These mechanisms include the SAVE Rider, WNA, ICC, RNG and PGA. The SAVE Plan and Rider provides the Company with a mechanism through which it recovers costs related to SAVE qualified infrastructure investments on a prospective basis, until such time a formal rate application is filed incorporating these investments in non-gas base rates.
These mechanisms include the SAVE Rider, WNA, ICC, RNG Rider and PGA. The SAVE Plan and Rider provides the Company with a mechanism through which it recovers costs related to SAVE qualified infrastructure investments on a prospective basis, until such time a formal rate application is filed incorporating these investments in non-gas base rates.
The Company expects to utilize its operating cash flows and credit facilities, as well as to consider additional long-term debt and equity capital, to meet the funding requirements of these planned expenditures. 22 Table of Contents Investing cash flows also reflects the fiscal 2024 funding of approximately $18,000 for Midstream's participation in the LLC, down from the $2.1 million in fiscal 2023.
The Company expects to utilize its operating cash flows and credit facilities, as well as to consider additional long-term debt and equity capital, to meet the funding requirements of these planned expenditures. 22 Table of Contents Investing cash flows also reflects the fiscal 2025 funding of approximately $76,000 for Midstream's participation in the LLC, up from approximately $18,000 in fiscal 2024.
Corporate insurance premiums accounted for much of the remaining cost increase. 20 Table of Contents Taxes Other Than Income Taxes - Taxes other than income taxes increased by $370,338, or 16%, primarily due to higher property tax rates and growth in utility property, as well as increases in payroll taxes related to increased staffing and compensation.
Increased corporate insurance premiums accounted for much of the remaining increase. 20 Table of Contents Taxes Other Than Income Taxes - Taxes other than income taxes increased by $239,135, or 9%, primarily due to higher property tax rates and growth in utility property, as well as increases in payroll taxes related to increased staffing and compensation.
The following month, the unbilled estimate is reversed, the actual usage is billed and a new unbilled estimate is calculated. The consolidated financial statements include unbilled revenue of $1,294,798 and $1,240,097 as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following month, the unbilled estimate is reversed, the actual usage is billed and a new unbilled estimate is calculated. The consolidated financial statements include unbilled revenue of $1,373,512 and $1,294,798 as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The Company recorded approximately $3,761,000 and $3,005,000 in additional revenues under the WNA for weather that was approximately 20% and 16% warmer than normal for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company recorded approximately $1,056,000 and $3,761,000 in additional revenues under the WNA for weather that was approximately 4% and 20% warmer than normal for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Actuarial Assumptions - Pension Plan Change in Assumption Increase in Pension Cost Increase in Projected Benefit Obligation Discount rate -0.25 % $ 106,000 $ 981,000 Rate of return on plan assets -0.25 % 76,000 N/A Rate of increase in compensation 0.25 % 46,000 212,000 The following schedule reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit costs from changes in certain actuarial assumptions, while the other components of the calculation remain constant.
Actuarial Assumptions - Pension Plan Change in Assumption Increase in Pension Cost Increase in Projected Benefit Obligation Discount rate -0.25 % $ 102,000 $ 946,000 Rate of return on plan assets -0.25 % 74,000 N/A Rate of increase in compensation 0.25 % 48,000 225,000 The following schedule reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit costs from changes in certain actuarial assumptions, while the other components of the calculation remain constant.
Actuarial Assumptions - Postretirement Plan Change in Assumption Increase (Decrease) in Postretirement Benefit Cost Increase in Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Discount rate -0.25 % $ 11,000 $ 291,000 Rate of return on plan assets -0.25 % 37,000 N/A Medical claim cost increase 0.25 % 37,000 281,000 Derivatives - The Company may hedge certain risks incurred in its operation through the use of derivative instruments.
Actuarial Assumptions - Postretirement Plan Change in Assumption Increase in Postretirement Benefit Cost Increase in Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Discount rate -0.25 % $ 5,000 $ 266,000 Rate of return on plan assets -0.25 % 38,000 N/A Medical claim cost increase 0.25 % 31,000 262,000 Derivatives - The Company may hedge certain risks incurred in its operation through the use of derivative instruments.
ATM Program Resources issued 129,164 shares of common stock for $2,635,200, net of $67,569 in fees, under the ATM program for the year ended September 30, 2024. For the year ended September 30, 2023, Resources issued 127,852 shares of common stock for $2,713,020, net of $69,565 in fees, under the ATM program.
Resources issued 129,164 shares of common stock for $2,635,200, net of $67,569 in fees, under the ATM program for the year ended September 30, 2024.
In regard to the pension plan, specific factors include assumptions regarding the discount rate used in determining future benefit obligations, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, compensation increases and life expectancies.
Demographic assumptions include projections of future mortality rates, pay increases and retirement patterns, as well as projected health care costs. In regard to the pension plan, specific factors include assumptions regarding the discount rate used in determining future benefit obligations, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, compensation increases and life expectancies.
The following table summarizes the categories of sources and uses of cash: Cash Flow Summary Years Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 17,433,625 $ 23,796,700 Net cash used in investing activities (22,033,632 ) (27,402,118 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 3,981,761 218,935 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (618,246 ) $ (3,386,483 ) 21 Table of Contents Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: The seasonal nature of the natural gas distribution business causes operating cash flows to fluctuate significantly during the year, as well as from year to year.
The following table summarizes the categories of sources and uses of cash: Cash Flow Summary Years Ended September 30, 2025 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 28,948,149 $ 17,433,625 Net cash used in investing activities (20,733,615 ) (22,033,632 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (6,788,350 ) 3,981,761 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 1,426,184 $ (618,246 ) 21 Table of Contents Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: The seasonal nature of the natural gas distribution business causes operating cash flows to fluctuate significantly during the year, as well as from year to year.
A summary of the funded status of both the pension and postretirement plans is provided below: Funded status - September 30, 2024 Pension Postretirement Total Benefit obligation $ 29,873,428 $ 10,842,455 $ 40,715,883 Fair value of assets 31,054,138 15,078,281 46,132,419 Funded status $ 1,180,710 $ 4,235,826 $ 5,416,536 Funded status - September 30, 2023 Pension Postretirement Total Benefit obligation $ 26,747,624 $ 11,248,448 $ 37,996,072 Fair value of assets 26,878,661 13,019,313 39,897,974 Funded status $ 131,037 $ 1,770,865 $ 1,901,902 25 Table of Contents The Company annually evaluates the long-term rate of return on its targeted investment allocation model, as well as the overall asset allocation of its benefit plans, and reviews both plans' potential long-term rate of return assumptions with its investment advisors to determine the rates used in each plan's actuarial calculations.
A summary of the funded status of both the pension and postretirement plans is provided below: Funded status - September 30, 2025 Pension Postretirement Total Benefit obligation $ 29,480,020 $ 10,462,318 $ 39,942,338 Fair value of assets 30,487,401 15,390,822 45,878,223 Funded status $ 1,007,381 $ 4,928,504 $ 5,935,885 Funded status - September 30, 2024 Pension Postretirement Total Benefit obligation $ 29,873,428 $ 10,842,455 $ 40,715,883 Fair value of assets 31,054,138 15,078,281 46,132,419 Funded status $ 1,180,710 $ 4,235,826 $ 5,416,536 25 Table of Contents The Company annually evaluates the long-term rate of return on its targeted investment allocation model, as well as the overall asset allocation of its benefit plans, and reviews both plans' potential long-term rate of return assumptions with its investment advisors to determine the rates used in each plan's actuarial calculations.
Refunds to customers, which were accrued in fiscal 2023 and reflected in regulatory liabilities, were made in February 2024. On February 2, 2024, primarily in response to continued inflationary pressures, Roanoke Gas filed for a non-gas base rate increase of $4.33 million. The filing also reflected an increase in the Company's authorized return on equity from 9.44% to 10.35%.
In addition, Roanoke Gas is subject to other regulations which are not necessarily industry specific. On February 2, 2024, primarily in response to continued inflationary pressures, Roanoke Gas filed for a non-gas base rate increase of $4.33 million. The filing also reflected an increase in the Company's authorized return on equity from 9.44% to 10.35%.
This basis difference amortization is a favorable non-cash adjustment over the operational life of the MVP, or 40 years. For fiscal 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded equity in earnings of consolidated affiliates of $3.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, which included $3.0 million and $2.1 million from AFUDC.
This basis difference amortization is a favorable non-cash adjustment over the operational life of the MVP, or 40 years. During fiscal 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded equity in earnings of consolidated affiliates of approximately $3.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, with the 2024 amounts being primarily derived from AFUDC. The LLC began to return excess cash in fiscal 2025.
In addition, total heating degree days decreased by 6% from the same period last year, resulting in a 2% decline in the weather-sensitive residential and commercial volumes, while transportation and interruptible volumes, primarily driven by business activity rather than weather, increased by 1%.
In addition, total heating degree days increased by 18% from the prior fiscal year, resulting in a 9% increase in the weather-sensitive residential and commercial volumes, while transportation and interruptible volumes increased 24%, primarily driven by business activity of a single, multi-fuel customer during the period.
Roanoke Gas filed and received approval from the SCC for a new SAVE Plan and Rider with new rates placed into effect on October 1, 2023, and as a result, SAVE Plan revenues declined to approximately $461,000 in fiscal 2024 from approximately $1,104,000 in fiscal 2023.
Roanoke Gas filed and received approval from the SCC for an updated annual SAVE Rider rate which became effective October 1, 2024. As a result of the updated SAVE Rider, SAVE Plan revenues increased to approximately $1,588,000 in fiscal 2025 from approximately $461,000 in fiscal 2024.
Gross Utility Margin Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Increase Percentage Gas utility revenues $ 84,533,101 $ 97,325,307 $ (12,792,206 ) (13 )% Cost of gas - utility 35,967,987 51,742,718 (15,774,731 ) (30 )% Gross utility margin $ 48,565,114 $ 45,582,589 $ 2,982,525 7 % Gross utility margin increased over the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of the implementation of new non-gas base rates, net of SAVE, WNA and RNG revenue, offset by the reductions in ICC revenues.
Gross Utility Margin Year Ended September 30, 2025 2024 Increase Percentage Gas utility revenues $ 95,231,943 $ 84,533,101 $ 10,698,842 13 % Cost of gas - utility 42,550,954 35,967,987 6,582,967 18 % Gross utility margin $ 52,680,989 $ 48,565,114 $ 4,115,875 8 % Gross utility margin increased over the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of the implementation of new non-gas base rates and increases in SAVE revenues, slightly offset by the reduction in ICC revenues.
Roanoke Gas may also adjust capital spending as necessary, if such a need would arise. With the MVP now in service, Midstream's future cash requirements will relate to regular monthly operating expenses, debt service and capital contributions. The Company received its first cash distribution from MVP of approximately $800,000 in October 2024, and should receive similar distributions quarterly.
With the MVP now in service, Midstream's future cash requirements will relate to regular monthly operating expenses, debt service and capital contributions. The Company received four quarterly cash distributions from MVP in fiscal 2025 totaling approximately $3.6 million, and should receive similar quarterly distributions going forward.
Total RNG revenue increased from approximately $712,000 in fiscal 2023 to $1,629,000 in fiscal 2024 as the facility was operational for a full twelve months in the current year compared to seven months in the prior year. See Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for more information on RNG.
Total RNG revenue increased from approximately $1,629,000 in fiscal 2024 to $1,760,000 in fiscal 2025. See Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for more information on RNG. The cost of natural gas is a pass-through cost and is independent of the Company's non-gas rates.
The changes in the components of the gross utility margin are summarized below: Years Ended September 30, Increase 2024 2023 (Decrease) Customer base charge $ 16,235,406 $ 15,713,521 $ 521,885 SAVE Plan 460,758 1,103,547 (642,789 ) Volumetric 25,600,298 23,925,200 1,675,098 WNA 3,760,540 3,005,249 755,291 ICC 727,825 966,851 (239,026 ) RNG 1,628,926 712,362 916,564 Other revenues 151,361 155,859 (4,498 ) Total $ 48,565,114 $ 45,582,589 $ 2,982,525 19 Table of Contents Reconciliation between gross utility margin and gross margin is presented below: Gas Utility Investment in Affiliates Consolidated Total For the Year Ended September 30, 2024: Operating revenues Gas utility $ 84,533,101 $ — $ 84,533,101 Non utility 108,131 — 108,131 Total operating revenues 84,641,232 — 84,641,232 Cost of sales Cost of gas - utility (35,967,987 ) — (35,967,987 ) Cost of sales - non utility (24,003 ) — (24,003 ) Depreciation and amortization (10,518,094 ) — (10,518,094 ) Operations and maintenance (18,215,354 ) (133,486 ) (18,348,840 ) Corporate and other — — (5,896 ) Total operations and maintenance (18,215,354 ) (133,486 ) (18,354,736 ) Total cost of sales (64,725,438 ) (133,486 ) (64,864,820 ) Gross margin (GAAP) 19,915,794 (133,486 ) 19,776,412 Corporate and other, net (84,128 ) — (78,232 ) Depreciation and amortization 10,518,094 — 10,518,094 Operations and maintenance 18,215,354 133,486 18,348,840 Gross utility margin (Non-GAAP) $ 48,565,114 $ — $ 48,565,114 Gas Utility Investment in Affiliates Consolidated Total For the Year Ended September 30, 2023: Operating revenues Gas utility $ 97,325,307 $ — $ 97,325,307 Non utility 114,458 — 114,458 Total operating revenues 97,439,765 — 97,439,765 Cost of sales Cost of gas - utility (51,742,718 ) — (51,742,718 ) Cost of sales - non utility (25,603 ) — (25,603 ) Depreciation and amortization (9,764,678 ) — (9,764,678 ) Operations and maintenance (15,669,677 ) (229,650 ) (15,899,327 ) Corporate and other — — (4,645 ) Total operations and maintenance (15,669,677 ) (229,650 ) (15,903,972 ) Total cost of sales (77,202,676 ) (229,650 ) (77,436,971 ) Gross margin (GAAP) 20,237,089 (229,650 ) 20,002,794 Corporate and other, net (88,855 ) — (84,210 ) Depreciation and amortization 9,764,678 — 9,764,678 Operations and maintenance 15,669,677 229,650 15,899,327 Gross utility margin (Non-GAAP) $ 45,582,589 $ — $ 45,582,589 Operations and Maintenance Expense - Operations and maintenance expense increased by $2,450,764, or 15%, over the prior year primarily due to inflationary effects on personnel costs, professional services, costs associated to operate and maintain the RNG facility and lower capitalized overheads.
The changes in the components of the gross utility margin are summarized below: Years Ended September 30, Increase 2025 2024 (Decrease) Customer base charge $ 16,334,578 $ 16,235,406 $ 99,172 SAVE Plan 1,588,240 460,758 1,127,482 Volumetric 31,151,138 25,600,298 5,550,840 WNA 1,055,552 3,760,540 (2,704,988 ) ICC 586,759 727,825 (141,066 ) RNG 1,760,287 1,628,926 131,361 Other revenues 204,435 151,361 53,074 Total $ 52,680,989 $ 48,565,114 $ 4,115,875 19 Table of Contents Reconciliation between gross utility margin and gross margin is presented below: Gas Utility Investment in Affiliates Consolidated Total For the Year Ended September 30, 2025: Operating revenues Gas utility $ 95,231,943 $ — $ 95,231,943 Non utility 102,269 — 102,269 Total operating revenues 95,334,212 — 95,334,212 Cost of sales Cost of gas - utility (42,550,954 ) — (42,550,954 ) Cost of sales - non utility (19,919 ) — (19,919 ) Depreciation and amortization (11,470,641 ) — (11,470,641 ) Operations and maintenance (19,729,415 ) (181,995 ) (19,911,410 ) Total cost of sales (73,770,929 ) (181,995 ) (73,952,924 ) Gross margin (GAAP) 21,563,283 (181,995 ) 21,381,288 Corporate and other, net (82,350 ) — (82,350 ) Depreciation and amortization 11,470,641 — 11,470,641 Operations and maintenance 19,729,415 181,995 19,911,410 Gross utility margin (Non-GAAP) $ 52,680,989 $ — $ 52,680,989 Gas Utility Investment in Affiliates Consolidated Total For the Year Ended September 30, 2024: Operating revenues Gas utility $ 84,533,101 $ — $ 84,533,101 Non utility 108,131 — 108,131 Total operating revenues 84,641,232 — 84,641,232 Cost of sales Cost of gas - utility (35,967,987 ) — (35,967,987 ) Cost of sales - non utility (24,003 ) — (24,003 ) Depreciation and amortization (10,518,094 ) — (10,518,094 ) Operations and maintenance (18,215,354 ) (133,486 ) (18,348,840 ) Corporate and other — — (5,896 ) Total operations and maintenance (18,215,354 ) (133,486 ) (18,354,736 ) Total cost of sales (64,725,438 ) (133,486 ) (64,864,820 ) Gross margin (GAAP) 19,915,794 (133,486 ) 19,776,412 Corporate and other, net (84,128 ) — (78,232 ) Depreciation and amortization 10,518,094 — 10,518,094 Operations and maintenance 18,215,354 133,486 18,348,840 Gross utility margin (Non-GAAP) $ 48,565,114 $ — $ 48,565,114 Operations and Maintenance Expense - Operations and maintenance expense increased by $1,556,674, or 8%, over the prior year primarily due to inflationary effects on personnel costs and contracted services, RNG-related costs and bad debt expense.
The current interest rate environment may result in lower interest costs associated with the Company's variable rate debt. Income Taxes - Income tax expense increased by $204,700, or 6%, corresponding to an increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 23.9% and 23.6% for fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Income Taxes - Income tax expense increased by $394,924, or 11%, corresponding to an increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 23.6% and 23.9% for fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate is below the combined statutory state and federal rate due to the amortization of excess deferred taxes and tax credits.
Operating Revenues Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Increase / (Decrease) Percentage Gas utility $ 84,533,101 $ 97,325,307 $ (12,792,206 ) (13 )% Non utility 108,131 114,458 (6,327 ) (6 )% Total operating revenues $ 84,641,232 $ 97,439,765 $ (12,798,533 ) (13 )% Delivered Volumes Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Increase / (Decrease) Percentage Regulated natural gas (DTH) Residential and commercial 6,252,546 6,408,436 (155,890 ) (2 )% Transportation and interruptible 3,796,224 3,776,569 19,655 1 % Total delivered volumes 10,048,770 10,185,005 (136,235 ) (1 )% HDD 3,094 3,290 (196 ) (6 )% 18 Table of Contents Total gas utility operating revenues for the year ended September 30, 2024 decreased by 13% from the year ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to significantly lower natural gas commodity prices and lower deliveries due to warmer weather more than offsetting the implementation of a non-gas base rate increase and increases in WNA and RNG revenues.
Operating Revenues Year Ended September 30, 2025 2024 Increase / (Decrease) Percentage Gas utility $ 95,231,943 $ 84,533,101 $ 10,698,842 13 % Non utility 102,269 108,131 (5,862 ) (5 )% Total operating revenues $ 95,334,212 $ 84,641,232 $ 10,692,980 13 % Delivered Volumes Year Ended September 30, 2025 2024 Increase Percentage Regulated natural gas (DTH): Residential and commercial 6,804,489 6,252,546 551,943 9 % Transportation and interruptible 4,688,926 3,796,224 892,702 24 % Total delivered volumes 11,493,415 10,048,770 1,444,645 14 % HDD 3,655 3,094 561 18 % 18 Table of Contents Total gas utility operating revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 increased by 13% from the year ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to the implementation of a non-gas base rate increase, along with higher delivered volumes, gas costs and SAVE revenues, partially offset by a decrease in WNA revenue.
In addition, there is potential for higher bad debts related to customers' inability to pay higher natural gas bills. 17 Table of Contents Inflation, due to supply chain delays, labor shortages and limited availability of critical supplies, among other factors, affects the Company through increases in non-gas expenses such as labor, employee benefits, materials and supplies, contracted services, corporate insurance and other areas.
In addition, there is potential for higher bad debts related to customers' inability to pay higher natural gas bills. 17 Table of Contents The Company continues to experience inflation over the 2% level targeted by the Federal Reserve.
During fiscal 2024, the Company realized $4.7 million from the issuance of 234,645 shares through the ATM program and DRIP activity compared to $3.9 million received from the issuance of 194,719 shares from those same activities, as well as the exercise of stock options, during the prior year.
In addition, during fiscal 2025, Resources issued a total of 88,409 shares of common stock, primarily from DRIP activity, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $1.8 million. No shares were issued through the ATM program during fiscal 2025. During fiscal 2024, the Company realized $4.7 million from the issuance of 234,645 shares through the ATM program and DRIP activity.