<PAGE> 1
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424B1
Registration No. 333-44271
PROSPECTUS
1,100,000 SHARES
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBAN CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
------------------------
The outstanding shares of the Common Stock of Philadelphia Suburban
Corporation (the "Company") are, and the shares offered hereby will be, listed
on the New York and Philadelphia Stock Exchanges under the symbol "PSC". The
reported last sale price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape on February 9, 1998 was $21.625 per share.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share......................... $21.6875 $0.91 $20.7775
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3).......................... $23,856,250 $1,001,000 $22,855,250
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses of the offering payable by the Company estimated
at $184,000.
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to
150,000 additional shares of Common Stock on the same terms as set forth
above to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in full,
the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and
Proceeds to the Company will be $27,109,375, $1,137,500, and $25,971,875
respectively. Additionally, the per share Underwriting Discount will be
increased and the per share Proceeds to the Company will be decreased by the
amount of any dividend declared by the Company and payable on the shares of
Common Stock initially sold to the Underwriters, but not payable on the
shares subject to such option. See "Underwriting."
------------------------
The shares of Common Stock are being offered by the several Underwriters
named herein, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by them and
subject to certain conditions. It is expected that certificates for the shares
of Common Stock offered hereby will be made available for delivery on or about
February 13, 1998, at the office of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., 1 North
Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC. EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P.
February 9, 1998
<PAGE> 2
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices
located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
material can be obtained in person from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at its principal office located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, such material may be
obtained at the web site the Commission maintains at "http://www.sec.gov", which
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The Common
Stock of the Company is listed on the New York and the Philadelphia Stock
Exchanges, and reports, proxy material and other information concerning the
Company may be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange,
Inc., 1900 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-3
(herein, together with all exhibits thereto, referred to as the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act,
with respect to the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of
which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the
exhibits thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the
securities offered hereby. Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits
thereto are on file at the offices of the Commission and may be obtained upon
payment of the prescribed fee or may be examined without charge at the public
reference facilities of the Commission described above.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are
necessarily summaries of such documents, and each statement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the
Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997 and the Company's Current Reports
on Form 8-K dated August 5, 1997, December 2, 1997, January 29, 1998 (which
report includes the Company's 1997 audited financial statements) and February 6,
1998 filed by the Company with the Commission are incorporated herein by
reference. All reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to
the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the
Common Stock hereunder shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such reports and
documents. Any statement contained in a document, all or a portion of which is
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that
a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document, which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
The information relating to the Company contained in this Prospectus
summarizes, is based upon, or refers to, information and financial statements
contained in one or more of the documents incorporated by reference herein;
accordingly, such information contained herein is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such documents and should be read in conjunction therewith.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered a copy of any or all of such documents which are
incorporated herein by reference (other than exhibits to such documents unless
such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that
this Prospectus incorporates). Written or oral requests for copies should be
directed to Patricia M. Mycek, Secretary, Philadelphia Suburban Corporation, 762
Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010, (610) 527-8000.
------------------------
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING SYNDICATE COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND THE IMPOSITION OF A PENALTY BID.
FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
2
<PAGE> 3
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information and financial statements appearing elsewhere, or incorporated by
reference, in this Prospectus. Except as otherwise indicated herein, all
information in this Prospectus, including share and per share data, (i) reflects
the 4-for-3 stock split in the form of a stock distribution effective January
12, 1998 and (ii) assumes the Underwriters' over-allotment option is not
exercised.
THE COMPANY
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation ("PSC" or the "Company") is a holding
company whose principal subsidiary, Philadelphia Suburban Water Company ("PSW"),
is a regulated public utility engaged in the collection, storage, treatment,
distribution and sale of water to approximately 302,000 residential, industrial,
commercial, public and other customers (including 6,000 customers of a municipal
authority operated by PSW) in 94 municipalities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
PSW's 480 square mile service territory is located within four counties north
and west of the City of Philadelphia. The population of PSW's service territory
is approximately 900,000. The population of the four counties is approximately
2,200,000. The service area is nearly all contiguous, primarily residential and
is completely metered except for fire hydrant service. As of December 31, 1996,
PSW was the fourth largest investor-owned water utility in the United States
based on the number of customers. PSW accounts for over 98% of PSC's
consolidated revenues and net income. Non-utility subsidiaries account for the
remaining 2% of consolidated revenues and net income and include the operation
of a data center and contract operation of water systems.
From December 1992 through December 1997, PSW acquired 21 local water
systems and 2 small wastewater utilities that have added approximately 39,500
customers and 135 square miles to PSW's service territory. The annual compound
growth rate in customers over the past five years has been 3.3% including both
acquisitions and normal growth of PSW's water system. On January 23, 1998, PSW
acquired the water utility assets of the West Chester Area Municipal Authority,
which serves 7,750 customers in a 16 square mile service territory adjacent to
PSW's service territory. PSW has also entered into a letter of intent to acquire
the Flying Hills Water Company, which serves 1,150 customers in a 1 square mile
service territory in Berks County, Pennsylvania. This will be PSW's first
acquisition of a water system in Berks County. Closing of the Flying Hills
acquisition is expected to occur in the first quarter of 1998. The Company is
actively exploring other opportunities to expand its water utility operations
through acquisitions or otherwise. See "Recent Developments." While acquisitions
in recent years have been adjacent or close to PSW's existing service territory,
the Company may, in the future, acquire systems in other geographic locations.
THE OFFERING
Common Stock offered(1)......... 1,100,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding
after the offering.............. 27,317,281 shares(2)
Common Stock price range
(January 1, 1997 through
February 9, 1998)............. $25.75-$11.44
Common Stock dividend........... The indicated annual dividend rate is $.65
per share, paid quarterly(3)
New York Stock Exchange
symbol.......................... PSC
Use of proceeds................. $19,000,000 of the net proceeds will be used
to fund an investment in PSW and will be used
by PSW to reduce debt. The balance of the net
proceeds will be used to reduce short-term
debt of the Company. See "Use of Proceeds."
3
<PAGE> 4
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(1) Includes associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Shareholders Rights Plan."
(2) As of January 26, 1998. Does not include any shares of Common Stock that may
have been issued after that date pursuant to the Company's employee benefit
plans.
(3) On December 2, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular
quarterly dividend of $.1625 per share, payable March 1, 1998 to holders of
record on February 13, 1998. Holders, as of the record date, of the Common
Stock offered hereby will be entitled to receive this dividend.
4
<PAGE> 5
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Earned revenues............................................ $136,171 $122,503 $117,044 $108,636 $101,244
Operating income........................................... 56,799 49,290 46,109 40,845 37,430
Net income available to common stock
Continuing operations(1)................................. 22,993 19,757 18,030 15,638 13,835
Discontinued operations.................................. -- 965 370 -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total.............................................. $ 22,993 $ 20,722 $ 18,400 $ 15,638 $ 13,835
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
Basic net income per common share -- continuing
operations(2)............................................ $ 0.89 $ 0.79 $ 0.75 $ 0.68 $ 0.64
Cash dividends paid per common share....................... 0.622 0.593 0.570 0.550 0.535
Average common shares outstanding.......................... 25,908 24,966 23,803 23,004 21,557
OPERATING DATA:
Total water sold (millions of gallons)..................... 31,482 27,695 28,022 27,106 26,910
Number of metered water customers.......................... 287,516 284,141 264,865 249,533 247,195
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Capitalization
Long-term debt(3)........................................ $234,919 $229,962 $188,985 $153,082 $150,176
Preferred stock of PSW with mandatory redemption(3)...... 4,214 5,643 7,143 10,000 10,000
Preferred stock of Company............................... 3,220 3,220 -- -- --
Common stockholders' equity.............................. 191,525 176,795 156,976 143,795 135,934
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total capitalization(3).................................... $433,878 $415,620 $353,104 $306,877 $296,110
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total assets............................................... $618,472 $582,944 $518,051 $460,062 $440,935
Property, plant & equipment, net........................... 534,483 502,938 436,905 385,709 366,230
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(4)
-------------------- --------------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
-------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITALIZATION:
Long-term debt(3)
First mortgage bonds of PSW............................................ $206,200 $226,200
Revolving credit debt of PSW........................................... 27,128 14,742
Other.................................................................. 1,591 1,591
-------- --------
Total............................................................ 234,919 54.2% 242,533 52.7%
Preferred stock of PSW with mandatory redemption(3)...................... 4,214 1.0% -- 0.0%
Preferred stock of Company............................................... 3,220 0.7% 3,220 0.7%
Common stockholders' equity
Paid-in capital........................................................ 135,389 31.2% 158,060 34.4%
Retained earnings...................................................... 56,136 12.9% 56,136 12.2%
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total............................................................ 191,525 44.1% 214,196 46.6%
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total capitalization(3).................................................. $433,878 100.0% $459,949 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
Total assets............................................................. $618,472 $640,872
======== ========
Short-term debt(5)....................................................... $ 10,400 $ 6,729
======== ========
</TABLE>
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(1) After provision for dividends on preferred stock.
(2) Net income per common share from continuing operations, calculated on a
diluted basis, which takes into account the impact of outstanding employee
stock options, was $0.88, $0.78, $0.75, $0.68 and $0.64 for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
(3) Includes current portion of long-term debt and preferred stock of PSW. See
"Use of Proceeds."
(4) Adjusted to reflect (i) the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby for net
proceeds of approximately $22,671, (ii) the acquisition of the water utility
assets of the West Chester Area Municipal Authority in January 1998 for
$22,400 (financed with revolving credit borrowings by PSW), (iii) the
private placements in January 1998 of $20,000 of First Mortgage Bonds of
PSW, (iv) the application of approximately $39,000 of the proceeds of such
financings to reduce the outstanding revolving credit debt of PSW and (v)
the application of the remaining proceeds to reduce short-term debt of the
Company. See "Use of Proceeds."
(5) Loans payable to banks under short-term lines of credit.
5
<PAGE> 6
MAP OF SERVICE AREA
6
<PAGE> 7
THE WATER UTILITY INDUSTRY
Of the major utility industries in the U.S. (telephone, natural gas,
electric and water), the water industry is the most fragmented with over 55,000
water systems. The systems range in size from large municipally-owned systems
like the City of Philadelphia water system with over 486,000 customers, to small
systems where a few customers share a common well. In Pennsylvania alone, the
Company believes there are over 2,400 public water systems.
Companies in the water industry, both municipally-owned and investor-owned,
are expected by customers and regulators to provide reliable water service at
affordable prices while meeting stringent federal and state water quality
standards. Continued capital investment is necessary to (1) repair and replace
aging water distribution infrastructure, (2) expand existing systems in response
to community growth and development, and (3) invest in new technology to meet
water quality standards. In its First Report to Congress in January 1997, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency estimated that the nation's water
systems must invest a minimum of $138.4 billion over the next 20 years to meet
the requirements of The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended.
THE COMPANY
Philadelphia Suburban Corporation ("PSC" or the "Company") is a holding
company whose principal subsidiary, Philadelphia Suburban Water Company ("PSW"),
is a regulated public utility engaged in the collection, storage, treatment,
distribution and sale of water to approximately 302,000 residential, industrial,
commercial, public and other customers (including 6,000 customers of a municipal
authority operated by PSW) in 94 municipalities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
PSW's 480 square mile service territory is located within four counties north
and west of the City of Philadelphia. The population of PSW's service territory
is approximately 900,000. The population of the four counties is approximately
2,200,000. The service area is nearly all contiguous, primarily residential and
is completely metered except for fire hydrant service. As of December 31, 1996,
PSW was the fourth largest investor-owned water utility in the United States
based on the number of customers. PSW accounts for over 98% of PSC's
consolidated revenues and net income. Non-utility subsidiaries account for the
remaining 2% of consolidated revenues and net income and include the operation
of a data center and contract operation of water systems.
The Company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1968 and its executive
offices are located at 762 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010, and
its telephone number is (610) 527-8000.
The Company's largest shareholder is Compagnie Generale des Eaux, a company
headquartered in Paris with worldwide interests in various businesses, including
the water industry. Compagnie Generale des Eaux and its affiliates owned
approximately 14 percent of the Company's outstanding common stock on December
31, 1997.
From December 1992 through December 1997, PSW acquired 21 local water
systems and 2 small wastewater utilities that have added approximately 39,500
customers and 135 square miles to PSW's service territory. The annual compound
growth rate in customers over the past five years has been 3.3% including both
acquisitions and normal growth of PSW's water system. On January 23, 1998, PSW
acquired the water utility assets of the West Chester Area Municipal Authority,
which serves 7,750 customers in a 16 square mile service territory adjacent to
PSW's service territory. PSW has also entered into a letter of intent to acquire
the Flying Hills Water Company, which serves 1,150 customers in a 1 square mile
service territory in Berks County, Pennsylvania. This will be PSW's first
acquisition of a water system in Berks County. Closing of the Flying Hills
acquisition is expected to occur in the first quarter of 1998. The Company is
actively exploring other opportunities to expand its water utility operations
through acquisitions or otherwise. See "Recent Developments." While acquisitions
in recent years have been adjacent or close to PSW's existing service territory,
the Company may, in the future, acquire systems in other geographic locations.
7
<PAGE> 8
Acquisition Strategy
The Company believes that there are many potential water system acquisition
candidates because of the fragmented nature of the water utility industry and
that consolidation will be facilitated by (1) the benefits of economies of
scale, (2) effective management, and (3) the capital intensive nature of the
business. The Company believes acquisitions will continue to be an important
source of growth for the Company. The Company intends to continue to pursue
acquisitions of municipally-owned and investor-owned water systems of all sizes
that provide services in areas adjacent to the Company's existing service
territory or in new service areas. The Company engages in continuing activities
with respect to potential acquisitions, including performing analyses and
investigations of acquisition candidates, making preliminary acquisition
proposals and negotiating the terms of potential acquisitions. Except as
described below under "Recent Developments -- Acquisitions", the Company is not
currently a party to any definitive agreement or binding letter of intent with
respect to a material acquisition. No assurance can be given that the Company
will be able to identify and acquire such businesses on acceptable terms or that
such acquisitions will be accretive to earnings.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Acquisitions
On January 23, 1998, PSW purchased the franchise rights and the water
utility assets of West Chester Area Municipal Authority ("West Chester") for
$22,400,000 in cash, subject to minor adjustment related to the final value of
current assets transferred and recent capital expenditures. PSW has also entered
into a letter of intent to acquire the Flying Hills Water Company ("Flying
Hills") for approximately 45,000 shares of PSC Common Stock. The acquisition of
Flying Hills, which is subject to final negotiations and the approval of the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ("PUC"), is expected to be completed in
the first quarter of 1998. The West Chester system is contiguous to PSW's
existing service territory. The Flying Hills system is in Berks County near
Reading, Pennsylvania and is 16 miles from the nearest edge of PSW's system.
These systems cover 17 square miles and have approximately 8,900 customers. The
annual revenues of these systems approximate $4,700,000. PSW has also recently
entered into a 25-year water sales agreement with the Warwick Township Water and
Sewer Authority providing for purchases of water by the Authority, subject to
regulatory approvals, of a minimum of $325,000 per year.
Employee Relations
In December 1997, PSW and the International Brotherhood of Firemen and
Oilers, Local 473, which represents a majority of PSW's hourly employees,
reached agreement on a new four year labor agreement. The new contract calls for
wage increases of 3.75%, 3.5%, 3.5% and 3.75% per year effective on December 1,
1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Rates and Regulation
PSW is subject to regulation by the PUC, which has jurisdiction with
respect to rates, service, accounting procedures, issuance of securities,
acquisitions and other matters. In 1996, the PUC approved a mechanism, the
Distribution System Improvement Charge ("DSIC"), which allows Pennsylvania water
utilities to add a surcharge to their water bills to offset the additional
depreciation and capital costs associated with certain non-revenue producing,
non-expense reducing capital expenditures related to replacing and
rehabilitating distribution systems. The DSIC may be adjusted quarterly based on
the previous quarter's qualified capital expenditures, but may never exceed 5%
of the base rates in effect. PSW began charging a DSIC of 0.5% in the first
quarter of 1997. Based on subsequent qualified capital expenditures, the DSIC
was increased to 1.0% in the second quarter, 1.4% in the third quarter and 1.82%
for the portion of the fourth quarter prior to the effective date of the new
base rate increase (discussed below). The DSIC is reset to zero when new base
rates that reflect the costs of the related expenditures become effective. Total
revenues associated with the DSIC in 1997 were $1,104,000.
8
<PAGE> 9
In October 1997, the PUC approved a settlement of PSW's most recent rate
request, filed in April 1997. The settlement was between PSW, the Pennsylvania
Office of the Consumer Advocate, the PUC staff and the Pennsylvania Small
Business Advocate. The settlement provided for a 7.3% increase over the rates
that were in effect at the time of the filing. Since rates in effect at the time
of the filing included a DSIC of 1% or $1,300,000 on an annual basis, the
settlement resulted in a total base rate increase of 8.3% or $10,600,000 on an
annual basis. The new base rates were effective on October 24, 1997. As part of
the settlement, PSW has agreed not to file its next base rate increase request
prior to April 1999, absent extraordinary circumstances. As a result of the rate
settlement, the DSIC was reset to zero.
Pending Deregulation of Electric Industry
During 1997, the total costs for electric power purchased by the Company
amounted to $8,575,000. In December 1996, the Governor of Pennsylvania signed
into law the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act
("Electric Act"), which provides for the restructuring of the electric utility
industry in Pennsylvania. The Electric Act requires the unbundling of electric
services into separate generation, transmission and distribution services with
open competition for generation. Beginning in November 1997, approximately 18%
of PSW's electricity requirements were selected to be included in the State's
pilot implementation program. Prior to the pilot program, PSW had purchased all
of its electricity from PECO Energy Company ("PECO"). For electric accounts in
the pilot program, the electricity will be purchased from HorizonOne Electric, a
PECO affiliate. The total electric costs for the twelve-month period prior to
the pilot program for the accounts selected were approximately $1,020,000. The
Company estimates that the electric rates during participation in the pilot
program will be approximately 10% to 12% lower than the former rates. Since
electric usage is dependent on water demand, the exact savings related to the
pilot program cannot be determined at this time. A recent ruling by the PUC
provides that after completion of the pilot program on December 31, 1998, 66% of
PECO's electric accounts, including the accounts in the pilot program and others
to be selected in a lottery, will be permitted to choose the electricity
generator of their choice. The Electric Act will be completely phased in on
January 1, 2001, at which point all electric accounts will be allowed to select
their electric supplier. The PUC ruling has been appealed by PECO and other
parties.
Financial Results (1997 Compared to 1996)
Revenues increased by $13,668,000 or 11.1% primarily as a result of an
increase in the average annual consumption per customer in 1997 of 6.7%,
increased water revenues from the 1997 and 1996 acquisitions, DSIC revenues of
$1,104,000 and the rate case settlement which was effective on October 24, 1997.
The average annual consumption per customer increased due to the relatively hot,
dry summer weather experienced in 1997, particularly in comparison to 1996 when
average consumption per customer declined due to rainfalls that were well above
average and temperatures that were cooler than normal during the spring and
summer months. Acquisitions completed in 1997 and 1996 provided additional water
revenues of approximately $5,611,000 in 1997.
Expenses increased by $6,159,000 or 8.4%, of which $4,284,000 was due to
increased operating expenses. Operating expenses increased primarily due to the
water systems acquired in the past two years ($1,883,000) and the increased
volume of water sales ($740,000). Operating expenses were also impacted by
increased wage and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower
maintenance expenses. Depreciation increased by $1,243,000 due to the
significant capital expenditures made to expand and improve water utility
facilities, and as a result of acquisitions of water systems. Taxes other than
income taxes increased $628,000 due to increases in the bases on which the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Realty Tax (PURTA), local real estate taxes and the
Capital Stock Tax are calculated and to an increase in the PURTA tax rate. The
increase in the taxable base for the PURTA and local real estate taxes is due to
PSW's capital expenditures and acquisitions completed in the last two years. The
increase in the Capital Stock Tax is due to the increases in the Company's
common equity over the past year.
9
<PAGE> 10
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of the 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock
offered hereby, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses,
will be approximately $22,671,250 ($25,787,875 if the Underwriters'
overallotment option is exercised in full). The Company expects to invest
$19,000,000 of the net proceeds of the offering in PSW as a contribution to the
capital of PSW. The Company expects that PSW will use these proceeds to reduce
outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit agreement incurred for
capital expenditures, for acquisitions of water systems (including West Chester)
and for the retirement of approximately $4,214,500 of PSW's 8.66% Series 1
Cumulative Preferred Stock with Mandatory Redemption. The principal amount
outstanding under the revolving credit agreement on February 6, 1998 was
$34,925,000. Interest on outstanding balances under the revolving credit
agreement is based, at PSW's option, on the prime rate, an adjusted federal
funds rate, an adjusted certificate of deposit rate corresponding to the
interest period selected, an adjusted Euro-Rate corresponding to the interest
period selected or at rates offered by the banks. As of February 6, 1998, the
interest rate on the principal amount outstanding under the revolving credit
agreement was 6.07%. The balance of the net proceeds will be used to reduce
short-term debt of the Company.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING
PSW's planned 1998 capital program is projected to be $55,000,000, of which
$33,400,000 is for DSIC qualified projects. The 1998 capital program is expected
to be financed, along with $2,448,000 of sinking fund obligations and $4,214,500
of preferred stock redemptions, through internally-generated funds, bank
borrowings, equity investments from the Company and issuance of new long-term
debt. PSW has increased its capital spending for infrastructure rehabilitation
in response to the DSIC. Should the DSIC be discontinued for any reason, which
is not anticipated, PSW would likely reduce its capital program significantly.
Future utility construction in the period 1999 through 2002 is estimated to
require aggregate expenditures of approximately $200,000,000. The majority of
the utility construction during this period is expected to be for DSIC qualified
projects. The Company anticipates that approximately 50% of these expenditures
will require external financing including the additional issuance of Common
Stock through the Company's dividend reinvestment plan and possible future
public equity offerings. The Company expects to refinance $20,238,000 of debt
maturities during this period as they become due with new long-term debt. The
estimates discussed above do not include any amounts for possible future
acquisitions of water systems or the financing necessary to support them.
PSW's ability to finance its future construction programs, as well as its
acquisition activities, depends on its ability to attract the necessary external
financing and maintain or increase internally-generated funds. Rate orders
permitting compensatory rates of return on invested capital and timely rate
adjustments will be required to allow PSW to achieve an adequate level of
earnings to enable it to secure the capital it will need and to maintain
satisfactory debt coverage ratios.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed under "The Company," "Use of Proceeds" and
"Capital Requirements and Funding" in this Prospectus may include
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These
forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by management regarding
future circumstances over which the Company may have little or no control.
Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for a
number of reasons, including (i) the effects of regulation, (ii) changes in
capital requirements and funding, and (iii) acquisitions.
10
<PAGE> 11
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
The following table shows the high and low sale prices per share of Common
Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") Composite Tape for the
periods indicated and also shows the cash dividends paid per share during such
periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERLY CASH
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS PAID
------ ------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996
First Quarter............................................ $11.57 $ 10.26 $ 0.1448
Second Quarter........................................... 12.57 11.25 0.1448
Third Quarter............................................ 12.94 11.63 0.1519
Fourth Quarter........................................... 14.91 12.38 0.1519
-------
$ 0.5934
=======
1997
First Quarter............................................ $15.47 $ 11.72 $ 0.1519
Second Quarter........................................... 15.10 11.44 0.1519
Third Quarter............................................ 18.00 14.07 0.1594
Fourth Quarter........................................... 22.18 15.10 0.1594
-------
$ 0.6226
=======
1998
First Quarter (through February 9, 1998)................. $25.75 $19.875 $ 0.1625*
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* On December 2, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular
quarterly dividend of $.1625 per share, payable March 1, 1998 to holders of
record on February 13, 1998. Holders, as of the record date, of the Common
Stock offered hereby will be entitled to receive this dividend.
The Company or its predecessor companies have paid dividends each year since
1944. The Company presently intends to pay quarterly cash dividends in the
future, subject to its earnings and financial condition, regulatory requirements
and such other factors as the Board of Directors of the Company may deem
relevant. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Dividend Rights" for a
description of limitations on the payment of cash dividends.
See the cover page of this Prospectus for the last sale price of the
Company's Common Stock on a recent date. As of December 31, 1997 there were
approximately 13,894 holders of record of the Common Stock.
The Company offers the holders of record of its Common Stock the
opportunity to reinvest part or all of the dividend payments on their shares of
Common Stock through purchases of original issue Common Stock without payment of
any brokerage commission or service charge through its Dividend Reinvestment and
Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). The purchase price for original issue
shares of Common Stock purchased through the reinvestment of dividends is 95% of
the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock as reported in the
NYSE-Composite Transactions for each of the five trading days immediately
preceding the dividend payment date. The Plan also permits shareholders and
investors to invest up to $30,000 annually in the Company's Common Stock in the
open market through the Company's transfer agent. At December 1, 1997, holders
of 23% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding participated in the dividend
reinvestment portion of the Plan.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The Company has the authority to issue an aggregate of 41,770,819 shares.
This includes 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.50 per share, and
1,770,819 shares of Series Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, including
the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock referred to under
"Shareholders
11
<PAGE> 12
Rights Plan." The Board of Directors has authority to divide the Series
Preferred Stock into one or more series and has broad authority to fix and
determine relative rights and preferences of the shares of each series. During
1996, the Board of Directors designated 32,200 shares as 6.05% Series B
Preferred Stock and in November 1996, the Company issued all of these shares in
connection with an acquisition.
As of December 31, 1997, 26,210,654 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding, and 32,200 shares of 6.05% Series B Preferred Stock were
outstanding. In addition, options to purchase 968,137 shares of Common Stock
under the Company's stock option plans were outstanding as of that date.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS. Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive
ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the
Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefore. Since the Company
is a holding company, the funds required by the Company to enable it to pay
dividends on its Common Stock are derived predominantly from the dividends paid
to the Company by PSW. The Company's ability to pay dividends, therefore, is
dependent upon the earnings, financial condition and ability to pay dividends of
PSW. PSW is subject to regulation by the PUC, and the amounts of its earnings
and dividends are affected by the manner in which it is regulated by the PUC. In
addition, PSW is subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends contained
in its various debt agreements. Under the most restrictive debt agreement, the
amount available for payment of dividends by PSW as of December 31, 1997 was
approximately $120 million.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, the holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to share
ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior
distribution rights of Preferred Stock, if any, then outstanding. Under terms of
the Series B Preferred Stock, the holders thereof are entitled in the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, to receive out of the
Company's assets legally available for distribution to its shareholders, an
amount per share of $100.00 plus an amount equal to any accrued but unpaid
cumulative dividends and any interest accrued thereon.
VOTING RIGHTS. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each
share held by them at all meetings of the shareholders and are not entitled to
cumulate their votes for the election of directors.
SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS PLAN. Holders of the Common Stock own, and the holders
of the shares of Common Stock issued in this offering will receive, one right (a
"Right") to purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock ("Series A
Preferred Stock") for each outstanding share of Common Stock. The rights are
issued pursuant to a Shareholders Rights Plan (the "Current Plan"). Upon the
occurrence of certain events, each Right would entitle the holder to purchase
from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at an
exercise price of $70 per one-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment. The
Rights are exercisable in certain circumstances if a person or group acquires
25% or more of the Company's Common Stock or if the holder of 25% or more of the
Company's Common Stock engages in certain transactions with the Company. In that
case, each Right would be exercisable by each holder, other than the acquiring
person, to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company at a substantial
discount from the market price. In addition, if, after the date that a person
has become the holder of 25% or more of the Company's Common Stock, any person
or group merges with the Company or engages in certain other transactions with
the Company, each Right entitles the holder, other than the acquirer, to
purchase common stock of the surviving corporation at a substantial discount
from the market price. The Rights are subject to redemption by the Company in
certain circumstances. The Rights have no voting or dividend rights and, until
exercisable, cannot trade separately from the Common Stock and have no dilutive
effect on the earnings of the Company. The Current Plan expires on March 1,
1998.
At the meeting of the Board of Directors on February 3, 1998, the Board of
Directors adopted a new Shareholder Rights Plan (the "New Plan"), which is
effective March 1, 1998, to replace the Current Plan. The New Plan, which
expires on March 1, 2008, is substantially the same as the Current Plan except
that the beneficial ownership threshold that would trigger the exercisability of
the rights issued to purchase Company Common Stock was reduced from 25% of the
outstanding Common Stock to approximately 20% of the outstanding Common Stock.
12
<PAGE> 13
STATE LAW ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Company is subject to various
provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended,
which are triggered, in general, if any person or group acquires, or discloses
an intent to acquire 20% or more of the voting power of a covered corporation,
other than pursuant to a registered firm commitment underwriting or, in certain
cases, pursuant to the approving vote of the board of directors. These
provisions provide the other shareholders of the corporation with certain rights
against such person or group; prohibit the corporation from engaging in any of a
broad range of business combinations with such person or group; and restrict
such person's or group's voting and other rights. In addition, an amendment of
the corporation's articles or other corporate action, if approved by
shareholders generally, may provide mandatory special treatment for specified
groups of nonconsenting shareholders of the same class by providing, for
example, that shares of common stock held only by designated shareholders of
record, and no other shares of common stock, shall be cashed out at a price
determined by the corporation, subject to applicable dissenters' rights.
Certain provisions of the Company's Articles and Bylaws may have the effect
of discouraging unilateral tender offers or other attempts to take over and
acquire the business of the Company. These provisions might discourage some
potentially interested purchaser from attempting a unilateral takeover bid for
the Company on terms which some shareholders might favor. The Company's Articles
require that certain fundamental transactions must be approved by the holders of
75% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote
on the matter unless at least 75% of the members of the Board of Directors of
the Company has approved the transaction, in which case the required shareholder
approval will be the minimum approval required by applicable law. The
fundamental transactions which are subject to this provision are those
transactions which require approval by the shareholders of the Company under
applicable law or the Articles of the Company, including certain amendments of
the Articles or Bylaws of the Company, certain sales or other dispositions of
the assets of the Company, certain issuances of capital stock of the Company, or
certain transactions involving the merger, consolidation, division,
reorganization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company. The
Company's Bylaws prohibit (i) shareholders from calling a special meeting of the
Company's shareholders, (ii) a nominee from being elected a director of the
Company unless the name of the nominee, and certain information relating to the
nominee, is filed with the Secretary of the Company not less than 14 days nor
more than 50 days prior to any meeting of the shareholders called for the
election of directors, and (iii) shareholder proposals to be made at annual
meetings of shareholders unless certain advance notice procedures are met, which
generally require a notice to be delivered not less than 90 days nor more than
120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual
meeting of shareholders.
NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS. Neither the Common Stock nor any other class of
securities of the Company has any preemptive rights.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR. The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the
Common Stock is ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
13
<PAGE> 14
UNDERWRITING
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated in the Underwriting
Agreement, dated the date hereof, each Underwriter named below has severally
agreed to purchase, and the Company has agreed to sell to such Underwriter, the
number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such
Underwriter:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME NUMBER OF SHARES
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ................................... 366,250
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. ................................. 366,250
HSBC Securities, Inc. ....................................... 50,000
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter................................... 50,000
PaineWebber Incorporated..................................... 50,000
Prudential Securities Incorporated........................... 50,000
Salomon Smith Barney......................................... 50,000
Janney Montgomery Scott Inc. ................................ 50,000
Pennsylvania Merchant Group.................................. 22,500
Pryor, McClendon, Counts & Co., Inc. ........................ 22,500
Wheat, First Securities, Inc. ............................... 22,500
---------
Total.............................................. 1,100,000
=========
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares are subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions.
The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all shares of Common Stock
offered hereby (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described
below) if any such shares are taken; provided that under certain circumstances
involving a default of Underwriters, less than all of such shares may be
purchased.
The Underwriters, for whom A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Edward D. Jones &
Company, L.P. are acting as Representatives, propose to offer part of the shares
directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus and part of the shares to certain dealers at a price which
represents a concession not in excess of $0.54 per share under the public
offering price. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $0.10 per share to certain other dealers. After the
shares of Common Stock are released for sale to the public, the offering price
and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Underwriters.
The Company has agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the date of this
Prospectus, it will not, without the prior written consent of the Underwriters,
offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock
or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common
Stock, or grant any options or warrants to purchase Common Stock, except for the
Plan and pursuant to the Company's employee benefit plans.
The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30
days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 150,000 additional
shares of Common Stock at the price to public set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus minus the underwriting discounts and commissions determined in
the manner described on the cover page hereof. The Underwriters may exercise
such option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in
connection with the offering of the shares offered hereby. To the extent such
option is exercised, each Underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional
shares as the number of shares set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the
preceding table bears to the total number of shares listed in such table.
In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Stock.
Such transactions may include stabilization transactions effected in accordance
with Rule 104 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act, pursuant to which such
persons may bid for or purchase
14
<PAGE> 15
Common Stock for the purpose of stabilizing its market price. The Underwriters
also may create a short position for their respective accounts by selling more
Common Stock in connection with this offering than they are committed to
purchase from the Company and in such case may purchase Common Stock in the open
market following completion of this offering to cover all or a portion of such
short position. The Underwriters may also cover all or a portion of such short
position by exercising the Underwriters' over-allotment option referred to
above. In addition, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, may
impose "penalty bids" under contractual arrangements with the Underwriters
whereby it may reclaim from an Underwriter (or dealer participating in this
offering) for the account of the Underwriters, the selling concession with
respect to Common Stock that is distributed in this offering but subsequently
purchased for the account of the Underwriters in the open market. Any of the
transactions described in this paragraph may result in the maintenance of the
price of the Common Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in
the open market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph is
required, and, if they are undertaken, they may be discontinued at any time.
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. is a party to an agreement with the Company
pursuant to which it acts as a placement agent for the Company's issuance of
Medium-Term Notes. A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. also is acting as financial advisor
to the Company in connection with the Company's adoption of the new Shareholder
Rights Plan, as described under "Description of Capital Stock" above.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters with respect to this offering are being passed upon
for the Company by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
for the Underwriters by Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Philadelphia Suburban Corporation
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, have been incorporated by
reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated
by reference herein, and upon authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
15
<PAGE> 16
======================================================
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS OR BY ANY OTHER
PERSON. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY A SECURITY OTHER THAN THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO SUCH PERSON.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information................. 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference........................... 2
Prospectus Summary.................... 3
The Water Utility Industry............ 7
The Company........................... 7
Recent Developments................... 8
Use of Proceeds....................... 10
Capital Requirements and Funding...... 10
Forward-Looking Statements............ 10
Price Range of Common Stock and
Dividends........................... 11
Description of Capital Stock.......... 11
Underwriting.......................... 14
Legal Opinions........................ 15
Experts............................... 15
</TABLE>
======================================================
======================================================
1,100,000 SHARES
[PSC LOGO]
------------------------
PROSPECTUS
------------------------
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P.
February 9, 1998
======================================================
