UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2020

 

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 000-00643

 

CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York 46-3235589
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

330 West William Street, Corning, New York 14830

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(607) 936-3755

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

1 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on
which registered
None N/A N/A

 

 

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 Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer ☐ Accelerated Filer ☐ Non-accelerated Filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☑  Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class Shares outstanding as of February 10, 2021
Common Stock, $.01 par value 3,083,577

 

2 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
  Item 1. Financial Statements 4
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 23
       
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 28
       
       
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION  
       
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 29
       
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 29
       
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 29
       
  Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 29
       
  Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 29
       
  Item 5. Other Information 29
       
  Item 6. Exhibits 29
       
  SIGNATURES 31

 

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PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets    

 

    Unaudited        
Assets   December 31, 2020     September 30, 2020  
             
Plant:                
  Utility property, plant and equipment   $ 142,152,998     $ 139,743,289  
  Less: accumulated depreciation     (31,754,287 )     (30,853,644 )
     Total plant, net     110,398,711       108,889,645  
                 
Investments:                
  Marketable securities at fair value     2,336,662       2,193,112  
  Investment in joint ventures     262,939       264,640  
      2,599,601       2,457,752  
                 
Current assets:                
  Cash and cash equivalents     430,313       411,700  
  Customer accounts receivable, (net of allowance for                
    uncollectible accounts of $110,581 and $42,236, respectively)     3,744,541       2,330,342  
  Other accounts receivable     639,360       527,280  
  Related party receivables           9,032  
  Gas stored underground     954,679       995,341  
  Materials and supplies inventories     3,278,046       3,156,345  
  Prepaid expenses     1,383,762       1,801,883  
     Total current assets     10,430,701       9,231,923  
                 
Regulatory and other assets:                
  Regulatory assets:                
     Unrecovered gas and electric costs     2,000,072       1,966,184  
     Deferred regulatory costs     4,971,848       4,894,434  
     Deferred pension     7,402,263       7,352,839  
  Goodwill     918,121       918,121  
  Other     738,284       748,408  
     Total regulatory and other assets     16,030,588       15,879,986  
                 
     Total assets   $ 139,459,601     $ 136,459,306  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    Unaudited        
Liabilities and capitalization   December 31, 2020     September 30, 2020  
             
Long-term debt, less current installments   $ 44,299,092     $ 44,291,626  
  Less: debt issuance costs     (242,490 )     (241,057 )
      Total long-term debt     44,056,602       44,050,569  
                 
Redeemable preferred stock - Series A     6,487,083       6,484,545  
  (Authorized 261,500 shares. Issued and outstanding:                
  260,600 shares at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020,                
  less issuance costs of $27,917 and $30,455, respectively)                
                 
Redeemable preferred stock - Series C     4,498,538       4,498,476  
  (Authorized 180,000 shares. Issued and outstanding:                
  180,000 shares at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020,                
  less issuance costs of $1,462 and $1,524, respectively)                
                 
Current liabilities:                
  Current portion of long-term debt     6,294,367       6,271,068  
  Borrowings under lines-of-credit     9,860,834       7,698,269  
  Accounts payable     2,848,248       2,293,980  
  Accrued expenses     326,346       339,809  
  Customer deposits and accrued interest     1,898,450       1,617,976  
  Dividends declared     530,296       529,301  
     Total current liabilities     21,758,541       18,750,403  
                 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:                
  Deferred income taxes     7,717,170       7,575,832  
  Regulatory liabilities     3,197,951       3,243,054  
  Deferred compensation     1,412,533       1,366,256  
  Pension costs and post-retirement benefits     9,501,917       9,407,774  
  Other     188,642       193,945  
     Total deferred credits and other liabilities     22,018,213       21,786,861  
                 
Commitments and contingencies            
                 
Temporary equity:                
  Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Series B                
  (Authorized 244,500 shares. Issued and outstanding:                
  244,263 shares at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020)     4,961,344       4,954,937  
                 
Common stockholders' equity:                
  Common stock ($.01 par value per share.     30,836       30,725  

 

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  Authorized 4,500,000 shares. Issued and                
  outstanding: 3,083,577 shares at December 31, 2020                
  and 3,072,547 at September 30, 2020)                
  Additional paid-in capital     28,241,620       28,144,702  
  Retained earnings     7,399,408       7,747,197  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     7,416       10,891  
     Total common stockholders' equity     35,679,280       35,933,515  
                 
     Total liabilities and capitalization   $ 139,459,601     $ 136,459,306  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income  
(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended  
    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Utility operating revenues:                
Gas operating revenues   $ 6,422,149     $ 6,554,199  
Electric operating revenues     1,897,249       1,607,218  
Total utility operating revenues     8,319,398       8,161,417  
                 
Costs of sales:                
Gas purchased     1,269,682       1,824,665  
Electricity purchased     793,081       338,361  
Total cost of sales     2,062,763       2,163,026  
                 
Gross margin     6,256,635       5,998,391  
                 
Cost and expense:                
Operating and maintenance expense     3,356,754       2,976,291  
Taxes other than income taxes     892,745       928,859  
Depreciation     869,440       652,704  
Other deductions, net     68,044       114,413  
Total costs and expenses     5,186,983       4,672,267  
                 
Utility operating income     1,069,652       1,326,124  
                 
Other income and (expense):                
Interest expense     (745,445 )     (610,714 )
Other expense     (135,009 )     (163,495 )
Investment income     143,726       87,710  
Income (loss) from joint ventures     (1,701 )     3,583  
Rental income     7,638       7,638  
                 
Income from utility operations before income taxes     338,861       650,846  
                 
Income tax expense     (155,687 )     (196,763 )
                 
Net income     183,174       454,083  
Less Series B Preferred Stock Dividends     61,066       61,066  
Net income attributable to common stockholders   $ 122,108     $ 393,017  

 

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Weighted average earnings per share:            
Basic   $ 0.04     $ 0.13  
Diluted   $ 0.04     $ 0.13  
                 
Average shares outstanding - basic     3,080,107       3,050,875  
Average shares outstanding - diluted     3,080,107       3,050,875  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements  

 

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended  
    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Net income   $ 183,174     $ 454,083  
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Net unrealized (loss) gain on debt securities available for sale                
net of (benefit) tax of ($1,056) and ($1,057), respectively     (3,475 )     (2,404 )
                 
Total comprehensive income   $ 179,699     $ 451,679  

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements  

 

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Common
Stockholders' Equity
For the Three Months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(Unaudited)  

 

                    Accumulated    
    Number of   Common   Additional
Paid In
  Retained   Other
Comprehensive
   
    Shares   Stock   Capital   Earnings   (Loss)   Total
                         
Balances at September 30, 2020     3,072,547     $ 30,725     $ 28,144,702     $ 7,747,197     $ 10,891     $ 35,933,515  
                                                 
Issuance of common stock     11,030       111       96,918                   97,029  
Dividends declared on common ($0.1525 per
share)
                      (469,897 )           (469,897 )
Dividends declared on Preferred B shares
($0.25 per share)
                      (61,066 )           (61,066 )
Comprehensive income:                                                
Change in unrealized loss on
debt securities available for sale, net of
income taxes
                            (3,475 )     (3,475 )
Net income                       183,174             183,174  
Balances at December 31, 2020     3,083,577     $ 30,836     $ 28,241,620     $ 7,399,408     $ 7,416     $ 35,679,280  

 

                         
                    Accumulated    
    Number of   Common   Additional
Paid In
  Retained   Other
Comprehensive
   
    Shares   Stock   Capital   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Total
                         
Balances at September 30, 2019     3,047,060     $ 30,470     $ 27,745,837     $ 6,634,085     $ 7,313     $ 34,417,705  
                                                 
Issuance of common stock     6,225       63       100,175                   100,238  
Dividends declared on common ($0.145 per
share)
                      (442,396 )           (442,396 )
Dividends declared on Preferred B shares
($0.25 per share)
                      (61,066 )           (61,066 )
Comprehensive income:                                                
Change in unrealized loss on
debt securities available for sale, net of
income taxes
                            (2,404 )     (2,404 )
Net income                       454,083             454,083  
Balances at December 31, 2019     3,053,285     $ 30,533     $ 27,846,012     $ 6,584,706     $ 4,909     $ 34,466,160  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)    

 

    Three Months Ended  
    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
  Net income   $ 183,174     $ 454,083  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                
    provided by operating activities:                
      Depreciation     869,440       652,704  
      Amortization of debt issuance cost     27,290       26,915  
      Non-cash pension expenses     235,357       235,357  
      Regulatory asset amortizations     155,446       181,025  
      Stock issued for services     45,280       46,735  
      Gain on sale of marketable securities     (26,464 )     (9,734 )
      Unrealized gain on marketable securities     (114,258 )     (77,976 )
      Deferred income taxes     155,687       196,763  
      Bad debt expense     85,185       55,000  
      (Gain) loss from joint ventures     1,701       (3,583 )
                 
Changes in assets and liabilities:                
  (Increase) decrease in:                
      Accounts receivable     (1,611,464 )     (1,746,410 )
      Gas stored underground     40,662       65,623  
      Materials and supplies inventories     (121,701 )     (94,305 )
      Prepaid expenses     418,121       366,464  
      Unrecovered gas and electric costs     (33,888 )     (177,487 )
      Deferred regulatory costs     (245,867 )     29,833  
      Other     10,017       5,183  
  Increase (decrease) in:                
      Accounts payable     554,268       266,606  
      Accrued expenses     (13,463 )     (17,085 )
      Customer deposits and accrued interest     280,474       268,980  
      Deferred compensation     46,277       43,024  
      Deferred pension costs & post-retirement benefits     (190,638 )     (120,996 )
      Other liabilities and deferred credits     (64,755 )     (111,953 )
           Net cash provided by operating activities     685,881       534,766  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
  Purchases of securities, net of sales     (6,303 )     (1,959 )
  Amount received from (paid to) related parties     9,032       (34,918 )
  Capital expenditures     (2,378,506 )     (2,378,133 )
            Net cash used in investing activities     (2,375,777 )     (2,415,010 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
  Net proceeds from lines-of-credit     2,162,565       1,433,211  
  Debt issuance costs paid     (6,602 )      
  Dividends paid     (478,219 )     (449,056 )

 

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  Proceeds under long-term debt     1,259,990       1,860,590  
  Repayment of long-term debt     (1,229,225 )     (986,173 )
            Net cash provided by financing activities     1,708,509       1,858,572  
            Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     18,613       (21,672 )
                 
            Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     411,700       314,341  
                 
            Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 430,313     $ 292,669  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
  Cash paid during the period for:                
      Interest   $ 813,263     $ 607,676  
      Income taxes   $     $  
  Non-cash financing activities:                
     Dividends paid with shares   $ 51,749     $ 53,503  
     Number of shares issued for dividends     3,380       2,925  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (“Holding Company”) was incorporated in New York in July 2013 to serve as a holding company for Corning Natural Gas Corporation (“Corning Gas” or the “Gas Company”) and its dormant subsidiary Corning Natural Gas Appliance Corporation (the “Appliance Company”), Pike County Light & Power Company (“Pike”), Leatherstocking Gas Company, LLC (“Leatherstocking Gas”), and Leatherstocking Pipeline Company, LLC (“Leatherstocking Pipeline”). The Holding Company also owns 50% of Leatherstocking Gas of New York, Inc. (“Leatherstocking NY”). As used in this document, the term “the Company” refers to the consolidated operations of the Holding Company, Gas Company, Pike and (from July 1, 2020) Leatherstocking Gas and Leatherstocking Pipeline.

 

The Holding Company’s primary business, through its subsidiaries, is natural gas and electric distribution. Corning Gas serves approximately 15,000 residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers in the Corning, Hammondsport and Virgil, New York, areas and two other gas utilities which serve the Elmira and Bath, New York, areas. It is franchised to supply gas service in all of the political subdivisions in which it operates. The Gas Company is under the jurisdiction of the New York Public Service Commission (“NYPSC”) which oversees and sets rates for New York gas distribution companies. In addition, the Gas Company has contracts with Corning Incorporated and Woodhull Municipal Gas Company, a small local utility, to provide maintenance service on their gas lines. Pike is an electric and gas utility regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PAPUC”). Pike provides electric service to approximately 4,800 customers in the Townships of Westfall, Milford and the northern part of Dingman and in the Boroughs of Milford and Matamoras. Pike provides natural gas service to 1,200 customers in Westfall Township and the Borough of Matamoras. All of these communities are located in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Leatherstocking Gas is also regulated by the PAPUC and distributes gas in Susquehanna and Bradford Counties, Pennsylvania. Leatherstocking Pipeline, an unregulated company, has served one customer in Lawton, Pennsylvania and has had no revenues since 2018. Leatherstocking NY has an application pending before the NYPSC for authority to provide gas distribution services in Broome County, New York.

 

The information furnished herewith reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the period. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations, although the Holding Company believes the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

On July 1, 2020, the Holding Company purchased the remaining 50% interest in Leatherstocking Gas and Leatherstocking Pipeline (collectively, “the Leatherstocking Companies”), and items of income or loss and the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are now included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company accounted for its investments in the Leatherstocking Companies using the equity method of accounting. Components of our financial statements for this quarter reflect these differences. The following unaudited proforma information presents the Company’s results of operations as if the Company owned 100% of the Leatherstocking Companies at the beginning of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The proforma results do not purport to represent what the Company’s results of operations actually would have been if the transaction had occurred at the beginning of the period presented or what the Company’s results of operations will be in future periods.

 

 

    Three months ended  
    December 31, 2019  
Total Revenue   $ 8,580,714  
Net Income   $ 459,950  

 

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The consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Holding Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 (“Annual Report”), filed on December 21, 2020. These interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited.

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Holding Company’s Annual Report. It is important to understand that the application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America involves certain assumptions, judgments and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Thus, the application of these principles can have varying results from company to company.

 

Because our business is highly seasonal in nature, sales for each quarter of the year vary and are not comparable. Sales vary depending on seasonal variations in temperature, although the Gas Company’s weather normalization and revenue decoupling clauses approved by the NYPSC serve to stabilize net revenue, by insulating the Gas Company, to an extent, from the effects of unusual temperature variations and conservation. Certain larger customer classes are not covered by weather normalization or revenue decoupling and weather will impact revenue from these classes. Neither Pike nor Leatherstocking Gas have weather normalization or revenue decoupling clauses.

 

It is the Holding Company’s policy to reclassify amounts in the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), which provides a model, known as the current expected credit loss model, to estimate the expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets, including trade and other receivables, rather than incurred losses over the remaining life of most financial assets measured at amortized cost. The guidance also requires use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on their consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on their consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Note 2 – Revenue From Contracts With Customers

 

The following tables present, for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (“Q1 FY 2021” and “Q1 FY 2020”, respectively), revenue from contracts with customers as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), as well as additional revenue from sources other than contracts with customers, disaggregated by major source.

 

    For the three months ended December 31, 2020
    Revenues from
contracts with
customers
  Other revenues
(a)
  Total utility
operating revenues
Corning Gas:                        
  Residential gas   $ 3,393,723     ($ 113,032 )   $ 3,280,691  
  Commercial gas     378,967             378,967  
  Transportation     1,127,974       51,428       1,179,402  
  Street lights gas     93             93  

 

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  Wholesale     482,869             482,869  
  Local production     175,605             175,605  
Total Corning Gas   $ 5,559,231     ($ 61,604 )   $ 5,497,627  
                         
Pike:                        
  Residential gas   $ 413,874     ($ 5,146 )   $ 408,728  
  Commercial gas     111,450             111,450  
  Total Pike retail gas     525,324     ($ 5,146 )     520,178  
                         
  Residential electric     977,919       (1,210 )     976,709  
  Commercial electric     887,934             887,934  
  Electric – street lights     32,606             32,606  
  Total Pike retail electric     1,898,459       (1,210 )     1,897,249  
                         
Total Pike   $ 2,423,783     ($ 6,356 )   $ 2,417,427  
                         
Leatherstocking Gas                        
  Residential gas   $ 138,832           $ 138,832  
  Commercial gas     117,028             117,028  
  Industrial sales     148,484             148,484  
                         
Total Leatherstocking Companies     404,344             404,344  
                         
Total consolidated utility operating revenue   $ 8,387,358     ($ 67,960 )   $ 8,319,398  

 

(a) Other revenues include revenue from alternative revenue programs, such as revenue decoupling mechanisms under New York gas rate plans and weather normalization clauses. This also reflects reductions in revenues resulting from the deferral as regulatory liabilities of the net benefits of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. See “Regulatory Matters” in Note 9.

 

    For the three months ended December 31, 2019
    Revenues from
contracts with
customers
  Other revenues
(a)
  Total utility
operating revenues
Corning Gas:                        
  Residential gas   $ 3,791,218     $ 102,549     $ 3,893,767  
  Commercial gas     575,657             575,657  
  Transportation     922,649       (181,616 )     741,033  
  Street lights gas     106             106  
  Wholesale     810,053             810,053  
  Local production     81,602             81,602  
Total Corning Gas   $ 6,181,285     ($ 79,067 )   $ 6,102,218  
                         
Pike:                        
  Residential gas   $ 359,803     $ 2,079     $ 361,882  
  Commercial gas     90,099             90,099  
  Total Pike retail gas     449,902       2,079       451,981  
                         
  Residential electric     815,798       (44,884 )     770,914  
  Commercial electric     806,043             806,043  

 

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  Electric – street lights     30,261             30,261  
  Total Pike retail electric     1,652,102       (44,884 )     1,607,218  
                         
Total Pike   $ 2,102,004     ($ 42,805 )   $ 2,059,199  
                         
Total consolidated utility operating revenue   $ 8,283,289     ($ 121,872 )   $ 8,161,417  

 

(a) Other revenues include revenue from alternative revenue programs, such as revenue decoupling mechanisms under New York gas rate plans and weather normalization clauses. This also reflects reductions in revenues resulting from the deferral as regulatory liabilities of the net benefits of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. See “Regulatory Matters” in Note 9.

 

The Gas Company records revenues from residential and commercial customers based on meters read on a cyclical basis throughout each month, while certain large industrial and utility customers’ meters are read at the end of each month. Several meters are read at the end of each month to calculate local production revenues. The Gas Company does not accrue revenue for gas delivered but not yet billed, as the NYPSC requires that such accounting must be adopted during a rate proceeding, which the Gas Company has not done. The Gas Company, as part of its currently effective rate plan, has a weather normalization clause as protection against severe weather fluctuations. This affects space heating customers and is activated when degree days are 2.2% greater or less than the 30-year average. As a result, the effect on revenue fluctuations of weather related gas sales is somewhat moderated.

 

Pike recognizes revenues for electric and gas service on a monthly billing cycle basis. Pike does not accrue for gas and electricity delivered. Pike does not have a weather normalization clause as protection against severe weather.

 

Leatherstocking Gas recognizes revenues for gas service on a monthly billing cycle basis. Leatherstocking Gas does not record unbilled revenues. Leatherstocking Gas does not have a weather normalization clause as protection against severe weather.

 

In addition to weather normalization, the Gas Company has implemented a revenue decoupling mechanism (RDM). The RDM reconciles actual delivery service revenues to allowed delivery service revenues (which are based on the annual customer and volume forecasts in the last rate case) for residential customers. The Gas Company will refund or surcharge customers for differences between actual and allowed revenues. The shortfall or excess after the annual reconciliation will be surcharged or refunded to customers over a twelve-month period starting September 1st each year. Pike and Leatherstocking Gas do not have a revenue decoupling mechanism as part of their rate structures.

 

Revenues are recorded as energy is delivered, generated, or services are provided and billed to customers. Amounts billed are recorded in customer accounts receivable, with payment generally due the following month.

 

Note 3 - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

 

    Pension Benefits
Three Months Ended December 31,
  Other Benefits
Three Months Ended December 31,
    2020   2019   2020   2019
Service Cost   $ 198,623     $ 186,111     $ 4,739     $ 4,633  
Interest Cost     240,959       246,324       6,973       9,255  
Expected return on plan assets     (361,414 )     (325,249 )            
Amortization of prior service cost                 3,810       3,495  
Amortization of net (gain) loss     244,156       224,322       421       654  
Net periodic benefit cost   $ 322,324     $ 331,508     $ 15,943     $ 18,037  

 

For ratemaking and financial statement purposes, pension expense represents the amount approved by the NYPSC in the Gas Company’s most recently approved rate case. Pension expense for ratemaking and financial statement purposes was $235,357 for Q1 FY 2021and $269,888 for Q1 FY 2020. Total pension costs are recorded in accordance with accounting prescribed by the NYPSC in 1993. The cumulative net difference between the pension expense for ratemaking and financial statement purposes, since 1993, has been deferred as a regulatory asset and amounted to $1,358,763 and $1,079,642 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

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The NYPSC has allowed the Gas Company to recover incremental costs associated with other post-retirement benefits through rates on a current basis. Other post-retirement benefit expense (benefit) (OPEB) for ratemaking and financial statement purposes was $13,209 for the Q1 FY 2021 and $16,101 for the Q1 FY 2020. Total OPEB costs are recorded in accordance with accounting prescribed by the NYPSC in 1998. The difference between the other post-retirement benefit expense (benefit) for ratemaking and financial statement purposes, and the amount computed above has been deferred as a regulatory asset.

 

Contributions

 

The Gas Company expects to contribute $1,039,321 to its Pension Plan during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. A total of $255,633 was paid to the Pension Plan during Q1 FY 2021 and $187,549 was paid to the Pension Plan during Q1 FY 2020.

 

 

Note 4 – Financing Activities

 

On August 31, 2020, Corning Gas entered into a $3.718 million multiple disbursement term note with M&T Bank which permitted draws from time to time to pay down $250,000 of existing M&T debt and for capital expenditures in accordance with its terms until October 31, 2020 at which time amounts outstanding under the note totaling $3.718 million converted to a ten year term loan, payable in 119 equal monthly installments with an additional final installment of unpaid principal and interest due on November 30, 2030.  Before converting to a term loan, borrowings on the note had a variable interest rate of 3.0% plus the greater of one-month LIBOR or 0.5%.  After October 31, 2020, the interest rate was fixed at 3.5%.  This term note is subject to the terms of the August 2020 Credit Agreement with M&T. 

On October 13, 2020, Pike’s multiple disbursement term note with M&T Bank, dated June 24, 2020, was converted into a ten year term loan, payable in 119 monthly installments with an additional final installment of unpaid principal and interest due on November 30, 2020. The note is in the amount of $1.315 million and the interest rate was fixed at 3.5%. This term note is subject to the terms of a credit agreement and general security agreement with M&T and is guaranteed by the Holding Company.

On January 14, 2021, Corning Gas borrowed $850,000 from M&T for a three-month period ending on April 15, 2021. The loan was used primarily to pay for transaction costs incurred in connection with our merger agreement (See Subsequent Events Note 11), and to pay pension and other operating expenses. The note bears an interest rate of 2.6% plus the one-month LIBOR rate with a floor of 3.1%. The loan will be repaid in three equal monthly installments on February, March, and April 15, 2021. The loan will be repaid out of operating revenues.

We are in compliance with our financial covenant calculations as of December 31, 2020.

 

Note 5 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Holding Company has determined the fair value of debt and other financial instruments using a valuation hierarchy. The hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value, consists of three levels. Level 1 uses observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2 uses inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, which is defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, requires the Holding Company to develop its own assumptions. The carrying amount of debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value as a result of instruments bearing interest rates that approximate current market rates for similar instruments, and the carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Investment assets, which fund the Holding Company’s deferred compensation plan, are valued based on Level 1 inputs.

The Holding Company has determined the fair value of certain assets through application of FASB ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”.

Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

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Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:

 

    Fair Value   Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical
Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)
  Level 2   Level 3
December 31, 2020                                
Available-for-sale securities   $ 2,336,662     $ 2,336,662     $     $  
September 30, 2020                                
Available-for-sale securities   $ 2,193,122     $ 2,193,122     $     $  

 

 

A summary of the marketable securities at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 is as follows:

 

    Cost Basis   Unrealized Gain   Unrealized Loss   Market Value
December 31, 2020                                
Cash and equivalents   $ 203,742     $     $     $ 203,742  
Metlife stock value     33,255                   33,255  
Government and agency bonds     89,329       5,892             95,221  
Corporate bonds     106,412       2,545             108,957  
Mutual funds     29,603       1,792             31,395  
Holding Company Preferred A Stock     572,875       45,830             618,705  
Equity securities     824,532       385,361             1,209,893  
Commodities     33,419       2,075             35,494  
Total securities   $ 1,893,167     $ 443,495     $     $ 2,336,662  
                                 
September 30, 2020                                
Cash and equivalents   $ 120,559     $     $     $ 120,559  
Metlife stock value     30,701                   30,701  
Government and agency bonds     143,960       9,312             153,272  
Corporate bonds     143,196       3,951             147,147  
Mutual funds     42,664       2,414             45,078  
Holding Company Preferred A Stock     572,875       45,830             618,705  
Equity securities     788,793       265,654             1,054,447  
Commodities     21,881       1,322             23,203  
Total securities   $ 1,864,629     $ 328,483     $     $ 2,193,112  

 

Realized gains included in earnings for the periods reported in investment income are as follows:

 

Investment Income        
    Three Months Ended December 31,
    2020   2019
Net realized gains recognized during the
period on investments
  $ 26,464     $ 9,734  

 

Unrealized gains on equity securities included in investment income for Q1 FY 2021 and 2020 were $114,258 and $77,976, respectively.

Financial assets and liabilities valued using level 1 inputs are based on unadjusted quoted market prices as of the close of business on the days noted within active markets.

Note 6 – Stockholders’ Equity and Preferred Stock

 

Shares issued during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were for the following:

 

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    Q1 FY 2021   Q1 FY 2020
    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount
Dividend reinvestment program (DRIP)     3,380     $ 51,749       2,925     $ 53,503  
Directors     3,150       40,163       3,150       43,943  
Leatherstocking Gas Company                 150       2,792  
Officers     4,500       5,117              
Total     11,030     $ 97,029       6,225     $ 100,238  

 

Shares issued to Leatherstocking Gas were used to compensate its independent director, Carl Hayden.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, dividends were paid on October 15, 2020 to stockholders of record on September 30, 2020 in the amount of $468,235, less DRIP shares valued at $51,749. For Q1 FY 2021, $469,897 was accrued for dividends paid on January 15, 2021 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2020.

 

Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2020 were issued in August 2020. There was no stock option activity during Q1 FY 2021 and there were no outstanding stock options or stock option activity during Q1 FY 2020.

 

    Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(years)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020     10,000     $ 16.50       9.92  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Expired or Forfeited                  
Outstanding at December 31, 2020     10,000     $ 16.50       9.66  

 

 

Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 6.0% of the liquidation preference per share ($25.00) and are expected to be paid on or about the 14th day of April, July, October and January of each year. The dividends for Q1 FY 2021 and 2020 were $97,725 and $78,975, respectively, and these are recorded as interest expense. The amortization of the Series A Preferred Stock debt issuance costs was $2,538 in Q1 FY 2021 and $5,183 in Q1 FY 2020.

 

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 4.8% of the liquidation preference per share ($20.75) and are expected to be paid on or about the 14th day of April, July, October and January of each year and began October 14, 2016. At September 30, 2020 there was $61,066 accrued for Series B dividends paid on October 15, 2020. For Q1 FY 2021, $61,066 was accrued for dividends paid on January 15, 2021.

 

Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 6.0% of the liquidation preference per share ($25.00) and are expected to be paid on or about the 14th day of April, July, October and January of each year. The dividends for Q1 FY 2021 and 2020 were $67,500 and $0, respectively, and these are recorded as interest expense. The amortization of the Series C Preferred Stock debt issuance costs was $62 in Q1 FY 2021 and $0 in Q1 FY 2020.

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing income (loss) available for common stock (net income less dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

 

293,116 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for Q1 FY 2021 and Q1 FY 2020 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

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For Q1 FY 2020, the impact of 10,000 stock options outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Note 7 – Investment in Joint Ventures

 

The Holding Company had an interest in Leatherstocking Gas and Leatherstocking Pipeline, each of which was a joint venture with Mirabito Regulated Industries, LLC (“Mirabito”), accounted for by the equity method. On July 1, 2020, Leatherstocking Gas distributed to its members franchises, engineering and gas pipeline assets located in New York having a book value of $0.532 million. These assets were then contributed to the equity of Leatherstocking Gas Company of New York, Inc. The Company owns 50% of the common shares of the newly formed Leatherstocking NY. and accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. Mirabito has the option to acquire the Company’s interests in Leatherstocking NY, for a purchase price of $100,000, beginning on the earlier of a change in control of the Company, or July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2023. If this option remains unexercised on June 30, 2023, The Company has the option for sixty days to acquire Mirabito’s shares for a purchase price of $100,000.

The following table represents the Holding Company’s investment activity in the Leatherstocking joint ventures for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

    2020   2019
Beginning balance in investment in joint ventures   $ 264,640     $ 2,597,919  
Gain (loss) from joint ventures     (1,701 )     3,583  
Ending balance in joint ventures   $ 262,939     $ 2,601,502  

 

As of and for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the joint ventures financial summary is as follows:

 

    2020   2019
Total assets   $ 524,579     $ 13,000,000  
Total liabilities   $ 315     $ 7,900,000  
Net income (loss)   ($ 3,400 )   $ 7,167  

 

Note 8 – Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the periods ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 are as follows:      

 

    Three Months
Ended
  Three Months
Ended
    December 31, 2020   December 31, 2019
Current   $     $  
Deferred     155,687       196,763  
Total   $ 155,687     $ 196,763  

 

 

Actual income tax expense for Q1 FY 2021 and Q1 FY 2020 is greater than tax calculated at the statutory rate (21%) due to state income taxes and non-tax deductible dividends on Class A and Class C preferred stock that are recorded as interest expense and included in pre-tax income.

 

On November 18, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service issued Revenue Ruling 2020-27, disallowing an income tax deduction for expenses paid with the proceeds of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. The ruling disallowed tax deductions for PPP loan funded expenses, even if the borrower has not received forgiveness of their PPP loans, if the borrower reasonably believes that loan forgiveness will occur.

 

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On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Act”) that, among other provisions, allows an income tax deduction for expenses that are otherwise tax deductible, where those expenses are funded by proceeds of a PPP loan which has been forgiven. The Act reverses the holding in Revenue Ruling 2020-27.

 

The Company, in the second quarter of FY 2021, expects to request forgiveness of its PPP loans totaling $1,173,591. If forgiven, this amount will be excluded from taxable income, and the expenses that were paid by the proceeds of the PPP loans will remain income tax deductible. The regulatory consequences of PPP loan forgiveness remains uncertain.

 

Note 9 – Regulatory Matters

 

On February 27, 2020, Corning Gas filed with the NYPSC for increases in revenues of $6,255,926, $845,142, and $680,913 for the years ending January 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively (Case 20-G-0101). These standalone rate year increases would impact customer bills by 23.4%, 2.56%, and 2.01%, respectively. The base period (test year) for this filing is the 12 month period ended September 30, 2019. The levelized amount would be $3,523,167 in each of the years ending January 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The levelized increases would impact customer bills by 10.93% per year. We have requested a levelized approach.

The filing with the NYPSC reflects a return on equity of 10.2% and pro-forma equity ratios of 50.67%, 52.95% and 55.26% for the 12-month periods ending January 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. The primary reasons for the rate increase are NYPSC mandated initiatives, including replacement of distribution pipe, and new safety, training, and cyber security requirements; and shorter depreciation lives for gas pipeline infrastructure to reflect recent state decarbonization legislation. These two items comprise approximately 50% of the rate case increase request. The balance of the request is to recover increases in health insurance, wages and other inflationary costs.

On June 26, 2020, the New York Department of Public Service Staff (“Staff”) filed its direct testimony in Case 20-G-0101. Staff recommends a one year revenue requirement of $517,063, compared to the Gas Company’s request of $6,223,603. The primary differences between Staff and the Gas and Company’s revenue requirements is Staff’s equity return recommendation of 8.45% vs. 10.20%, disallowance of the Company’s request for shorter depreciation lives, difference in health insurance cost escalators, extension of the recovery period of regulatory costs from three years to five years, and disallowance of leak repair amortization. The Gas Company disagrees with Staff’s proposals. The Gas Company is currently in confidential settlement discussion with Staff and active parties in Case 20-G-0101. The results of those discussions cannot be determined at this time. In November of 2020, the parties requested that the Administrative Law Judges grant a four month extension of time until May 31, 2021 to rule on the filing, with new rates being retroactively enacted as of January 31, 2020. The NYPSC approved the extension of the suspend period on January 22, 2021

By petition dated September 3, 2020 in Case 20-G-0442, Corning Gas requested authority under Public Service Law Sec.69 to issue approximately $29.5 million of long term debt through December 31, 2024. The proceeds are to be used principally to fund Commission mandated system safety and reliability measures, including replacement of older pipe and regulator stations; and purchase equipment, computer software and other supplies as necessary to maintain the distribution system. The petition is currently pending approval.

Total Regulatory Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 amounts to $14,374,183 compared to $14,213,457 at September 30, 2020. The Regulatory Assets include $1,399,567 at December 31, 2020 and $1,435,762 at September 30, 2020 that is subject to Deferred Accounting Petitions with the NYPSC and PAPUC. The remaining items in regulatory assets are either approved in rates, part of annual reconciliations approved by the NYSPSC and PAPUC or approved through various commission directives.

 

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On October 24, 2020, Pike filed separate rate cases with the PAPUC for an increase in revenues for its electric services in the amount of $1,933,600 (Case R-2020-302235) and for an increase in revenues for its gas services in the amount of $262,200 (Case R-2020-3022134). Pike’s current rates have been in effect since 2014. The rate increase would impact electric customer bills by 17.3%, and by 19.7% for gas customers. The base period (test year) for this filing is the 12 month period ended June 30, 2020. The filings with the PAPUC reflect returns on equity of 9.75% and pro forma equity ratios of 48.3% for each case. The primary reasons for the requested rate increase are PAPUC mandated initiatives including the replacement of gas distribution equipment, replacement of electric poles and wires, the recovery of deferred storm related costs, new safety, training, and cyber security requirement, and increased employee health and welfare benefits costs. The PAPUC can grant all, some or none of the requested revenue increases. The PAPUC has scheduled a public statement hearing to gather customer input on Pike’s proposal to increase rates on February 8, 2021. Pike expects new rates to take effect on July 1, 2021.

 

Note 10 – Segment Reporting

The Company’s reportable segments have been determined based upon the nature of the products and services offered, customer base, availability of discrete internal financial information, homogeneity of products, delivery channel and other factors.

The Gas Company is a gas distribution company providing gas on a commodity and transportation basis to its customers in the Southern Tier of New York State. Pike provides electricity and natural gas services to Pike County, Pennsylvania. Leatherstocking Gas and Leatherstocking Pipeline are presented together as the Leatherstocking Companies in the table below. Leatherstocking Gas provided natural gas service to customers in northeast Pennsylvania. Leatherstocking Pipeline has had no revenues since 2018. The Holding Company is the parent company of all subsidiaries and has a 50% ownership in Leatherstocking NY. The Appliance Company’s information is presented with the Holding Company as it has little activity.

The following table reflects the results of the segments consistent with the Holding Company’s internal financial reporting process. The following results are used in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments.

 

 

As of and for the three months ended December 31, 2020

 

    Gas Company   Pike   Leatherstocking
Companies*
  Holding
Company
  Total
Consolidated
Total electric utility revenue   $     $ 1,897,249     $     $     $ 1,897,249  
Total gas utility revenue   $ 5,497,627     $ 520,178     $ 404,344     $     $ 6,422,149  
Investment income   $ 143,709     $     $     $ 17     $ 143,726  
Income from joint ventures   $     $     $     ($ 1,701 )   ($ 1,701 )
Net income (loss)   $ 558,640     ($ 106,590 )   ($ 37,640 )   ($ 231,236 )   $ 183,174  
Income tax expense (benefit)   $ 242,895     ($ 41,138 )   ($ 24,098 )   ($ 21,972 )   $ 155,687  
Interest expense   $ 335,785     $ 157,519     $ 74,910     $ 177,231     $ 745,445  
Depreciation expense   $ 492,562     $ 228,777     $ 147,186     $ 915     $ 869,440  
Amortization expense   $ 58,800     $ 108,781     $ 3,042     $ 12,006     $ 182,629  
Total assets   $ 96,304,144     $ 29,699,773     $ 12,630,848     $ 824,836     $ 139,459,601  
Capital expenditures   $ 1,347,839     $ 929,859     $ 100,808     $     $ 2,378,506  
*Acquired July 1, 2020                                        

 

As of and for the three months ended December 31, 2019

 

    Gas Company   Pike   Leatherstocking
Companies*
  Holding
Company
  Total
Consolidated
Total electric utility revenue   $     $ 1,607,218     $     $     $ 1,607,218  
Total gas utility revenue   $ 6,102,218     $ 451,981     $     $     $ 6,554,199  
Investment income   $ 87,680     $     $     $ 30     $ 87,710  
Loss from joint ventures   $     $     $     $ 3,583     $ 3,583  
Net income (loss)   $ 563,985     ($ 47,446 )   $     ($ 62,456 )   $ 454,083  
Income tax expense (benefit)   $ 213,039     ($ 17,748 )   $     $ 1,472     $ 196,763  
Interest expense   $ 346,210     $ 173,585     $     $ 90,919     $ 610,714  
Depreciation expense   $ 470,715     $ 181,074     $     $ 915     $ 652,704  
Amortization expense   $ 85,845     $ 104,966     $     $ 17,127     $ 207,938  

 

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Total assets   $ 90,609,417     $ 28,081,994     $     $ 3,106,711     $ 121,798,122  
Capital expenditures   $ 1,893,650     $ 484,483     $     $     $ 2,378,133  
*Acquired July 1, 2020                                        

 

 

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

On January 12, 2021, Holding Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Holding Company, ACP Crotona Corp., (“Parent”) and ACP Crotona Merger Sub Corp., (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into Holding Company, and Holding Company will continue as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, shareholders of Holding Company will receive consideration for their shares in the following amounts: (i) $24.75 in cash, per share of common stock (the “Merger Consideration”); (ii) $25 per share of Series A preferred stock; (iii) $29.70 per share of Series B preferred stock; and (iv) $25 per share of Series C preferred stock. Amounts payable to all shareholders will include cash for any unpaid dividends. Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of Argo Infrastructure Partners LP (“Argo”) and were formed by Argo in order to complete the Merger.

The Merger is subject to, among other customary closing conditions, the approvals of the NYPSC and the PAPUC. In addition, the Merger requires the approval of the Company’s shareholders and the expiration of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act. The Merger Agreement also includes certain termination rights for both the Company and Parent and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, termination fees may be owed to Parent or to the Company, depending on the circumstances surrounding a termination.

The Merger Agreement provides for a 45-day “Go Shop” period which expires on February 26, 2021. During such period, the Company’s Board of Directors, together with the Company’s financial and legal advisors, may actively solicit, receive, evaluate and potentially enter into negotiations with parties that offer alternative acquisition proposals. At the conclusion of the “Go Shop” period, the Company will cease all such activities, and will be subject to a customary “No Shop” provision that restricts the Company’s ability to solicit acquisition proposals from third parties and to provide non-public information and to negotiate with third parties regarding unsolicited acquisition proposals that is reasonably expected to lead to a superior proposal.

In addition, in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company’s directors, who in the aggregate beneficially own approximately 30% of the Company’s outstanding shares, have entered into a voting agreement (the “Voting Agreement”)with Parent pursuant to which each director agrees to vote in favor of the Merger and the approval of the Merger Agreement as a shareholder of the Company. The Voting Agreement will terminate if, among other reasons, the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company has suspended its dividend reinvestment plan.

Upon consummation of the Merger Agreement, the Company’s common stock will be delisted from the OTCQX and deregistered under the Exchange Act as soon as practicable.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains statements which, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Reform Act). The words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the Reform Act. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be achieved. As forward-looking statements, these statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from our management's expectations include, but are not limited to, those listed under Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, in addition to:

 

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*

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,

completion of the pending Merger with Argo,

* the effect of an interruption in our supply of natural gas or electricity or a substantial increase in the price of natural gas or electricity,
* our ability to successfully negotiate new supply agreements for natural gas and electricity as they expire, on terms favorable to us, or at all,
* the effect on our operations of actions by the NYPSC or PAPUC,
* the effect of litigation,
* the effect on our operations of unexpected changes in legal or regulatory requirements, including environmental and energy consumption regulations and laws,
* the amount of natural gas produced and directed through our pipeline by producers,
* our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing to fund our capital expenditure plans and for general corporate purposes,
* our successful completion of various capital projects and the use of pipelines, compressor stations and storage by customers and counterparties at levels consistent with our expectations,
* The effect of weather on our utility infrastructure,
* our ability to retain the services of our senior executives and other key employees,
* our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions generally and particularly the effect of those conditions on our major customers,
* the effect of any leaks in our transportation and delivery pipelines,
* competition to our gas transportation business from other pipelines, and
* the possibility of cyber and malware attacks.

 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events.

 

Overview

 

New York and Pennsylvania government authorities, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed restrictions on social activities, closed schools and placed operating restrictions on commercial operations in our franchise areas beginning in March of 2020. Many businesses remain closed or have limited services or product offerings. As a result, numerous residential customers are unemployed. The timing of a return to pre-pandemic conditions remains uncertain. The Company has already experienced loss of gas and electric load and believes that it will experience lower revenues primarily from commercial customers on a go forward basis. In addition, with higher levels of unemployment, cash receipts will likely decrease and arrears and uncollectible accounts increase. The Company has enacted plans to ensure safe and reliable operation of the gas and electric system, a safe work environment for its employees and to maintain a high level of customer service. We have taken steps to delay capital expenditures and operating expenses and have petitioned the NYPSC for waivers from some mandated regulatory goals as appropriate.

 

On July 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of its partner’s 50% interests in Leatherstocking Gas Company, LLC, and Leatherstocking Pipeline Company, LLC (“the Leatherstocking Companies”). Since July 1, 2020, the financial information of the Leatherstocking Companies is included in the Company’s consolidated financial information.

 

We believe our key performance indicators are net income, stockholders’ equity and the safety and reliability of our systems. Net income decreased by $270,909 for the three months ended December 31, 2020 (“Q1 FY 2021”) compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019 (“Q1 FY 2020”). Because the Holding Company’s principal operations are conducted through Corning Gas and Pike, both regulated utility companies, stockholders’ equity is an important performance indicator. The NYPSC and PAPUC allow the Company the opportunities to earn a just and reasonable return on stockholders’ equity as determined under applicable regulations. Stockholders’ equity is, therefore, a precursor of future earnings potential. As of December 31, 2020, compared to December 31, 2019, stockholders’ equity increased from $34,466,160 to $35,679,280. We plan to continue our focus on building stockholders’ equity. Safety and efficiency indicators include leak repair, main and service replacements and customer service metrics.

 

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We continue to focus on improving the efficiency of our operations and making capital investments to improve our infrastructure. Corning Gas’s infrastructure improvement program concentrates on the replacement of older distribution mains and customer service lines. In Q1 FY 2021 the Gas Company repaired 34 leaks, replaced 56 bare steel services and replaced or remediated 6.0 miles of older steel main. In fiscal 2020 the Gas Company repaired 184 leaks and replaced 8.6 miles of bare steel main and 229 bare steel services. In Q1 FY 2021 Pike replaced approximately 17 poles. In fiscal 2020 Pike replaced approximately 150 poles and did extensive tree trimming to maintain our electric infrastructure. On January 18, 2019 Pike filed a gas Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (“LTIIP”) to accelerate replacement of cast iron, wrought iron and bare steel pipe over 11 years. The PAPUC approved the LTIIP plan on June 13, 2019.

 

Earnings for Q1 FY 2021 were lower than earnings for Q1 FY 2020 as a result of reduced gas distribution rates at Corning Gas, transaction costs incurred in connection with our merger transaction, increased operating costs, payroll expense increases and COVID expenses, offset by an increase in investment income.

 

Key financial performance indicators:

    Three Months Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Net income   $ 183,174     $ 454,083  
Stockholders' equity   $ 35,679,280     $ 34,466,160  
Stockholders' equity per outstanding common share   $ 11.57     $ 11.29  

 

Gas Revenue and Margin

 

Retail gas revenue decreased $225,554 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The decrease primarily results from lower gas cost recovery of $324,917 offset by a net increase in customer sales of $99,363.

 

Other gas revenue increased $93,504 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The components of this increase are detailed in the tables below.

 

    Q1 FY 2021     Q1 FY 2020  
Retail gas revenue:                
Residential   $ 3,946,522     $ 4,151,127  
Commercial     653,697       665,755  
Transportation     1,230,207       1,208,900  
Wholesale     482,869       513,067  
Total retail gas revenue     6,313,295       6,538,849  
                 
Other gas revenue:                
Local production     175,605       182,384  
Customer discounts forfeited     (28 )     16,524  
Reconnect fees     65       1,048  
Surcharges     (4,677 )     1,644  
Other (see detail below)     (62,111 )     (186,250 )
Total other gas revenue     108,854       15,350  
                 
Total gas operating revenue   $ 6,422,149     $ 6,554,199  

 

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The following tables further summarize all other income in the other gas revenue table above:

 

      Q1 FY 2021       Q1 FY 2020  
Other gas revenue:                
Delivery Rate Adjustment (DRA) carrying costs   $ 2,225     $ 2,762  
Contract customer reconciliation     (11,079 )     (57,054 )
Monthly RDM amortizations     (183,097 )     (282,506 )
Local production revenue     13,960       9,417  
2017 Jobs Act federal income tax reconciliation     103,682       130,543  
Capacity release revenue     8,754       10,843  
All other     3,444       (255 )
                 
Total other gas revenue   ($ 62,111 )   ($ 186,250 )

 

Gas purchases are our largest expenses. Purchased gas expense decreased $554,983 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The decrease is due primarily to lower gas cost billed to customers of $303,250 and regulatory adjustments associated with PAPUC gas cost audit ($95,158) which lowered purchased gas expense compared to a prior year gas cost reconciliation ($156,575) which increased purchased gas expense in the prior year for a decrease of $251,733.

 

Gas margin (the excess of utility gas revenue over the cost of natural gas purchased) increased $422,933 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The margins were positively impacted by regulatory adjustments associated with PAPUC fuel audit ($95,158) which lowered purchased gas expense compared to a prior year gas cost reconciliation of ($156,575) which increased purchased gas expense in the prior year for a decrease of $251,733.

 

 

    Q1 FY 2021     Q1 FY 2020  
Gas Margin:                
Utility Gas Revenues   $ 6,422,149     $ 6,554,199  
Natural Gas Purchased     1,269,682       1,824,665  
Gas Margin   $ 5,152,467     $ 4,729,534  
Gas Margin Percentage     80.23%       72.16%  

 

Electric Revenue and Margin

 

Retail electric revenue increased $246,357 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The increase primarily results from higher purchased power costs billed customers.

 

Other electric revenue increased $43,674 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The components of this increase are detailed in the tables below.

 

    Q1 FY 2021     Q1 FY 2020  
Retail electric revenue:                
Residential   $ 977,919     $ 815,798  
Commercial     887,934       806,043  
Street lights     32,606       30,261  
Total retail electric revenue   $ 1,898,459     $ 1,652,102  
                 
Other electric revenue:                
Customer discounts forfeited   $     $ 1,723  
Third party billings     253       (65,071 )
Other     (1,463 )     18,464  
Total other electric revenue     (1,210 )     (44,884 )
                 
Total electric operating revenue   $ 1,897,249     $ 1,607,218  

 

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Electricity costs increased by $454,720 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The increase is due primarily to higher cost of purchased electricity billed to customers of $255,897 and a regulatory adjustment resulting from a PAPUC fuel audit of $198,823 which also increased electricity costs.

 

Electric margin (the excess of utility electric revenue over the cost of purchased power costs) decreased $164,689 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The margins were negatively impacted by a regulatory adjustment resulting from a PAPUC fuel audit of $198,823.

 

    Q1 FY 2021     Q1 FY 2020  
Electric Margin:                
Utility Electric Revenues   $ 1,897,249     $ 1,607,218  
Electricity Purchased     793,081       338,361  
Electric Margin   $ 1,104,168     $ 1,268,857  
Electric Margin Percentage     58.20%       78.95%  

 

Operating and Interest Expenses

 

Operating and maintenance expense increased by $380,463 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The increase primarily results from additional expenses associated with 100% ownership of Leatherstocking Gas of $180,954, wage increase of $32,230, expenses related to the COVID pandemic of $68,412, merger costs of $74,365 and all other costs-net of $24,502.

 

Taxes other than income taxes decreased by $36,114 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The decrease primarily results from decreased property tax expense of $36,071.

 

Depreciation expense increased by $216,736 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The increase results from additional depreciation expense of $69,549 from utility plant placed in service and depreciation expense of $147,187 associated with 100% ownership of Leatherstocking assets.

 

Interest expense increased by $134,731 for Q1 FY 2021 compared to Q1 FY 2020. The increase was due to higher levels of debt to support our mandated infrastructure improvement program, and $86,240 of additional dividends associated with outstanding Preferred Series A and C shares which is recorded as interest expense.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Holding Company does not have any borrowings (excluding Series A and Series C Preferred Stock that is classified as debt) at the corporate level and has no access to liquidity except through dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries as well as equity issuances. Its principal liquidity requirements are for investments in the Leatherstocking to permit those companies to make the capital expenditures required to provide services to their customers and for dividend payments to the Holding Company’s stockholders.

 

The Gas Company’s internally generated cash from operating activities consists of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses, and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash items include depreciation and amortization; investment gains and losses, and deferred income taxes. Over or under-recovered gas costs significantly impact cash flow. In addition, there are significant year-to-year changes in regulatory assets that impact cash flow. The Gas Company’s cash flow is seasonal. Cash expenditures are the highest in the summer and fall months when we refill gas storage and conduct our construction programs. Our cash receipts are highest during the heating season. At Pike cash flow is strongest in the winter and summer when customer demand for natural gas and electricity are highest. Given year round electric sales, Pike is less seasonal than the Gas Company.

 

Capital expenditures are funded by both operating cash and new debt. In fiscal year 2021 to date, the Company has spent approximately $2.4 million on projects and safety-related infrastructure improvements. This, in conjunction with our growth projects, creates liquidity pressure on the Holding Company. We anticipate that our aggressive capital construction program will continue to require the Holding Company to raise new debt and/or equity.

 

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Cash flows from financing activities of the Company consist of new long-term borrowings, repayment of long-term debt, net borrowings and repayments under our lines-of-credit, and quarterly dividend payments. For the Gas Company’s operations, it has an $8.0 million revolving line of credit with M&T Bank. Interest is a variable rate determined by the Gas Company’s funded debt to EBITDA ratio calculated ninety days after the end of each quarter added to the daily LIBOR rate with no additional collateral or covenants beyond those included in the M&T Bank term notes. The amount outstanding under this line as of December 31, 2020 was $7.5 million with an interest rate of 3.10%.

 

For Pike’s operations, it has an $2.0 million revolving line of credit with M&T Bank. Interest is a variable rate determined by Pike’s funded debt to EBITDA ratio calculated ninety days after the end of each quarter added to the daily LIBOR rate with no additional collateral or covenants beyond those included in the M&T Bank term notes. The amount outstanding under this line on December 31, 2020 was approximately $1.1 million with an interest rate of 2.94%.

 

For Leatherstocking’s operations, it has an $1.5 million revolving line of credit with Wayne Bank. Interest on the line of credit is the prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2020). The line of credit is for an indefinite period, is guaranteed by Leatherstocking Pipeline, and is secured by Leatherstocking Gas and Leatherstocking Pipeline assets. The amount outstanding under this line on December 31, 2020 was approximately $1.2 million.

 

The Company was in compliance with all of its loan covenants as of December 31, 2020.

 

During this quarter, the Gas Company mainly withdrew gas from storage and as of December 31, 2020, had a balance of $954,679 worth of gas in storage, the volume in storage at December 31, 2020 was 550,598 Mcf at an average price of $1.66 per Mcf. At December 31, 2019, the Company had a balance of $995,341 worth of gas in storage, the volume in storage at December 31, 2019 was 568,641 Mcf at an average price of $2.08 per Mcf. During the next quarter, the Gas Company expects to continue withdrawing gas from storage to have sufficient gas to supply customers for the winter season.

 

As of December 31, 2020, we believe that cash flow from operating activities and borrowings under our lines of credit will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital and debt service requirements over the next twelve months. We believe new debt will be required to satisfy our capital expenditures and to finance our internal growth needs for the next twelve months. We are confident we can finance them with our current lender.

 

 

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off balance sheet arrangements. 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Holding Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020, filed on December 21, 2020. There have been no significant changes in our accounting policies during Q1 FY 2021.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon the Company’s evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2020.

 

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that was conducted during the last fiscal quarter for the Company, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Holding Company and its subsidiaries have lawsuits pending of the type incurred in the normal course of business. The Company expects that any potential losses will be covered by insurance, subject to deductibles, and will not have a material adverse impact on the Company.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Please refer to risk factors listed under Item 1A – “Risk Factors” of the Holding Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, for disclosure relating to certain risk factors applicable to the Company.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

On October 13, 2020, Pike’s multiple disbursement term note with M&T Bank, dated June 24, 2020, was converted into a ten year term loan, payable in 119 monthly installments with an additional final installment of unpaid principal and interest due on November 30, 2030. The note is in the amount of $1.315 million and the interest rate was fixed at 3.5%. The note is subject to the terms of a credit agreement and general security agreement with M&T and is guaranteed by the Holding Company.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

10.1 Replacement Credit Agreement, dated October 13, 2020, between Pike Light & Power Company and M&T Bank
10.2 Multiple Disbursement Term Note, dated October 13, 2020 from Pike Light & Power Company to M&T Bank in the maximum principal amount of $1,315,000, with Prepayment Premium Rider.
31.1** Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and President pursuant to 17 CFR Section 240.13a-14
31.2** Certification of the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to 17 CFR Section 240.13a-14
32.1** Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101** The following materials from the Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):

 

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  (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020,
  (ii)  the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019,
  (ii)  the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019,
  (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and
  (v)  related notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

** Filed herewith

*** Furnished herewith

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

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 thereunto duly authorized.

  CORNING NATURAL GAS HOLDING CORPORATION
Date: February 10, 2021 By: /s/ Michael I. German
  Michael I. German, Chief Executive Officer and President
  (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 10, 2021 By: /s/ Charles A. Lenns
  Charles A. Lenns, Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

31 

 

 

 

 

FOURTH AMENDED REPLACEMENT AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

October 13, 2020

 

Borrower:   Pike County Light & Power Company

 

a(n)  ☐ individual  ☒ corporation  ☐ general partnership   ☐ limited liability company   ☐  

 

organized under the laws of Pennsylvania

 

having its chief executive office at 330 West William Street, Corning, New York 14830

  

Bank: M&T BANK, a New York banking corporation with its chief executive office at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203. Attention: Office of General Counsel.

 

The Bank and the Borrower agree as follows:

 

1.   DEFINITIONS.

 

a. “Agreement” means this Third Amended Replacement and Restated Credit Agreement.

 

b. “Capital Expenditures” (“CAPEX”) means, at any time, all acquisitions of machinery, equipment, land, leaseholds, buildings, improvements and all other expenditures considered to be for fixed assets under G.A.A.P., consistently applied. Where an asset is acquired under a capital lease, the amount required to be capitalized shall be considered a capital expenditure during the first year of the lease.

 

c. “Cash Flow” means the sum of (i) net income after tax, dividends and distributions, plus (ii) depreciation expense and amortization, plus (iii) Interest Expense, plus (iv)non-cash expenses and minus (v) non-cash income, all determined in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

d. “Cash Flow Coverage” means the ratio of Cash Flow to the sum of (i) the current portion of all Long Term Debt as specified in the financial statement dated twelve (12) months prior, plus (ii) Interest Expense, all determined in accordance with G.A.A.P

 

e. “Credit” means any and all credit facilities and any other financial accommodations made by the Bank in favor of the Borrower whether now or hereafter in existence.

 

f. “Current Assets” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of all current assets, including, but not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, receivables maturing within twelve (12) months from such time, and inventory (net of LIFO Reserve), but excluding prepaid expenses and officer, stockholder, employee and related entity advances and receivables, all as determined in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

g. “Current Maturity of Long-Term Debt” (“CMLTD”) means, for any period, the scheduled principal loan or capital lease payments paid or required to be paid during the applicable period.

 

h. “Current Liabilities” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of all liabilities and obligations which are due and payable on demand or within twelve (12) months from such time, or should be properly reflected as attributable to such twelve (12) month period in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

  i.  “Current Ratio” means the ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities.

 

j. “Distributions” means any dividend or other form of distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any stock, membership or other form of equity interest in Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such interests or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such interests, in each case in accordance with the applicable governing documents of Borrower or Subsidiary, as the case may be, or otherwise.

 

k. “EBITDA” shall mean net income after tax, plus depreciation, plus amortization, plus interest expense, plus non-cash expenses, less non-cash income, all as determined in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

l. “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, at any time, EBITDA less CAPEX less Distributions (but not preferred dividends) plus rental and operating lease payments plus other defined fixed charges.

 

1 

 

m. “G.A.A.P.” means, with respect to any date of determination, generally accepted accounting principles as used by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and/or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants consistently applied and maintained throughout the periods indicated.

 

n. “Interest Expense” means all finance charges reflected on the income statement as interest expense for all obligations of Borrower to any person, including, but not limited to, Bank, as shown on any properly prepared balance sheet in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

o. “Long Term Debt” means all obligations of Borrower to any person, including, but not limited to, the Obligations, payable more than twelve (12) months from the date of their creation, which in accordance with G.A.A.P. are properly shown on the balance sheet as a liability (excluding reserves for deferred income taxes) for the period then ended, and also specifically the Replacement Term Note dated June 27, 2019 and any renewals, replacements and extensions thereof.

 

p. “Obligations” means any and all indebtedness or other obligations of the Borrower to the Bank in any capacity, now existing or hereafter incurred, however created or evidenced, regardless of kind, class or form, whether direct, indirect, absolute or contingent (including obligations pursuant to any guaranty, endorsement, other assurance of payment or otherwise), whether joint or several, whether from time to time reduced and thereafter increased, or entirely extinguished and thereafter reincurred, together with all extensions, renewals and replacements thereof, and all interest, fees, charges, costs or expenses which accrue on or in connection with the foregoing, including any indebtedness or obligations (i) not yet outstanding but contracted for, or with regard to which any other commitment by the Bank exists; (ii) arising prior to, during or after any pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding; (iii) owed by the Borrower to others and which the Bank obtained, or may obtain, by assignment or otherwise; and (iv) payable under this Agreement.

 

q. “Permitted Distributions” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

r. “Permitted Guaranties” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

s. “Permitted Indebtedness” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

t. “Permitted Investments” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

u. “Permitted Liens” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

v. “Permitted Loans” has the meaning set forth in the Schedule.

 

w. “Quick Ratio” means the ratio of Current Assets less inventory (net of LIFO Reserve), to Current Liabilities.

 

w-1 “Revolver” Shall mean the Replacement Daily Adjusting LIBOR Revolving Note between Bank and Pike County Light & Power Company dated October 13, 2020 in the maximum principal amount of $2,000,000.00.

 

x. “Schedule” means Schedule A, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

y. “Subordinated Debt” means all indebtedness of the Borrower which has been formally subordinated to payment and collection of the Obligations on written terms approved by Bank in writing.

 

z. “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other business entity of which at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other ownership interest is owned by the Borrower directly or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries.

 

aa. “Tangible Net Worth” means the aggregate assets of Borrower excluding all intangible assets, including, but not limited to, goodwill, licenses, trademarks, patents, copyrights, organization costs, appraisal surplus, officer, stockholder, related entity and employee advances or receivables, mineral rights and the like, less liabilities, plus Subordinated Debt, all determined in accordance with G.A.A.P. (except to the extent that under G.A.A.P. “tangible net worth” excludes leasehold improvements which are included in “Tangible Net Worth” as defined herein).

 

bb. “Total Funded Debt” means the sum of all obligations for borrowed money (including Subordinated Debt and guaranties of obligations for borrowed money plus all capital lease obligations.

 

cc. “Total Liabilities” means the aggregate amount of all assets of the Borrower less the sum of shareholder equity and Subordinated Debt (if any), as shown on the balance sheet properly prepared in accordance with G.A.A.P.

 

dd. “Transaction Documents” means this Agreement and all documents, instruments or other agreements by the Borrower in favor of the Bank in connection (directly or indirectly) with the Obligations, whether now or hereafter in existence, including, without limitation, promissory notes, security agreements, guaranties and letter of credit reimbursement agreements.

 

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ee. “Unencumbered Liquid Assets” means cash, cash equivalents and/or publicly traded/quoted marketable securities acceptable to Bank in its sole discretion, free of any lien or other encumbrance. Account assets held in a fiduciary capacity by Borrower shall not qualify as Unencumbered Liquid Assets.

 

ff. “Unfunded Capital Expenditures” means, for any relevant period, the amount of Capital Expenditures paid for out of ordinary operating cash flow and not financed through the incurrence of debt or the issuance of equity.

 

gg. “Working Capital” means that amount which is equal to the excess of Current Assets over Current Liabilities.

 

2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower makes the following representations and warranties and any “Additional Representations and Warranties” on the Schedule, all of which shall be deemed to be continuing representations and warranties as long as this Agreement is in effect:

 

  a) Good Standing; Authority. The Borrower and each Subsidiary (if either is not an individual) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was formed. The Borrower and each Subsidiary is duly authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified might have a material adverse effect on its business or assets and has the power and authority to own each of its assets and to use them in the ordinary course of business as contemplated now and in the future.

 

  b) Compliance. The Borrower and each Subsidiary conducts its business and operations and the ownership of its assets in compliance with each applicable statute, regulation and other law, including environmental laws. All approvals, including authorizations, permits, consents, franchises, licenses, registrations, filings, declarations, reports and notices (the “Approvals”) necessary for the conduct of the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s business and for the Credit have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect. The Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with the Approvals. The Borrower and each Subsidiary (if either is not an individual) is in compliance with its certificate of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, articles of organization, operating agreement or other applicable organizational or governing document as may be applicable to the Borrower or a Subsidiary depending on its organizational structure (“Governing Documents”). The Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with each agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

  c) Legality. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and all related documents, including the Transaction Documents, (i) are in furtherance of the Borrower’s purposes and within its power and authority; (ii) do not (A) violate any statute, regulation or other law or any judgment, order or award of any court, agency or other governmental authority or of any arbitrator with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (B) violate the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s Governing Documents (if either is not an individual), constitute a default under any agreement binding on the Borrower or any Subsidiary or result in a lien or encumbrance on any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; and (iii) if the Borrower or any Subsidiary is not an individual, have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational actions.

 

  d) Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Borrower is the calendar year unless the following blank states otherwise: year ending September 30th.

 

  e) Title to Assets. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has good and marketable title to each of its assets free of security interests, mortgages or other liens or encumbrances, except as set forth on the Schedule titled “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to the Bank’s prior written consent.

 

  f) Judgments and Litigation. There is no pending or threatened claim, audit, investigation, action or other legal proceeding or judgment, order or award of any court, agency or other governmental authority or arbitrator (any, an “Action”) which involves the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or their respective assets and might have a material adverse effect upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or threaten the validity of the Credit, any Transaction Document or any related document or action. Borrower will immediately notify the Bank in writing upon acquiring knowledge of any such Action.

 

  g) Full Disclosure. Neither this Agreement nor any certificate, financial statement or other writing provided to the Bank by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary contains any statement of fact that is incorrect or misleading in any material respect or omits to state any fact necessary to make any such statement not incorrect or misleading. The Borrower has not failed to disclose to the Bank any fact that might have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

3. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. So long as this Agreement is in effect, the Borrower will comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the following covenants and any other “Additional Affirmative Covenant” contained in the Schedule:

 

a)           Financial Statements and Other Information. Promptly deliver to the Bank (i) within sixty (60) days after the end of each of its first three fiscal quarters, an internally prepared financial statement of the Borrower and each subsidiary as of the end of such quarter, which financial statement shall consist of income and cash flows for the quarter, for the corresponding quarter in the previous fiscal year and for the period from the end of the previous fiscal year, with a consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the fiscal year end all in such detail as the Bank may request; (ii) Borrower shall cause Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (“Holding”) to promptly deliver to the Bank copies of all annual reports, proxy statements and similar information distributed to shareholders, partners or members and of all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and shall provide in form satisfactory to the Bank: (i) within sixty (60) days after the end of each of its first three fiscal quarters, consolidating and consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the quarter, for the corresponding

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quarter in the previous fiscal year and for the period from the end of the previous fiscal year, with a consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the quarter end; and (ii) within one-hundred twenty days (120) after the end of each fiscal year, consolidating and consolidated statements of Holding’s income and cash flows and its consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year and to be:

 

audited          reviewed           ☐ compiled

 

by an independent certified public accountant acceptable to the Bank; all such statements shall be certified by Holding’s chief financial officer or partner to be correct, not misleading and in accordance with Holding’s records and to present fairly the results of Holding’s operations and cash flows and if annual its financial position at year end in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. If no box is checked, Holding shall deliver financial statements and information in the form and at the times satisfactory to the Bank. Holding represents that its assets are not subject to any liens, encumbrances or contingent liabilities except as fully disclosed to the Bank in such statements. Holding authorizes the Bank from time to time to obtain, verify and review all financial data deemed appropriate by the Bank in connection with the Obligations, including without limitation credit reports from agencies. Holding understands this requirement and has satisfied itself as to its meaning and consequences and acknowledges that it has made its own arrangements for keeping informed of changes or potential changes affecting the Borrower including the Borrower’s financial condition; within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, internally prepared statement of the Borrower and internally prepared consolidating and consolidated statements of income and cash flows and its consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year; all such statements shall be certified by the Borrower’s chief financial officer to be correct and in accordance with the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s records and to present fairly the results of the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s operations and cash flows and its financial position at year end; and (iii) with each of the financial statements set forth above in clauses (i) and (ii) statement of income, a certificate executed by the Borrower’s chief executive or chief financial officers or other such person responsible for the financial management of the Borrower (A) setting forth the computations required to establish the Borrower’s compliance with each financial covenant, if any, during the statement period, (B) stating that the signer of the certificate has reviewed this Agreement and the operations and condition (financial or other) of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries during the relevant period and (C) stating that no Event of Default occurred during the period, or if an Event of Default did occur, describing its nature, the date(s) of its occurrence or period of existence and what action the Borrower has taken with respect thereto; and (iv) prior to December 31 of each year, Borrower’s operating and capital budgets for the succeeding year. The Borrower shall also promptly provide the Bank with copies of all annual reports, proxy statements and similar information distributed to shareholders, partners or members, and copies of all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and shall provide, in form satisfactory to the Bank, such additional information, reports or other information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request regarding the financial and business affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary. If the Borrower is an individual, the Borrower shall provide annually a personal financial statement in form and detail acceptable to the Bank and such other financial information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request. Promptly upon the request of the Bank from time to time, Borrower shall supply all additional information requested and permit the Bank’s officers, employees, accountants, attorneys and other agents to (x) visit and inspect each of Borrower’s premises, (y) Upon no less than seven (7) days advance written notice to Borrower Bank may, at Bank’s sole expense, examine, audit, copy and extract from Borrower’s records and (z) discuss Borrower’s or its affiliates’ business, operations, assets, affairs or condition (financial or other) with its responsible officers and independent accountants.

 

  b) Accounting; Tax Returns and Payment of Claims. Maintain a system of accounting and reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, has filed and will file each tax return required of it and, except as disclosed in the Schedule, has paid and will pay when due each tax, assessment, fee, charge, fine and penalty imposed by any taxing authority upon it or any of its assets, income or franchises, as well as all amounts owed to mechanics, materialmen, landlords, suppliers and the like in the normal course of business. Borrower shall notify Bank of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year.

 

  c) Inspections. Promptly upon the Bank’s request permit the Bank’s officers, attorneys or other agents to inspect its and its Subsidiary’s premises, examine and copy its records and discuss its and its Subsidiary’s business, operations and financial or other condition with its and its Subsidiary’s responsible officers and independent accountants.

 

  d) Operating Accounts. Maintain all bank accounts with the Bank.

 

  e) Changes in Management and Control. Immediately upon any change in the identity of the Borrower’s chief executive officers or in its beneficial ownership, the Borrower will provide to the Bank a certificate executed by its senior individual authorized to transact business on behalf of the Borrower, specifying such change.

 

  f) Notice of Defaults, Change of Address and Material Adverse Changes. Immediately upon acquiring reason to know of (i) any Event of Default, (ii) any event or condition that might have a material adverse effect upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (iii) any change of its address or of the location of any collateral securing the Obligations, or (iv) any Action, the Borrower will provide to the Bank a certificate executed by the Borrower’s senior individual authorized to transact business on behalf of the Borrower, specifying the date(s) and nature of the event or the Action and what action the Borrower or its Subsidiary has taken or proposes to take with respect to it.

 

  g) Insurance. Maintain its property in good repair and will on request provide the Bank with evidence of insurance coverage satisfactory to the Bank, including fire and hazard, liability, workers’ compensation and business interruption insurance and flood hazard insurance as required.

 

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  h) Further Assurances. Promptly upon the request of the Bank, the Borrower will execute and deliver each writing and take each other action that the Bank deems necessary or desirable in connection with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. In the event that Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall create or acquire a new Subsidiary after the date hereof but while this Agreement is in effect or any Obligation remains outstanding, Borrower shall cause such new Subsidiary to execute such agreements or other documents as shall be required in Bank’s sole and absolute discretion so as to join this Agreement as an additional borrower, guarantor or such other capacity as Bank deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion. Borrower shall deliver such resolutions, organizational documents, and such other items as Bank may reasonably requires in connection with same.

 

i. Additional Closing Conditions. As an additional condition to any advance of new funds to Borrower on or after the date of this Agreement to be evidenced by the Replacement Term Note (the form of which is annexed hereto as Schedule 3.i): (i) Borrower must provide to Bank evidence that it has contributed from working capital the amount of not less than 40% of the cost of any capital expenditure project financed with such advance; and (ii) Borrower must provide a copy of its most current capital expenditure tracking report submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission with any request for advance.

 

4. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. As long as this Agreement is in effect, the Borrower shall not violate, and shall not suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to violate, any of the following covenants and any “Additional Negative Covenant” on the Schedule. The Borrower shall not:

 

  a) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  b) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  c) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  d) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  e) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  f) Intentionally Omitted.

 

  g) Changes In Form or Control. (i) Transfer or dispose of substantially all of its assets, (ii) acquire substantially all of the assets of any other entity, (iii) do business under or otherwise use any name other than its true name or (iv) make any material change in its business, structure, ownership, purposes or operations that might have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. If the Borrower or any Subsidiary is not an individual, (i) participate in any merger, consolidation or other absorption or (ii) make, terminate or permit to be revoked any election pursuant to Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

h. Sale of Assets. Sell, transfer lease or otherwise dispose of any assets (including, without limitation, pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction, securitization transaction, or with respect to any equity interest owned by it) other than sales, transfers and dispositions of (y) inventory in the ordinary course of business and (z) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property in the ordinary course of business;

 

5. FINANCIAL COVENANTS. During the term of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not violate, and shall not suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to violate, any of the following covenants (complete applicable financial covenant) or any Additional Financial Covenants on the Schedule. For purposes of this Section, if the Borrower has any Subsidiaries all references to the Borrower shall include the Borrower and all of its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Unless a different measurement period is specified, compliance for the financial covenants shall be required at all times.

 

     A.     Borrower shall maintain Tangible Net Worth of not less than $_________________, measured (select one: quarterly or annually) ______________ as of each (select one: quarter or fiscal year) ___________ end.

 

     B.     Borrower shall maintain a ratio of Total Funded Debt excluding the then principal balance on the Revolver, to Tangible Net Worth of not greater than 1:40:1.0, measured quarterly based on Company’s trailing twelve (12) month operating performance as reflected in Borrower’s fiscal quarterly financial statements.

 

o     C.     Borrower shall maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than [___.___] to 1.00 measured quarterly on a trailing twelve month basis, commencing with the period ending [__________________].

 

     D.     Borrower shall maintain a ratio of Total Funded Debt excluding the then principal balance due on the Revolver to EBITDA of not greater than 3.75:1.0, measured quarterly based on Borrower’s trailing twelve (12) month operating performance as reflected in Borrower’s fiscal quarterly financial statements

 

o     E.     Borrower shall not have suffered a net loss as of each fiscal year end, as determined in accordance with G.A.A.P., as reflected on its financial statements furnished to Bank pursuant to the requirements of this Agreement.

 

o     F.     Borrower shall maintain a Current Ratio of not less than ________________:______________, measured (select one: quarterly or annually) ______________ as of each (select one: quarter or fiscal year) ___________ end.

 

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o     G.     Borrower shall maintain a Quick Ratio of not less than ________________ to 1.00, measured [quarterly/annually] as of each quarter/fiscal year] end.

 

o     H.     Borrower shall maintain Working Capital of not less than $______________________________, measured (select one: quarterly or annually) ______________ as of each (select one: quarter or fiscal year)___________ end.

 

     I.     Minimum Cash Flow Coverage ratio. Borrower shall maintain Cash Flow Coverage of not less than 1.10:1.0, measured quarterly based on Borrower’s trailing twelve (12) month operating performance as reflected in Borrower’s fiscal quarterly financial statements.

 

o     J.     Without the prior written consent of Bank, Borrower shall not make any Capital Expenditures in excess of $______________ in the aggregate during any fiscal year of Borrower.

 

o     K.     Borrower shall not pay or accrue during any fiscal year compensation (including but not limited to all salary, bonuses, consulting, management or other fees, rentals and other payments to any person owning or managing 5%or more of the Borrower or any relative or cohabitant of such a person, and to any entity under common control with or controlling the Borrower) exceeding $_______________ in the aggregate.

 

o     L.     Borrower shall not become obligated as lessee pursuant to operating leases exceeding $_______________ in the aggregate during any fiscal year.

 

6. DEFAULT.

 

  a) Events of Default. Any of the following events or conditions shall constitute an “Event of Default”: (i) failure by the Borrower to pay when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration, upon demand or otherwise) the Obligations, or any part thereof, or there occurs any event or condition which after notice, lapse of time or after both notice and lapse of time will permit acceleration of any Obligation; (ii) default by the Borrower in the performance of any obligation, term or condition of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or any other agreement with the Bank or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (collectively, “Affiliates”); (iii) failure by the Borrower to pay when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration, upon demand or otherwise) any indebtedness or obligation owing to any third party or any Affiliate, the occurrence of any event which could result in acceleration of payment of any such indebtedness or obligation or the failure to perform any agreement with any third party or any Affiliate; (iv) the Borrower is dissolved, becomes insolvent, generally fails to pay or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (v) the Borrower makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition agreement with or for the benefit of its creditors or makes, or sends notice of any intended, bulk sale; the sale, assignment, transfer or delivery of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower to a third party; or the cessation by the Borrower as a going business concern; (vi) the Borrower files a petition in bankruptcy or institutes any action under federal or state law for the relief of debtors or seeks or consents to the appointment of an administrator, receiver, custodian or similar official for the wind up of its business (or has such a petition or action filed against it and such petition action or appointment is not dismissed or stayed within forty-five (45) days; (vii) the reorganization, merger, consolidation or dissolution of the Borrower (or the making of any agreement therefor); (viii) the death or judicial declaration of incompetency of the Borrower, if an individual; (ix) the entry of any judgment or order of any court, other governmental authority or arbitrator against the Borrower which Bank in good faith determines shall have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or the Borrower’s ability to pay or perform the Obligations; (x) falsity, omission or inaccuracy of facts submitted to the Bank or any Affiliate (whether in a financial statement or otherwise); (xi) an adverse change in the Borrower, its business, assets, operations, affairs or condition (financial or otherwise) from the status shown on any financial statement or other document submitted to the Bank or any Affiliate, and which change the Bank determines will have a material adverse effect on (a) the Borrower, its business, assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise), or (b) the ability of the Borrower to pay or perform the Obligations; (xii) any pension plan of the Borrower fails to comply with applicable law or has vested unfunded liabilities that, in the opinion of the Bank, might have a material adverse effect on the Borrower’s ability to repay its debts; (xiii) failure of the Borrower to supply new or additional collateral within ten (10) days of request by the Bank; (xiv) the occurrence of any event described in sub-paragraph(i) through and including(xiii) hereof with respect to any Subsidiary or to any endorser, guarantor or any other party liable for, or whose assets or any interest therein secures, payment of any of the Obligations; or (xv) the Bank in good faith deems itself insecure with respect to payment or performance of the Obligations.

 

  b) Rights and Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Bank without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law) to or upon the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other person (all and each of which demands, presentments, protests, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), may exercise all rights and remedies under the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ agreements with the Bank or its Affiliates, applicable law, in equity or otherwise and may declare all or any part of any Obligations not payable on demand to be immediately due and payable without demand or notice of any kind and terminate any obligation it may have to grant any additional loan, credit or other financial accommodation to the Borrower or any Subsidiary. All or any part of any Obligations whether or not payable on demand, shall be immediately due and payable automatically upon the occurrence of an Event of Default in sub-paragraph (vi) above. The provisions hereof are not intended in any way to affect any rights of the Bank with respect to any Obligations which may now or hereafter be payable on demand.

 

7. EXPENSES. The Borrower shall pay to the Bank on demand all costs and expenses (including all fees and disbursements of counsel retained for advice, suit, appeal or other proceedings or purpose and of any experts or agents it may retain), which the Bank may incur in connection with (i) the administration of the Obligations, including any administrative fees the Bank may impose for the preparation of discharges, releases or

 

6 

 

    assignments to third-parties; (ii) the enforcement and collection of any Obligations or any guaranty thereof; (iii) the exercise, performance, enforcement or protection of any of the rights of the Bank hereunder; or (iv) the failure of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to perform or observe any provisions hereof. After such demand for payment of any cost, expense or fee under this Section or elsewhere under this Agreement, the Borrower shall pay interest at the highest default rate specified in any instrument evidencing any of the Obligations from the date payment is demanded by the Bank to the date reimbursed by the Borrower. All such costs, expenses or fees under this Agreement shall be added to the Obligations.

 

8. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until (i) all Obligations outstanding, or contracted or committed for (whether or not outstanding), shall be finally and irrevocably paid in full and (ii) all Transaction Documents have been terminated by the Bank.

 

9. RIGHT OF SETOFF. If an Event of Default occurs, the Bank shall have the right to set off against the amounts owing under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents any property held in a deposit or other account or otherwise with the Bank or its Affiliates or otherwise owing by the Bank or its Affiliates in any capacity to the Borrower, its Subsidiary or any guarantor of, or endorser of any of the Transaction Documents evidencing, the Obligations. Such setoff shall be deemed to have been exercised immediately at the time the Bank or such Affiliate elect to do so.

 

10. USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE. Bank hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (“Patriot Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act.  The Borrower agrees to, promptly following a request by Bank, provide all such other documentation and information that Bank requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act.

 

11  MISCELLANEOUS.

 

  a) Notices. Any demand or notice hereunder or under any applicable law pertaining hereto shall be in writing and duly given if delivered to Borrower (at its address on the Bank’s records) or to the Bank (at the address on page one and separately to the Bank officer responsible for Borrower’s relationship with the Bank). Such notice or demand shall be deemed sufficiently given for all purposes when delivered (i) by personal delivery and shall be deemed effective when delivered, or (ii) by mail or courier and shall be deemed effective three (3) business days after deposit in an official depository maintained by the United States Post Office for the collection of mail or one (1) business day after delivery to a nationally recognized overnight courier service (e.g., Federal Express). Notice by e-mail is not valid notice under this or any other agreement between Borrower and the Bank.

 

  b) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Any financial calculation to be made, all financial statements and other financial information to be provided, and all books and records, system of accounting and reserves to be kept in connection with the provisions of this Agreement, shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during each interval and from interval to interval; provided, however, that in the event changes in generally accepted accounting principles shall be mandated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar accounting body of comparable standing, or should be recommended by Borrower’s certified public accountants, to the extent such changes would affect any financial calculations to be made in connection herewith, such changes shall be implemented in making such calculations only from and after such date as Borrower and the Bank shall have amended this Agreement to the extent necessary to reflect such changes in the financial and other covenants to which such calculations relate.

 

  c) Indemnification. If after receipt of any payment of all, or any part of, the Obligations, the Bank is, for any reason, compelled to surrender such payment to any person or entity because such payment is determined to be void or voidable as a preference, an impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason, the Transaction Documents shall continue in full force and the Borrower shall be liable, and shall indemnify and hold the Bank harmless for, the amount of such payment surrendered. The provisions of this Section shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Bank in reliance upon such payment, and any such contrary action so taken shall be without prejudice to the Bank’s rights under the Transaction Documents and shall be deemed to have been conditioned upon such payment having become final and irrevocable. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.

 

  d) Further Assurances. From time to time, the Borrower shall take, and cause its Subsidiaries to take, such action and execute and deliver to the Bank such additional documents, instruments, certificates, and agreements as the Bank may reasonably request to effectuate the purposes of the Transaction Documents.

 

  e) Cumulative Nature and Non-Exclusive Exercise of Rights and Remedies. All rights and remedies of the Bank pursuant to this Agreement and the Transaction Documents shall be cumulative, and no such right or remedy shall be exclusive of any other such right or remedy. In the event of any unreconcilable inconsistencies, this Agreement shall control. No single or partial exercise by the Bank of any right or remedy pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or any exercise of any other such right or remedy, by the Bank.

 

  f) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement has been delivered to and accepted by the Bank and will be deemed to be made in the State of New York. Except as otherwise provided under federal law, this Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York excluding its conflict of laws rules. BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN A COUNTY OR

 

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    JUDICIAL DISTRICT WHERE THE BANK MAINTAINS A BRANCH AND CONSENTS THAT THE BANK MAY EFFECT ANY SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER AND AT BORROWER’S ADDRESS SET FORTH ABOVE FOR PROVIDING NOTICE OR DEMAND; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL PREVENT THE BANK FROM BRINGING ANY ACTION, ENFORCING ANY AWARD OR JUDGMENT OR EXERCISING ANY RIGHTS AGAINST BORROWER INDIVIDUALLY, AGAINST ANY SECURITY OR AGAINST ANY PROPERTY OF BORROWER WITHIN ANY OTHER COUNTY, STATE OR OTHER FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC JURISDICTION. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the venue provided above is the most convenient forum for both the Bank and Borrower. Borrower waives any objection to venue and any objection based on a more convenient forum in any action instituted under this Agreement.

 

  g) Joint and Several; Successors and Assigns. If there is more than one Borrower, each of them shall be jointly and severally liable for all amounts, which become due, and the performance of all obligations under this Agreement, and the term “the Borrower” shall include each as well as all of them. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Borrower and upon its heirs and legal representatives, its successors and assignees, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Bank, its successors and assignees and each direct or indirect assignee or other transferee of any of the Obligations; provided, however, that this Agreement may not be assigned by the Borrower without the prior written consent of the Bank.

 

  h) Waivers; Changes in Writing. No failure or delay of the Bank in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The Borrower expressly disclaims any reliance on any course of dealing or usage of trade or oral representation of the Bank (including representations to make loans to the Borrower) and agrees that none of the foregoing shall operate as a waiver of any right or remedy of the Bank. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless made specifically in writing by the Bank and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No modification to any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing in an agreement signed by the Borrower and the Bank.

 

  i) Interpretation. Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, references to plural includes the singular and references to the singular include the plural; references to “individual” shall mean a natural person and shall include a natural person doing business under an assumed name (e.g., a “DBA”); the word “or” has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”; the word “including”, “includes” and “include” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; and captions or section headings are solely for convenience and not part of the substance of this Agreement. Any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement herein shall survive execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall be deemed continuous. Each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted as consistent with existing law and shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to comply with any conflicting law. If any provision nevertheless is held invalid, the other provisions shall remain in effect. The Borrower agrees that in any legal proceeding, a photocopy of this Agreement kept in the Bank’s course of business may be admitted into evidence as an original.

 

j. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

k. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Borrower and the Bank hereby knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally waive any right to trial by jury the Borrower and the Bank may have in any action or proceeding, in law or in equity, in connection with this Agreement or any transactions related hereto. The Borrower represents and warrants that no representative or agent of the Bank has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Bank will not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce this jury trial waiver. The Borrower acknowledges that the Bank has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the provisions of this Section.

 

This Fourth Amended Replacement Credit Agreement is intended to supersede and fully replace the previous Third Amended Replacement Credit Agreement which was executed by the parties hereto on June 27, 2019. This Fourth Amended Replacement and Restated Credit Agreement shall govern the Replacement Term Note between Borrower and Bank in the principal amount of $11,200,000.00 dated May 23, 2018, the Multiple Disbursement Term Note between Borrower and Bank in the principal amount of $2,072,000.00 dated June 27, 2019, the Replacement Term Note between Borrower and Bank in the principal amount of $489,739.84 dated June 27, 2019, the Replacement Daily Adjusting Libor Revolving Line Note dated October , 2020 between Borrower and Bank in the amount of $2,000,000.00, Multiple Disbursement Term Note in the amount of $1,315,000.00 dated October , 2020 and Letter(s) of Credit that may be issued by the Bank for the benefit of Borrower in an amount up to $2,500,000.00.

 

8 

 

 

 

Acknowledgment. Borrower acknowledges that it has read and understands all the provisions of this Agreement, including the Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial, and has been advised by counsel as necessary or appropriate.

 

       
    M&T BANK
       
    By / s/ Edgar B. Parsons, III
Signature of Witness      
    Name:   Edgar B. Parsons, III
Typed Name of Witness      
    Title:   Vice President
       
       
    PIKE COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COMPANY
       
       
    By /s/ Charles Lenns
Signature of Witness      
    Name:   Charles Lenns
Typed Name of Witness      
                  Title:   Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF NEW YORK      )

: SS.

COUNTY OF BROOME       )

 

On the 12th day of October the year 2020, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared EDGAR B. PARSONS, III, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person upon behalf of which the individual acted, executed the instrument.

 

  /s/ Kelly J. Anderson
  Notary Public

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF NEW YORK       )

: SS.

COUNTY OF BROOME         )

 

On the 12th day of October in the year 2020, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared CHARLES LENNS, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person upon behalf of which the individual acted, executed the instrument.

 

  /s/ Kelly J. Anderson
  Notary Public

 

 

 

BANK USE ONLY

 

Authorization Confirmed:    
  Signature

 

9 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

 

For each of the subtitles below, list the appropriate items or, if none, state “none”:

 

 

 

Additional Representations and Warranties (§2)

 

 

 

None

 

 

Additional Affirmative Covenants (§3)

 

 

None

 

 

Permitted Indebtedness (§4(a))

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Permitted Guaranties (§4(b))

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

Permitted Liens (§4(c))

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

Permitted Investments (§4(d))

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Permitted Loans (§4(e))

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Permitted Distributions (§4(f))

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Financial Covenants (§5)

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MULTIPLE DISBURSEMENT TERM NOTE

New York

   
October 13, 2020 $1,315,000.00

 

BORROWER (Name): Pike County Light & Power Company

(Organizational Structure): Corporation

(State Law organized under): Pennsylvania

(Address of residence/chief executive office): 105 Schneider Lane, Milford, PA 18337

 

BANK: M&T BANK, a New York banking corporation with its banking offices at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203. Attention: Office of the General Counsel.

 

Definitions. The following terms shall have the indicated meanings in this Note:

 

1. “Amortization Commencement Date” shall mean the first day of the Permanent Loan Period, which shall be October 31, 2020.
2. “Amortization Period” shall be ten (10) years, and shall mean the approximate number of years, starting on the Amortization Commencement Date, needed to result in the full repayment of the Principal Amount, if all regularly scheduled payments are made at the required intervals over that period. The Amortization Period may be longer than the remaining term of this loan and shall not compromise the enforceability of the Maturity Date.
3. “Disbursement Period” shall mean the period from the date of this Note to, but not including, the Amortization Commencement Date, during which the Bank may advance funds to Borrower in accordance with the terms of this Note and/or a Loan Agreement, if applicable.
4. “First Installment Payment Date” shall mean the first Payment Due Date following the Amortization Commencement Date.
5. “Loan Agreement” shall mean any supplementary agreement, if any, between Borrower and the Bank dated on or about the date hereof and/or in connection herewith, providing for the disbursement of funds under this Note, as the same may be amended, modified or replaced from time to time.
6. “Maturity Date” shall mean the Payment Due Date in the 120th month following the Amortization Commencement Date.
7. “New York Business Day” shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day in which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to remain closed for business.
8. “Payment Due Date” shall mean the 13th day of the applicable calendar month (or if there is no numerically corresponding day in a particular month, the last calendar day of such month); provided, however, to the extent, if at all, that a non-daily adjusting LIBOR-based interest rate is in effect, if in any applicable month the day identified above is not a Joint Business Day, the Payment Due Date shall be extended to the next succeeding Joint Business Day unless such next succeeding Joint Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Payment Due Date shall be the immediately preceding Joint Business Day, so as to, in all instances, coincide with the end of the applicable Interest Period. See attached LIBOR Rate Rider, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, for definitions and additional provisions.
9. “Permanent Loan Period” shall mean the period from and including the Amortization Commencement Date to the Maturity Date, during which Borrower shall repay the outstanding Principal Amount, with interest, as set forth below.
10. “Principal Amount” shall mean the amount actually advanced, which sum shall not exceed One Million Three Hundred Fifteen Thousand and 00/100 /Dollars ($1,315,000.00).

 

Promise to Pay. For value received, intending to be legally bound, Borrower promises to pay to the order of the Bank, on the dates set forth below, the Principal Amount plus interest as agreed below, all payments required by the Bank to fund any escrow accounts for the payment of taxes, insurance and/or other charges (collectively, “Escrow”), and all fees and costs (including without limitation attorneys’ fees and disbursements whether for internal or outside counsel) the Bank incurs in order to collect any amount due under this Note, to negotiate or document a workout or restructuring, or to preserve its rights or realize upon any guaranty or other security for the payment of this Note (“Expenses”).

 

Authorized Representatives. During the Disbursement Period, the Bank may fund loan proceeds hereunder in reliance upon any oral, telephonic, written, teletransmitted or other request (the “Request(s)”) that the Bank in good faith believes to be valid and to have been made by Borrower or on behalf of Borrower by Michael I. German as President or Charles Lenns as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (include name(s) and title(s), as appropriate) or any other officer, employee or representative of Borrower who is authorized or designated as a signer of loan documents under the provisions of Borrower’s most recent resolutions or similar documents on file with the Bank (each an “Authorized Person”). Notwithstanding that individual names may have been provided to the Bank, the Bank shall be permitted at any time to rely solely on an individual’s title to ascertain whether that individual is an Authorized Person. The Bank may act on the Request of any Authorized Person until the Bank shall have received from Borrower, and had a reasonable time to act on, written notice revoking the authority of such Authorized Person. Borrower acknowledges that the transmission between Borrower and Bank of any Request or other instructions involves the possibility of errors, omissions, misinterpretations, fraud and mistakes, and agrees to adopt such internal measures and operational procedures as may be necessary to prevent such occurrences. By reason thereof, Borrower hereby assumes all risk of loss and responsibility for, and releases and discharges the Bank from any and all responsibility or liability for, and agrees to indemnify, reimburse on demand and hold Bank harmless from, any and all claims, actions, damages, losses, liability and expenses by reason of, arising out of, or in any way connected with or related to: (i) Bank’s accepting, relying on and acting upon any Request or other instructions with respect to the loan evidenced by this Note; or (ii) any such error, omission, misinterpretation, fraud or mistake, provided such error, omission, misinterpretation, fraud or mistake is not directly caused by the Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Bank shall incur no liability to Borrower or to any other person as a direct or indirect result of funding any advance pursuant to this paragraph.

 

1 

 

Availability; Non-Revolving Credit. As a condition to the advance of any funds hereunder, Borrower must demonstrate that it has funded 40% of the PSC approval capital expenditure costs to be financed hereunder as described in the Revised Commitment Letter dated June 24, 2020 issued by Bank to Borrower. Borrower also agrees that any request for an advance must be accompanied with a copy of a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission capital expenditure tracker report. Once the Disbursement Period ends, no further advances shall be Requested under this Note. The aggregate amount of all advances made pursuant to this Note shall not exceed the Principal Amount, but in the event of any excess advances, the amount of any such excess shall be due and payable immediately, with interest calculated at the applicable rate. Repayment of any portion of any advance made hereunder shall NOT increase the remaining availability for future advances.

 

Interest. The unpaid Principal Amount of this Note shall, at all times, earn interest calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days of each year (365 or 366), from and including the date the proceeds of this Note are disbursed to, but not including, the date all amounts hereunder are paid in full, at a rate per year which shall be:

 

During the Disbursement Period:

 

2.90 percentage points above the greater of (i) One month LIBOR adjusting daily or (ii) .5 percentage points

 

During the Permanent Loan Period:

 

Fixed at 2.90 percentage points above the sum of the yield on United States Treasury Obligations adjusted to a constant maturity of ten (10) years in effect two (2) New York Business Days prior to the Amortization Commencement Date, as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519), or by such other quoting service, index or commonly available source utilized by the Bank.

 

At no time during the term of the loan shall the rate fall below 340 percentage points (3.40%) (the “Interest Rate Floor”)

 

If no rate is specified above, interest shall accrue at the Maximum Legal Rate (defined below) for the applicable period.

 

Maximum Legal Rate. It is the intent of the Bank and Borrower that in no event shall interest be payable at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law (the “Maximum Legal Rate”). Solely to the extent necessary to prevent interest under this Note from exceeding the Maximum Legal Rate, Borrower agrees that any amount that would be treated as excessive under a final judicial interpretation of applicable law shall be deemed to have been a mistake and automatically canceled, and, if received by the Bank, shall be refunded to Borrower, without interest.

 

Default Rate. If an Event of Default (defined below) occurs, the interest rate on the unpaid Principal Amount shall immediately be automatically increased to five (5) percentage points per year above the otherwise applicable rate per year, and any judgment entered hereon or otherwise in connection with any suit to collect amounts due hereunder shall bear interest at such default rate.

 

Payments. Payments shall be made in immediately available United States funds at any banking office of the Bank.

 

Preauthorized Transfers from Deposit Account. If a deposit account number is provided in the following blank, Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to debit Borrower’s deposit account #___________________ with the Bank automatically for any amount which becomes due under this Note.

 

Interest Accrual; Application of Payments. Interest will continue to accrue on the actual principal balance outstanding until the Principal Amount is paid in full. All installment payments (excluding voluntary prepayments of principal) will be applied as of the date each payment is received and processed. Payments may be applied in any order in the sole discretion of the Bank, but, prior to an Event of Default, may be applied chronologically (i.e., oldest invoice first) to unpaid amounts due and owing, in the following order: first to accrued interest, then to principal, then to Escrow, then to late charges and other fees, and then to all other Expenses.

 

Repayment Terms. Borrower shall pay to the Bank the Principal Amount and all interest owing pursuant to this Note in installments as follows:

 

During the Disbursement Period:

 

All accrued and unpaid interest, in amounts that may vary, on the Payment Due Date of each month, beginning on the first Payment Due Date following the date of this Note, and continuing through and including the Amortization Commencement Date, or as otherwise invoiced by the Bank.

 

During the Permanent Loan Period:

 

(i) 119 consecutive level monthly installments consisting of both principal and interest, each in the amount that would result in the outstanding Principal Amount, as of the Amortization Commencement Date, plus interest at the applicable rate, being repaid in full over the course of the Amortization Period, due and payable on the First Installment Payment Date and each Payment Due Date thereafter, and

 

(ii) ONE (1) FINAL INSTALLMENT, due and payable on the Maturity Date, in an amount equal to the outstanding Principal Amount, together with all other amounts outstanding hereunder, including, without limitation, accrued interest, costs and expenses.

 

To the extent, if at all, that (i) the repayment terms of this Note contemplate level installments of principal and interest during any period in which the applicable interest rate is a variable rate (“Variable Rate P&I Period”), and (ii) during any such Variable Rate P&I Period, the applicable interest rate changes in accordance with the terms of this Note, the Bank may, but shall be under no obligation to, recalculate and adjust at any time the installment amount due and payable to the Bank, so as to appropriately reamortize the unpaid Principal Amount, as of the date of such adjustment through the Maturity Date (or such other date as may be provided for herein). Borrower understands that non-adjustment of the installment amount as described herein could result in a greater portion of the unadjusted installment amount being applied to interest due, leaving less available to reduce the Principal Amount balance, resulting in a higher than expected Principal Amount balance due and payable to the Bank on the Maturity Date. Absent manifest error, the Bank’s determination of any amount due in connection herewith shall be conclusive.

 

2 

 

Late Charge. If Borrower fails to pay, within five (5) days of its due date, any amount due and owing pursuant to this Note or any other agreement executed and delivered to the Bank in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, any Escrow payment due and owing, Borrower shall immediately pay to the Bank a late charge equal to the greatest of (a) $50.00, (b) five percent (5%) of the delinquent amount or (c) the Bank’s then current late charge as announced from time to time. Notwithstanding the above, if this Note is secured by a one- to six-family owner-occupied residence, the late charge shall equal 2% of the delinquent amount and shall be payable if payment is not received within fifteen days of its due date.

 

Prepayment Premium. During the term of this Note, Borrower shall have the option of paying the unpaid Principal Amount to the Bank in advance of the Maturity Date, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time upon written notice received by the Bank at least three (3) days prior to making such payment; provided, however, as consideration for the privilege of making such prepayment, Borrower shall pay to the Bank a fee (the “Premium”) equal to the amount provided for on the attached Prepayment Premium Rider (or LIBOR Rate Rider, as applicable). Any partial prepayment of principal shall be posted as of the date received and applied in inverse order of maturity. With any prepayment in full of the Principal Amount balance, Borrower shall also pay to the Bank all accrued interest and Expenses owing pursuant to this Note. In the event the Maturity Date of this Note is accelerated following an Event of Default, the Bank’s right to collect the Premium, as liquidated damages, shall accrue immediately, with the amount of the Premium to be determined in accordance with the terms of this Note at the time of any actual prepayment or other satisfaction, in whole or in part, by any means, of the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note. Any tender of payment by or on behalf of the Borrower made after such Event of Default to satisfy or reduce the principal indebtedness shall be expressly deemed a voluntary prepayment, in which case, to the extent permitted by law, the Bank shall be entitled to the amount necessary to satisfy the entire indebtedness, plus the appropriate Premium calculated in accordance with the terms of this Note.

 

Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Borrower represents and warrants to and agrees and covenants with the Bank that now and until this Note is paid in full:

 

a)     Business Purpose. The Loan proceeds shall be used only for a business purpose and not for any personal, family or household purpose.

 

b)     Good Standing; Authority. Borrower is an entity or sole proprietor (i) duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was formed, (ii) duly qualified, in good standing and authorized to do business in every jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified might have a material adverse effect on its business or assets and (iii) has the power and authority to own each of its assets and to use them as contemplated now or in the future.

 

c)     Legality. The execution, issuance, delivery to the Bank and performance by Borrower of this Note (i) are in furtherance of Borrower’s purposes and within its power and authority; (ii) do not (A) violate any statute, regulation or other law or any judgment, order or award of any court, agency or other governmental authority or of any arbitrator or (B) violate Borrower’s certificate of incorporation or other governing instrument, constitute a default under any agreement binding on Borrower, or result in a lien or encumbrance on any assets of Borrower; and (iii) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or partnership action.

 

d)     Compliance. The Borrower conducts its business and operations and the ownership of its assets in compliance with each applicable statute, regulation and other law, including without limitation environmental laws. All approvals, including without limitation authorizations, permits, consents, franchises, licenses, registrations, filings, declarations, reports and notices (the “Approvals”) necessary to the conduct of Borrower’s business and for Borrower’s due issuance of this Note have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect. The Borrower is in compliance with all conditions of each Approval.

 

e)     Financial Statements and Other Information. Promptly deliver to the Bank (i) within sixty (60) days after the end of each of its first three fiscal quarters, an internally prepared financial statement of the Borrower and each subsidiary as of the end of such quarter, which financial statement shall consist of income and cash flows for the quarter, for the corresponding quarter in the previous fiscal year and for the period from the end of the previous fiscal year, with a consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the quarter end all in such detail as the Bank may request; (ii) within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, internally prepared consolidating and consolidated statements of the Borrower’s and each subsidiary’s income and cash flows and its consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year; all such statements shall be certified by the Borrower’s chief financial officer to be correct and in accordance with the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s records and to present fairly the results of the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s operations and cash flows and its financial position at year end; and (iii) with each of the financial statements set forth above in clauses (i) and (ii) statement of income, a certificate executed by the Borrower’s chief executive or chief financial officers or other such person responsible for the financial management of the Borrower (A) setting forth the computations required to establish the Borrower’s compliance with each financial covenant, if any, during the statement period, (B) stating that the signer of the certificate has reviewed the Credit Agreement and the operations and condition (financial or other) of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries during the relevant period and (C) stating that no Event of Default occurred during the period, or if an Event of Default did occur, describing its nature, the date(s) of its occurrence or period of existence and what action the Borrower has taken with respect thereto; and (iv) prior to December 31 of each year, Borrower’s operating and capital budgets for the succeeding year. The Borrower shall also promptly provide the Bank with copies of all annual reports, proxy statements and similar information distributed to shareholders, partners or members, and copies of all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and shall provide, in form satisfactory to the Bank, such additional information, reports or other information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request regarding the financial and business affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary. If the Borrower is an individual, the Borrower shall provide annually a personal financial statement in form and detail acceptable to the Bank and such other financial information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request. Promptly upon the request of the Bank from time to time, Borrower shall supply all additional information requested and permit the Bank’s officers, employees, accountants, attorneys and other agents to (x) visit and inspect each of Borrower’s premises, (y) Upon no less than seven (7) days advance written notice to Borrower Bank may, at Bank’s sole expense, examine, audit, copy and extract from Borrower’s records and (z) discuss Borrower’s or its affiliates’ business, operations, assets, affairs or condition (financial or other) with its responsible officers and independent accountants. Borrower shall cause Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (“Holding”) to (i) promptly deliver to the Bank copies of all annual reports, proxy statements and similar information distributed to shareholders, partners or members and of all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and (ii) provide in form satisfactory to the Bank: (a) within sixty (60) days after the end of each of its first three fiscal quarters, consolidating and consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the quarter, for the corresponding quarter in the previous fiscal year and for the period from the end of the previous fiscal year, with a consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the quarter end; and (b) within one-hundred twenty days (120) after the end of each fiscal year, consolidating and consolidated statements of Holding’s income and cash flows and its consolidating and consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year and to be:

 

3 

 

     audited     reviewed     compiled

 

by an independent certified public accountant acceptable to the Bank; all such statements shall be certified by Holding’s chief financial officer or partner to be correct, not misleading and in accordance with Holding’s records and to present fairly the results of Holding’s operations and cash flows and if annual its financial position at year end in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. If no box is checked, Holding shall deliver financial statements and information in the form and at the times satisfactory to the Bank. Holding represents that its assets are not subject to any liens, encumbrances or contingent liabilities except as fully disclosed to the Bank in such statements. Holding authorizes the Bank from time to time to obtain, verify and review all financial data deemed appropriate by the Bank in connection with the Obligations, including without limitation credit reports from agencies. Holding understands this requirement and has satisfied itself as to its meaning and consequences and acknowledges that it has made its own arrangements for keeping informed of changes or potential changes affecting the Borrower including the Borrower’s financial condition.

 

 

f)     Accounting; Tax Returns and Payment of Claims. Borrower will maintain a system of accounting and reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, has filed and will file each tax return required of it and, except as disclosed in an attached schedule, has paid and will pay when due each tax, assessment, fee, charge, fine and penalty imposed by any taxing authority upon Borrower or any of its assets, income or franchises, as well as all amounts owed to mechanics, materialmen, landlords, suppliers and the like in the ordinary course of business.

 

g)     Title to Assets; Insurance. Borrower has good and marketable title to each of its assets free of security interests and mortgages and other liens except as disclosed in its financial statements or on a schedule attached to this Note or pursuant to the Bank’s prior written consent. Borrower will maintain its property in good repair and will maintain and on request provide the Bank with evidence of insurance coverage satisfactory to the Bank including without limitation fire and hazard, liability, worker’s compensation and business interruption insurance and flood hazard insurance as required.

 

h)     Judgments and Litigation. There is no pending or threatened claim, audit, investigation, action or other legal proceeding or judgment, order or award of any court, agency or other governmental authority or arbitrator (each an “Action”) which involves Borrower or its assets and might have a material adverse effect upon Borrower or threaten the validity of this Note or any related document or transaction. Borrower will immediately notify the Bank in writing upon acquiring knowledge of any such Action.

 

i)     Borrower Notices. Borrower will immediately notify the Bank in writing (i) of any change in its address or of the location of any collateral securing this Note, (ii) of the occurrence of any Event of Default defined below, (iii) of any material change in Borrower’s ownership or management and (iv) of any material adverse change in Borrower’s ability to repay this Note.

 

j)     No Transfer of Assets. Until this Note is paid in full, Borrower shall not without the prior written consent of the Bank (i) sell or otherwise dispose of substantially all of its assets, (ii) acquire substantially all of the assets of another entity, (iii) if it is a corporation, participate in any merger, consolidation or other absorption or (iv) agree to do any of these things.

 

k.       Further Assurances. The Borrower shall, and shall cause its affiliates to take such action and execute and deliver to the Bank such additional documents, instruments, certificates, and agreements as the Bank may reasonably request from time to time to effectuate the purposes and intent of the transaction(s) contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, causing any affiliate, entity or series of entities it may create hereafter through merger, division or otherwise, to execute agreements, in form and substance acceptable to Bank, (i) assuming or guarantying the Borrower’s obligations under this Note and all related agreements and (ii) pledging assets to the Bank to the same extent as the Borrower.

 

Events of Default. The following constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”): (i) failure by Borrower to make any payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the amounts due under the Note, or any part thereof, or there occurs any event or condition which after notice, lapse of time or both will permit such acceleration of any Note; (ii) Borrower defaults in the performance of any covenant or other provision with respect to this Note or any other agreement between Borrower and the Bank or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (collectively, “Affiliates”); (iii) Borrower fails to pay when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any indebtedness for borrowed money owing to the Bank (other than under this Note), any third party or Affiliate or the occurrence of any event which could result in acceleration of payment of any such indebtedness or the failure to perform any agreement with any third party or Affiliate; (iv) the reorganization, merger, consolidation or dissolution of Borrower (or the making of any agreement therefor); the sale, assignment, transfer or delivery of all or substantially all of the assets of Borrower to a third party; or the cessation by Borrower as a going business concern; (v) the death or judicial declaration of incompetency of Borrower, if an individual; (vi) failure to pay, withhold or collect any tax as required by law; the service or filing against Borrower or any of its assets of any lien (other than a lien permitted in writing by the Bank), judgment, garnishment, order or award which Bank in good faith determines shall have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or the Borrower’s ability to pay or perform the Obligations; (vii) if Borrower becomes insolvent or is generally not paying its debts as such debts become due; (viii) the making of any general assignment by Borrower for the benefit of creditors; the appointment of a receiver or similar trustee for Borrower or its assets; or the making of any, or sending notice of any intended, bulk sale; (ix) Borrower commences, or has commenced against it, any proceeding or request for relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws now or hereafter in effect in the United States of America or any state or territory thereof or any foreign jurisdiction or any formal or informal proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of, settlement of claims against or winding up of affairs of Borrower, and such petition, action or appointment is not dismissed or stayed within forty-five (45) days; (x) any representation or warranty made in this Note, any related document, any agreement between Borrower and the Bank or any Affiliate or in any financial statement of Borrower proves to have been misleading in any material respect when made; Borrower omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made in this Note, any related document, any agreement between Borrower and the Bank or any Affiliate or any financial statement of Borrower not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they were made; or, if upon the date of execution of this Note, there shall have been any material adverse change in any of the facts disclosed in any financial statement, representation or warranty that was not disclosed in writing to the Bank at or prior to the time of execution hereof; (xi) any pension plan of Borrower fails to comply with applicable law or has vested unfunded liabilities that, in the opinion of the Bank, might have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s ability to repay its debts; (xii) an adverse change in the Borrower, its business, assets, operations, management, ownership, affairs or condition (financial or otherwise) from the status shown on any financial statement or other document submitted to the Bank or any Affiliate, and which change the Bank determines will have a material adverse effect on (a) the Borrower, its business, assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise), or (b) the ability of the Borrower to pay or perform any obligation to the Bank; (xiii) the occurrence of any event described in sub-paragraph (i) through and including (xii) hereof with respect to any guarantor or any other party liable for, or whose assets or any interest therein secures, payment of any of the amounts due under this Note (“Guarantor”); (xiv) Borrower fails to supply new or additional collateral within ten (10) days of request by the Bank; or (xv) the Bank in good faith deems itself insecure with respect to payment or performance under the Note.

 

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Rights and Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Bank without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law) to or upon the Borrower or any other person (all and each of which demands, presentments, protests, advertisements and notices are hereby waived), may exercise all rights and remedies under the Borrower’s agreements with the Bank or its Affiliates, applicable law, in equity or otherwise and may declare all or any part of any amounts due hereunder not payable on demand to be immediately due and payable without demand or notice of any kind and terminate any obligation it may have to grant any additional loan, credit or other financial accommodation to the Borrower. All or any part of any amounts due hereunder whether or not payable on demand, shall be immediately due and payable automatically upon the occurrence of an Event of Default in sub-paragraph (ix) above, or at the Bank’s option, upon the occurrence of any other Event of Default. The provisions hereof are not intended in any way to affect any rights of the Bank with respect to any amounts due hereunder which may now or hereafter be payable on demand.

 

Right of Setoff. The Bank shall have the right to set off against the amounts owing under this Note any property held in a deposit or other account with the Bank or any Affiliates or otherwise owing by the Bank or any Affiliates in any capacity to Borrower or any Guarantor or endorser of this Note. Such set-off shall be deemed to have been exercised immediately at the time the Bank or such Affiliate elects to do so.

 

USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Bank hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (“Patriot Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act.  The Borrower agrees to, promptly following a request by Bank, provide all such other documentation and information that Bank requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act.

 

Miscellaneous. Simultaneously herewith, the Borrower and Bank have entered into a Fourth Amended Replacement and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), the terms of which control and are incorporated in this Note. This Note, together with the Credit Agreement and any related loan and collateral agreements and guaranties, contains the entire agreement between the Bank and Borrower with respect to the Note, and supersedes every course of dealing, other conduct, oral agreement and representation previously made by the Bank. All rights and remedies of the Bank under applicable law and this Note or amendment of any provision of this Note are cumulative and not exclusive. No single, partial or delayed exercise by the Bank of any right or remedy shall preclude the subsequent exercise by the Bank at any time of any right or remedy of the Bank without notice. No waiver or amendment of any provision of this Note shall be effective unless made specifically in writing by the Bank. No course of dealing or other conduct, no oral agreement or representation made by the Bank, and no usage of trade, shall operate as a waiver of any right or remedy of the Bank. No waiver of any right or remedy of the Bank shall be effective unless made specifically in writing by the Bank. Borrower agrees that in any legal proceeding, a copy of this Note kept in the Bank’s course of business may be admitted into evidence as an original. This Note is a binding obligation enforceable against Borrower and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Bank and its successors and assigns. If a court deems any provision of this Note invalid, the remainder of the Note shall remain in effect. Section headings are for convenience only. Singular number includes plural and neuter gender includes masculine and feminine as appropriate.

 

Notices. Any demand or notice hereunder or under any applicable law pertaining hereto shall be in writing and duly given if delivered to Borrower (at its address on the Bank’s records) or to the Bank (at the address on page one and separately to the Bank officer responsible for Borrower’s relationship with the Bank). Such notice or demand shall be deemed sufficiently given for all purposes when delivered (i) by personal delivery and shall be deemed effective when delivered, or (ii) by mail or courier and shall be deemed effective three (3) business days after deposit in an official depository maintained by the United States Post Office for the collection of mail or one (1) business day after delivery to a nationally recognized overnight courier service (e.g., Federal Express). Notice by e-mail is not valid notice under this or any other agreement between Borrower and the Bank.

 

Joint and Several. If there is more than one Borrower, each of them shall be jointly and severally liable for all amounts and obligations that become due under this Note and the term “Borrower” shall include each as well as all of them.

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Note has been delivered to and accepted by the Bank and will be deemed to be made in the State of New York. Except as otherwise provided under federal law, this Note will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York excluding its conflict of laws rules. Borrower hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court in New York State in a County or Judicial district where the Bank maintains a branch and consents that the Bank may effect any service of process in the manner and at Borrower’s address set forth above for providing notice or demand; provided that nothing contained in this Note will prevent the Bank from bringing any action, enforcing any award or judgment or exercising any rights against Borrower individually, against any security or against any property of Borrower within any other county, state or other foreign or domestic jurisdiction. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the venue provided above is the most convenient forum for both the Bank and Borrower. Borrower waives any objection to venue and any objection based on a more convenient forum in any action instituted under this Note.

 

Waiver of Jury Trial. Borrower and the Bank hereby knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally waive any right to trial by jury Borrower and the Bank may have in any action or proceeding, in law or in equity, in connection with this note or the transactions related hereto. Borrower represents and warrants that no representative or agent of the Bank has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Bank will not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce this jury trial waiver. Borrower Acknowledges that the Bank has been induced to enter into this note by, among other things, the provisions of this Section.

 

o       Amended and Restated Note. The Borrower acknowledges, agrees and understands that this Note is given in replacement of and in substitution for, but not in payment of, a prior note dated on or about ____________, ____, in the original principal amount of $__________, given by Borrower in favor of the Bank (or its predecessor-in-interest), as the same may have been amended or modified from time to time (“Prior Note”), and further, that: (a) the obligations of the Borrower as evidenced by the Prior Note shall continue in full force and effect, as amended and restated by this Note, all of such obligations being hereby ratified and confirmed by the Borrower; (b) any and all liens, pledges, assignments and security interests securing the Borrower's obligations under the Prior Note shall continue in full force and effect, are hereby ratified and confirmed by the Borrower, and are hereby acknowledged by the Borrower to secure, among other things, all of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank under this Note, with the same priority, operation and effect as that relating to the obligations under the Prior Note; and (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed to extinguish, release, or discharge, or constitute, create, or effect a novation of, or an agreement to extinguish, the obligations of the Borrower with respect to the indebtedness originally described in the Prior Note or any of the liens, pledges, assignments and security interests securing such obligations.

 

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Acknowledgment. Borrower acknowledges that it has read and understands all the provisions of this Note, including the provisions relating to Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial, and has been advised by counsel as necessary or appropriate.

 

    PIKE COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COMPANY
       
       
  By: /s/ Charles Lenns
    Name:   Charles Lenns
                  Title:   Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

PIKE COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COMPANY

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF NEW YORK       )

: SS.

COUNTY OF BROOME       )

 

On the 12th day of October, in the year 2020, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared CHARLES LENNS personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person upon behalf of which the individual acted, executed the instrument.

 

  /s/ Kelly J. Anderson
  Notary Public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR BANK USE ONLY

 

Authorization Confirmed:    

Disbursement of Funds:

Credit A/C #   Off Ck #   Payoff Obligation #  
  $     $     $  

 

 

6 

 

 

 

 

LIBOR RATE RIDER

(For Actual Balance Promissory Notes)

 

 

 

Borrower: Pike County Light & Power Company

 

Promissory Note Original Principal Amount: $1,315,000.00

 

Promissory Note Date: October 13, 2020

 

 

DEFINITIONS. The above-referenced Promissory Note is referred to herein as the “Note”. As used in the Note and this Rider, each capitalized term shall have the meaning specified in the Note, and the following terms shall have the indicated meanings:

 

a. “Base Rate” shall mean the rate of interest announced by the Bank each day as its prime rate of interest (“Prime Rate”). If the prior blank is not completed, the Base Rate shall be two (2) percentage points above the Prime Rate. To the extent the Prime Rate shall, at any time, be less than zero percent (0.00%), the Prime Rate shall be deemed to be zero percent (0.00%) for purposes hereof.
b. “Interest Period” shall mean, as used in connection with a non-daily adjusting LIBOR Rate, the period commencing on the date of this Note or any Rate Adjustment Date (as the case may be) and ending on, as applicable, the next succeeding Payment Due Date or the Payment Due Date of the calendar month that is one (1) or three (3) months thereafter (as applicable in accordance with the LIBOR Rate in effect); provided, however, that if an Interest Period would end on a day that is not a Joint Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Joint Business Day unless such next succeeding Joint Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Joint Business Day. To the extent that the preceding clause results in either the extension or shortening of an Interest Period, the Bank shall have the right (but not the obligation) to shorten or extend, respectively, the succeeding Interest Period so that it shall end on a day that numerically corresponds to the intended Payment Due Date indicated in the Note.
c. “Joint Business Day” shall mean a day that is both a New York Business Day and a London Business Day.
d. “LIBOR” shall mean the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest 1/16th of 1%) obtained by dividing (i) either the one-day (i.e., overnight), one-month or three-month interest period London Interbank Offered Rate (as applicable in accordance with the LIBOR Rate in effect) as set and administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or such other administrator of LIBOR, as may be duly authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority or such other proper authority from time to time) for United States dollar deposits in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. London, England time (or as soon thereafter as practicable) as determined by the Bank from any broker, quoting service or commonly available source utilized by the Bank, by (ii) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves required to be maintained against “Eurocurrency Liabilities” as specified in Regulation D (or against any other category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on LIBOR-based loans is determined or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by a non-United States’ office of a bank to United States residents) on such date to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Notwithstanding any provision above, the practice of rounding to determine LIBOR may be discontinued at any time in the Bank’s sole discretion. In the event and to the extent the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate index (“Index”) utilized for determining LIBOR shall, at any time, be less than zero percent (0.00%), such Index shall be deemed to be zero percent (0.00%) for purposes hereof (“Negative Index Restriction”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) between Borrower and the Bank shall at any time be in effect in connection with the credit facility evidenced by this Note, the Negative Index Restriction shall not apply to such credit facility during such period as the Swap is in effect; provided, however, at such time and to the extent such Swap is terminated, cancelled or otherwise not in effect, the Negative Index Restriction shall be deemed reinstated.
e. “LIBOR Rate” shall mean the applicable LIBOR-based interest rate in effect from time to time, as provided for in the Note and this Rider.
f. “London Business Day” shall mean any day on which dealings in United States dollar deposits are carried on by banking institutions in the London interbank market.
g. “New York Business Day” shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day in which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to remain closed for business.
  h.   “One-Month LIBOR” shall mean LIBOR as fixed for a one-month interest period.

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  i.   “Rate Adjustment Date” shall mean the effective date of a change in the applicable LIBOR Rate, as follows:
i. For a daily-adjusting LIBOR Rate, the Rate Adjustment Date shall be each London Business Day.
ii. For a monthly-adjusting LIBOR Rate (i.e., having an Interest Period of one (1) month), the Rate Adjustment Date shall be, in each month, the calendar day of that month that corresponds with the Payment Due Date in such month (as may be adjusted pursuant to the definition of “Payment Due Date” in the Note).
iii. For a quarterly-adjusting LIBOR Rate (i.e., having an Interest Period of three (3) months), the Rate Adjustment Date shall be, initially, the Payment Due Date that is three (3) months after the first day such LIBOR Rate is in effect (“Effective Date”), and thereafter, the Payment Due Date that is three (3) months after each prior Rate Adjustment Date, respectively; provided, however, that if the Effective Date is not a Payment Due Date, the first Rate Adjustment Date shall be the next succeeding Payment Due Date, after which a new three-month Interest Period shall begin with quarterly Rate Adjustment Dates thereafter, as provided above.

 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:

 

Disclosure Regarding the Availability of LIBOR. Borrower acknowledges and understands that (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (defined above as the “Index”), which is used to calculate LIBOR for purposes of this Note, is established, issued and regulated by third parties, and that its continuing existence and ongoing viability as a source and basis for establishing contractual interest rates is entirely outside the control of the Bank, (ii) regulatory agencies in the United States and worldwide have advised that the Index may be discontinued after 2021, or possibly sooner, (iii) in order to address the possibility of a discontinuance of the Index, this Note includes provisions that contemplate the replacement of the Index as a basis for establishing the applicable interest rate for the loan(s) evidenced hereby, and (iv) should the actual discontinuance of the Index occur, any replacement index may be materially different than the Index, and necessitate substantive changes to the manner in which the applicable interest rate for the loan(s) evidenced hereby is calculated and applied. Notwithstanding the above, Borrower has knowingly and voluntarily requested and/or accepted utilization of the Index for all purposes provided for herein, accepting any inherent risks associated with such utilization and any subsequent discontinuance of the Index, and hereby waives any claims or defenses against the Bank in connection therewith.

 

Interest Rate Determinations and Adjustments.

 

· To the extent a daily-adjusting LIBOR Rate is in effect, the LIBOR Rate shall be determined using the One-Month LIBOR in effect on the date of the Note (or if such day is not a London Business Day, on the immediately preceding London Business Day), and shall be adjusted thereafter on each subsequent Rate Adjustment Date using the One-Month LIBOR in effect on each respective Rate Adjustment Date.

 

· To the extent a monthly-adjusting LIBOR Rate (i.e., a LIBOR Rate adjusting each month) or a quarterly-adjusting LIBOR Rate (i.e., a LIBOR Rate adjusting every three (3) months) is in effect, the initial LIBOR Rate shall be determined using the applicable LIBOR in effect two (2) London Business Days prior to the date of the Note (or two (2) London Business Days prior to the Amortization Commencement Date, as applicable), and shall be adjusted thereafter on each subsequent Rate Adjustment Date using the applicable LIBOR in effect two (2) London Business Days prior to each Rate Adjustment Date, respectively.

 

Prepayment; Breakage Fee. Subject to the following, during the term of this Note, Borrower shall have the option of paying the Principal Amount to the Bank in advance of the Maturity Date, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time upon written notice received by the Bank at least three (3) days prior to making such payment; provided, however, that if (i) Borrower prepays, in whole or in part, any Principal Amount, when a LIBOR Rate is in effect (other than on a Rate Adjustment Date), or (ii) the LIBOR Rate is converted to the Base Rate on any day other than a Rate Adjustment Date, then Borrower shall be liable for and shall pay the Bank, on demand, the higher of $250.00 or the actual amount of the liabilities, expenses, costs or funding losses that are a direct or indirect result of such prepayment or other condition described above, whether such liability, expense, cost or loss is by reason of (a) any reduction in yield, by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of any deposit or other funds acquired by the Bank, (b) the fixing of the interest rate payable on any LIBOR-based loan or (c) otherwise (collectively, the “Breakage Fee”). The determination by the Bank of the foregoing amount shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding upon Borrower. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be applicable if the LIBOR Rate in effect at the time of the prepayment has an Interest Period of one day.

 

Inability to Determine LIBOR Rates, Increased Costs, Illegality.

 

a)       Increased Costs. If the Bank shall determine that, due to either (a) the introduction of any change (other than any change by way of imposition of or increase in reserve requirements included in the calculation of the LIBOR Rate) in or in the interpretation of any requirement of law or (b) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase in the cost to the Bank of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any loans based on LIBOR, then Borrower shall be liable for, and shall from time to time, upon demand therefor by the Bank, pay to the Bank such additional amounts as are sufficient to compensate the Bank for such increased costs.

 

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b)       Inability to Determine Rates. If the Bank shall determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR, the Bank will give notice of such determination to Borrower. Thereafter, the Bank may not maintain the loan hereunder at the LIBOR Rate until the Bank revokes such notice in writing and, until such revocation, the Bank may convert the applicable interest rate to the Base Rate, subject to the terms of the section below entitled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event”.

 

c)       Illegality. If the Bank shall determine that the introduction of any law (statutory or common), treaty, rule, regulation, guideline or determination of an arbitrator or of a governmental authority or in the interpretation or administration thereof, has made it unlawful, or that any central bank or other governmental authority has asserted that it is unlawful for the Bank to make LIBOR-based loans, then, on notice thereof by the Bank to Borrower, the Bank may suspend the maintaining of the loan hereunder at the LIBOR Rate until the Bank shall have notified Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination shall no longer exist. If the Bank shall determine that it is unlawful to maintain the loan hereunder based on LIBOR, the Bank may convert the applicable interest rate to the Base Rate, subject to the terms of the section below entitled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event”.

 

Conversion to Base Rate Upon Default.  Unless the Bank shall otherwise and in its sole discretion consent in writing, if (i) an event of default (with respect to any payment obligation or otherwise, as may be defined or described in the Note or related documents) has occurred and is continuing, or (ii) there exists a condition or event that, with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both, shall constitute such an event of default, the Bank, in its sole discretion, may convert the applicable interest rate from the LIBOR Rate to the Base Rate, and each reference in the Note and herein to the LIBOR Rate shall be deemed to be a reference to the Base Rate.  Nothing herein shall be construed to be a waiver by the Bank of its right to have the outstanding principal balance accrue interest at the Default Rate, accelerate the indebtedness and/or exercise any other remedies available to the Bank under the terms hereof or applicable law.

 

Repayment Upon Conversion to Base Rate.  Except as otherwise provided herein, during the time of any conversion of the LIBOR Rate to the Base Rate, whether temporary or permanent, and whether pursuant to an event of default or otherwise, and without compromising any other rights and remedies of the Bank, and in the absence of the Bank exercising any such other rights or remedies as may be applicable, Borrower shall continue to repay all indebtedness in accordance with the terms of the Note.  The determination by the Bank of the foregoing amounts shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding upon Borrower.

 

Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.

 

(a) Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Note or any related agreement, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, the Bank may unilaterally amend the terms hereof to replace LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment will become effective as soon as practicable for the Bank and upon notice to the Borrower, without any further action or consent of the Borrower, except that with respect to an amendment pursuant to an Early Opt-in Election, such amendment will become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth (5th) New York Business Day after the Bank has provided such proposed amendment to the Borrower, so long as the Bank has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from the Borrower. No replacement of LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” (“this Section”) will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date. Borrower shall pay all out-of-pocket costs (including reasonable attorney fees) incurred by the Bank in connection with any amendment and related actions contemplated in this Section.
(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Bank will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any related document or agreement, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of the Borrower. The Bank shall not be liable to the Borrower for any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes made by the Bank in good faith.
(c) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Bank will endeavor to promptly notify the Borrower of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date and Benchmark Transition Start Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and (iv) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Bank pursuant to this Section, including, without limitation, any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment, or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date, and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in the Bank’s sole discretion and without consent from the Borrower (except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section) and shall not be a basis of any claim of liability of any kind or nature against the Bank, all such claims being hereby waived by the Borrower.
(d) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke (as applicable) any request for an advance/borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of a LIBOR-based loan to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request (as applicable) into a request for an advance/borrowing of or conversion to a loan that shall accrue interest at the Base Rate. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period, the component of the Base Rate based upon LIBOR (if any) will not be used in any determination of the Base Rate.

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(e) Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Section:
1. “Benchmark Replacement” means the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate (which may include Term SOFR) that has been selected by the Bank giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest as a replacement to LIBOR for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if the Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than zero, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero for the purposes hereof.
2. “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of LIBOR with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for each applicable Interest Period, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Bank giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time.
3. “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including, without limitation, changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters) that the Bank decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Bank in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Bank decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Bank determines that no market practice for the administration of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Bank decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of the loan(s) evidenced hereby).
4. “Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earlier to occur of the following events with respect to LIBOR:
1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of LIBOR permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide LIBOR; or
2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.
5. “Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to LIBOR:
1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of LIBOR announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR;
2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR, the U.S. Federal Reserve System, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for LIBOR, which states that the administrator of LIBOR has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR; or
3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR announcing that LIBOR is no longer representative.
6. “Benchmark Transition Start Date” means (a) in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (i) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (ii) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the 180th day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than 180 days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication) and (b) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the date specified by the Bank by notice to the Borrower, so long as the Bank has not received, by such date, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-In Election from the Borrower.
7. “Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBOR and solely to the extent that LIBOR has not been replaced with a Benchmark Replacement, the period (x) beginning at the time that such Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes hereunder in accordance with this Section and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes hereunder pursuant to this Section.
8. “Early Opt-in Election” means the occurrence of:

4 

 

1) a determination by the Bank that currently outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) as a benchmark interest rate, in lieu of LIBOR, a new benchmark interest rate to replace LIBOR, and
2) the election by the Bank to declare that an Early Opt-in Election has occurred and the provision by the Bank of written notice of such election to the Borrower.
9. “Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
10. “Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
11. “SOFR” with respect to any day means the secured overnight financing rate published for such day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the benchmark, (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website.
12. “Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
13. “Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

Acknowledgment. Borrower acknowledges that it has read and understands all the provisions of this Rider and has been advised by counsel as necessary or appropriate.

 

 

    PIKE COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COMPANY
     
  By: /s/ Charles Lenns
    Name: Charles Lenns
    Title: Vice President/Chief Financial  Officer

 

 

5 

 

M&T BANK_K

 

 

 

PREPAYMENT PREMIUM RIDER

 

(Yield Maintenance)

 

 

Borrower:  Pike County Light & Power
   
Title of Promissory Note: Multiple Disbursement Term Note  
   
Date of Promissory Note:  October 13, 2020
   
Principal Amount of Promissory Note:  $1,315,000.00

 

(The above-referenced promissory note is referred to herein as the “Note”.)

 

Each capitalized term used herein shall have the meaning specified in the Note, except as otherwise defined herein.

 

Prepayment Premium. If the interest rate in effect at the time of any prepayment is a fixed percentage rate (whether in effect since the date of this Note or any subsequent date in connection with an interest rate adjustment), as consideration of the privilege of making such prepayment, Borrower shall pay to M&T Bank (“Bank”) a premium equal to the greater of (a) one percent (1%) of the amount prepaid, or (b) the present value of the difference between (i) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the prepaid principal from the date of prepayment through the earlier of the Maturity Date or the date of the next scheduled interest rate adjustment, if any (“Measurement Period”) at the fixed interest rate in effect on the date of prepayment and (ii) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the prepaid principal during the Measurement Period at the Current Market Rate. “Current Market Rate” shall mean the most recent yield on United States Treasury Obligations adjusted to a constant maturity having a term most nearly corresponding to the Measurement Period, in effect two (2) business days prior to the date of prepayment, as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519), or by such other quoting service, index or commonly available source utilized by the Bank for such purposes. The present value calculation used herein shall use the Current Market Rate as the discount rate and shall be calculated as if each installment of principal had been made as scheduled pursuant to the terms of this Note.

 

 

    PIKE COUNTY LIGHT & POWER COMPANY
     
  By: /s/ Charles Lenns
    Name: Charles Lenns
    Title: Vice President/Chief Financial  Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
17 CFR SECTION 240.13a-14(a)

I, Michael I. German, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation for the period ending December 30, 2020;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 10, 2021

 

/s/ Michael I. German        

Michael I. German, Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2 

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
17 CFR SECTION 240.13a-14(a)

 

I, Charles Lenns, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation for the period ending December 30, 2020;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 10, 2021

 

/s/ Charles Lenns            

Charles Lenns, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1 

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending December 30, 2020 (the “Report”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Michael I. German, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and I, Charles Lenns, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and the results of operations of the Company for such period.

 

Dated: February 10, 2021

 

 

/s/ MICHAEL I. GERMAN        

Michael I. German, Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

/s/ CHARLES LENNS            

Charles Lenns, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)