defa14a.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A
 
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
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Check the appropriate box:
 
£     Preliminary Proxy Statement
£     Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
£     Definitive Proxy Statement
£     Definitive Additional Materials
R     Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
 
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
 
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
 
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(1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
                                                                                                                                                                             

 
(2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
                                                                                                                                                                             

 
(3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on
 
        which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
                                                                                                                                                                             

 
(4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
                                                                                                                                                                             

 
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£    Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
 
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LOGO
News Release
April 26, 2012

For Release:
Immediately
 
Contact:
Investors:
Stacey A. Renner, (845) 486-5730
 
News Media:
Denise D. VanBuren, (845) 471-8323
 
CH Energy Group Reports First-Quarter Earnings

(Poughkeepsie, NY) CH Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:CHG) today reported first-quarter earnings of 98 cents per share, down 10 cents per share from the same period of the prior year, when earnings totaled $1.08 per share.
 
“Our quarterly earnings were primarily shaped by four distinct developments: First, our regulated utility Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation earned 32 cents more per share in the first quarter of 2012 than it did in 2011. Secondly, our fuel distribution subsidiary’s earnings were down by 11 cents per share due to the extremely mild winter in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Chairman of the Board, President and C.E.O. Steven V. Lant. “Third, we recorded 31 cents per share of expenses associated with the merger agreement that we announced in February with Canadian utility Fortis Inc. And fourth, on a per share basis, our earnings increased by 5 cents as a result of the lower number of outstanding shares in the first quarter of 2012 following our repurchase of shares last year.
 
“It was certainly a memorable quarter, one in which we announced a compelling transaction with Fortis while maintaining our focus on our core business. We look forward to continuing that same level of superior performance -- and further improving customer service -- as we work toward closing the merger transaction and becoming a member of the Fortis federation of utilities,” Lant said.
 
Lant said a regulatory filing has been made with the New York State Public Service Commission regarding the merger proposal; it proposes a utility rate freeze and customer benefits of approximately $20 million.  He also noted that a proxy statement regarding the merger transaction is expected to be mailed in early May and that a Special Meeting of Shareholders is tentatively scheduled for June 19, 2012, to seek shareholder approval. No costs associated with the merger transaction will be borne by customers, Lant noted.
 
 
1

 
 
CH Energy Group released the following quarterly results by business unit:
 
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
First-quarter utility earnings were 32 cents per share higher as compared to the same period of 2011, 9 cents of which resulted from an increase in the utility’s investment base and associated delivery rate increase that took effect on July 1, 2011. “Central Hudson continues to invest in its system under the terms of its current three-year rate plan to replace aging infrastructure and improve system performance,” said Lant. “The lack of significant storm activity during the first quarter also contributed to improved quarterly results, especially when compared to the stormy first quarter of 2011.  Expenses associated with trimming trees were also lower as compared to the accelerated program in effect a year earlier.”
 
Griffith Energy Services
Griffith Energy Services posted earnings of 17 cents per share during the first quarter, down 11 cents per share from the 28 cents per share reported for the first three months of 2011.
 
“Unusually warm weather impacted the quarterly results within our Mid-Atlantic fuel distribution subsidiary, though our core earnings were essentially unchanged due to higher margins and effective cost management that helped to offset lower sales volumes,” said Lant. He noted that the first quarter of 2011 had also benefitted from a reduction in an environmental reserve.
 
Other Businesses and Investments
Earnings were 31 cents per share lower, due primarily to costs associated with the proposed merger with Fortis. In addition, earnings during the first quarter of 2011 had included 4 cents per share of losses associated with renewable energy investments, most of which were divested later in the year.
 
Financial statements are available by clicking here, by logging onto the news page at www.CHEnergyGroup.com or at http://www.centralhudson.com/pdf/CHEG_2012Q1financials.pdf.
 
#          #            #

About CH Energy Group, Inc.: CH Energy Group, Inc. is predominantly a regulated transmission and distribution utility, headquartered in Poughkeepsie, NY. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation serves approximately 300,000 electric and about 75,000 natural gas customers in eight counties of New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley, delivering natural gas and electricity in a 2,600-square-mile service territory that extends north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District at Albany.  CH Energy Group also operates Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation (CHEC), a non-regulated subsidiary composed primarily of Griffith Energy Services, which supplies energy products and services to approximately 56,000 customers in the Mid Atlantic Region, as well as several renewable energy investments.
 
 
2

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements –
Statements included in this news release and any documents incorporated by reference which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “plans,” “assumes,” “seeks,” and similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those relating to CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s future business prospects, revenues, proceeds, working capital, investment valuations, liquidity, income, and margins, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to several important factors, including those identified from time-to-time in the forward-looking statements.  Those factors include, but are not limited to: the possibility that various conditions precedent to the consummation of the Fortis transaction will not be satisfied or waived; the ability to obtain shareholder and regulatory approvals of the Fortis transaction on the timing and  terms thereof; deviations from normal seasonal weather and storm activity; fuel prices; energy supply and demand; potential future acquisitions; legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments; interest rates; access to capital; market risks; electric and natural gas industry restructuring and cost recovery; the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief; changes in fuel supply or costs including future market prices for energy, capacity, and ancillary services; the success of strategies to satisfy electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane requirements; the outcome of pending litigation and certain environmental matters, particularly the status of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and waste site remediation requirements; and certain presently unknown or unforeseen factors, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism.  CH Energy Group and Central Hudson undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements

Additional Information about the Fortis Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis, CH Energy Group will file a proxy statement with the SEC, a preliminary version of which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012, and intends to file other relevant materials with the SEC as well.  Investors and security holders of CH Energy Group are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition and related matters.  The final proxy statement will be mailed to CH Energy Group shareholders.  Investors and stock shareholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes available, and other documents filed by CH Energy Group, at the SEC's Web site, www.sec.gov.  These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained by investors and stockholders free of charge from CH Energy Group at CH Energy Group’s website at www.chenergygroup.com, or by contacting CH Energy Group's Shareholder Relations Department at (845) 486-5204.

Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies

This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of CH Energy Group.  However, CH Energy Group, Fortis and certain of their respective directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of CH Energy Group in connection with the proposed acquisition.  Information about CH Energy's directors and executive officers may be found in its 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2012, and definitive proxy statement relating to its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on March 21, 2012.  Information about Fortis’ directors and executive officers may be found in its Management Information Circular available on its website at www.fortisinc.com. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the merger will be included in CH Energy Group’s proxy statement, a preliminary version of which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012, and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available. 
 
 
3

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012(1)
   
2011(2)
 
ASSETS
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
 
             
UTILITY PLANT
           
Gross Utility Plant
  $ 1,470,681     $ 1,461,344  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    390,307       388,784  
                 
      1,080,374       1,072,560  
Construction work in progress
    66,518       58,847  
                 
Net Utility Plant
    1,146,892       1,131,407  
                 
Net Non-Utility Property & Plant
    9,760       10,187  
                 
CURRENT ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    65,867       15,281  
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts
    96,574       90,937  
Fuel, materials and supplies
    19,689       25,114  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    9       349  
Regulatory assets
    49,683       49,526  
Special deposits and prepayments
    25,777       22,227  
Accumulated deferred income tax
    8,456       5,895  
Other
    23,379       24,811  
                 
      289,434       234,140  
                 
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS
    350,302       354,378  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,796,388     $ 1,730,112  
                 
CAPITALIZATION and LIABILITIES
               
                 
CAPITALIZATION
               
CH Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity(3)
  $ 506,675     $ 502,248  
Preferred Stock of subsidiary
    21,027       21,027  
Long-term debt
    494,002       446,003  
                 
      1,021,704       969,278  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,006       37,006  
Notes payable
    71,000       6,500  
Accounts payable
    36,183       43,904  
Accrued interest
    7,330       6,333  
Dividends payable
    8,521       8,511  
Customer advances and deposits
    24,550       29,174  
Regulatory liabilities
    8,959       11,161  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    22,118       19,791  
Accrued income and other taxes
    817       -  
Other
    34,408       36,060  
                 
      214,892       198,440  
                 
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
    309,871       327,234  
                 
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAX
    249,921       235,160  
                 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION and LIABILITIES
  $ 1,796,388     $ 1,730,112  
 
(1)
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Subject to explanations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company to the SEC for the Year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
Shares outstanding at March 31, 2012 = 14,914,853.
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 = 14,894,964.
 
 
 

 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Operating Revenues
 
 
   
 
 
Electric
  $ 129,272     $ 154,570  
Natural Gas
    55,850       75,482  
Competitive business subsidiaries:
               
Petroleum products
    84,632       92,632  
Other
    4,318       4,288  
Total Operating Revenues
    274,072       326,972  
 
               
Operating Expenses
               
Operation:
               
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation
    45,059       70,268  
Purchased natural gas
    24,614       41,798  
Purchased petroleum
    70,305       75,766  
Other expenses of operation - regulated activities
    59,886       69,233  
Other expenses of operation - competitive business subsidiaries
    12,422       12,519  
Merger related costs
    5,219       -  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,624       10,085  
Taxes, other than income tax
    13,642       13,301  
Total Operating Expenses
    241,771       292,970  
 
               
Operating Income
    32,301       34,002  
 
               
Other Income and Deductions
               
Income from unconsolidated affiliates
    52       464  
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income
    2,160       1,866  
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs
    319       383  
Business development costs
    (58 )     (235 )
Other - net
    (378 )     (569 )
Total Other Income (Deductions)
    2,095       1,909  
 
               
Interest Charges
               
Interest on long-term debt
    6,218       6,740  
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest
    1,584       1,482  
Total Interest Charges
    7,802       8,222  
 
               
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
    26,594       27,689  
 
               
Income taxes
    11,771       10,615  
 
               
Net Income from Continuing Operations
    14,823       17,074  
 
               
Discontinued Operations
               
Income from discontinued operations before tax
    -       150  
Income tax expense from discontinued operations
    -       35  
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
    -       115  
 
               
Net Income
    14,823       17,189  
 
               
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interest:
               
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
    242       242  
 
               
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
    14,581       16,947  
 
               
Dividends declared on Common Stock
    8,279       8,427  
 
               
Change in Retained Earnings
  $ 6,302     $ 8,520  
 
               
Common Stock:
               
Average shares outstanding - Basic
    14,882       15,645  
Average shares outstanding - Diluted
    15,143       15,838  
 
               
Income from continuing operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
               
Earnings per share - Basic
  $ 0.98     $ 1.07  
Earnings per share - Diluted
  $ 0.96     $ 1.06  
 
               
Income from discontinued operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
               
Earnings per share - Basic
  $ -     $ 0.01  
Earnings per share - Diluted
  $ -     $ 0.01  
 
               
Amounts attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
               
Earnings per share - Basic
  $ 0.98     $ 1.08  
Earnings per share - Diluted
  $ 0.96     $ 1.07  
 
               
Dividends Declared Per Share
  $ 0.555     $ 0.540  
 
 
 

 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC.
EARNINGS PER  SHARE BY SEGMENT
 
The table below presents the change in earnings of CH Energy Group’s business units in terms of earnings for each share of CH Energy Group’s Common Stock.  Management believes this presentation is useful because it shows the relative contribution of the various business units to CH Energy Group's earnings.  Additionally, management believes that the disclosure of Significant Events within each business unit provides investors with the context around CH Energy Group's results that is important in enabling them to ascertain the likelihood that past performance is indicative of future performance.
 
Consolidated CH Energy Group
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2012 (1)
   
2011 (1)
 
Central Hudson - Electric
  $ 0.70     $ 0.39  
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
    0.41       0.40  
 
               
Griffith
    0.17       0.28  
 
               
Other Businesses and Investments
    (0.30 )     0.01  
 
               
Consolidated Earnings per Share (basic), as reported
  $ 0.98     $ 1.08  
 
               
Significant Events:
               
   Central Hudson
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.13 )
   Griffith
    (0.06 )     0.04  
   Other Businesses and Investments
    (0.31 )     (0.04 )
 
               
Total Significant Events
  $ (0.41 )   $ (0.13 )
 
               
CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
               
   Central Hudson
  $ 1.15     $ 0.92  
   Griffith
    0.23       0.24  
   Other Businesses and Investments
    0.01       0.05  
 
               
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
  $ 1.39     $ 1.21  
 
               
Consolidated Earnings per Share (diluted), as reported
  $ 0.96     $ 1.07  
 
(1) Unaudited
 
The information above is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.  This information is not an alternative to earnings per share determined on a consolidated basis, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.  A reconciliation of each business unit's earnings per share to CH Energy Group's earnings per share, determined on a consolidated basis, is included in the table above.
 
 
 

 
 
April 26, 2012
First Quarter 2012
Earnings Release Supplement
 
 

 
2
April 26, 2012
Table of Contents
 Summary of First Quarter Results………………………….. 4
 Information Regarding the Fortis Transaction…………….. 5
 Financial Results
 CH Energy Group…………………………………………….. 6
 Central Hudson……………………………………………….. 8
 Griffith………………………………………………………….. 11
 Other Businesses & Investments…………………………… 13
 Business Conditions & Outlook……………………………... 15
 Segment Information…………………………………………. 20

First Quarter 2012 - Earnings Release Supplement
 
 

 
3
April 26, 2012
Statements included in this presentation and any documents incorporated by reference which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are
hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking
statements may be identified by words including “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “plans,” “assumes,” “seeks,” and
similar expressions. Forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those relating to CH Energy Group’s and Central Hudson’s future business
prospects, revenues, proceeds, working capital, investment valuations, liquidity, income, and margins, as well as the timing and consequences of the
Fortis acquisition, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-
looking statements, due to several important factors, including those identified from time-to-time in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include,
but are not limited to: the possibility that various conditions precedent to the consummation of the Fortis transaction will not be satisfied or waived
including shareholder and regulatory approvals and the timing and terms, including costs, thereof; the impact of delay or failure to complete the Fortis
transaction on CH Energy Group stock price; deviations from normal seasonal weather and storm activity; fuel prices; energy supply and demand;
potential future acquisitions; legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments; interest rates; access to capital; market risks; electric and natural gas
industry restructuring and cost recovery; the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief; changes in fuel supply or costs including future market prices
for energy, capacity, and ancillary services; the success of strategies to satisfy electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane requirements; the outcome of
pending litigation and certain environmental matters, particularly the status of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and waste site remediation
requirements; and certain presently unknown or unforeseen factors, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism. CH Energy Group and Central Hudson
undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements.
Additional Information about the Fortis Transaction and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis, CH Energy Group will file a proxy statement with the SEC, a preliminary
version of which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012, and intends to file other relevant materials with the SEC as well. Investors and security holders
of CH Energy Group are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available because they will
contain important information about the proposed acquisition and related matters. The final proxy statement will be mailed to CH Energy Group
shareholders. Investors and stock shareholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes available, and other documents filed by
CH Energy Group, at the SEC's Web site, www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained by investors and stockholders
free of charge from CH Energy Group at CH Energy Group’s website at www.chenergygroup.com, or by contacting CH Energy Group's Shareholder
Relations Department at (845) 486-5204.
Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of CH Energy Group. However, CH Energy Group, Fortis and certain of their
respective directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of CH
Energy Group in connection with the proposed acquisition. Information about CH Energy's directors and executive officers may be found in its 2011
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2012, and definitive proxy statement relating to its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
filed with the SEC on March 21, 2012. Information about Fortis’ directors and executive officers may be found in its Management Information Circular
available on its website at www.fortisinc.com. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in
connection with the merger will be included in CH Energy Group’s proxy statement, a preliminary version of which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012,
and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available.
Forward-Looking Statements
 
 

 
4
April 26, 2012
CH Energy Group’s earnings for the first quarter of 2012 were $0.98 vs. $1.08
for the first quarter of 2011. The reduction of $0.10 was the net effect of four
significant factors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric recorded a strong gain in
EPS, earning $1.11 in the first quarter of 2012 vs. $0.79 in the prior year, an
increase of $0.32. Griffith Energy Services recorded lower earnings in the first
quarter of 2012 of $0.17 vs. $0.28 in the prior year. The holding company
recorded significant expenses related to the agreement and plan of merger in
which CH Energy Group agreed to be acquired by Fortis Inc. totaling $5.2
million, or $0.31. And on a per share basis, earnings increased by $0.05 due to
share accretion. Each of these variations is explained in more detail below.
Steven V. Lant, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of CH Energy
Group said, “CH Energy Group had a memorable quarter - announcing a
compelling transaction with Fortis Inc., while at the same time remaining
focused on its core business and producing strong operating results. We look
forward to continuing to produce strong operating performance and customer
satisfaction as we work toward closing the transaction with Fortis”.
Summary of First Quarter Results
 
 

 
5
April 26, 2012
CH Energy announced on February 21 that it had agreed to be acquired by Fortis,
Inc. headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland Canada for $65 per share in cash,
subject to shareholder and required regulatory approvals.
Since the announcement, CH Energy Group and Fortis have been working
cooperatively toward a successful closing. CH Energy Group plans to mail a
definitive proxy statement in mid-May and a special meeting of shareholders to vote
on the transaction has been tentatively scheduled for June 19.
Filings have been made with the NYS PSC and FERC as part of their regulatory
approval process. Additional filings and notices will be made with the Federal
Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission
and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States over the next few
months. The NYS PSC approval process is expected to have the longest timeline,
and approval is currently projected in the first quarter of 2013, but this estimate is
subject to change. Closing is expected to occur shortly after PSC approval is
obtained.
Information Regarding the Fortis Transaction
 
 

 
6
April 26, 2012
NOTE: The information above is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and is not an alternative to earnings per share determined on a
consolidated basis, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of each business unit’s earnings per share to CH
Energy Group’s earnings per share, determined on a consolidated basis, is included in the table above.
The table above presents the change in earnings of CH Energy Group’s business units in terms of earnings for each share of CH Energy
Group’s Common Stock. Management believes that expressing the results in terms of the impact on shares of CH Energy Group is useful to
investors because it shows the relative contribution of the various business units to CH Energy Group’s earnings. Additionally, Management
believes that the disclosure of significant events within each business unit provides investors with the context around the company’s results
that is important in enabling them to ascertain the likelihood that past performance is indicative of future performance.
Earnings per Share (basic)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
 
2011
   
2012
   
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
  $ 0.39     $ 0.70     $ 0.31  
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
    0.40       0.41       0.01  
Griffith
    0.28       0.17       (0.11 )
Other Businesses and Investments
    0.01       (0.30 )     (0.31 )
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Earnings, as reported
  $ 1.08     $ 0.98     $ (0.10 )
 
                       
Significant Events:
                       
   Central Hudson
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.09  
   Griffith
    0.04       (0.06 )     (0.10 )
   Other Businesses and Investments
    (0.04 )     (0.31 )     (0.27 )
Total Significant Events
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.28 )
 
                       
CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
                       
   Central Hudson
  $ 0.92     $ 1.15     $ 0.23  
   Griffith
    0.24       0.23       (0.01 )
   Other Businesses and Investments
    0.05       0.01       (0.04 )
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
  $ 1.21     $ 1.39     0.18  
Financial Results - CH Energy Group
 
 

 
7
April 26, 2012
 On a consolidated basis, CH Energy Group earned $0.98 in the first quarter of 2012, a
 $0.10 decrease from last year’s first quarter earnings of $1.08. This was primarily due to
 costs associated with the proposed Fortis acquisition, partially offset by lower storm
 restoration costs at Central Hudson.
 
Financial Results - CH Energy Group
 
 

 
8
April 26, 2012
NOTE: Refer to page 6 of this presentation for a reconciliation to CH Energy Group’s consolidated earnings per share.
Earnings per Share (basic)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
 
2011
   
2012
 
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
  $ 0.39     $ 0.70   $ 0.31  
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
    0.40       0.41     0.01  
Total Central Hudson Earnings
  $ 0.79     $ 1.11   $ 0.32  
 
                     
Significant Events:
                     
   Higher weather related restoration costs
  $ (0.13 )   $ -   $ 0.13  
   Storm deferral adjustment
    -       (0.04 )   (0.04 )
Central Hudson Adjusted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.92     $ 1.15   $ 0.23  
 
                     
 
               
Change
 
Delivery revenue
                $ 0.09  
Higher property and other taxes
                  (0.03 )
Higher depreciation
                  (0.04 )
Lower trimming costs
                  0.09  
Lower income and capital-based taxes
                  0.02  
Share accretion
                  0.05  
Other
                  0.05  
 
                $ 0.23  
Financial Results - Central Hudson
 
 

 
9
April 26, 2012
 Central Hudson earned $1.11, a $0.32 increase over the first quarter of 2011. There were
 several large items driving the increase. As shown in the middle portion of the preceding
 slide, we had significantly higher costs associated with storm restoration in 2011 than in
 2012.
 Our 2011 earnings reflected over $3 million of expenses associated with electric and gas
 system restoration costs due to severe weather. Additionally, the Public Service
 Commission issued its order on our deferral petition for the significant storm event we had
 in February 2010, disallowing approximately $850K. Since we had deferred all of our
 incremental costs associated with these storms in 2010, the PSC’s disallowance resulted in
 higher expenses for the first quarter of 2011.
 In 2012, we had an unusually mild winter with minimal storm activity. However, first quarter
 2012 earnings reflect a $0.04 per share reduction in the amount of incremental 2011 storm
 costs deferred for future recovery from customers. The reduction was due to
 management’s updated estimate of Central Hudson’s earnings for its electric business for
 the rate year ending June 30, 2012. These earnings are currently projected to be in excess
 of our 10% authorized return on equity, therefore, the portion of the incremental costs that
 were deferred was reduced by $1 million to align projected earnings to our authorized
 return on equity. Management will review Central Hudson’s actual earnings at the end of
 the rate year, and increase or decrease the amount of incremental costs deferred for future
 recovery by the amount necessary to achieve a 10% return on equity, while continuing to
 pursue recovery of 100% of these storm restoration costs through deferral petitions.
 
Financial Results - Central Hudson
 
 

 
10
April 26, 2012
 Several other factors also had an impact on the year-over-year financial results for first
 quarter 2012. Higher delivery revenue resulted from an increase in Central Hudson’s
 investment in utility plant and the associated rate increase that went into effect in July 2011.
 One of the more significant changes from the first quarter of last year is the timing of our tree
 trimming expenditures. As you may recall from last year, we took advantage of favorable
 pricing to accelerate our tree trimming program into the first half of the year. These favorable
 conditions were not present in 2012. By the end of the year, we expect our 2012 tree
 trimming expenditures to be comparable to last year.
 The final noteworthy change relates to our 2011 share repurchase. As we discussed during
 our 2011 year-end earnings conference call, the reduction in outstanding shares between
 2010 and 2011 resulting from share repurchases increased our earnings per share for 2011
 by $0.09. Due to the timing of the repurchases - which took place primarily in the third quarter
 of 2011 - our 2011 earnings per share increased by approximately half of the expected
 annualized benefit. We expect to see an additional $0.11 in our 2012 earnings per share and
 the first quarter’s increase of $0.05 is consistent with this expectation. While Central Hudson’s
 earnings level will continue to reflect the lower number of outstanding shares, from an
 earnings growth perspective, we expect to see only one more quarter of year-over-year
 increases next quarter, with no incremental impacts thereafter.
Financial Results - Central Hudson
 
 

 
11
April 26, 2012
NOTE: Refer to page 6 of this presentation for a reconciliation to CH Energy Group’s consolidated earnings per share.
Earnings per Share (basic)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
 
2011
   
2012
 
Change
 
Griffith - Fuel Distribution Earnings
  $ 0.28     $ 0.17   $ (0.11 )
 
                     
Significant Events:
                     
   Weather impact on sales
  $ 0.02     $ (0.06 ) $ (0.08 )
   Discontinued operations
    0.02       -     (0.02 )
Griffith Adjusted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.24     $ 0.23   $ (0.01 )
 
                     
 
               
Change
 
Weather-normalized sales (including conservation)
                $ (0.05 )
Gross margin on petroleum sales
                  0.02  
Operating expenses
                  0.01  
Share accretion
                  0.01  
 
                $ (0.01 )
Financial Results - Griffith
 
 

 
12
April 26, 2012
 Griffith’s contribution to CH Energy Group’s first quarter earnings of $0.17 were $0.11 lower than the
 same period last year, primarily due to factors we do not consider to be part of Griffith’s core
 earnings.
 Among the significant events affecting Griffith’s year-over-year financial results, weather was the
 largest driver. Unfavorably warm weather caused a $0.06 per share reduction in 2012 compared to
 $0.02 per share of favorable weather impacts in 2011, causing year-over-year earnings to decrease
 by $0.08 per share.
 Additionally, in the first quarter of 2011, Griffith’s earnings benefited by $0.02 from reducing the
 environmental reserve associated with its retained obligation from the 2009 divestiture. There was
 no change in the reserve in 2012.
 Excluding these items, Griffith’s core earnings reduced its contribution to CH Energy Group by
 $0.01. Weather-normalized sales volumes were $0.05 lower than the same period in 2011. We
 believe this was due to price-induced conservation. Higher margins and effective cost management
 were able to largely offset the impact of the lower sales volumes.
 
Financial Results - Griffith
 
 

 
13
April 26, 2012
NOTE: Refer to page 6 of this presentation for a reconciliation to CH Energy Group’s consolidated earnings per share.
Earnings per Share (basic)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
 
2011
   
2012
 
Change
 
Other Businesses & Investments Earnings
  $ 0.01     $ (0.30 ) $ (0.31 )
 
                     
Significant Events:
                     
   Renewable Investments:
                     
      Operations
  $ (0.04 )   $ -   $ 0.04  
   Merger related costs
    -       (0.31 )   (0.31 )
Other Businesses and Investments Adjusted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.01   $ (0.04 )
 
                     
 
               
Change
 
Share accretion
                $ (0.01 )
Other
                  (0.03 )
 
                $ (0.04 )
Financial Results - Other Businesses & Investments
 
 

 
14
April 26, 2012
 The contribution from our Other Businesses and Investments’- which includes our holding
 company results - decreased $0.31 from the same period in 2011, primarily due to costs
 associated with the Fortis acquisition which were recorded at the holding company level.
Financial Results - Other Businesses and Investments
 
 

 
15
April 26, 2012
 In February we announced an agreement to join the Fortis federation of companies. Our
 entire company remains focused on continuously improving our operating and financial
 performance while we work with Fortis to bring the announced transaction to a successful
 close.
 Core earnings continue to grow through investment in infrastructure at Central Hudson and
 through the acquisition of small tuck-in acquisitions at Griffith Energy Services, our fuel
 delivery business headquartered in Maryland.
 As previously disclosed and discussed during prior earnings conference calls, the strategic
 transition we announced in October 2010 is essentially complete. During 2011, we
 divested our four largest renewable energy investments. Fully 93% of CH Energy Group
 assets are now regulated transmission and distribution utility assets at Central Hudson and
 most of the remainder is our fuel distribution business, Griffith Energy Services.
 
Comments on Business Conditions for CH Energy Group and
its subsidiaries, strategy and outlook for 2012 and beyond:
 
 

 
16
April 26, 2012
Central Hudson
 At Central Hudson we continue to invest significantly in the utility infrastructure of our
 electric and gas systems to improve service quality and customer satisfaction. We project
 that in 2012 Central Hudson will invest approximately $108 million, an increase of roughly
 22% over the $88 million invested in 2011.
 These investments continue to be the drivers of Central Hudson’s earnings growth. Based
 on our projected 2012 capital expenditures we estimate rate base growth of approximately
 4.5% per year off the base historic year (12 months ended June 30, 2009) for the
 remainder of our current rate agreement, which is set to expire on June 30, 2013. The
 delivery rates applicable at the end of a rate agreement would continue until such time as
 new rates were established. As part of the April 20, 2012 Joint Petition filed with the Public
 Service Commission seeking approval of the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis, we
 have proposed a rate freeze until at least July 1, 2014. This is one of many key elements
 contained in the filing and we will provide updates in subsequent earnings releases with the
 status of our regulatory planning efforts.
Comments on Business Conditions for CH Energy Group and
its subsidiaries, strategy and outlook for 2012 and beyond:
 
 

 
17
April 26, 2012
Central Hudson
 The long-term outlook for capital investment at Central Hudson indicates similar or higher
 levels of growth in rate base, but it will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including
 economic conditions, federal tax policy, state regulatory support and rate recovery.
 Central Hudson is positioned to deliver a solid financial performance in 2012 and we are
 concentrating our efforts on earning the allowed ROE of 10% on projected rate base of
 approximately $925 million.
Comments on Business Conditions for CH Energy Group and
its subsidiaries, strategy and outlook for 2012 and beyond:
 
 

 
18
April 26, 2012
Griffith Energy Services
 The fuel distribution business continues to be challenging during periods of escalating
 heating oil prices. Over the last 15 months, prices have increased by approximately 40%.
 Consistent with past experience and our expectations, our customers reduced their usage
 in response. We estimate that our residential customers lowered their usage on a weather-
 normalized basis by approximately 5%, resulting in an earnings drag of $0.04 per share.
 Weather was approximately 24% warmer in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first
 quarter of 2011, and resulted in a negative earnings impact of approximately $0.08 per
 share. In response to these challenges, Griffith was able to slightly increase margins and
 effectively managed their cost structure. Griffith continues to focus on its cost structure,
 adjusting delivery capabilities to delivered product volumes and improving productivity.
 Griffith should also realize the benefits of the six tuck-in acquisitions completed in 2011.
 Griffith will continue to pursue selective tuck-in acquisitions in its current markets that
 improve the utilization of existing facilities and personnel. Our track record of integrating
 these acquisitions into our operations and earning returns well above our cost of capital
 supports continuing the current pace of investments.
Comments on Business Conditions for CH Energy Group and
its subsidiaries, strategy and outlook for 2012 and beyond:
 
 

 
19
April 26, 2012
Other Businesses and Investments-CHEC
 As mentioned previously, we divested four non-regulated renewable energy investments in
 2011 that represented most of our entire portfolio. At this point we have only $2.6 million
 invested in remaining assets at CHEC and these assets are not expected to have a
 material impact on future earnings.
Fortis Announcement
 On February 21 of this year we announced that we had signed a merger agreement to join
 the Fortis federation of companies. Included in this quarter’s results were significant costs
 directly associated with the announcement, and there will be additional fees and expenses
 as we continue to make progress towards closing the transaction. We are currently
 estimating that we will incur an additional $0.20-$0.25 per share in 2012 with additional
 costs recognized at closing, currently estimated for the first quarter of 2013.
 Since the announcement management has been meeting with all of our key constituencies.
 While there are a number of regulatory approvals necessary to achieve closing, it is likely
 that Public Service Commission approval will have the longest timeline and will determine
 the ultimate closing date. We will continue to focus on executing on our business plan in
 the months ahead and we will provide updates on the progress of the Fortis transaction in
 subsequent announcements.
Comments on Business Conditions for CH Energy Group and
its subsidiaries, strategy and outlook for 2012 and beyond:
 
 

 
20
April 26, 2012
Ø Segment EPS Reconciliation
Ø Segment Information, Revenue
Ø Segment Information, Net Income
Ø Segment Information, Assets
Ø Selected Operational Information
Earnings Release Supplement
 
 

 
21
April 26, 2012
Central Hudson - Electric
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
Griffith
Central Hudson - Purchased Electricity & Fuel
Central Hudson - Purchased Natural Gas
Griffith - Purchased
Petroleum
$327
$274
Segment Information, Revenue ($ in millions)
 
 

 
22
April 26, 2012
Central Hudson - Electric
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
Griffith
Other Businesses
 & Investments
$43.0*
$35.0*
$14.6
$16.9*
*Includes net income/(loss) from discontinued operations of Griffith, Lyonsdale, Shirley, Auburn and Greentree.
Segment Information, Net Income ($ in millions)
 
 

 
23
April 26, 2012
Central Hudson - Electric
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
Griffith
Other Businesses
 & Investments
$1,796
$1,741*
*Other Businesses & Investments includes $64.1M of assets which were divested in 2011.
Segment Information, Assets ($ in millions)
 
 

 
24
April 26, 2012
$513***
$541**
* Represents the consolidated CHG&E including both Gas and Electric Operations.
** Other Businesses & Investments include $30M associated with investments divested over the course of 2011.
*** Other Businesses & Investments include $12M associated with investments divested over the course of 2011 and $53M reduction due to share repurchases.
Segment Information, Equity ($ in millions)
 
 

 
25
April 26, 2012
 
 
First Quarter
 
First Quarter
 
 
Ended March 31,
 
Ended March 31,
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORP.
 
2011
 
2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Electricty Delivered (Mwh):
 
 
 
 
 
      Residential
 
 
621,884 
 
547,688 
      Commercial
 
 
507,172 
 
475,121 
      Industrial
 
 
249,684 
 
245,020 
      Other
 
 
10,344 
 
10,209 
         Total Own Territory
 
 
1,389,084 
 
1,278,038 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Natural Gas Delivered (Mcf):
 
 
 
 
 
      Residential
 
 
2,780,006 
 
2,093,514 
      Commercial
 
 
2,904,893 
 
2,257,973 
      Industrial
 
 
198,700 
 
135,772 
      Other
 
 
15,568 
 
11,713 
   Total Firm Sales
 
 
5,899,167 
 
4,498,972 
Selected Operational Information
 
 

 
26
April 26, 2012
 
 
 
 
Weather Normalized
 
 
First Quarter
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
Ended Mar 31,
 
Mar 31,
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
2012 vs. 2011
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORP.
 
% Variation
 
% Variation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Electricty Delivered (Mwh):
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Residential
 
 
(12)
 
 
(4)
      Commercial
 
 
(6)
 
 
(5)
      Industrial and Other
 
 
(2)
 
 
(2)
         Total Own Territory
 
 
(8)
 
 
(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Natural Gas Delivered (Mcf):
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Residential
 
 
(25)
 
 
(3)
      Commercial
 
 
(22)
 
 
(3)
      Industrial and Other
 
 
(31)
 
 
(13)
         Total Own Territory
 
 
(24)
 
 
(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRIFFITH
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Sales of Petroleum Products (gallons):
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Heating Oil
 
 
(29)
 
 
(8)
      Motor Fuels
 
 
(1)
 
 
(1)
      Propane and Other
 
 
(35)
 
 
(16)
         Total
 
 
(18)
 
 
(5)
Selected Operational Information
 
 

 
27
April 26, 2012
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
Ended Mar 31,
 
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
 
 
% Variation
 
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cooling Degree Days:
 
 
 
       Billing Cycle vs. Prior Year
   -  
       Billing Cycle vs. Normal
   -  
 
 
 
 
   Heating Degree Days:
 
 
 
       Billing Cycle vs. Prior Year
    (23 )
       Billing Cycle vs. Normal
    (24 )
 
       
GRIFFITH
       
 
       
   Heating Degree Days:
       
       Billing Cycle vs. Prior Year
    (24 )
       Billing Cycle vs. Normal
    (24 )
Selected Operational Information