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SJI Reports First Quarter 2020 Results

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SJI reported first-quarter 2020 results with GAAP earnings of $101.1 million, up from $85.7 million in 2019. Economic earnings increased to $106.8 million compared to $99.4 million last year. Utility operations showed improved profitability, aided by new customer growth and infrastructure investments. The company affirmed ongoing economic earnings guidance for 2020 at $1.50-$1.60 per diluted share, despite minor impacts from COVID-19. SJI continues to focus on regulatory initiatives, infrastructure modernization, and maintaining liquidity with $470 million available in credit facilities.

Positive
  • First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings rose to $101.1 million from $85.7 million in 2019.
  • Economic earnings increased to $106.8 million compared to $99.4 million in the prior year.
  • Utility operations profitability improved due to infrastructure investments and new customer additions.
  • Affirmed ongoing economic earnings guidance of $1.50-$1.60 per diluted share for 2020.
  • Strong liquidity position with $470 million available in credit facilities.
Negative
  • Non-Utility operations saw decreased profitability, impacting overall earnings.
  • Incremental operating costs incurred due to COVID-19 emergency response measures.

FOLSOM, May 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

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""Investor Contact:
Daniel Fidell
609-561-9000 x7027
dfidell@sjindustries.com
 
Media Contact:
Marissa Travaline
609-561-9000 x4227
mtravaline@sjindustries.com

SJI Reports First Quarter 2020 Results
2020 Ongoing Guidance Affirmed

FOLSOM, NJ (May 6, 2020) - SJI (NYSE: SJI) today reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. Highlights include:

  • First Quarter 2020 GAAP earnings of $1.09 per diluted share compared to $0.94 per diluted share in 2019
  • First Quarter 2020 Economic Earnings* of $1.15 per diluted share compared to $1.09 per diluted share in 2019
  • First quarter results reflect increased profitability from Utility operations partially offset by decreased profitability from Non-Utility operations and impact of financing activities
  • COVID-19: Operations and delivery of natural gas to customers has not been materially impacted; incremental operating costs have been incurred for emergency response; some construction activity has ceased in line with governmental directives; capital markets steps completed to strengthen liquidity and support 2020 capital plan
  • Continuing execution of key initiatives - Efficient integration of ETG including TSA exit, execution of critical infrastructure modernization programs, and progress on regulatory initiatives including SJG base rate case
  • 2020 ongoing economic earnings affirmed $1.50-$1.60 per diluted share; SJI continues to monitor operations, market conditions and business development initiatives for future impacts to financial projections

"This is a challenging time for our customers and communities, and our continuing priority remains the safety of our 1,100 employees and assuring critical gas delivery to the more than 700,000 customers we are honored to serve,” said Mike Renna, SJI President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we have thus far witnessed a minimal financial impact from the pandemic, which is consistent with our first quarter results, we are continually monitoring all facets of our operations and will communicate any future impacts to our financial projections. Our long-term focus remains on addressing critical infrastructure investments to modernize our system, new projects to ensure adequate supply and system redundancy, and new investments that will lower consumption and the carbon content of natural gas in support of New Jersey's Energy Master Plan," added Renna.

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  Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
  GAAPGAAPEconomic Economic GAAPGAAPEconomic Economic
  EarningsEPSEarningsEPS EarningsEPSEarningsEPS
Utility $107.7 $1.16 $108.9 $1.18  $100.0 $1.09 $100.0 $1.09 
Non-Utility $5.8 $0.06 $6.4 $0.07  $(1.6)$(0.02)$7.9 $0.08 
Other $(12.4)$(0.13)$(8.5)$(0.09) $(12.8)$(0.13)$(8.5)$(0.08)
Total - Continuing Ops $101.1 $1.09 $106.8 $1.15  $85.7 $0.94 $99.4 $1.09 
Average Diluted Shares  92.6   92.6    91.4   91.4 
*Non-GAAP, see "Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."      
Note: Earnings and average shares outstanding are in millions. Amounts and/or EPS may not add due to rounding.  

COVID-19 - Business Update

Our business operations continue to function effectively during the pandemic. Given the fluid nature of the crisis, we are continually monitoring our business operations and will adjust as necessary to continue to provide safe and reliable service to our customers and communities while keeping employees safe.

  • Workforce: Through proper planning and the innovative use of technology, all 1,100 employees are currently working, from employees in the field to those working from home to assist in reducing the spread of the virus.
  • Operations: Operations and delivery of natural gas to our customers has not been materially impacted. To date, SJI has not experienced significant reductions in sales volumes across our utility businesses and is closely monitoring potential impacts due to COVID-19 pandemic responses at the state and Federal level.
  • O&M: As expected, we have incurred incremental operating costs for emergency supplies, cleaning services, enabling technology and other specific needs during this crisis which have traditionally been recognized as prudent expenditures by our regulators. SJI incurred costs during the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $0.6 million, with $0.4 million being recorded as Property, Plant & Equipment on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
  • Collections: To date, we have not seen a significant impact to our accounts receivable but we continue to monitor this metric very closely. The impact to the collectability of accounts receivable has traditionally been included in rate recovery.
  • Capital Expenditures: Our investment programs to replace and upgrade critical utility infrastructure continue to move forward, but some construction activity has ceased in accordance with directives from the Governor of New Jersey. Looking forward, we expect an uptick in construction activity once we emerge from this crisis. We remain on track with our timeline for investment in solar in support of the goals of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan (EMP).
  • Liquidity: At present, we have total credit facilities of $1.25B, with $470M available in revolving credit, uncommitted lines and cash. In April, we completed steps to strengthen our liquidity and ensure the funding of our 2020 capital program (discussed in detail later in this report) and feel confident in our ability to manage through the impacts of COVID-19.
  • Pension: We have no near-term cash requirements, as our portfolios were deemed to have no minimum funding requirement as of December 31, 2019.
  • Regulatory: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) continues to hold regular commission agenda meetings via internet teleconference. A resolution of our engineering and route proposal for SJG supply redundancy project is estimated in mid-2020. A resolution of SJG base rate case filing is estimated in Q4 2020.

First Quarter 2020 Results

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, SJI reported consolidated GAAP earnings of $101.1 million compared to $85.7 million in the prior year period.

SJI uses the non-GAAP measure of economic earnings when discussing results. We believe this presentation provides clarity into the continuing earnings of our business. A full explanation and reconciliation of economic earnings is provided under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this report and in our 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2019.

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, economic earnings were $106.8 million compared to $99.4 million in the prior year period.

UTILITY

Utility entities include the gas distribution operations of South Jersey Gas (SJG), Elizabethtown Gas (ETG) and Elkton Gas (ELK). First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $107.7 million compared with $100.0 million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings were $108.9 million compared with $100.0 million in 2019.

South Jersey Gas (SJG)

Operating Performance. First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $70.5 million compared with $68.7 million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings were $71.7 million compared with $68.7 million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings reflect a one-time tax adjustment related to SJG's pending rate case. Utility margin increased $7.2 million primarily due to customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. We define utility margin, a non-GAAP measure, as natural gas revenues less natural gas costs, regulatory rider expenses and volumetric and revenue-based energy taxes. Total expenses increased $4.2 million, driven by increased operation and maintenance costs and depreciation expenses.

Customer Growth. SJG added approximately 6,500 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves more than 400,000 customers. SJG’s 1.7% growth rate compares favorably to our peers and remains driven by gas conversions (~70%+ of new customer additions) from alternate fuels such as oil and propane.

Infrastructure Modernization. Through infrastructure replacement programs, SJG enhances the safety and reliability of our system while earning our authorized utility return on approved investments in a timely manner.

  • Our Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP), as approved by the NJBPU, authorizes investment of $302.5 million over the five year period from 2016-2021 for important infrastructure replacement upgrades. Our most recent annual investment of $64.5 million for the period July 2018 to June 2019 was rolled into SJG rates effective October 1, 2019. Our annual investment for the period July 2019 to June 2020 is expected to be rolled into SJG rates effective October 1, 2020.
  • Our current Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) was approved by the NJBPU in May 2018 and authorizes investment of $100 million from 2018-2021 for four projects to enhance the safety, redundancy and resiliency of the distribution system along our coastal communities. Our most recent annual investment of $27.4 million for the period June 2018 to June 2019 was rolled into SJG rates effective October 1, 2019. Our annual investment for the period July 2019 to June 2020 is expected to be rolled into SJG rates effective October 1, 2020.

Base Rate Case. In March, SJG filed a petition with the NJBPU requesting a revenue increase of approximately $75 million to recognize infrastructure investments made to maintain the safety and reliability of its natural gas delivery system. The request represents approximately $340 million in system improvements that are not currently reflected in base rates. SJG's request assumes an overall rate of return of 7.3%, return on equity of 10.4% and 54.2% equity ratio. Discovery has begun in line with our expected timeline. Consistent with prior rate case timing, a resolution of the case is expected later this year.

Redundancy Projects. In response to the NJBPU's call for utilities to evaluate preparedness for gas supply interruptions, we have evaluated potential redundancy solutions. These solutions are critically important to ensure service is not interrupted to our customers in the event of a significant outage, either behind our city gate, or on one of the two interstate pipelines that serve the SJG system.

Supply redundancy is a top priority for our utilities. In December 2019, SJG submitted an engineering and route proposal to the NJBPU for approval to construct needed system upgrades in support of a planned 2.0+ Bcf liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, with a resolution anticipated later this year. We also continue to explore system alternatives that will allow for a secondary supply of gas needed to create reliability and resiliency for 140,000+ customers in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Elizabethtown Gas (ETG)

Operating Performance. First quarter 2020 GAAP and economic earnings were $36.8 million compared with $30.9 million in 2019. Utility margin, as previously defined, increased $15.8 million primarily due to rate relief effective November 15, 2019 and customer growth. ETG'S rate case settlement authorized a $34 million rate increase based on a 9.6% return on equity and 51.5% equity component. Total expenses increased $9.9 million, driven by increased depreciation and operating and maintenance expenses.

Customer Growth. ETG added approximately 2,500 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves more than 297,000 customers. ETG’s growth rate has increased from its historic growth rate, driven by increases in both new construction and gas conversions from alternate fuels such as oil and propane.

Infrastructure Modernization. ETG's Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP), as approved by the NJBPU in June 2019, authorizes investment of $300 million over the five-year period 2019-2024 for important infrastructure upgrades including the replacement of up to 250 miles of cast iron and bare steel mains. Our annual investment for the period July 2019 to June 2020 is expected to be rolled into ETG rates effective October 1, 2020.

Elkton Gas (ELK)

Operating Performance. First quarter 2020 GAAP and economic earnings were $0.4 million compared with $0.4 million in 2019. Utility margin driven by customer growth, infrastructure investment and rate relief was offset by operating costs and interest expense. In December 2019, SJI announced the sale of ELK to Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) for $15 million in cash. ELK serves approximately 7,000 residential and commercial customers in Cecil County, Maryland and was acquired by SJI in July 2018. Completion of the transaction is estimated in mid-2020 following Maryland Public Service Commission approval.

NON-UTILITY

Non-Utility entities include Energy Group, Energy Services and Midstream. First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $5.8 million compared with $(1.6) million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings were $6.4 million compared with $7.9 million in 2019 results.

Energy Group

Operating Performance. Energy Group primarily includes wholesale gas operations engaged in fuel supply management and commodity marketing. First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $5.1 million compared with $(2.0) million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings were $5.2 million compared with $7.6 million in 2019.

  • Fuel Supply Management contributed first quarter 2020 economic earnings of $3.2 million compared with $2.8 million in 2019, reflecting new contracts that became operational over the last 12 months. As of March 31, 2020, SJI had ten fuel supply management transactions under contract, with nine contracts operational.
  • Wholesale Marketing/Other contributed first quarter 2020 economic earnings of $2.0 million compared with $4.8 million in 2019. Low spreads and lack of market volatility driven by warmer weather resulted in lower margin and reduced asset optimization opportunities.

Energy Services

Operating Performance. Energy Services includes our legacy energy production assets (CHP, Solar, Landfills) and account services. First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $(0.4) million compared with $(0.7) million in 2019. First quarter 2020 economic earnings were $0.0 million compared with $(0.7) million in 2019, primarily reflecting reduced O&M costs from the sale of CHP offset by results from landfill activities.

Midstream

Operating Performance. Midstream includes our 20% equity investment in the PennEast Pipeline (PennEast), a planned 1-Bcf interstate pipeline running from the Marcellus region of Pennsylvania into New Jersey. First quarter 2020 GAAP and economic earnings were $1.2 million compared with $1.0 million in 2019, reflecting Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) related to the project.

Project Update. The PennEast Pipeline partners remain committed to the development of the pipeline project in its entirety. PennEast is happy to announce that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently approved the requested changes to the Pennsylvania portion of the approved route. PennEast also continues to make progress on advancing the request pending before FERC to construct the Project in two phases and is in encouraged by FERC’s issuance of the Notice of Timeline for Environmental Review. The timeline announced by FERC aligns with PennEast’s announced planned in-service date of November 2021 for Phase 1.

OTHER

Operating Performance. Other entity includes interest on debt, including the debt associated with our acquisitions of ETG/ELK in 2018. First quarter 2020 GAAP earnings were $(12.4) million compared with $(12.8) in 2019. First quarter economic earnings were $(8.5) million compared with $(8.5) million in 2019, reflecting an increase in net debt outstanding offset by debt repayments.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

SJI remains committed to a capital structure that supports our regulated-driven capital spending plan while maintaining a balanced equity-to-total capitalization, ample liquidity and a solid investment grade credit rating.

At March 31, 2020, equity-to-total capitalization was 31.6% compared with 29.6% at December 31, 2019, reflecting debt refinancing activity and repayment from non-core asset sales. As previously communicated, our growth plan embeds conversion of mandatory convertible equity units due 2021 ($287.5 million). Including conversion as well as equity credit from rating agencies for long-duration debt, our adjusted equity-to-total capitalization ratio, a non-GAAP measure, was 39.7% at March 31, 2020 and 37.5% at December 31, 2019.

As previously described, in April we completed steps to strengthen liquidity and ensure the ongoing funding of our 2020 capital program:

  • Executed a $200mm 18-month term loan, with proceeds used to pay off short-term maturities
  • Added additional liquidity at the SJI level through the close of a $150mm 364-day term loan
  • Completed $525mm private placement at SJG -$400mm drawn to refinance maturing term loan and $125mm drawn on six-month delay to support 2020 capital plan
  • Launched $200mm At-The-Market (ATM) program to provide flexibility in addressing previously announced 2020 equity needs

With $470 million of available capacity on our revolvers and successful execution of capital markets transactions, we feel confident in our liquidity position and ability to manage through the impacts of COVID-19.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net cash from operating activities was $165.9 million compared to $212.3 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting less cash collections at SJRG resulting from maintenance and scheduled outages at several electric generation facilities for which SJRG has gas supply contracts. Net cash used in investing activities was $10.1 million compared with $108.8 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting capital spending in support of customer growth and utility infrastructure upgrades offset by proceeds from asset sales. Net cash provided by financing activities was $152.2 million compared to $117.1 million in the prior year period, reflecting debt repayment and refinancing activity.

Financial Guidance

SJI affirms it expects 2020 ongoing economic earnings of $1.50 to $1.60 per diluted share. We are continually monitoring our operations, market conditions and business development initiatives and will communicate any future impacts to our financial projections.

Economic earnings guidance continues to primarily reflect:

  • Utility operations ~75% of earnings, excluding acquisition-related interest costs
    • ~$500 million capital spending on growth, safety and reliability for SJG/ETG customers
    • 10,000+ new gas utility customers, reflecting 1.5% customer growth, driven by accelerated pace at ETG
    • Lower operating costs, driven by business transformation activities
    • Infrastructure modernization at SJG/ETG under existing programs
    • Execution of regulatory initiatives, including recovery of utility investment
  • Non-Utility operations ~25% of earnings, excluding acquisition-related interest costs

◦          Energy Services: $100+ million on renewable solar installations in support of EMP, and landfill exit

◦          Energy Group: Fuel management contracts, reshaped wholesale portfolio and contract expiration

◦          Midstream: AFUDC associated with PennEast Pipeline project

  • Balance sheet strengthening, driven by asset sales and refinancing activities
  • Equity issuance in support of utility redundancy project

Conference Call and Webcast

SJI will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 7 to discuss our first quarter 2020 financial results. To access the call, please dial the applicable number approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and general public. The webcast can be accessed at www.sjindustries.com under Events & Presentations.

Date/Time:         Thursday, May 7, 11:00 a.m. ET

Dial-In:                  Toll Free:  877-376-9937; Toll: 629-228-0738

Passcode:            2879365

About SJI

SJI (NYSE: SJI), an energy services holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to its customers through three primary subsidiaries. SJI Utilities, SJI’s regulated natural gas utility business, delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas to approximately 700,000 South Jersey Gas, Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas customers in New Jersey and Maryland. SJI’s non-utility businesses within South Jersey Energy Solutions promote efficiency, clean technology and renewable energy by providing customized wholesale commodity marketing and fuel management services; and developing, owning and operating on-site energy production facilities. SJI Midstream houses the company’s interest in the PennEast Pipeline Project. Visit sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This news release, including information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance, industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, expected sources of incremental margin, strategy, financing needs, future capital expenditures and the outcome or effect of ongoing litigation, are forward-looking. This Quarterly Report uses words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "objective," "plan," "project," "seek," "strategy," "target," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are inherently uncertain.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level; weather conditions in SJI’s marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; changes in the availability of natural gas; “non-routine” or “extraordinary” disruptions in SJI’s distribution system; regulatory, legislative and court decisions; competition; the availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers, suppliers or business partners to fulfill their contractual obligations; and changes in business strategies; and public health crises and epidemics or pandemics, such as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in any other SEC filings made by SJI or SJG during 2019 and 2020 and prior to the filing of this earnings release. Also refer to the additional risk factor described below:

Our business could be adversely affected by a public health crisis or the widespread outbreak of contagious disease, such as the recent outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.  In recent weeks, the continued spread of COVID-19 across the world has led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which increases the cost of capital and adversely impacts access to capital.  Additionally, our reliance on third-party suppliers, contractors, service providers, and commodity markets exposes us to possibility of delay or interruption of our operations.  For the duration of the outbreak of COVID-19, legislative and government action limits our ability to collect on overdue accounts, and prohibits us from shutting off services, which may cause a decrease in our cash flows or net income.  We have been executing our business continuity plans since the outbreak of COVID-19 and are closely monitoring potential impacts due to COVID-19 pandemic responses at the state and federal level.  As expected, we have incurred operating costs for emergency supplies, cleaning services, enabling technology and other specific needs during this crisis which have traditionally been recognized as prudent expenditures by our regulators.  The impact to the collectability of our accounts receivable is an unknown at this time but such receivables have traditionally been included in rate recovery. Our infrastructure investment programs continue to move forward, but some construction activity has ceased in accordance with directives from the Governor of New Jersey.  To the extent this directive stays in place for a long period of time, our capital projects could be significantly impacted.  It is impossible to predict the effect of the continued spread of the coronavirus in the communities we service.  The Company has identified the macroeconomic conditions related to COVID-19 and the impacts on the business as an indicator to perform an interim impairment test related to the goodwill recorded on the Company’s balance sheet.  Should the coronavirus continue to spread or not be contained, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted, including impairment of goodwill, which in turn may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock.
No assurance can be given that any goal or plan set forth in any forward-looking statement can or will be achieved, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. SJI and SJG undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management uses the non-GAAP financial measures of Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share when evaluating its results of operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures, such as net income, operating income, earnings per share from continuing operations or any other GAAP measure of financial performance.

We define Economic Earnings as: Income from continuing operations, (i) less the change in unrealized gains and plus the change in unrealized losses on all derivative transactions; and (ii) less the impact of transactions, contractual arrangements or other events where management believes period to period comparisons of SJI's operations could be difficult or potentially confusing. With respect to part (ii) of the definition of Economic Earnings, several items are excluded from Economic Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, consisting of the impact of pricing disputes with third parties, costs to acquire ETG and ELK, costs to prepare to exit the TSA, costs incurred and gains recognized on sales of solar, MTF/ACB, and ELK, severance and other employee separation costs, and a one-time tax adjustment resulting from SJG's Stipulation of Settlement with the BPU. See (A)-(E) in the table below.

Economic Earnings is a significant financial measure used by our management to indicate the amount and timing of income from continuing operations that we expect to earn after taking into account the impact of derivative instruments on the related transactions, as well as the impact of contractual arrangements and other events that management believes make period to period comparisons of SJI's operations difficult or potentially confusing. Management uses Economic Earnings to manage its business and to determine such items as incentive/compensation arrangements and allocation of resources. Specifically regarding derivatives, we believe that this financial measure indicates to investors the profitability of the entire derivative-related transaction and not just the portion that is subject to mark-to-market valuation under GAAP. We believe that considering only the change in market value on the derivative side of the transaction can produce a false sense as to the ultimate profitability of the total transaction as no change in value is reflected for the non-derivative portion of the transaction.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table presents a reconciliation of our income from continuing operations and earnings per share from continuing operations to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

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 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2020 2019
Income from Continuing Operations$101,100    $85,699   
Minus/Plus:   
Unrealized Mark-to-Market Losses on Derivatives4,322    13,150   
Net Losses from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (A)—    991   
Acquisition/Sale Net Costs (B)1,361    1,985   
Other Costs (C)147    2,573   
  Income Taxes (D)(1,305)  (4,961) 
  Additional Tax Adjustments (E)1,214    —   
Economic Earnings$106,839    $99,437   
    
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations$1.09    $0.94   
Minus/Plus:   
Unrealized Mark-to-Market Losses on Derivatives0.05    0.14   
Net Losses from a Legal Proceeding in a Pricing Dispute (A)—    0.01   
Acquisition/Sale Net Costs (B)0.01    0.02   
Other Costs (C)—    0.03   
  Income Taxes (D)(0.01)  (0.05) 
  Additional Tax Adjustments (E)0.01    —   
Economic Earnings per Share$1.15    $1.09   

(A) Represents net losses, including interest, legal fees, and the realized difference in the market value of the commodity (including financial hedges), resulting from a ruling in a legal proceeding related to a pricing dispute between SJI and a gas supplier that began in October 2014.

(B) Represents costs incurred to prepare to exit the TSA. Also included here are gains/losses recognized and costs incurred on the sale of the remaining solar assets as well as MTF/ACB and ELK, and sales of certain SREC's.

(C) Represents severance and other employee separation costs.

(D) The income taxes on (A) through (C) above were determined using a combined average statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

(E) Represents a one-time tax adjustment resulting from SJG's Stipulation of Settlement with the BPU, as part of its recent rate case filing.

Summary of Utility Margin

The following tables summarize Utility Margin for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 for SJG and ETG (in thousands):

SJG:

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 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2020 2019
Utility Margin:   
Residential$83,099   $98,868  
Commercial and Industrial31,431   36,248  
Cogeneration and Electric Generation1,280   1,204  
Interruptible26   24  
Off-System Sales & Capacity Release785   1,670  
Other Revenues203   249  
Margin Before Weather Normalization & Decoupling116,824   138,263  
CIP Mechanism28,910   874  
EET Mechanism1,584   992  
Utility Margin**$147,318   $140,129  

ETG:

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 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
 2020 2019
Utility Margin:   
Residential$57,433    $46,521  
Commercial & Industrial27,912    21,973  
Regulatory Rider Expenses*(606)  442  
Utility Margin**$84,739    $68,936  

*Represents expenses for which there is a corresponding credit in operating revenues.  Therefore, such recoveries have no impact on SJG's or ETG's financial results.

  **Utility Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure and is further defined above.  The definition of Utility Margin is the same for SJG and ETG gas utility operations.

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands Except for Per Share Data)

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 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2020 2019
Operating Revenues:   
Utility$386,881    $414,346   
Nonutility147,231    222,952   
Total Operating Revenues534,112    637,298   
Operating Expenses:   
Cost of Sales - (Excluding depreciation and amortization)   
 - Utility135,326    188,449   
 - Nonutility130,742    213,938   
Operations62,356    62,826   
Maintenance9,595    9,630   
Depreciation26,469    23,685   
Energy and Other Taxes3,862    4,217   
Total Operating Expenses368,350    502,745   
Operating Income165,762    134,553   
    
Other (Expense) Income(1,147)  2,575   
Interest Charges(32,536)  (28,653) 
Income Before Income Taxes132,079    108,475   
Income Taxes(33,370)  (24,949) 
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies2,391    2,173   
Income from Continuing Operations101,100    85,699   
Loss from Discontinued Operations - (Net of tax benefit)(59)  (62) 
Net Income$101,041    $85,637   
    
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:   
Continuing Operations$1.09    $0.94   
Discontinued Operations—    —   
Basic Earnings Per Common Share$1.09    $0.94   
    
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic92,445    91,332   
    
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:   
Continuing Operations$1.09    $0.94   
Discontinued Operations—    —   
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share$1.09    $0.94   
    
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted92,556    91,432   

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)

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 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2020 2019
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities$165,898    $212,252   
    
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:   
Capital Expenditures(113,671)  (121,887) 
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment104,275    16,130   
Investment in Long-Term Receivables(7,402)  (3,408) 
Proceeds from Long-Term Receivables4,665    2,466   
Investment in Affiliates(502)  (1,458) 
Advances to Affiliates—    (620) 
Net Repayment of Notes Receivable - Affiliates2,580    —   
    
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(10,055)  (108,777) 
    
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:   
Net (Repayments of) Borrowings from Short-Term Credit Facilities(151,400)  84,621   
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt—    10,000   
Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt—    (400,000) 
Payments for Issuance of Long-Term Debt(791)  (798) 
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock—    189,032   
    
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities(152,191)  (117,145) 
    
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash3,652    (13,670) 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period 28,381    31,679   
    
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period $32,033    $18,009   

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)

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 March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Assets   
Property, Plant and Equipment:   
Utility Plant, at original cost$5,000,554    $4,905,350   
Accumulated Depreciation(860,010)  (843,998) 
Nonutility Property and Equipment, at cost26,571    25,991   
Accumulated Depreciation(14,202)  (13,807) 
    
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net4,152,913    4,073,536   
    
Investments:   
Available-for-Sale Securities40    40   
Restricted21,694    21,964   
Investment in Affiliates89,952    87,087   
    
Total Investments111,686    109,091   
    
Current Assets:   
Cash and Cash Equivalents10,339    6,417   
Accounts Receivable262,850    253,661   
Unbilled Revenues51,973    84,821   
Provision for Uncollectibles(23,533)  (19,829) 
Notes Receivable - Affiliate2,799    5,379   
Natural Gas in Storage, average cost31,068    54,153   
Materials and Supplies, average cost1,146    1,164   
Prepaid Taxes15,857    26,918   
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets31,120    52,892   
Assets Held For Sale39,829    143,440   
Other Prepayments and Current Assets38,848    43,492   
    
Total Current Assets462,296    652,508   
    
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets:   
Regulatory Assets699,426    665,932   
Derivatives - Energy Related Assets13,522    7,243   
Notes Receivable - Affiliate12,720    12,720   
Contract Receivables33,363    30,958   
Goodwill702,070    702,070   
Other106,494    111,282   
    
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets1,567,595    1,530,205   
    
Total Assets$6,294,490    $6,365,340   


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 March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Capitalization and Liabilities   
Equity:   
Common Stock$115,555    $115,493   
Premium on Common Stock1,027,550    1,027,902   
Treasury Stock (at par)(274)  (289) 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(32,550)  (32,558) 
Retained Earnings387,002    313,237   
    
Total Equity1,497,283    1,423,785   
    
Long-Term Debt 2,067,146    2,070,086   
    
Total Capitalization3,564,429    3,493,871   
    
Current Liabilities:   
Notes Payable697,300    848,700   
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt470,409    467,909   
Accounts Payable187,647    232,242   
Customer Deposits and Credit Balances26,604    35,004   
Environmental Remediation Costs55,446    43,849   
Taxes Accrued9,311    2,235   
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities30,710    41,965   
  Deferred Contract Revenues186    —   
Derivatives - Other Current1,736    1,155   
Liabilities Held for Sale5,804    6,043   
Dividends Payable27,271    —   
Interest Accrued19,305    13,580   
Pension Benefits3,727    3,727   
Other Current Liabilities30,223    35,486   
    
Total Current Liabilities1,565,679    1,731,895   
    
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities:   
Deferred Income Taxes - Net133,452    92,166   
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits114,101    114,055   
Environmental Remediation Costs184,000    189,036   
Asset Retirement Obligations264,511    263,950   
Derivatives - Energy Related Liabilities5,284    8,206   
Derivatives - Other Noncurrent18,489    11,505   
Regulatory Liabilities430,498    442,918   
Other14,047    17,738   
    
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities1,164,382    1,139,574   
    
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)   
    
Total Capitalization and Liabilities$6,294,490    $6,365,340   

FAQ

What were SJI's first quarter 2020 earnings per share?

SJI reported GAAP earnings of $1.09 per diluted share and economic earnings of $1.15 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2020.

How did SJI perform in the first quarter compared to 2019?

SJI's first quarter 2020 GAAP earnings increased to $101.1 million from $85.7 million in 2019.

What is SJI's ongoing economic earnings guidance for 2020?

SJI has affirmed its ongoing economic earnings guidance for 2020 at $1.50 to $1.60 per diluted share.

How has COVID-19 affected SJI's operations?

SJI's operations and natural gas delivery have not been materially impacted by COVID-19, although incremental operating costs have been incurred.

What factors contributed to SJI's improved first quarter earnings?

Improved profitability from utility operations, new customer growth, and infrastructure investments contributed to SJI's increased earnings in the first quarter.

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