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| PCYO > SEC Filings for PCYO > Form 10-Q on 9-Apr-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
9-Apr-2009
Quarterly Report
• Expenses associated with developing our water assets; and
• Cash available to continue development of our water rights and service agreements.
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is intended to help
the reader understand the results of operations and our financial condition and
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and the
notes thereto and the financial statements and the notes thereto contained in
our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This overview summarizes the MD&A, which
includes the following sections:
Our Business - a general description of our business, our services and our
business strategy.
Results of Operations - an analysis of our results of operations for the periods
presented in our financial statements.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position - an analysis of our cash
position and cash flows, as well as a discussion of our financing arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - a discussion of our critical
accounting policies that require critical judgments, assumptions and estimates.
Our Business
Our Water Assets
Our water assets are comprised of the following annual entitlements which are
described in greater detail in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K:
• Approximately 60,000 acre-feet of senior water rights in the Arkansas River
and its tributaries;
• Approximately 11,650 acre-feet of water located in Arapahoe County, Colorado at property known as the Lowry Range (an approximately 27,000 acre property located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, owned by State Board of Land Commissioners (the "Land Board")), which we can "export" from the Lowry Range to supply water to nearby communities and developers in need of additional water supplies (this water asset is referred to as our "Export Water");
• Approximately 321 acre-feet of groundwater located in Arapahoe County acquired pursuant to an Agreement for Water Service (the "County Agreement") with Arapahoe County (the "County"); and
• Approximately 89 acre-feet of water located beneath Sky Ranch together with the right to purchase an additional 671 acre-feet of water (for a total of 760 acre-feet) pursuant to the Sky Ranch Agreements (however, see information on Sky Ranch bankruptcy in the Risk Factors section of the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
In addition to the water we own, we also control the following water assets in
Colorado:
• We have the exclusive rights to provide water and wastewater services to
approximately 24,000 acres of the Lowry Range through 2081 using
approximately 15,050 acre-feet of water. This water is required to be used
specifically on the Lowry Range (collectively we refer to the 15,050
acre-feet of water designated for use on the Lowry Range and the 11,650
acre-feet of Export Water as our "Rangeview Water Supply"); and
• We own conditional water rights in western Colorado that entitle us to build a 70,000 acre-foot reservoir to store Colorado River tributary water and a right-of-way permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for property at the dam and reservoir site (collectively known as the "Paradise Water Supply").
For further details on our current service agreements please refer to our 2008
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We provide water and wastewater services utilizing water assets we own,
concentrating our services to customers along the Front Range of the
metropolitan Denver area. We currently provide water services to approximately
247 single-family-equivalent water connections and 157 single-family-equivalent
wastewater connections located in the southeastern Denver metropolitan area. We
plan to utilize our significant water assets, which are summarized below, to
provide residential/commercial water and wastewater services to other customers
located along the Front Range, principally targeting the "I-70 corridor" which
is located east of downtown Denver and south of the Denver International
Airport. This area is predominately undeveloped and is expected to experience
substantial growth over the next 30 years. Our ability to increase our customer
base is dependent on new development in our targeted service area and on our
ability to enter into contracts to deliver water and wastewater service with
land owners, land developers, home builders, and municipalities.
We own nearly 12,000 acre-feet per year of decreed groundwater and surface water
rights in the Denver area and have the exclusive rights to use, through the year
2081, approximately 16,700 acre-feet per year of decreed groundwater and surface
water located at the Lowry Range (the Lowry Range is described in further detail
in Item 1 of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K). In addition to these Denver
based assets, we also own approximately 60,000 acre-feet per year of Arkansas
River water that is currently being used to irrigate approximately 17,000 acres
of land owned by the Company in southeastern Colorado and 70,000 acre-feet of
conditionally decreed Colorado River water rights on the western slope of
Colorado.
We contract with land owners, land developers, home builders, cities, and
municipalities to design, construct, operate and maintain water and wastewater
systems using our balanced water portfolio consisting of surface water and
groundwater supplies, surface water storage, alluvial aquifer storage, and
reclaimed water supplies. We generate cash flows and revenues by (i) selling
taps (connections) to our water and wastewater systems and/or (ii) monthly
service fees and consumption charges from metered deliveries. Tap fee
(connection) charges are a one-time fee typically paid by developers which are
used to recoup the cost of the Company's water rights and for construction of
the various facilities required to withdraw, store, treat and deliver water to
customers and reclaim, store, treat and deliver treated effluent water to
satisfy irrigation demands. Monthly service fees and consumption charges from
metered deliveries of water and flat monthly fees for wastewater are paid by
customers - homeowners, business owners or consumers of water and wastewater
services. Monthly service fees include (i) base monthly fees, (ii) monthly
metered water usage fees (both potable and irrigation uses which are charged at
different rates) and (iii) other service related fees.
We did not sell any water taps or wastewater taps during the three or six months
ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008. We received approximately $23,400
and $26,100 from the sale of water during the three months ended February 28,
2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively, and we received $56,500 and $65,100,
respectively, from the sale of water during the six months ended February 28,
2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively. We received approximately $16,700 from
monthly wastewater service fees during both three month periods presented, and
approximately $33,500 from monthly wastewater service fees during both six month
periods presented. Currently all monthly water and wastewater fees are generated
utilizing our "Rangeview Water Supply" which is defined below. See Critical
Accounting Policies below regarding our revenue recognition policies for tap
fees and construction fees.
The water rights we own in the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado are
currently being used for agricultural purposes on farms that we own, which are
being leased to area farmers. Pursuant to agreements we entered into with High
Plains A&M, LLC ("HP A&M"), described in greater detail in Note 3 to the
financial statements contained in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the
management of these farm leases is being performed by HP A&M through August 31,
2011. After that date, depending on certain factors described in Note 3 to the
financial statements contained in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, HP A&M
may extend the management services agreement, or we may assume management of the
farms. Pursuant to the farm management agreement, while HP A&M is managing the
leases, HP A&M is responsible for all expenses associated with maintaining the
leases with the exception of the water assessment fees paid to the Fort Lyon
Canal Company ("FLCC"), which are borne by us. The FLCC is the canal that
supplies the water to the farms. As compensation for their farm management
responsibilities, HP A&M retains all lease and other income associated with the
farms and the water used thereon.
Since our Arkansas River water is currently being used for agricultural
purposes, in order to use this water for municipal purposes we must file a
change of use application with the Colorado Water Court. This will likely be a
long-term process, which may extend from one to more than three years, and
require a substantial amount of capital for legal and engineering services. If
we successfully change the use of our water rights to include municipal uses, we
would then need to construct a pipeline and other infrastructure to transport
the water to the Front Range, which could cost in excess of $500 million. We
have not yet filed a change of use application. However, we are diligently
working with local interests to determine the least intrusive method of
transferring water off our farms to serve customers along the Front Range. We
are conducting a rotational crop study program and participating in discussions
with area interests including the Lower Arkansas Valley Super Ditch ("Super
Ditch"), which is a group of Arkansas Valley irrigators that have assembled to
study alternatives to traditional "buy and dry" agricultural to municipal water
transfers. See also our Risk Factors in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for
additional information on the risks associated with a water transfer case and
other risks associated with the Arkansas River water.
Recent Developments:
Lowry Range
On January 9, 2009, the developer of the Lowry Range terminated its development
agreement with the Land Board. We are not aware of any other projects planned by
the Land Board and it may be some time before the Land Board commences another
project. See Risk Factors below for additional discussion of the latest
developments at the Lowry Range.
Sky Ranch
As reported in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in 2007 the developer of Sky
Ranch filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. We have filed claims with the
bankruptcy court related to the water service agreements and groundwater
purchase agreement, and the Sky Ranch development is subject to foreclosure by a
bank holding a security interest in the development. Until these matters are
resolved, we will not be able to sell taps or water at Sky Ranch. The timing of
the resolution of these matters is not within our control and is not
predictable. For further information see Risk Factors in our 2008 Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Executive Summary
The results of our operations for the three months ended February 28, 2009 and
February 29, 2008 are as follows:
Summary Table 1
Three Months Ended:
February 28, 2009 February 29, 2008 $ Change % Change
Millions of gallons of water delivered 3.4 4.9 (1.5 ) -31 %
Water revenues generated $ 23,400 $ 26,100 $ (2,700 ) -10 %
Operating costs to deliver water $ 8,900 $ 14,200 $ (5,300 ) -37 %
(excluding depreciation and depletion)
Water delivery gross margin % 62 % 46 %
Wastewater treatment revenues $ 16,700 $ 16,700 $ - 0 %
Operating costs to treat wastewater $ 6,100 $ 4,400 $ 1,700 39 %
Wastewater treatment gross margin % 63 % 74 %
General and administrative expenses $ 561,100 $ 570,900 $ (9,800 ) -2 %
Net losses $ 1,401,300 $ 1,649,700 $ (248,400 ) -15 %
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The results of our operations for the six months ended February 28, 2009 and
February 29, 2008 are as follows:
Summary Table 2
Six Months Ended:
February 28, 2009 February 29, 2008 $ Change % Change
Millions of gallons of water delivered 11.6 15.5 (3.9 ) -25 %
Water revenues generated $ 56,500 $ 65,100 $ (8,600 ) -13 %
Operating costs to deliver water $ 27,700 $ 29,400 $ (1,700 ) -6 %
(excluding depreciation and depletion)
Water delivery gross margin % 51 % 55 %
Wastewater treatment revenues $ 33,500 $ 33,500 $ - 0 %
Operating costs to treat wastewater $ 11,600 $ 8,600 $ 3,000 35 %
Wastewater treatment gross margin % 65 % 74 %
General and administrative expenses $ 1,092,400 $ 1,222,400 $ (130,000 ) -11 %
Net losses $ 3,113,300 $ 3,544,700 $ (431,400 ) -12 %
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Water and Wastewater Usage Revenues
Our water service charges include a base monthly fee and a usage fee which is
based on a tiered pricing structure that provides for higher prices as customers
use greater amounts of water. Our rates and charges are established based on the
average of three surrounding communities as specified in our agreements with the
Land Board.
Our wastewater customers are charged flat monthly fees based on their number of
tap connections.
Comparison of usage fees and gross margins
Water deliveries for the three and six months ended February 28, 2009, decreased
31% and 25%, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2008. As a result of
the poor economy, our commercial customers are experiencing decreased levels of
business which in turn results in reduced water demands and reduced water usage
fees.
Despite the decreased usage, water operating gross margins for the three months
ended February 28, 2009 increased 16%, while the water operating gross margins
for the six months ended February 28, 2009 decreased 4% over comparable periods
in 2008. The increased gross margin during the three months ended February 28,
2009 was mainly a result of lower energy usage due to our efforts to conserve
energy and reduce the use of our groundwater pumps during the low water usage
non-irrigation season. The decrease in gross margin for the six month period
ended February 28, 2009 was mainly due to tri-annual testing fees incurred
during our first fiscal quarter.
Wastewater operation gross margins for the three and six months ended
February 28, 2009 decreased 11% and 9%, respectively over the comparable period
in 2008. These decreases are mainly a result of higher testing costs during the
current fiscal year and higher energy costs over the prior year, which cannot be
controlled to the same extent as water energy costs.
Tap Fees
We recognized approximately $3,600 of water tap fee revenues during each of the
three month periods ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, related to
the County Agreement. We recognized approximately $7,100 of water tap fee
revenues during each of the six month periods ended February 28, 2009 and
February 29, 2008, related to the County Agreement. In accordance with GAAP, we
began recognizing the water tap fees as revenue ratably over the estimated
service period upon completion of the Wholesale Facilities in fiscal 2006. The
water tap fees to be recognized over this period are net of the royalty payments
to the Land Board and amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the
Comprehensive Amendment Agreement No. 1 (the "CAA") as further described in Note
7 to the accompanying financial statements.
We recognized approximately $10,400 of Special Facilities funding as revenue
during each of the three month periods ended February 28, 2009 and February 29,
2008. We recognized approximately $20,800 of Special Facilities funding as
revenue during each of the six month periods ended February 28, 2009 and
February 29, 2008. This is the ratable portion of the "Special Facilities"
funding proceeds received from the County pursuant to the County Agreement as
more fully described in Note 3 to the financial statements contained in our 2008
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of February 28, 2009, we have deferred recognition of approximately
$1.5 million of water tap and construction fee revenue from the County, which
will be recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated useful accounting life
of the assets constructed with the construction proceeds as described above.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended
February 28, 2009 decreased 2% and 11%, respectively, over the comparable
periods in 2008. These decreases were a result of our cost reduction efforts in
response to the overall downturn of the economy, and the delay in the
development of the Lowry Range as a result of the developers' withdrawal from
its development agreement with the Land Board.
Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended February 28,
2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively, are comprised of approximately:
• $199,000 and $213,900 of salary and salary related expenses, including
approximately $74,400 and $89,100, respectively, of stock-based
compensation expenses recognized pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment("SFAS
123(R)"),
• $91,600 and $90,000 of fees and insurance premiums related to our board of directors,
• $82,600 and $77,400 of water assessment expenses associated with the FLCC, which is the canal system that provides water to the farms we own in the Arkansas River Valley in southern Colorado and is described further in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below,
• $66,000 and $26,400 of professional fees, which increased as a result of the Lowry Range negotiations,
• $28,920 and $39,800 of consulting fees, generally related to negotiations with the Lowry Range project and other pending water service agreements, and
• $20,900 and $25,400 of expenses associated with being a public company, generally related to press releases, NASDAQ listing fees, EDGAR filing fees, etc.
Our general and administrative expenses for the six months ended February 28,
2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively, are comprised of approximately:
• $398,500 and $412,900 of salary and salary related expenses, including
approximately $153,600 and $170,400, respectively, of stock-based
compensation expenses recognized pursuant to SFAS 123(R),
• $112,200 and $106,000 of fees and insurance premiums related to our board of directors,
• $174,200 and $166,700 of water assessment expenses associated with the FLCC,
• $192,300 and $136,200 of professional fees, increase is mainly attributable to the Lowry Range negotiations,
• $62,500 and $152,700 of consulting fees, decrease is mainly related to the reduction of consultants due to the developer withdrawing from the development agreement with the Land Board, and
• $36,300 and $104,400 of expenses associated with being a public company, decrease mainly due to the reincorporation into Colorado, which resulted in the avoidance of Delaware franchise fees.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest income totaled approximately $22,300 and $70,700 for the three months
ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively. Interest income
totaled approximately $57,600 and $197,700 for the six months ended February 28,
2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively. This represents interest earned on the
temporary investment of capital, interest accrued on our notes receivable from
related parties and interest accrued on the construction proceeds receivable
from Arapahoe County. The decrease is due to the continued decline in interest
rates both on our invested capital and for the notes receivable from related
parties due to lower interest rates. Our temporary investments are invested in
overnight money market funds related to treasury obligations and subsequent to
February 28, 2009, we invested approximately $3.0 million in certificates of
deposit with scheduled maturities and set interest rates, and therefore, our
temporary investments are not subject to market risks. Our certificates of
deposit are held by various financial institutions in amounts less than
federally insured limits.
Imputed interest expense related to the Tap Participation Fee payable to HP A&M
totaled approximately $841,000 and $1.1 million for the three months ended
February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, respectively. Imputed interest expense
related to the Tap Participation Fee payable to HP A&M totaled approximately
$2.0 million and $2.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2009 and
February 29, 2008, respectively. This represents the expensed portion of the
difference between the relative fair value of the liability and the net present
value of the liability recognized under the effective interest method. See also
Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements for discussion on the
revaluation of the Tap Participation Fee and the impact to the February 28, 2009
financial statements.
During the six months ended February 28, 2009, we received a $5,000 land use
payment from an energy company searching for natural gas on certain of our
Arkansas Valley properties and we received $600 for our engineer providing water
system consulting services for a local golf course.
Net losses for the three and six months ended February 28, 2009 decreased
approximately 15% and 12%, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2008.
The reason for the decreases is attributable to the changes in the operating
items described above, and during the three months ended February 28, 2009, we
recognized approximately $37,500 of gains related to the sale of non-irrigated
land we owned in the Arkansas River Valley in Southern Colorado.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At February 28, 2009, we had working capital (current assets less current
liabilities) of approximately $4.5 million, and cash and cash equivalents
totaling approximately $4.4 million. We believe that at February 28, 2009, we
have sufficient working capital and cash and cash equivalents to fund our
operations for the next year. However, there can be no assurance that we will be
successful in marketing the water from our primary water projects which we
require to fund our long-term operations. In order to generate working capital
to support our operations, we may incur additional short or long-term debt or
seek to sell additional equity securities. We have an effective shelf
registration statement pursuant to which we may elect to sell up to another $5.7
million of stock at any time and from time to time.
Development of the water that we own, have rights to use, or may seek to
acquire, will require substantial capital investments. We anticipate that
capital required for the development of the water and wastewater systems will be
financed through the sale of water taps to developers. A water tap fee refers to
a charge we impose to fund construction of "Wholesale Facilities" ("Wholesale
Facilities" are further defined in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K) and
permit access to our water delivery system. We anticipate tap fees will be
sufficient to generate funds with which we can design and construct the
necessary Wholesale Facilities. However, once we receive tap fees from a
developer, we are contractually obligated to construct the Wholesale Facilities
for the taps paid for, even if our costs are not covered by the fees we receive.
We cannot assure you that these sources of cash will be sufficient to cover all
our capital costs.
On a monthly basis, water customers are charged a flat base fee and usage fees,
generally charged per 1,000 gallons of water delivered to the customer, and
wastewater customers are charged flat monthly service fees. These fees are used
to fund on-going operational expenses, including general and administrative
expenses.
As further described in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Critical Accounting
Policies below and Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements, pursuant to
the Arkansas River Agreement we agreed to pay HP A&M 10% of our water tap fees
received on the sale of the next 40,000 water taps (the "Tap Participation
. . .
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