Unitil(UTL)
Search documents
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report
2022-02-01 11:49
Filing Information Registrant: **UNITIL CORPORATION**, New Hampshire, (603) 772-0775, with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021[2](index=2&type=chunk) Registered Classes of Stock | Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange of which registered | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Common Stock, no par value | UTL | New York Stock Exchange | - Filer Status: **Large accelerated filer**[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2021: **$785,923,009**[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Number of common shares outstanding as of January 28, 2022: **15,978,791**[6](index=6&type=chunk) PART I [Business Overview](index=5&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company distributing electricity and natural gas to 194,275 customers across three states [Company Structure and Services](index=5&type=section&id=Unitil%20Corporation) Unitil operates as a public utility holding company through subsidiaries, serving 194,275 customers and managing a $1.26 billion net utility plant - Unitil is a public utility holding company incorporated in New Hampshire in 1984[20](index=20&type=chunk) Key Subsidiaries and Principal Business | Company Name | Principal Business | | :--- | :--- | | Unitil Energy Systems, Inc. (Unitil Energy) | Electric Distribution Utility | | Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (Fitchburg) | Electric & Natural Gas Distribution Utility | | Northern Utilities, Inc. (Northern Utilities) | Natural Gas Distribution Utility | | Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (Granite State) | Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline | | Unitil Power Corp. (Unitil Power) | Wholesale Electric Power Utility (formerly) | | Unitil Service Corp. (Unitil Service) | Utility Service Company | | Unitil Realty Corp. (Unitil Realty) | Real Estate Management | | Unitil Resources, Inc. (Unitil Resources) | Non-regulated Energy Services (formerly Usource) | Customers Served as of December 31, 2021 | Service Type | Residential | Commercial & Industrial (C&I) | Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Electric | 92,314 | 15,366 | 107,680 | | Natural Gas | 68,182 | 18,413 | 86,595 | | **Total Customers Served** | **160,496** | **33,779** | **194,275** | - Investment in Net Utility Plant: **$1,257.2 million** at December 31, 2021[22](index=22&type=chunk) [Business Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Operations) This section details Unitil's electric and natural gas distribution utility operations, including revenue and gross margin [Electric Distribution Utility Operations](index=6&type=section&id=Electric%20Distribution%20Utility%20Operations) Electric utility operations generated $248.5 million in 2021 revenue, contributing 53% of total, with a $97.4 million Adjusted Gross Margin - Revenue from electric utility operations was **$248.5 million** in 2021, representing about **53%** of Unitil's total operating revenue[25](index=25&type=chunk) - GAAP Electric Gross Margin was **$71.5 million** in 2021; Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (non-GAAP) was **$97.4 million**[25](index=25&type=chunk) - Unitil Energy (NH) 2021 electric operating revenue: **$172.3 million** (56% residential, 44% C&I)[27](index=27&type=chunk) - Fitchburg (MA) 2021 electric operating revenue: **$76.2 million** (58% residential, 42% C&I)[30](index=30&type=chunk) [Natural Gas Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Natural%20Gas%20Operations) This section details Unitil's natural gas distribution and transmission operations, including revenue and gross margin [Natural Gas Distribution Utility Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Natural%20Gas%20Distribution%20Utility%20Operations) Natural gas distribution operations generated $224.8 million in 2021 revenue, contributing 47% of total, with a $133.1 million Adjusted Gross Margin - Revenue from gas operations was **$224.8 million** in 2021, representing about **47%** of Unitil's total operating revenue[31](index=31&type=chunk) - GAAP Gas Gross Margin was **$100.4 million** in 2021; Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (non-GAAP) was **$133.1 million**[31](index=31&type=chunk) - Northern Utilities (NH/ME) 2021 gas operating revenue: **$176.7 million** (38% residential, 62% C&I)[33](index=33&type=chunk) - Fitchburg (MA) 2021 gas operating revenue: **$40.1 million** (58% residential, 42% C&I)[34](index=34&type=chunk) [Gas Transmission Pipeline Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Gas%20Transmission%20Pipeline%20Operations) Granite State operates 86 miles of interstate natural gas transmission pipeline, generating $8.0 million in 2021 operating revenue - Granite State operates **86 miles** of interstate natural gas transmission pipeline in Maine and New Hampshire[35](index=35&type=chunk) - Granite State's operating revenue was **$8.0 million** in 2021, primarily from transportation services to Northern Utilities and third-party suppliers[35](index=35&type=chunk) [Seasonality](index=7&type=section&id=Seasonality) Annual gas revenues are substantially realized during colder weather seasons, while electricity sales are less weather-sensitive - Annual gas revenues are substantially realized during colder weather seasons (Q1 and Q4) due to higher sales for heating[36](index=36&type=chunk) - Electricity sales are generally less sensitive to weather than natural gas sales but can still be affected by winter and summer temperatures[37](index=37&type=chunk) [Non-Regulated and Other Non-Utility Operations](index=8&type=section&id=Non-Regulated%20and%20Other%20Non-Utility%20Operations) The non-regulated energy brokering subsidiary Usource was divested in 2019, with other non-utility results included in consolidated financials - The non-regulated subsidiary Usource, which provided energy brokering and advisory services, was divested in the first quarter of 2019[39](index=39&type=chunk) - Results of Unitil Service, Unitil Realty, and the holding company are included in consolidated results, primarily from income earned on short-term investments and real property[40](index=40&type=chunk) [Rates and Regulation](index=8&type=section&id=Rates%20and%20Regulation) Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive federal and state regulation, with costs recovered through cost-of-service and tracking mechanisms - Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive regulation by federal (FERC) and state (NHPUC, MDPU, MPUC) regulatory authorities[41](index=41&type=chunk) - Distribution utilities recover service costs and earn a return on capital investment through cost-of-service regulation, with some costs recovered via annual step adjustments and cost tracking mechanisms[42](index=42&type=chunk) - Fitchburg is subject to revenue decoupling, which eliminates the dependency of distribution revenue on sales volume for approximately **27%** of electric and **11%** of natural gas sales volumes[43](index=43&type=chunk) [Employees](index=9&type=section&id=Employees) As of December 31, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries had 508 employees, with a significant portion covered by collective bargaining agreements - As of December 31, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries had **508 employees**[46](index=46&type=chunk) Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) as of December 31, 2021 | Subsidiary | Employees Covered | CBA Expiration | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Fitchburg | 43 | 05/31/2022 | | Northern Utilities NH Division | 37 | 06/07/2025 | | Northern Utilities ME Division | 38 | 03/31/2026 | | Granite State | 4 | 03/31/2026 | | Unitil Energy | 40 | 05/31/2023 | | Unitil Service | 5 | 05/31/2023 | [Available Information](index=9&type=section&id=Available%20Information) The Company's SEC reports and Code of Ethics are publicly available on its website, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE - Company's SEC reports (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) and Code of Ethics are available free of charge on unitil.com[51](index=51&type=chunk)[52](index=52&type=chunk) - Unitil's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'UTL'[53](index=53&type=chunk) [Investor Information](index=9&type=section&id=Investor%20Information) The Annual Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled for April 27, 2022, with Computershare Investor Services acting as the transfer agent - The Annual Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled for April 27, 2022[54](index=54&type=chunk) - Computershare Investor Services is the transfer agent for shareholder records, stock issuance, and dividend administration[55](index=55&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=10&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The Company identifies various risks categorized into operational, regulatory, financial, and general - Operational risks include disruptions in natural gas pipeline and electric transmission
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-11-02 16:40
Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) Q3 2021 Earnings Conference Call November 2, 2021 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Todd Diggins - Director of Finance Tom Meissner - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Bob Hevert - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Conference Call Participants Kody Clark - Bank of America Operator Good day and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Q3 2021 Unitil Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the spea ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2021-11-02 10:51
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q For the transition period from to Commission File Number 1-8858 UNITIL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Hampshire 02-0381573 (State or other juris ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2021-08-03 10:52
Part I. Financial Information [Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=5&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management's%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20(MD%26A)%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Unitil's Q2 2021 net income decreased due to higher operating expenses, while the first six months saw increased net income driven by higher gas and electric margins and customer growth [Overview](index=5&type=section&id=Overview) Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company distributing electricity and gas in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, with earnings primarily from utility asset returns and pass-through energy costs - Unitil's principal business is the local distribution of electricity and gas through its three wholly-owned distribution utilities: Unitil Energy Systems, Inc., Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, and Northern Utilities, Inc[15](index=15&type=chunk)[16](index=16&type=chunk) - The company serves approximately **107,100 electric customers** and **85,600 gas customers** across its service territories in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine[17](index=17&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2021, Unitil had a Net Utility Plant investment of **$1,209.8 million**. The company's earnings are not directly affected by changes in the cost of purchased electricity and gas due to a reconciling rate structure[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Net income for the first six months of 2021 increased to $21.6 million, driven by higher gas and electric margins, despite increased O&M and depreciation expenses, while Q2 net income slightly decreased Earnings Summary ($ millions, except per share data) | Period | Net Income ($ millions) | EPS ($) | Change (Net Income, $ millions) | Change (EPS, $) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Q2 2021 vs Q2 2020** | $2.7 | $0.18 | -$0.4 | -$0.03 | | **6M 2021 vs 6M 2020** | $21.6 | $1.44 | +$3.3 | +$0.21 | Adjusted Gross Margin (Non-GAAP) Performance ($ millions) | Segment | Period | 2021 ($ millions) | 2020 ($ millions) | Change ($ millions) | Key Drivers | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Gas** | 3 Months | $25.0 | $22.9 | +$2.1 | Higher rates, customer growth, warmer weather | | **Gas** | 6 Months | $72.8 | $65.3 | +$7.5 | Higher rates, customer growth, colder winter | | **Electric** | 3 Months | $24.3 | $22.4 | +$1.9 | Higher rates, customer growth, warmer weather | | **Electric** | 6 Months | $48.0 | $45.5 | +$2.5 | Higher rates, customer growth, colder winter | - Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses increased by **$2.9 million in Q2 2021** and **$2.0 million in the first six months of 2021**, primarily due to higher labor costs, utility operating costs, and professional fees[45](index=45&type=chunk) - Depreciation and Amortization expense rose by **$2.7 million** for the six-month period, reflecting higher levels of utility plant in service[46](index=46&type=chunk) [Capital Requirements](index=15&type=section&id=Capital%20Requirements) Unitil funds capital needs via internal cash and a $120 million credit facility, with $90.3 million available as of June 30, 2021, and maintains investment-grade credit ratings Revolving Credit Facility Status ($ millions) | Date | Limit ($ millions) | Outstanding Borrowings ($ millions) | Available ($ millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **June 30, 2021** | $120.0 | $29.7 | $90.3 | | **June 30, 2020** | $120.0 | $74.9 | $45.0 | | **Dec 31, 2020** | $120.0 | $54.7 | $65.2 | - In September 2020, subsidiaries Northern Utilities, Fitchburg, and Unitil Energy collectively issued **$95 million in long-term notes and bonds** to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes[79](index=79&type=chunk) - Unitil Corporation and its utility subsidiaries hold investment-grade credit ratings, with a **'BBB+' from S&P** and ratings of **'Baa1' or 'Baa2' from Moody's**[80](index=80&type=chunk) [Financial Statements - Unaudited](index=19&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements%20-%20Unaudited) Unaudited financial statements for H1 2021 show increased operating revenues and net income, stable total assets, significantly higher operating cash flow, and continued dividend payments [Consolidated Statements of Earnings](index=19&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Earnings) For H1 2021, total operating revenues increased to $235.4 million, with net income rising to $21.6 million, while Q2 net income decreased to $2.7 million Consolidated Earnings Summary ($ millions, except per share data) | Metric | Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 ($ millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 ($ millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Operating Revenues** | $235.4 | $214.3 | | **Operating Income** | $44.2 | $38.7 | | **Net Income** | $21.6 | $18.3 | | **Net Income Per Share** | $1.44 | $1.23 | [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=20&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2021, total assets were $1,477.1 million, with Net Utility Plant at $1,209.8 million and total common stock equity at $400.6 million Key Balance Sheet Items ($ millions) | Item | June 30, 2021 ($ millions) | Dec 31, 2020 ($ millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Current Assets** | $114.2 | $139.3 | | **Net Utility Plant** | $1,209.8 | $1,193.2 | | **TOTAL ASSETS** | $1,477.1 | $1,477.9 | | **Total Current Liabilities** | $133.3 | $136.1 | | **Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion** | $505.3 | $523.1 | | **Total Common Stock Equity** | $400.6 | $389.0 | | **TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION** | $1,477.1 | $1,477.9 | [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=22&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For H1 2021, operating cash flow significantly increased to $84.4 million, while investing activities used $42.5 million and financing activities used $42.9 million Cash Flow Summary ($ millions) | Activity | Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 ($ millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 ($ millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Cash Provided by Operating Activities** | $84.4 | $58.3 | | **Cash (Used in) Investing Activities** | ($42.5) | ($48.8) | | **Cash (Used in) Financing Activities** | ($42.9) | ($10.5) | | **Net Decrease in Cash** | ($1.0) | ($1.0) | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=25&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Notes detail accounting policies, segment performance, debt, stock plans, and regulatory matters, including segment revenue growth and updates on state-level rate cases Segment Profit (Loss) for Six Months Ended June 30 ($ millions) | Segment | 2021 ($ millions) | 2020 ($ millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gas | $16.2 | $12.2 | | Electric | $6.3 | $5.7 | | Non-Regulated | $0.1 | $— | | Other | ($1.0) | $0.4 | | **Total** | **$21.6** | **$18.3** | - On April 2, 2021, Unitil Energy filed a base rate case with the NHPUC, requesting a permanent annual revenue increase of **$12.0 million**. A temporary rate increase of **$4.5 million** was approved effective June 1, 2021[197](index=197&type=chunk) - Fitchburg's gas division received approval for a two-phase rate increase totaling **$4.6 million**, with the second phase of **$0.9 million** becoming effective on March 1, 2021[202](index=202&type=chunk) - The company is actively involved in regulatory proceedings regarding the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the deferral of bad debt expense[211](index=211&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=52&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) Market risk primarily stems from interest rate fluctuations on variable-rate short-term debt, with commodity price risk limited by pass-through regulatory frameworks - The company's primary market risk is interest rate risk on its short-term, variable-rate debt. A **1% change in interest rates** on an average short-term debt balance of **$25 million** would change annual interest expense by approximately **$250,000**[93](index=93&type=chunk) - Commodity price risk is considered limited because the regulatory framework allows for the full collection of electric power and natural gas supply costs from customers on a pass-through basis[95](index=95&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=52&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) As of June 30, 2021, management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting - Management concluded that as of June 30, 2021, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were **effective**[251](index=251&type=chunk) - No changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls[253](index=253&type=chunk) Part II. Other Information [Legal Proceedings](index=53&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is involved in ordinary course legal proceedings, which management believes will not materially affect its financial position - The company states that ongoing legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business, are **not expected to have a material effect** on its financial position[254](index=254&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=53&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) No material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the company's 2020 Form 10-K were reported for the quarter - No material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the company's 2020 Form 10-K were reported for the quarter ended June 30, 2021[255](index=255&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=53&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) No unregistered equity securities were sold in Q2 2021, and no shares were repurchased under the Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted for Directors' retainers - There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021[256](index=256&type=chunk) - A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan was adopted on May 1, 2021, to repurchase shares for Directors' retainers, with a value limit of **$350,500**. No shares were purchased under this plan in the quarter[257](index=257&type=chunk)[259](index=259&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=54&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including executive certifications, an employment agreement, and the earnings press release - Exhibits filed with the report include CEO and CFO certifications (**31.1, 31.2, 32.1**), an employment agreement (**10.1**), and the earnings press release dated August 3, 2021 (**99.1**)[261](index=261&type=chunk)
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-05-08 09:25
Unitil Corporation. (NYSE:UTL) Q1 2021 Results Earnings Conference Call May 4, 2021 2:00 PM ET Company Participants Todd Diggins - Director of Finance Tom Meissner - President, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer Robert Hevert - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Conference Call Participants Michael Gaugler - Janney Montgomery Shelby Tucker - RBC Capital Markets Operator Good afternoon and welcome to the Q1 2021 Unitil Earnings Conference Call. At this time all participa ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2021 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2021-05-04 10:51
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 1-8858 UNITIL CORPORATION Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 1 ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2020 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-02-02 21:03
Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) Q4 2020 Results Conference Call February 2, 2021 2:00 PM ET Company Participants Todd Diggins - Investor Relations Bob Hevert - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Tom Meissner - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Conference Call Participants Michael Gaugler - Janney Montgomery Shelby Tucker - RBC Capital Markets Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Q4 2020 Unitil Earnings call. At this time, all particip ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2020 Q4 - Annual Report
2021-02-02 11:52
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-8858 UNITIL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Hampshire 02-0381573 (State or other jurisdi ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2020 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2020-10-31 22:50
Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) Q3 2020 Results Conference Call October 29, 2020 2:00 PM ET Company Participants Todd Diggins - Investor Relations Tom Meissner - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Hevert - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Larry Brock - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Conference Call Participants Shelby Tucker - RBC Capital Markets Harry Pollans - Bank of America Wayne Archambo - Monarch Partners Operator Ladies and gent ...
Unitil(UTL) - 2020 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2020-10-29 10:57
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 1-8858 UNITIL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Hampshire 02-0381573 (State or other juris ...