II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF
OPERATIONS
(Continued)
•failure to pay or provide for judgments in excess of $30 million in aggregate
amount within 60 days of the entry thereof; or
•certain events that are or could be the basis of a bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency or receivership proceeding.
Upon the occurrence and continuance of such an Event of Default, the Mortgage
Indenture, subject to any provisions of law applicable thereto, provides that
the Trustee may take possession and conduct the business of NJNG, may sell the
trust estate or proceed to foreclose the lien of the Mortgage Indenture. The
interest rate on defaulted principal and interest, to the extent permitted by
law, on the FMBs issued under the Mortgage Indenture is the rate stated in the
applicable supplement or, if no such rate is stated, six percent per annum.
Sale Leaseback
NJNG
NJNG received$4.0 million and$9.9 million in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. During fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, NJNG exercised early purchase options with respect to meter leases by making final principal payments of$1.2 million ,$1.2 million and$1.1 million , respectively. NJNG continues to evaluate this sale leaseback program based on current market conditions. As noted, natural gas meters are excepted from the lien on NJNG property under the Mortgage Indenture. There were no natural gas meter sale leasebacks recorded during fiscal 2021.
Clean Energy Ventures
Clean Energy Ventures enters into transactions to sell the commercial solar assets concurrent with agreements to lease the assets back over a period of five to 15 years. These transactions are considered failed sale leasebacks for accounting purposes and are therefore treated as financing obligations, which are typically secured by the renewable energy facility asset and its future cash flows from SREC and energy sales. ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects are transferred to the buyer, if applicable; however, the lease payments are structured so thatClean Energy Ventures is compensated for the transfer of the related tax incentives. Clean Energy Ventures continues to operate the solar assets, including related expenses, and retain the revenue generated from SRECs and energy sales, and has the option to renew the lease or repurchase the assets sold at the end of the lease term. During fiscal 2021 and 2020,Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of$17.7 million and$42.9 million , respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of commercial solar projects. There were no solar sale leasebacks recorded during fiscal 2019.
Contractual Obligations
As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , the Company's contractual cash obligations and financial commitments totaled$6.4 billion consisting primarily of debt totaling$3.8 billion , as discussed in the prior section, along with various leasing obligations, regulatory and remediation expenditures, and natural gas supply purchases and related demand fees. For a more detailed explanation of these fees and their applicable payment due dates, see Note 4. Regulation, Note 14. Leases and Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , there were NJR guarantees covering approximately$192.4 million of natural gas purchases and Energy Services demand fee commitments and ten outstanding letters of credit totaling$11.3 million , as previously mentioned, not yet reflected in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJR does not expect to be required to make additional contributions to fund the pension plans over the next three fiscal years based on current actuarial assumptions; however, funding requirements are uncertain and can depend significantly on changes in actuarial assumptions, returns on plan assets and changes in the demographics of eligible employees and covered dependents. In addition, as in the past, we may elect to make discretionary contributions to the plans in excess of the minimum required amount. We made no discretionary contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2021 and 2020. There are no federal requirements to pre-fund OPEB benefits. However, we are required to fund certain amounts due to regulatory agreements with the BPU. We anticipate that the annual funding level of the OPEB plans will range from$5 million to$10 million annually over each of the next five years. Additional contributions may vary based on market conditions and various assumptions. During fiscal 2021, committed and spent capital expenditures totaled$468.3 million . During fiscal 2022 and 2023, NJNG's total capital expenditures are projected to be$350.4 million and$324.3 million , respectively. NJNG expects to fund its obligations with a combination of cash flow from operations, cash on hand, issuance of commercial paper, available capacity under its revolving credit facility and the issuance of long-term debt. As ofSeptember 30, 2021 , NJNG's future MGP Page 59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) expenditures are estimated to be$135.0 million . For a more detailed description of MGP see Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Estimated capital expenditures are reviewed on a regular basis and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental regulations, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital.
During fiscal 2021, ourStorage and Transportation segment had capital expenditures spent or accrued for the Adelphia Gateway project totaling$113.0 million and capital expenditures spent or accrued forLeaf River totaling$10.8 million . During fiscal 2022, we expect expenditures related to theAdelphia Gateway project to be between$90 million and$110 million and expenditures related toLeaf River to be between$6 million and$10 million .
During fiscal 2021,
Capital expenditures related to clean energy projects are subject to change due to a variety of factors that may affect our ability to commence operations at these projects on a timely basis or at all, including sourcing projects that meet our investment criteria, logistics associated with the start-up of residential and commercial solar projects, such as timing of construction schedules, the permitting and regulatory process, any delays related to electric grid interconnection, economic trends or unforeseen events and the ability to access capital or allocation of capital to other investments or business opportunities.
Energy Services does not currently anticipate any significant capital expenditures in fiscal 2022 and 2023.
OnDecember 16, 2020 , Energy Services entered into a series of asset management agreements with an investment grade public utility to release pipeline capacity associated with certain natural gas transportation contracts. The utility will provide certain asset management services and Energy Services may deliver natural gas to the utility in exchange for aggregate net proceeds of approximately$500 million , payable throughNovember 1, 2030 . The asset management agreements include a series of initial and permanent releases commencing onNovember 1, 2021 . NJR will receive approximately$260 million in cash from fiscal 2022 through fiscal 2024 and$34 million per year from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2031 under the agreements. Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities during fiscal 2021 totaled$391.0 million compared with$213.5 million during fiscal 2020. Operating cash flows are primarily affected by variations in working capital, which can be impacted by several factors, including:
•seasonality of our business;
•fluctuations in wholesale natural gas prices and other energy prices, including changes in derivative asset and liability values;
•timing of storage injections and withdrawals;
•the deferral and recovery of natural gas costs;
•changes in contractual assets utilized to optimize margins related to natural gas transactions;
•broker margin requirements;
•impact of unusual weather patterns on our wholesale business;
•timing of the collections of receivables and payments of current liabilities;
•volumes of natural gas purchased and sold; and
•timing of SREC deliveries.
The increase of$177.5 million in cash flows from operating activities during fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, was due primarily to increased earnings at Energy Services. Page 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Investing Activities Cash flows used in investing activities totaled$622.1 million during fiscal 2021, compared with$994.0 million during fiscal 2020. The decrease of$371.9 million was due primarily to the acquisition ofLeaf River and Adelphia Gateway in the prior period that did not recur along with a decrease of$46.0 million in solar capital expenditures, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures of$86.3 million for utility plant investments and$85.9 million forStorage and Transportation .
Financing Activities
Financing cash flows generally are seasonal in nature and are impacted by the volatility in pricing in the natural gas and other energy markets. NJNG's inventory levels are built up during its natural gas injection season (April through October) and reduced during withdrawal season (November through March) in response to the supply requirements of its customers. Changes in financing cash flows can also be impacted by natural gas management and marketing activities at Energy Services and clean energy investments atClean Energy Ventures . Cash flows used in financing activities totaled$117.8 million during fiscal 2021, compared with$895.9 million during fiscal 2020. The decrease of$778.1 million is due primarily to increased long-term debt activity at NJR related to the acquisitions ofLeaf River andAdelphia along with the issuance of long-term debt at NJNG and higher proceeds from solar sale leasebacks atClean Energy Ventures in the prior period, partially offset by increased short-term debt in the current period. Credit Ratings
The table below summarizes NJNG's current credit ratings issued by two rating
entities, Moody's and Fitch, as of
Moody's Fitch
Corporate Rating N/A A-
Commercial Paper P-2 F-2
Senior Secured A1 A+
Ratings Outlook Stable Stable
The Fitch ratings and outlook were reaffirmed on March 15, 2021 . The Moody's
ratings and outlook were reaffirmed on May 11, 2021 . NJNG's Moody's and Fitch
ratings are investment-grade ratings. NJR is not a rated entity.
Although NJNG is not party to any lending agreements that would accelerate the
maturity date of any obligation caused by a failure to maintain any specific
credit rating, if such ratings are downgraded below investment grade, borrowing
costs could increase, as would the costs of maintaining certain contractual
relationships, and future financing and our access to capital markets would be
reduced. Even if ratings are downgraded without falling below investment grade,
NJR and NJNG could face increased borrowing costs under their credit facilities.
A rating set forth above is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold NJR's or
NJNG's securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. Each
rating set forth above should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
The timing and mix of any external financings will target a common equity ratio that is consistent with maintaining NJNG's current short-term and long-term credit ratings.
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