MIDDLESEX WATER CO
10-Q, 1999-05-14
WATER SUPPLY
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                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
                            WASHINGTON, DC 20549 
   
                                  FORM 10-Q 
   
                  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) 
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
  
  
                                               Commission File 
For Quarter Ended: March 31, 1999              No. 0-422   
  
  
                            MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
  
  
 INCORPORATED IN NEW JERSEY                     22-1114430 
(State or other jurisdiction of                 (I.R.S. Employer 
incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.) 
   
1500 RONSON ROAD, ISELIN, NJ	                    08830 
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code) 
   
                              (732) 634-1500   
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 
   
   
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed 
all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months  
(or for such shorter period that this registrant was required to  
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing  
requirements for the past 30 days. 
   
   
                                YES [X]      NO [ ]    
   
   
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the  
Issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable  
date. 
   
   
Class                                 Outstanding at March 31, 1999
Common Stock, No Par Value            4,908,666 
   
   
<PAGE>
                                   INDEX
  
  
  
  
PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                     PAGE
  
  
Item 1.     Financial Statements:
  
    Consolidated Statements of Income                                    1
    Consolidated Balance Sheets                                          2
    Consolidated Statements of Capitalization and Retained Earnings      4
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                5
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                           6
  
  
Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                          9
  
  
Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk     12
  
  
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION                                           13
  
  
SIGNATURE                                                               13
  





<PAGE>   
<TABLE>   
   
   
                 PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
   
                                MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY   
                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME   
                                (Unaudited)   
   
   
<CAPTION>   
                                 Three Months            Twelve Months
                                 Ended March 31,         Ended March 31,
   
                                       1999        1998        1999        1998 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         
Operating Revenues              $11,679,893 $ 9,769,139 $44,968,720 $40,727,238 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
Operating Expenses:   
 Operation                        6,207,458   4,588,621  21,426,309  18,161,555 
 Maintenance                        640,497     327,865   2,027,989   1,707,952 
 Depreciation                       860,875     808,084   3,337,460   3,123,444 
 Other Taxes                      1,529,849   1,414,457   6,217,111   5,804,928 
 Federal Income Taxes               495,198     682,250   2,812,236   3,166,635 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Total Operating Expenses          9,733,877   7,821,277  35,821,105  31,964,514 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
    Operating Income              1,946,016   1,947,862   9,147,615   8,762,724 
   
Other Income:
Allowance for funds Used 
    During Construction             486,222     133,803   1,402,463     275,718 
Other-Net                           212,978      39,107     919,193     177,276 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
  
Total Other Income                  699,200    172,910    2,321,656     452,994 

Income Before Interest Charges    2,645,216   2,120,772  11,469,271   9,215,718 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Interest Charges                  1,152,007     857,521   4,718,087   3,373,586 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Net Income                        1,493,209   1,263,251   6,751,184   5,842,132 
  
Preferred Stock Dividend   
 Requirements                        79,697      79,697     318,786     265,992 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Earnings Applicable to   
 Common Stock                   $ 1,413,512 $ 1,183,554   6,432,398   5,576,140 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Earnings and Dividends per Share of Common Stock
   
Earnings per Share:
  Basic                               $0.29       $0.28       $1.43       $1.31 
  Diluted                             $0.29       $0.28       $1.42       $1.30 
   
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
  Basic                           4,902,005   4,290,681   4,504,617   4,254,819 
  Diluted                         5,128,431   4,517,107   4,731,043   4,435,868 

Dividends Paid per Share          $0.29 1/2   $0.28 1/2       $1.16       $1.13 
   
   
<FN>     
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  
</TABLE> 
                                       -1-
<PAGE>  
<TABLE>          
                              MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
   
                              ASSETS AND OTHER DEBITS 
<CAPTION>   
                                                  March 31,   December 31, 
                                                       1999           1998 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
                                                (Unaudited) 
<S>                                            <C>            <C>  
UTILITY PLANT:   
 Water Production                              $ 28,193,214   $ 28,154,961 
 Transmission and Distribution                  118,827,828    118,234,900 
 General                                         19,387,014     19,300,406 
 Construction Work in Progress                   31,647,407     25,794,061 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL                                      198,055,463    191,484,328 
   
Less Accumulated Depreciation                    33,099,847     32,367,936 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     UTILITY PLANT-NET                          164,955,616    159,116,392 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
NONUTILITY ASSETS-NET                             4,085,072      3,710,437 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:   
 Cash and Cash Equivalents                        8,588,217      9,388,822 
 Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted            4,461,255      9,776,072 
 Accounts Receivable-Net                          4,509,346      4,886,067 
 Unbilled Revenues                                2,254,108      2,298,148 
 Materials and Supplies                             967,981        906,866 
 Prepayments and Other Current Assets               522,920        528,348 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                        21,303,827     27,784,323 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
DEFERRED CHARGES:   
 Unamortized Debt Expense                         3,110,448      3,143,384 
 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges       313,268        276,202 
 Regulatory Assets
   Income Taxes                                   5,863,752      5,788,752 
   Post Retirement Costs                          1,192,540      1,214,092 
 Other                                            2,295,467      2,467,674 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES                      12,775,475     12,890,104 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
          TOTAL                                $203,119,990   $203,501,256 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
<FN> 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE> 
                                       -2-
<PAGE> 
<TABLE> 
                              MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
   
                              LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS 
<CAPTION>   
                                                  March 31,   December 31, 
                                                       1999          1998 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
                                                (Unaudited) 
<S>                                            <C>            <C>  
   
CAPITALIZATION(see accompanying statements)    $149,973,903   $149,756,614 
                                                ___________    ____________
   
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
 Current Portion of Long-term Debt                   88,000         71,730 
 Notes Payable                                            0      1,000,000 
 Accounts Payable                                 2,660,459      3,373 595 
 Taxes Accrued                                    6,854,274      5,220,669 
 Interest Accrued                                   689,255      1,701,330 
 Other                                            1,672,998      1,832,737 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                   11,964,986     13,200,061 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
DEFERRED CREDITS:   
 Customer Advances for Construction              10,810,436     11,275,660 
 Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits      2,147,465      2,165,384 
 Accumulated Deferred Federal Income Taxes       12,006,189     12,070,474 
 Employee Benefit Plans                           3,991,847      3,762,516 
 Other                                              804,669        791,460 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS                      29,760,606     30,065,494 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION             11,420,495     10,479,087 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 
          TOTAL                                $203,119,990   $203,501,256 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
<FN>  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  
</TABLE> 
                                       -3-
<PAGE>  
<TABLE>   
                              MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION AND RETAINED EARNINGS 
 
<CAPTION>   
                                                  March 31,   December 31, 
                                                       1999          1998 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
                                                (Unaudited) 
   
<S>                                            <C>            <C> 
   
CAPITALIZATION: 
 Common Stock,No Par Value 
  Shares Authorized,10,000,000 
  Shares Outstanding-1999,4,908,666 
                     1998,4,897,069            $ 45,793,862   $ 45,507,172 
 Retained Earnings                               21,180,452     21,222,294 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL COMMON EQUITY                         66,974,314     66,729,466 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 Cumulative Preference Stock,No Par Value 
  Shares Authorized,100,000; Shares Outstanding,None 
 Cumulative Preferred Stock,No Par Value, 
  Shares Authorized - 149,980 
 Convertible: 
   Shares Outstanding,$7.00 Series - 14,881       1,562,505      1,562,505 
   Shares Outstanding,$8.00 Series - 20,000       2,331,430      2,331,430 
 Nonredeemable: 
   Shares Outstanding,$7.00 Series -  1,017         101,700        101,700 
   Shares Outstanding,$4.75 Series - 10,000       1,000,000      1,000,000 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
     TOTAL CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK             4,995,635      4,995,635 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 Long-term Debt: 
  8.02% Amortizing Secured Note, 
                 due December 20,2021             3,406,954      3,418,243 
  First Mortgage Bonds: 
     7.25%,Series R,due July 1,2021               6,000,000      6,000,000 
     5.20%,Series S,due October 1,2022           12,000,000     12,000,000 
     5.25%,Series T,due October 1,2023            6,500,000      6,500,000 
     6.40%,Series U,due February 1,2009          15,000,000     15,000,000 
     5.25%,Series V,due February 1,2029          10,000,000     10,000,000 
     5.35%,Series W,due February 1,2038          23,000,000     23,000,000 
     0.00%,Series X,due August 1,2018             1,050,000      1,050,000 
     4.53%,Series Y,due August 1,2018             1,135,000      1,135,000 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
   SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT                       78,091,954     78,103,243 
    Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt         (88,000)       (71,730)
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 
     TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT                        78,003,954     78,031,513 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
   
         TOTAL CAPITALIZATION                  $149,973,903   $149,756,614 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                        Three Months Ended      Year Ended 
                                                  March 31,   December 31, 
                                                       1999           1998 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
                                                (Unaudited) 
<S>                                            <C>            <C> 
RETAINED EARNINGS: 
 BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                $ 21,222,294   $ 20,087,065 
 Net Income                                       1,493,209      6,521,226 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
     TOTAL                                       22,715,503     26,608,291 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 Cash Dividends:   
  Cumulative Preferred Stock                         79,697        318,751 
  Common Stock                                    1,445,197      4,987,013 
  Common Stock Expenses                              10,157         80,233 
                                                 __________    ___________ 
     TOTAL DEDUCTIONS                             1,535,051      5,385,997 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
 BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD                      $ 21,180,452   $ 21,222,294 
                                                ___________    ___________ 
<FN> 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE> 
                                       -4-
<PAGE> 
<TABLE> 
                              MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS   
                              (Unaudited)   
   
<CAPTION>   
                                              Three Months Ended March 31,   Twelve Months Ended March 31
                                                       1999           1998           1999           1998 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>    
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
 Net Income                                    $  1,493,209   $  1,263,251   $  6,751,184   $  5,842,132 
  Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income to   
  Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:   
   Depreciation and Amortization                    942,050        883,724      3,854,933      3,256,534 
   Provision for Deferred Income Taxes             (139,285)       106,947       (111,256)       680,931 
   Allowance for Funds Used During Construction    (486,222)      (133,803)    (1,402,463)      (275,718)
  Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:   
   Accounts Receivable                              376,721       (289,638)      (424,848)       (56,198)
   Accounts Payable                                (713,136)      (658,286)       127,712      1,835,348 
   Accrued Taxes                                  1,633,605      1,387,294        324,891        770,070 
   Accrued Interest                              (1,012,075)      (607,804)       113,498        121,985 
   Unbilled Revenues                                 44,040        (32,894)       (45,280)        (2,619)
   Employee Benefit Plans                           229,331        238,067      1,006,544        889,401 
   Other-Net                                       (193,199)      (464,704)       705,171       (216,968)
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES         2,175,039      1,692,154     10,900,086     12,844,898 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
 Utility Plant Expenditures (Excludes Allowance
   for Funds Used During Construction)           (6,207,508)    (4,766,355)   (27,716,434)   (14,213,285)
 Cash from Acquisition of Subsidiary                      0              0              0        158,436 
 Note Receivable                                     12,875        (15,112)    (1,591,078)        (9,149)
 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges       (37,066)         8,275       (107,893)      (316,165)
 Other-Net                                         (274,189)       (13,128)      (915,666)    (1,237,051)
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES            (6,505,888)    (4,786,320)   (30,331,071)   (15,617,214)
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
 Redemption of Long-term Debt                       (11,289)       (10,321)       (43,678)       (42,665)
 Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt                 0     23,000,000      2,185,000     23,000,000 
 Short-term Bank Borrowings                      (1,000,000)     2,498,913     (3,063,614)     2,498,913 
 Deferred Debit Issuance Expenses                    (1,107)             0       (503,307)             0 
 Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted            5,314,817    (22,876,152)    18,633,684    (23,086,827)
 Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock-Net         276,532        727,155     13,837,833      1,613,512 
 Payment of Common Dividends                     (1,445,197)    (1,221,971)    (5,210,239)    (4,805,227)
 Payment of Preferred Dividends                     (79,696)       (79,662)      (318,785)      (279,291)
 Customer Advances and Contributions-Net            476,184        (36,608)     1,081,826      1,130,661 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES         3,530,244      2,001,354     26,598,720         29,076 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS            (800,605)    (1,092,812)     7,167,735     (2,743,240)
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT  
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD                             9,388,822      2,513,294      1,420,482      4,163,722 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 
  END OF PERIOD                                $  8,588,217   $  1,420,482   $  8,588,217   $  1,420,482 
                                                ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________ 
   
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION: 
  Cash Paid During the Period for:   
    Interest(net of amounts capitalized)       $  1,644,621   $  1,407,200   $  3,047,999   $  2,942,889 
    Income Taxes                               $    150,500   $    359,000   $  2,954,475   $  2,061,200 
   
<FN>   
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE> 
                                       -5-
<PAGE>
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
  
Organization - Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) is the parent company 
and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Pinelands 
Water Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company, Utility Service Affiliates, 
Inc. (USA), and Utility Service Affiliates  (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA).  
Public Water Supply Company, Inc. (Public) and White Marsh Environmental 
Systems, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Tidewater.  The financial 
statements for Middlesex and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company) 
are reported on a consolidated basis.  All intercompany accounts and 
transactions have been eliminated.
  
The consolidated notes accompanying the 1998 Form 10-K are applicable to 
this report and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying 
unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments 
(consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present 
fairly the financial position as of March 31, 1999 and the results of 
operations and its cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 1999 and 
1998.  Information included in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 
1998, has been derived from the Company's audited financial statements 
included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 1998.
  
Note 2 - Regulatory Matters
  
On May 12, 1999, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved an 
11.5% or $4.3 million base rate increase for Middlesex.  The purpose of 
the increase is to allow Middlesex the opportunity to earn a return on 
and recover the capital investment in the upgrade and expansion of the 
Carl J. Olsen Water Treatment Plant.  This project was necessary to meet 
the new and anticipated regulatory standards concerning water quality 
and to increase the plant's production capacity.
  
Note 3 - Capitalization
  
Common Stock - During the three months ended March 31, 1999, 11,597 
common shares ($0.3 million) were issued under the Company's Dividend 
Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan.
  
Note 4 - Earnings Per Share
  
Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted 
average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted EPS assumes the 
conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and the 
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series.
  
                                       -6-
<PAGE>

  
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>   
                                        Three Months Ended                               Twelve Months Ended
                                              March 30,                                     March 30,
   
                              1999                    1998                    1999                    1998 
                             Income      Shares      Income      Shares      Income      Shares      Income      Shares 
                         __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BASIC:
Net Income              $ 1,493,209   4,902,005 $ 1,263,251   4,290,681 $ 6,751,184   4,504,617 $ 5,842,132   4,254,819 
Preferred Dividend          (79,697)                (79,697)               (318,786)               (265,992)            
                         __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
Earnings Applicable
 to Common Stock        $ 1,413,512   4,902,005 $ 1,183,554   4,290,681 $ 6,432,398   4,504,617 $ 5,576,140   4,254,819 
   
Basic EPS                     $0.29                   $0.28                   $1.43                   $1.31             
                         __________              __________              __________               _________ 
   
DILUTED:
Earnings Applicable
 to Common Stock        $ 1,413,512   4,902,005 $ 1,183,554   4,290,681 $ 6,432,398   4,504,617 $ 5,576,140   4,254,819 
$7.00 Series Dividend        26,042      89,286      26,042      89,286     104,167      89,286     104,307      89,372 
$8.00 Series Dividend        40,000     137,140      40,000     137,140     160,000     137,140     106,959      91,677 
                         __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Adjusted Earnings
 Applicable to
 Common Stock           $ 1,479,554   5,128,431 $ 1,249,596   4,517,107 $ 6,696,565   4,731,043 $ 5,787,406   4,435,868 
   
Diluted EPS                   $0.29                   $0.28                   $1.42                   $1.30 
                         __________              __________              __________              __________ 
   
   
</TABLE> 
  
  
Note 5 - Business Segment Data
  
The Company has identified two reportable segments.  One is the 
regulated business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a 
retail and wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and 
fire protection customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware.  It also 
operates a regulated wastewater system in New Jersey.  The Company is 
subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by 
the States of New Jersey and Delaware with respect to utility service 
within these States.  The other segment is the non-regulated contract 
services for the operation and maintenance of municipal water and 
wastewater systems. On January 1, 1999 the Company began operating the 
water and wastewater systems of the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey 
under a service contract. The accounting policies of the segments are 
the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting 
policies in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  
Intersegment transactions relating to operational costs are treated as 
pass through expenses.  Finance charges on intersegment loan activities 
are based on interest rates that are below what would normally be 
charged by a third party lender.


<PAGE>   
<TABLE>   
   
   
<CAPTION>   
                                 Three Months Ended          Twelve Months Ended
                                       March 31,                   March 31, 
   
Operations by Segments                 1999        1998        1999        1998 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         
Revenues:
 Regulated                      $     9,930 $     9,659 $    42,888 $    40,316 
 Non-Regulated                        1,761         116       2,110         435 
 Intersegment Elimination               (11)         (6)        (29)        (24)
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Revenues           $    11,680 $     9,769 $    44,969 $    40,727 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
</TABLE> 
                                       -7-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>   
                                 Three Months Ended          Twelve Months Ended
                                       March 31,                   March 31, 
   
                                       1999        1998        1999        1998 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         
Operating Income:
 Regulated                      $     1,817 $     1,884 $     8,874 $     8,545 
 Non-Regulated                          129          64         274         220 
 Intersegment Elimination                 0           0           0          (2)
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Operating Income   $     1,946 $     1,948 $     9,148 $     8,763 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

Depreciation/Amortization:
 Regulated                      $       856 $       808 $     3,332 $     3,123 
 Non-Regulated                            5           0           5           0 
 Intersegment Elimination                 0           0           0           0 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated
 Depreciation/Amortization      $       861 $       808 $     3,337 $     3,123 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

Other Income:
 Regulated                      $       840 $       297 $     3,175 $     1,121 
 Non-Regulated                            0           0           0           0 
 Intersegment Elimination              (141)       (124)       (853)       (668)
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Other Income       $       699 $       173 $     2,322 $       453 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

Interest Expense:
 Regulated                      $     1,228 $       886 $     4,954 $     3,476 
 Non-Regulated                           47          22         164          79 
 Intersegment Elimination              (123)        (50)       (400)       (181)
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Interest Expense   $     1,152 $       858 $     4,718 $     3,374 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

Net Income:
 Regulated                      $     1,429 $     1,294 $     7,095 $     6,189 
 Non-Regulated                           82          42         110         142 
 Intersegment Elimination               (18)        (73)       (454)       (489)
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Net Income         $     1,493 $     1,263 $     6,751 $     5,842 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

Capital Expenditures:
 Regulated                      $     6,208 $     4,766 $    27,716 $    14,213 
 Non-Regulated                          150           0         150           0 
 Intersegment Elimination                 0           0           0           0 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Total Capital Expenditures      $     6,358 $     4,766 $    27,866 $    14,213 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________ 

                                     As of        As of 
                                  March 31, December 31,
                                      1999         1999 
                                 __________  __________ 
<S>                             <C>         <C>         
Assets:
 Regulated                      $   218,950 $   219,014 
 Non-Regulated                        2,815       2,377 
 Intersegment Elimination           (18,645)    (17,890)
                                 __________  __________ 
   
Consolidated Assets             $   203,120 $   203,501 
                                 __________  __________ 
</TABLE> 
                                       -8-
<PAGE>
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
  
  
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 1999
  
Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were up 
$1.9 million or 19.6% from the same period in 1998.  A large part of the 
increase relates to $1.6 million in contract service revenues from USA-
PA, a subsidiary established to provide operating and maintenance 
services to the water and wastewater systems of the City of Perth Amboy, 
which was effective January 1, 1999.  In addition, the full benefit of 
Middlesex's 4.4% rate increase implemented in late January 1998 and the 
third phase of the Pinelands Water and Wastewater rate increases 
implemented in late January 1999 added $0.2 million to revenues.  
Continued growth in the customer base of our Delaware operations also 
contributed $0.1 million to revenues.
  
Offsetting higher revenues were increased operating expenses of $1.9 
million or 24.5% over last year.  The inclusion of USA-PA's operations 
and maintenance expenses accounted for $1.5 million of the increase.  
Higher pumpage and pump configurations used during the ongoing 
construction at the Carl J. Olsen Water Treatment Plant (CJO Plant) 
increased purchased power expenses by $0.1 million.  Increases were also 
experienced in administrative and general expenses of $0.1 million, 
maintenance within the transmission and distribution area of $0.1 
million and labor costs of $0.2 million.
  
Other taxes, which rose $0.1 million or 8.2%, included higher revenue 
related taxes, real estate taxes and payroll taxes.  Federal income 
taxes were lower by $0.2 million, which reflected a lower amount of 
deferred taxes, which offset an increased amount of current taxable 
income.
  
Other income increased $0.5 million compared to the same three-month 
period in 1998.  An increase of $0.4 million in Allowance for Funds Used 
During Construction was related to the capital expenditures incurred in 
connection with the upgrade of the CJO Plant.  Interest income increased 
$0.1 million resulting in part from the unexpended proceeds available 
for investment from the Series W Mortgage Bonds.
  
Total interest charges rose $0.3 million and reflect debt service on the 
Series W First Mortgage Bonds issued in March 1998.
  
The rise in net income to $1.5 million, up 18.2% from $1.3 million, was 
attributable to the net financing activity related to the CJO Plant 
construction.   
  
Results of Operations - Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1999
  
Operating revenues for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999 were 
higher by $4.2 million or 10.4%.  The following factors contributed to 
this increase.  The inclusion of USA-PA for three months and Public for 
an entire year attributed $1.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, 
to revenues.  USA-PA began operation in January 1999 and Public was 
acquired in July 1997.  Rate increases implemented by Middlesex and the 
Pinelands Water and Wastewater Companies accounted for $1.7 million of 
additional revenues.  Tidewater's continued growth in its customer base 
also contributed $0.5 million in revenues.  Total operating expenses 
increased $3.9 million or 12.0%.  Primary factors contributing to the 
increase are 
  
                                       -9-
<PAGE>
the inclusion of USA-PA's and Public's operating and maintenance 
expenses for $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  Purchased 
water cost rose $0.2 million due to a change in the composition of the 
water sources used to supply Middlesex customers.  Purchased power also 
increased by $0.2 million due to the pump configurations used at the CJO 
Plant.  Mandated recognition of postretirement benefit costs other than 
pensions and amortization of regulatory deferrals approved by the New 
Jersey Board of Public Utilities added $0.4 million and $0.1 million, 
respectively, to expenses.  Labor costs also added $0.7 million to 
increased expenses.
  
Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million or 6.9% as a result of newly 
constructed utility plant placed in service during the twelve-month 
period and utility plant acquired through the acquisition of Public.
  
Other Taxes increased $0.4 million or 7.1%.  The increase primarily 
relates to higher revenue-related taxes, employers' payroll taxes and 
the inclusion of USA-PA.  Federal income taxes decreased $0.3 million or 
11.2% as a result of a lower amount of deferred taxes offsetting an 
increased amount of current taxes.
  
Other income rose $1.8 million with the Allowance for Funds Used During 
Construction, (AFUDC), accounting for $1.1 million.  The increase in 
AFUDC reflects capitalized interest on expenditures associated with the 
upgrade of the CJO Plant.  Unexpended proceeds available for investment 
from the Series W First Mortgage Bonds, which were issued in March 1998, 
increased interest income by $0.7 million.
  
Interest expense related to the Series W First Mortgage Bonds issued in 
March 1998 contributed $1.2 million to the increase in total interest 
charges of $1.3 million.  The remainder of the increase is due to short-
term borrowings, incurred to provide interim financing for the Company's 
capital program.
  
The $0.1 million increase in preferred stock dividend requirements 
reflects the issuance on July 31, 1997 of the $8.00 preferred stock 
series to complete the acquisition of Public.  Basic and diluted 
earnings per share increased $0.12.  The $0.01 per share dilution for 
the twelve months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 is the result of the two 
series of convertible preferred stock currently outstanding.
  
Capital Resources
  
 The Company's capital program for 1999 is estimated to be $26.6 million 
and includes $15.0 million for the upgrade of the CJO scheduled for 
completion in June 1999,  $2.0 million for the RENEW Program, which is 
our program to clean and cement line approximately nine miles of unlined 
mains in the Middlesex System.  There is a total of approximately 170 
miles of unlined mains in the 670 mile Middlesex System.   The capital 
program also includes $5.8 million for water system additions and 
improvements for our Delaware systems and $3.8 million for scheduled 
upgrades to our existing systems in New Jersey. The scheduled upgrades 
consists of $1.0 million for mains, $0.7 million for service lines, $0.5 
million for meters, $0.4 for hydrants and $1.2 million for various other 
items.
  
Liquidity
  
Proceeds from the $23.0 million Series W First Mortgage Bonds and the 
December 1998, $12.7 million common stock offering are being used to 
finance the CJO Plant expenditures in 1999.  Middlesex issued $2.2 
million of First Mortgage Bonds in November 1998 through the New Jersey 
State Revolving Fund (SRF) to cover the cost of the 1999 RENEW Program.  
The Company intends to apply for SRF funding in 
  
                                       -10-
<PAGE>
1999 for the years 2000 and 2001.  The capital program in Delaware will 
be financed through a combination of a capital contribution from 
Middlesex and long-term debt financing from either a financial 
institution or the Company.  Other capital expenditures will be financed 
through internally generated funds and sale of common stock through the 
Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (DRP).  Capital 
expenditures of $6.2 million have been incurred in the three months 
ended March 31, 1999.  The Company may also utilize short-term 
borrowings through $28.0 million of available lines of credit it has 
with three commercial banks for working capital purposes.  At March 31, 
1999, there were no outstanding loans against the lines of credit.  
  
Accounting Standards
  
In June 1998, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued 
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging 
Activities."  This Statement establishes accounting and reporting 
standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative 
instruments embedded in other contracts.  The Company is currently 
evaluating the requirements of the accounting standard, which is 
required to be adopted in the first quarter of 2000.
  
Year 2000 Readiness
  
The Company, through its year 2000 (Y2K) Committee, continues to advance 
in its efforts to ensure that our ability to provide service will not be 
interrupted by Y2K related problems.
  
Responses to our critical vendor questionnaire have reached 
approximately 70%.  There was a 100%  response rate from the most 
important vendors, namely electric utilities, chemical companies, bulk 
water suppliers and telecommunications providers.  Each vendor has 
indicated their level of readiness.  This information is being used to 
finalize Middlesex contingency plans, which are scheduled to be 
completed in June 1999.
  
The Y2K Committee continues to focus on completing its inventory of 
equipment that may contain embedded chips.  We are working with the 
equipment manufacturers to help identify the affected equipment and the 
ability to modify or replace the equipment in a timely manner.  The 
ability of our financial system to recognize post 1999 dates was tested 
and determined to be compliant.  Our customer billing and information 
system is scheduled for testing during May 1999.
  
Forward Looking Information
  
Certain matters discussed in this report on Form 10-Q are "forward-
looking statements" intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability 
established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  
Such statements may address future plans, objective, expectations and 
events concerning various matters such as capital expenditures, 
earnings, litigation, growth potential, rate and other regulatory 
matters, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters.  Actual 
results in each case could differ materially from those currently 
anticipated in such statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to 
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a 
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
  
                                       -11-
<PAGE>
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk
  
The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the 
normal course of business.  Our policy is to manage interest rates 
through the use of fixed rate long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, 
short-term debt. The Company's interest rate risk related to existing 
fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of the 
majority of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have maturity dates ranging 
from 2009 to 2038.  Over the next twelve months approximately $0.1 
million of the current portion of three existing long-term debt 
instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of 
interest charged by 10% on those borrowings, would not have a material 
effect on earnings.  
  
  
  
  
  
                                       -12-
<PAGE>
  
<PAGE>
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
  
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
  
  
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
            None

Item 2.     Changes in Securities
            None.
  
Item 3.     Defaults upon Senior Securities
            None.
  
Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
            None.
  
Item 5.     Other Information
            None
  
Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
            (a) Exhibits:              No. 11, Statement Regarding Computation
                                               of Per Share Earnings
                                       No. 27, Financial Data Schedule.
            (b) Reports on Form 8-K:   None
  
SIGNATURE
  
  
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereto duly authorized.
  
  
                             MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
                            (Registrant)
  
  
  
  
                             /s/A. Bruce O'Connor
Date: May 10, 1999              A. Bruce O'Connor
                                Vice President and Controller
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                                       -13-
  





<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> UT
<CIK> 0000066004
<NAME> MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<BOOK-VALUE>                                  PER-BOOK
<TOTAL-NET-UTILITY-PLANT>                  164,955,616
<OTHER-PROPERTY-AND-INVEST>                  4,085,072
<TOTAL-CURRENT-ASSETS>                      21,303,827
<TOTAL-DEFERRED-CHARGES>                    12,775,475
<OTHER-ASSETS>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             203,119,990
<COMMON>                                    45,793,862
<CAPITAL-SURPLUS-PAID-IN>                            0
<RETAINED-EARNINGS>                         21,180,452
<TOTAL-COMMON-STOCKHOLDERS-EQ>              66,974,314
                                0
                                  4,995,635
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-NET>                        78,003,954
<SHORT-TERM-NOTES>                                   0
<LONG-TERM-NOTES-PAYABLE>                            0
<COMMERCIAL-PAPER-OBLIGATIONS>                       0
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-CURRENT-PORT>                   88,000
                            0
<CAPITAL-LEASE-OBLIGATIONS>                          0
<LEASES-CURRENT>                                     0
<OTHER-ITEMS-CAPITAL-AND-LIAB>              53,058,087
<TOT-CAPITALIZATION-AND-LIAB>              203,119,990
<GROSS-OPERATING-REVENUE>                   11,679,893
<INCOME-TAX-EXPENSE>                           495,198
<OTHER-OPERATING-EXPENSES>                   9,238,679
<TOTAL-OPERATING-EXPENSES>                   9,733,877
<OPERATING-INCOME-LOSS>                      1,946,016
<OTHER-INCOME-NET>                             699,200
<INCOME-BEFORE-INTEREST-EXPEN>               2,645,216
<TOTAL-INTEREST-EXPENSE>                     1,152,007
<NET-INCOME>                                 1,493,209
                     79,697
<EARNINGS-AVAILABLE-FOR-COMM>                1,413,512
<COMMON-STOCK-DIVIDENDS>                     1,445,197
<TOTAL-INTEREST-ON-BONDS>                    4,163,988
<CASH-FLOW-OPERATIONS>                       2,175,039
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.29
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.29
        












</TABLE>

  
<TABLE>   
   
   
                                                                           EXHIBIT 11
                                                                      MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY   
                                                   STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
   
   
<CAPTION>   
                                               Three Months Ended                               Twelve Months Ended
                                                      March 30,                                     March 30,
   
                                          1999                    1998                    1999                    1998 
                                     Income      Shares      Income      Shares      Income      Shares      Income      Shares 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BASIC:
Income Before Preferred Stock
 Dividend Requirement           $ 1,493,209   4,902,005 $ 1,263,251   4,290,681 $ 6,751,184   4,504,617 $ 5,842,132   4,254,819 
Less Preferred Stock Dividend
 Requirement                        (79,697)                (79,697)               (318,786)               (265,992)            
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
Earnings Applicable to Common
 Stock                          $ 1,413,512   4,902,005 $ 1,183,554   4,290,681 $ 6,432,398   4,504,617 $ 5,576,140   4,254,819 
   
Basic Earnings Per Share of
 Common Stock                         $0.29                   $0.28                   $1.43                   $1.31             
                                 __________              __________              __________               _________ 
   
DILUTED:
Earnings Applicable to Common
 Stock                          $ 1,413,512   4,902,005 $ 1,183,554   4,290,681 $ 6,432,398   4,504,617 $ 5,576,140   4,254,819 
Convertible Preferred Stock  
 $7.00 Series Dividend               26,042      89,286      26,042      89,286     104,167      89,286     104,307      89,372 
Convertible Preferred Stock  
 $8.00 Series Dividend               40,000     137,140      40,000     137,140     160,000     137,140     106,959      91,677 
                                 __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________  __________ 
   
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to
 Common Stock                   $ 1,479,554   5,128,431 $ 1,249,596   4,517,107 $ 6,696,565   4,731,043 $ 5,787,406   4,435,868 
   
Diluted Earnings Per Share of
 Common Stock                         $0.29                   $0.28                   $1.42                   $1.30 
                                 __________              __________              __________              __________ 
   
   
</TABLE> 







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