New Jersey Resources
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

www.njresources.com An Essential Commitment 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Safe, Reliable and Competitively Priced Service; Customer Satisfaction; Growth; Quality; Valuing Employees; Corporate Citizenship; Superior Return. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ quality of life by meeting their expectations for reliability and value in an environmentally responsible way — every day. TABLE OF CONTENTS Financial Performance Fiscal 2020 Performance Highlights Letter from the President and CEO Corporate Profile Directors and Officers Presenting Our 2020 Form 10-K Form 10-K Shareowner Information 2 3 6 10 12 14 15 IBC Our values—the connection to our community, our employees and our world is more important than ever. Financial Performance DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE PAYOUT RATIO* (On a net financial earnings (NFE)** basis) $0.97 $1.04 $1.11 $1.27 $1.19 $1.50 $1.25 $1.00 $0.75 $0.50 $0.25 $0.00 61% 60% 65% 60% 41% 75% 50% 25% 0% 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 * Based on Dividends Declared Per Share. ** Net Financial Earnings (NFE) is a financial measure not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of the United States as it excludes all unrealized and certain realized gains and losses associated with derivative instruments and net applicable tax adjustments. For further discussion and reconciliation to GAAP of this non-GAAP financial measure, see our fiscal 2020 Form 10-K. † Utility Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as natural gas revenues less natural gas costs, sales and other taxes and regulatory rider expenses, and may not be comparable to the definition of gross margin used by others in the natural gas distribution business and other industries. For further discussion and a reconciliation to GAAP of this non- GAAP financial measure, please see our fiscal 2020 Form 10-K. Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements— This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. NJR cautions readers that the assumptions forming the basis for forward-looking statements include many factors that are beyond NJR’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as estimates of future market conditions and the behavior of other market participants. Words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “should” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements and such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations, assumptions and beliefs as of this date concerning future developments and their potential effect upon NJR. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations, assumptions and beliefs or that the effect of future developments on NJR will be those anticipated by management. Forward-looking statements in this report include, but are not limited to, certain statements regarding NJR’s NFE guidance for fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2024, forecasted contribution of business segments to future NFE, our forecasted dividend growth rate, dividend payout ratio, the impact of a change to the accounting and financing of solar investments at NJR Clean Energy Ventures (CEV), efforts to de-risk our financial outlook, future growth of NJNG’s customer base and rate base, future NJR capital expenditures, investment programs and infrastructure investments, growth of CEV, including expansion of CEV’s footprint to markets outside of New Jersey, NJR’s environmental sustainability and clean energy goals, emissions reduction strategies, initiatives and targets, our investments in infrastructure, renewables and emerging technologies such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen gas, and completion of the construction of NJNG’s Southern Reliability Link. factors information and that could Additional cause actual results to differ materially from NJR’s expectations are contained in NJR’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including NJR’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings, which are available at the SEC’s web site, http://www.sec.gov. Information included in this report is representative as of today only and while NJR periodically reassesses material trends and uncertainties affecting NJR’s results of operations and financial condition in connection with its preparation of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition contained in its Quarterly and Annual Reports filed with the SEC, NJR does not, by including this statement, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement referenced herein in light of future events. Fiscal 2020 Performance Highlights $193.9 million Consolidated net income of $193.9 million, compared to $169.5 million in fiscal 2019. $196.2 million of Consolidated NFE** $196.2 million, or $2.07 per share, compared with $175 million, or $1.96 per share, last fiscal year. # 1 in customer satisfaction #1 in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the East among large utilities six years in a row, according to J.D. Power. 6.4% dividend increase 6.4% dividend increase to an annual rate of $1.33 per share for fiscal 2021. 25th year in a row 25th consecutive year New Jersey Resources (NJR) increased its dividend. 1,887 community organizations 1,887 nonprofit and community organizations supported by NJR and its volunteers. 50% reduction Achieved a 50% reduction in emissions from New Jersey operations from 2006 levels in fiscal 2020. $126.9 million $126.9 million in NFE reported by New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), compared to NFE of $78.1 million during fiscal 2019. $62.2 million $62.2 million increase to utility base rates supported NJNG’s fiscal 2020 NFE growth. 3 8,349 28,000-30,000 new utility customers new utility customers 8,349 new utility customers added; NJNG now serves more than 558,000 homeowners and businesses throughout New Jersey. Between 28,000 and 30,000 new utility customers expected to be added over the next three years, representing an annual customer growth rate of 1.7%. 84% complete $150 million 84% of the Southern Reliability Link (SRL) is complete; remaining work expected to be completed and the project placed into service in 2021. $150 million Infrastructure Investment Program approved in October 2020 to support the enhanced safety and reliability of NJNG’s natural gas distribution system. $25 million More than $25 million invested in energy- efficiency programs. 357 megawatts (MW) $1.1 billion saved $53 million Total installed capacity of 357 MW operated by NJR Clean Energy Ventures (CEV), or enough to power 55,900 homes annually. 4 Since inception in 1992, NJNG’s basic gas supply incentive programs saved customers $1.1 billion and generated $228 million in utility gross margin†. In fiscal 2020, shareowners earned $0.07 per share through these programs. NFE of $53 million at CEV, compared with NFE of $77.5 million in fiscal 2019; the change is a result of lower investment tax credits recognized on projects placed in service. $18.3 million $18.3 million of NFE at Storage and Transportation, formerly our Midstream segment, compared with $14.7 million last year; the increase is due to incremental operating income from Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway. 32.2 million dekatherm (dth) 32.2 million dth Leaf River Energy Company storage facility and Adelphia Gateway acquisitions complete. 78,000 service calls 78,000 service calls, nearly 4,000 HVAC and plumbing installations completed and a net customer retention rate of 99% achieved by our NJR Home Services team. 5 Letter from the President and CEO TO OUR SHAREOWNERS, Fiscal 2020 marks the close of my first full year as president and chief executive officer of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR). Looking back, it was a year unlike any other. Our team demonstrated the ability to execute our strategy through unprecedented conditions. We continued to build on our core strengths and delivered safe, reliable energy to our customers. We redefined what sustainability means for our company. And through these challenging times, we met our essential commitments to our customers, communities and shareowners. Never has this been more important. The outbreak of COVID-19 upended the world and changed virtually every aspect of our lives and our business. From the outset of this global health crisis, our team’s response has been outstanding. We successfully implemented our preparedness plans and adapted the way we do business, always putting the safety of our employees and customers first. We established new protocols for our front-line workers and a record 6 number of employees are now working remotely. Our team met the challenge and our business remains strong. As the pandemic continues to impact people’s livelihoods and force certain industries to pull back and shut down, this year we were proud to help nearly 1,900 community organizations throughout our service territory, including local food banks. Despite these extraordinary times, we continue to build on our core strengths — a strong financial profile, disciplined capital allocation, a diverse portfolio of regulated and unregulated energy infrastructure investments and a commitment to in meeting customers’ energy needs in a decarbonizing world — with a clear view and optimism for the future. In fiscal 2020, we executed on our plan and delivered NFE per share of $2.07. We also achieved our dividend growth target with an increase of 6.4% — the 25th consecutive year we’ve increased the dividend. Building on our track record of environmental responsibility, this year NJR rolled out a far-reaching sustainability agenda aligned with public policy that addresses climate impacts and ensures reliable and affordable energy. It encourages innovation, emissions reductions, expanded energy-efficiency programs and conservation. As a sustainability leader, we surpassed our goal of voluntarily reducing emissions from our New Jersey operations to 50% of 2006 levels. Complementing these efforts, we also issued $120 million of Green Bonds to fund eligible green initiatives, including our commercial solar projects. Through targeted infrastructure investments, NJNG operates a premier energy delivery system that is the most environmentally sound in the state, as measured by leaks per mile. In October 2020, NJNG received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for a new five-year, $150 million Infrastructure Investment Program designed to further strengthen the safety and reliability of our delivery system. NJNG also has one of the most successful energy- efficiency programs in the state. In fiscal 2020, we invested over $25 million in The SAVEGREEN Project® to help our customers save energy and money, as well as reduce their carbon footprint. We filed a new $249 million proposal with the BPU to enhance and expand our energy-efficiency offerings. Such efforts have already helped reduce our average customer’s natural gas consumption by 12% since 2006. NJNG made substantial progress on our SRL project. To date, 84% of the 30-mile pipeline has been installed, with the remaining work expected to be complete in 2021. Natural gas continues to deliver significant cost, reliability and environmental advantages over other fuel options and remains the preferred home heating choice in our service territory, with over 82% of households choosing NJNG to heat their homes. This year, NJNG added 8,349 new customers, and now serves 558,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey — and we expect to add between 28,000 and 30,000 new customers over the next three years. Storage and Transportation, formerly our Midstream segment, continued to grow with the addition of Leaf River Energy Center and Adelphia Gateway. For the first 7 time in our company’s history, we now own and operate a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-regulated interstate natural gas pipeline and storage facility. subsidiaries and improve the predictability and stability of our NFE. A leader in New Jersey’s solar marketplace, this year CEV placed eight commercial solar projects into service, acquired an operational commercial solar asset and added 481 residential and small-to-midsize commercial customers. Our total installed capacity is now 357 MW, or enough to power 55,900 homes annually. At our core, we are an energy infrastructure company. We deliver safe, reliable energy that is the foundation of our customers’ quality of life. Looking ahead, we have outlined a strategy for the coming years that will capitalize on our expertise and existing infrastructure. As always, we will undertake a disciplined approach to capital allocation and growing our businesses, while also investing in emerging technologies to stay ahead of change and ensure long-term value to our shareowners. Achieving growth at our core businesses, NJNG and CEV, will continue to be our focus. Additionally, we are taking action to de-risk the financial outlook across our 8 Over the next four years we will deploy approximately $2.6 billion of capital, most of which will be allocated to our core businesses — approximately 60% to NJNG and 30% to CEV. These will remain the growth engines of our business and are projected to contribute a substantial portion of our NFE and cash flows going forward. NJNG will continue to account for the largest contribution to our NFE. We expect double digit rate base CAGR through fiscal 2024, and NFE contributions in the 60% to 70% range over the long term. Additionally, our investments in reliability and sustainability have created a world-class distribution system that will allow us to deliver reliable low-carbon fuels, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen, to further our emissions reduction goals. CEV is poised to dramatically accelerate its growth over the coming years. National carbon reduction targets and mandates will create robust investment opportunities in the renewable space, and CEV will begin to expand its footprint outside of New Jersey to capture these opportunities. While a change to the accounting and financing of solar investments at CEV is expected to have a short-term negative effect in fiscal 2021, we expect NFE per share growth to rebound in fiscal 2022 and then grow between 6% and 10% annually through 2024. We are also raising the upper end of the dividend growth range forecast from 6%-8% to 6%-10% and plan to maintain a reasonable payout ratio along the way. We believe this change, along with our capital investments and efforts to de-risk our financial outlook, will provide more certainty and clarity into our guidance and growth projections going forward. Our achievements in fiscal 2020 and our outlook for the years ahead reflect the strength of our portfolio of complementary businesses and the talent of our employees, who are the driving force behind all we do. I would like to thank our entire team for their hard work in this extraordinarily challenging year, especially the members of IBEW Local 1820. We value the strong and collaborative relationships we have with our regulators and policymakers, and we are committed to helping New Jersey achieve its energy goals in a manner that preserves affordability, maintains reliability and generates value for investors. We have an active and engaged board of directors, and I appreciate their counsel and expertise as we focus on delivering performance for our shareowners, customers and communities into the future. I’m also pleased to welcome our newest director, Susan Hardwick. I look forward to working with her and am confident that with her experience in the utility and financial sectors she will be an asset to our board. I hope you will join us at our Annual Meeting on January 20, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., ET, via webcast. Please see our proxy statement for details on how to attend. Thank you for your investment and confidence in NJR. We work hard every day to reward your trust. Sincerely, Steve Westhoven President and CEO 9 Corporate Profile New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, storage, asset management and home services. NJR is composed of five primary businesses: New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR’s principal subsidiary, operates and maintains over 7,500 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve over half a million customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties. NJR Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates solar projects with a total capacity of more than 350 megawatts, providing residential and commercial customers with low-carbon solutions. NJR Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas storage and transportation assets and provides physical natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its customers across North America. 10 Storage and Transportation (formerly NJR Midstream) serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers through its ownership of Adelphia Gateway, Leaf River Energy Center and 50 percent equity ownership in the Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility, as well as its 20 percent equity interest in the PennEast Pipeline Project. NJR Home Services provides service contracts, as well as heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products, to residential homes throughout New Jersey. NJR and its more than 1,100 employees are committed to helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight Advantage®. For more information about NJR, visit njresources.com, follow us on Twitter @NJNaturalGas, “like” us on facebook.com/NewJerseyNaturalGas and download our free NJR investor relations app for iPad, iPhone and Android. 11 Directors and Officers NEW JERSEY RESOURCES Directors Donald L. Correll, 70 (A,B,C) Chairman of the Board New Jersey Resources Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder Water Capital Partners, LLC (2008) Gregory E. Aliff, 67 (A,B) Partner (retired) Deloitte & Touche LLP (2019) James H. DeGraffenreidt Jr., 67 (D) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (retired) WGL Holdings, Inc. (2019) Date represents year director joined NJR board. (A) Member of Audit Committee (B) Member of Executive Committee (C) Member of Leadership Development and Compensation Committee (D) Member of Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee As of January 1, 2021. Sharon C. Taylor, 66 (B,C,D) Senior Vice President Human Resources (retired) Prudential Financial (2012) David A. Trice, 72 (C,D) President and Chief Executive Officer (retired) Newfield Exploration Company (2004) Stephen D. Westhoven, 52 (B) President and Chief Executive Officer New Jersey Resources (2018) George R. Zoffinger, 72 (A,D) President and Chief Executive Officer Constellation Capital Corporation (1996) Robert B. Evans, 72 (A) President and Chief Executive Officer (retired) Duke Energy Americas (2009) M. Susan Hardwick, 58 (A) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer American Water Works Company, Inc. (2020) M. William Howard Jr., 74 (C,D) Pastor (retired) Bethany Baptist Church (2005) Jane M. Kenny, 69 (B,C,D) Co-owner and Managing Partner The Whitman Strategy Group, LLC (2006) Thomas C. O’Connor, 64 (A) Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (retired) DCP Midstream, LLC (2017) 12 NEW JERSEY RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES Officers Stephen D. Westhoven, 52 (1,2,3,4,5,7) President and Chief Executive Officer (1990) Date represents year of affiliation with an NJR company. Affiliations: (1) New Jersey Resources (2) New Jersey Natural Gas (3) NJR Clean Energy Ventures (4) NJR Energy Services (5) NJR Midstream (6) NJR Home Services (7) NJR Service Corporation Sean N. Annitto, 52 (4) Vice President—NJR Energy Services (1996) Roberto Bel, 48 (1,2,3,4,5,7) Vice President — Treasury and Investor Relations (2019) John C. Bremner, 62 (5) Vice President-Midstream (2019) Amy Cradic, 49 (1,3,4,5) Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Non-Utility Businesses, Strategy and External Affairs (2018) Keith S. Hartman, 59 (7) Vice President—NJR Retail (2015) David Johnson, 52 (1) Vice President—Corporate Business Development (2002) Mark G. Kahrer, 58 (2) Vice President—Regulatory Affairs, Marketing and Energy Efficiency (2017) James W. Kent, 51 (1) Corporate Risk Officer (2013) Craig A. Lynch, 59 (2) Senior Vice President—Energy Delivery and Customer Service (1984) Thomas J. Massaro Jr., 54 (6,7) Senior Vice President—NJR Retail and President, NJR Home Services (1989) Patrick J. Migliaccio, 46 (1,3,4,5,6,7) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2009) Amanda E. Mullan, 54 (1,7) Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (2015) Richard Reich, 46 (1,2,3,4,5,7) Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel (2006) Ginger P. Richman, 56 (5) Vice President-Midstream (2003) Kraig E. Sanders, 55 (2) Vice President—New Jersey Natural Gas (1987) Jacqueline K. Shea, 56 (1,7) Vice President and Chief Information Officer (2016) Timothy F. Shea, 55 (4) Vice President — NJR Energy Services (1998) Mark F. Valori, 57 (3) Vice President — NJR Clean Energy Ventures (2010) Nancy A. Washington, 56 (1,2,3,4,5,7) Senior Vice President and General Counsel (2017) John B. Wyckoff, 53 (2) Vice President—New Jersey Natural Gas (1989) 13 Presenting Our 2020 Form 10-K Our 2020 Form 10-K includes financial statements PART I: NJR’s business includes: for NJR. It also includes detailed information about each • Detailed descriptions of NJR subsidiaries of our subsidiaries and the competitive environments of • Risk factors related to our business our businesses, properties we own and other matters. • Information about our executive officers • Description of properties owned and operated All publicly held companies in the United States are by NJR required to file a Form 10-K report with the U.S. • Legal proceedings Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) every year. Our Form 10-K is required by the rules and regulations of the SEC to contain certain company information in addition to the financial information included in our previous annual reports to shareowners. We are supplying our 2020 Form 10-K (without exhibits) consistent with our commitment to provide transparency and full disclosure to our shareowners. The 2020 Form 10-K is amended, supplemented and updated by any amendment we may file, and by all of the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K we file or furnish with the SEC during the year. We urge you to read all such reports. Copies may be obtained as described under “Request for Documents” on the inside back cover of this Annual Report. PART II: Market for Common Shares and Financial Statements in Items 5 and 6 include: • Selected financial data for NJR Items 7 and 7A include: • Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations • Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk Items 8 and 9 include: • Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting • Report of independent registered public accounting firm • Financial statements and notes for NJR • Supplementary financial information (unaudited) Form 10-K Overview PART III: Information about board members, executive This Annual Report is not a part of, and should not officers, governance, shareowners and auditors includes: be considered to be included in, our 2020 Form 10-K. • members of the board of directors and Use the following listing, which includes highlights of the executive officers; 2020 Form 10-K, to help you find information easily. A • corporate governance; comprehensive Table of Contents with the page number • executive compensation; for each item can be found on page “i” of the 2020 • NJR’s shareowners and related matters; • related-person transactions; • director independence; and • accounting fees, each of which are incorporated by reference to NJR’s proxy statement. PART IV: Exhibits and signatures include: • Index of exhibits • Signatures of members of the board of directors and certain officers Form 10-K. 14 Form 10-K 15 – UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 OR ☐ 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 001-08359 NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 1415 Wyckoff Road, Wall, New Jersey 07719 (Address of principal executive offices) 22-2376465 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) (732) 938‑1000 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Stock ‑ $2.50 Par Value Trading symbol(s) NJR Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None Name of each exchange on which registered) New York Stock Exchange Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ Yes ☒ No 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 pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer ☒ ☐ 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $3,248,998,994 based on the closing price of $33.97 per share on March 31, 2020, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. The number of shares outstanding of $2.50 par value common stock as of November 26, 2020 was 96,132,545. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners (Proxy Statement) to be held on January 20, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part III of this report. New Jersey Resources Corporation TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART I ITEM 1. ITEM 1A. ITEM 1B. ITEM 2. ITEM 3. ITEM 4. PART II ITEM 5. ITEM 6. ITEM 7. ITEM 7A. ITEM 8. ITEM 9. ITEM 9A. ITEM 9B. PART III* ITEM 10. ITEM 11. ITEM 12. ITEM 13. ITEM 14. PART IV ITEM 15. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporting Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Gas Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clean Energy Ventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Energy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage and Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Business Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home Services and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information About our Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 1. Nature of the Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 3. Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 4. Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 5. Derivative Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 6. Fair Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 7. Investments in Equity Investees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 8. Earnings Per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 9. Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 12. Asset Retirement Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 13. Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 14. Leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 16. Common Stock Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 17. Reporting Segment and Other Operations Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 18. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 19. Acquisitions and Dispositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note 20. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index to Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Portions of Item 10 and Items 11-14 are Incorporated by Reference from the Proxy Statement. i Page 1 3 4 4 5 7 10 10 12 13 13 13 13 15 15 25 25 26 27 28 29 31 63 67 67 68 73 78 78 78 90 97 100 106 108 110 110 115 118 123 124 128 130 132 133 136 136 139 140 140 140 141 141 141 141 141 142 143 145 151 New Jersey Resources Corporation GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS Adelphia Gateway AFUDC ARO ASC ASU Bcf BGSS BPU Bridge Facility CARES Act CIP CME COVID-19 CR&R Degree-day Dominion DM DM Common Units DRP Dths EDA EDA Bonds EDECA EE Energy Services EPS ERP Exchange Act FASB FCM FERC Financial Margin Fitch FMB GAAP GWRA HCCTR Home Services and Other ICE IEC IIP IRS ISDA ITC LDCC Leaf River LIBOR LNG Loan Agreement MGP MMBtu Moody’s Mortgage Indenture MW Adelphia Gateway, LLC Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Asset Retirement Obligations Accounting Standards Codification Accounting Standards Update Billion Cubic Feet Basic Gas Supply Service New Jersey Board of Public Utilities The $350 million term loan credit agreement Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Conservation Incentive Program Chicago Mercantile Exchange Novel coronavirus disease Commercial Realty & Resources Corp. The measure of the variation in the weather based on the extent to which the average daily temperature falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit Dominion Energy, Inc. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, L.P., a master limited partnership Common units representing limited partnership interests in DM NJR Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dekatherms New Jersey Economic Development Authority Bonds issued to NJNG by the EDA Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act Energy Efficiency Energy Services segment Earnings Per Share Enterprise Resource Planning Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended Financial Accounting Standards Board Futures Commission Merchant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission A non-GAAP financial measure, which represents revenues earned from the sale of natural gas less costs of natural gas sold including any transportation and storage costs, and excludes any accounting impact from the change in the fair value of certain derivative instruments Fitch Ratings Company First Mortgage Bonds Generally Accepted Accounting Principles of the United States Global Warming Response Act of 2007 Health Care Cost Trend Rate Home Services and Other Operations Intercontinental Exchange Interstate Energy Company, LLC Infrastructure Investment Program Internal Revenue Service The International Swaps and Derivatives Association Investment Tax Credit Leadership Development and Compensation Committee Leaf River Energy Center LLC London Inter-Bank Offered Rate Liquefied Natural Gas Loan Agreement between the EDA and NJNG Manufactured Gas Plant Million British Thermal Units Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. The Amended and Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association dated as of September 1, 2014, as amended Megawatts Page 1 New Jersey Resources Corporation GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS (cont.) MWh NAESB NAV Natural Gas Act NFE NJ RISE NJCEP NJDEP NJNG NJNG Credit Facility NJR Credit Facility NJR or The Company NJRCEV NJRES NJRHS NJRRS Non-GAAP NPNS NYMEX OASDI O&M OPEB PBO PennEast PEP PIM PPA Prudential Facility PTC RAC REC S&P SAFE I SAFE II Sarbanes-Oxley SAVEGREEN Savings Plan SBC SEC Securities Act SREC SRL Steckman Ridge Talen TETCO The Tax Act Third Circuit Storage and Transportation Trustee TSR U.S. Union USF Megawatt Hour The North American Energy Standards Board Net Asset Value The Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended; the federal law regulating interstate natural gas pipeline and storage companies, among other things, codified beginning at 15 U.S.C. Section 717. Net Financial Earnings New Jersey Reinvestment in System Enhancement New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection New Jersey Natural Gas Company or Natural Gas Distribution segment The $250 million unsecured committed credit facility expiring in December 2023 The $425 million unsecured committed credit facility expiring in December 2023 New Jersey Resources Corporation NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation or Clean Energy Ventures Segment NJR Energy Services Company NJR Home Services Company NJR Retail Services Company Not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles of the United States Normal Purchase/Normal Sale New York Mercantile Exchange Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance tax Operations and Maintenance Other Postemployment Benefit Plans Projected Benefit Obligation PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC Pension Equalization Plan Pipeline Integrity Management Power Purchase Agreement NJR’s unsecured, uncommitted private placement shelf note agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. Production Tax Credit Remediation Adjustment Clause Renewable Energy Certificate Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC Safety Acceleration and Facility Enhancement Program, Phase I Safety Acceleration and Facility Enhancement Program, Phase II Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 The SAVEGREEN Project® Employees’ Retirement Savings Plan Societal Benefits Charge Securities and Exchange Commission Securities Act of 1933, as amended Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Southern Reliability Link Collectively, Steckman Ridge GP, LLC and Steckman Ridge, LP Talen Energy Marketing, LLC or Talen Generation, LLC Texas Eastern Transmission An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018, previously known as The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Storage and Transportation segment, formerly Midstream segment U.S. Bank National Association Total Shareholder Return The United States of America International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1820 Universal Service Fund Page 2 New Jersey Resources Corporation INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this report, including, without limitation, statements as to management expectations, assumptions and beliefs presented in Part I, Item 1. Business and Item 3. Legal Proceedings, and in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, and in the notes to the financial statements, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “plan” or “should” or comparable terminology and are made based upon management’s current expectations, assumptions and beliefs as of this date concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations, assumptions or beliefs, or that the effect of future developments on us will be those anticipated by management. We caution readers that the expectations, assumptions and beliefs that form the basis for forward-looking statements regarding customer growth, customer usage, qualifications for ITCs, RECs, future rate case proceedings, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, capital requirements, future capital expenditures, market risk, effective tax rate and other matters for fiscal 2021 and thereafter include many factors that are beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely, such as estimates of future market conditions, the behavior of other market participants and changes in the debt and equity capital markets. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, assumptions and beliefs include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, as well as the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • risks related to the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, financial performance and condition and cash flows; our ability to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals, land-use rights, electric grid connection (in the case of clean energy projects) and/or financing for the construction, development and operation of our unregulated energy investments, pipeline transportation systems and NJNG and Storage and Transportation infrastructure projects, including PennEast and Adelphia Gateway, in a timely manner; risks associated with our investments in clean energy projects, including the availability of regulatory incentives and federal tax credits, the availability of viable projects, our eligibility for ITCs, the future market for SRECs, TRECs and electricity prices, and operational risks related to projects in service; risks associated with acquisitions and the related integration of acquired assets with our current operations, including the acquisition of Adelphia Gateway and Leaf River; our ability to comply with current and future regulatory requirements; volatility of natural gas and other commodity prices and their impact on NJNG customer usage, NJNG’s BGSS incentive programs, our Energy Services segment operations and our risk management efforts; the performance of our subsidiaries; access to adequate supplies of natural gas and dependence on third-party storage and transportation facilities for natural gas supply; the level and rate at which NJNG’s costs and expenses are incurred and the extent to which they are approved for recovery from customers through the regulatory process, including through future base rate case filings; the impact of a disallowance of recovery of environmental-related expenditures and other regulatory changes; the regulatory and pricing policies of federal and state regulatory agencies; operating risks incidental to handling, storing, transporting and providing customers with natural gas; demographic changes in our service territory and their effect on our customer growth; timing of qualifying for ITCs due to delays or failures to complete planned solar projects and the resulting impact on our effective tax rate and earnings; changes in rating agency requirements and/or credit ratings and their effect on availability and cost of capital to the Company; the impact of volatility in the equity and credit markets on our access to capital; our ability to comply with debt covenants; the results of legal or administrative proceedings with respect to claims, rates, environmental issues, natural gas cost prudence reviews and other matters; risks related to cyberattacks or failure of information technology systems; the impact to the asset values and resulting higher costs and funding obligations of our pension and postemployment benefit plans as a result of potential downturns in the financial markets, lower discount rates, revised actuarial assumptions or impacts associated with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; commercial and wholesale credit risks, including the availability of creditworthy customers and counterparties, and liquidity in the wholesale energy trading market; accounting effects and other risks associated with hedging activities and use of derivatives contracts; our ability to optimize our physical assets; weather and economic conditions; the costs of compliance with present and future environmental laws, potential climate change-related legislation or any legislation resulting from the 2019 New Jersey Energy Master Plan; uncertainties related to litigation, regulatory, administrative or environmental proceedings; changes to tax laws and regulations; any potential need to record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets; the impact of natural disasters, terrorist activities and other extreme events on our operations and customers; risks related to our employee workforce and succession planning; risks associated with the management of our joint ventures and partnerships; and risks associated with keeping pace with technological change. While we periodically reassess material trends and uncertainties affecting our results of operations and financial condition in connection with the preparation of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition contained in our Quarterly and Annual Reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, respectively, we do not, by including this statement, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement referenced herein in light of future events. Page 3 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE New Jersey Resources Corporation is a New Jersey corporation formed in 1981 pursuant to a corporate reorganization. We are a diversified energy services holding company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas through a regulated utility, providing other retail and wholesale energy services to customers and investing in clean energy projects and natural gas storage and transportation assets. We are an exempt holding company under section 1263 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Our primary subsidiaries include: New Jersey Natural Gas Company provides regulated retail natural gas utility service to approximately 558,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties in New Jersey and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. NJNG, a local natural gas distribution company, is regulated by the BPU and comprises the Company’s Natural Gas Distribution segment and is referred to herein as NJNG or Natural Gas Distribution. NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation includes the results of operations and assets related to the Company’s unregulated capital investments in clean energy projects, including commercial and residential solar projects. NJRCEV comprises the Company’s Clean Energy Ventures segment and is referred to herein as Clean Energy Ventures. NJR Energy Services Company maintains and transacts around a portfolio of physical assets consisting of natural gas transportation and storage contracts in the U.S. and Canada. NJRES also provides unregulated wholesale energy management services to other energy companies and natural gas producers. NJRES comprises our Energy Services segment and is referred to herein as Energy Services. NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation, which comprises the Storage and Transportation segment, formerly known as the Midstream segment, invests in energy-related ventures through its subsidiaries. Investments include NJR Steckman Ridge Storage Company, which holds our 50 percent combined ownership interest in Steckman Ridge, located in Pennsylvania, and NJR Midstream Company, formerly NJR Pipeline Company, which includes our 20 percent ownership interest in PennEast, our wholly-owned subsidiaries of Leaf River, located in southeastern Mississippi, and Adelphia Gateway, located in eastern Pennsylvania, and are subject to FERC regulation. See Note 7. Investments in Equity Investees for more information on Steckman Ridge and PennEast. NJR Home Services Company provides heating, ventilation and cooling service, sales and installation of appliances to approximately 107,000 service contract customers, as well as solar installation projects, and is the primary contributor to Home Services and Other operations. Page 4 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) REPORTING SEGMENTS We operate within four reporting segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services and Storage and Transportation, formerly known as Midstream. The Natural Gas Distribution segment consists of regulated natural gas services, off-system sales, capacity and storage management operations. The Energy Services segment consists of unregulated wholesale and retail energy operations, as well as energy management services. The Clean Energy Ventures segment consists of capital investments in clean energy projects. The Storage and Transportation segment consists of investments in the natural gas storage and transportation market, such as natural gas storage and transportation facilities. Net income by reporting segment and other business operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: Energy Services incurred a net loss of $11 million and $1.3 million in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is not shown clearly in the above graph. Assets composition by reporting segment and other business operations at September 30, are as follows: 2020 2019 Assets at Home Services and Other are immaterial, which is not shown clearly in the above charts. Page 5 ($ in Thousands)$193,919$193,919$169,505$169,505$233,436$233,436$126,902$78,062$84,048$53,023$77,473$75,849$53,139$18,311$14,689$24,367Natural Gas DistributionClean Energy VenturesEnergy ServicesStorage and TransportationHome Services and Other202020192018$0$20,000$40,000$60,000$80,000$100,000$120,000$140,000$160,000$180,000$200,000$220,000$240,000Natural GasDistribution,63%Clean EnergyVentures,18%EnergyServices, 4%Storage andTransportation,15%HomeServices andOther, 0%Natural GasDistribution,69%Clean EnergyVentures, 19%EnergyServices, 7%Storage andTransportation,5%Home Servicesand Other, 0% New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) Management uses NFE, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating our operating results. NFE is a measure of the earnings based on eliminating timing differences surrounding the recognition of certain gains or losses to effectively match the earnings effects of the economic hedges with the physical sale of natural gas and, therefore, eliminates the impact of volatility to GAAP earnings associated with the derivative instruments. Energy Services economically hedges its natural gas inventory with financial derivative instruments and calculates the related tax effect based on the statutory rate. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP measure. The following is a reconciliation of consolidated net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to NFE for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands) Net income Add: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect NFE (1) Basic earnings per share Add: 2020 2019 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 2018 2,881 (711) 4,309 (1,024) (9,644) 2,296 12,690 (3,016) 26,770 (4,512) (22,570) 7,362 $ 196,245 $ 174,960 $ 240,486 2.66 $ 2.05 $ 1.90 $ Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Basic NFE per share (0.10) 0.02 0.13 (0.03) 2.07 $ 0.03 (0.01) 0.05 (0.01) 1.96 $ 0.31 (0.05) (0.26) 0.08 2.74 $ (1) NFE during fiscal 2018 was $59.6 million, or $0.68 per share, higher due to the revaluation of deferred taxes resulting from the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate related to the Tax Act. NFE by reporting segment and other business operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: NFE at Energy Services had a loss of $7.9 million in fiscal 2020 and income of $2.9 million in fiscal 2019, which is not shown clearly in the above graph. Page 6 ($ in Thousands)$196,245$196,245$174,960$174,960$240,486$240,486$126,902$78,062$84,048$53,023$77,473$75,849$60,378$18,311$14,689$24,367Natural Gas DistributionClean Energy VenturesEnergy ServicesStorage and TransportationHome Services and Other202020192018$0$25,000$50,000$75,000$100,000$125,000$150,000$175,000$200,000$225,000$250,000 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) Natural Gas Distribution General Our Natural Gas Distribution segment consists of regulated utility operations that provide natural gas service to approximately 558,000 customers. NJNG’s service territory includes Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties in New Jersey. It encompasses 1,516 square miles, covering 105 municipalities with an estimated population of 1.5 million people. It is primarily suburban, highlighted by approximately 100 miles of New Jersey coastline. It is in close proximity to New York City, Philadelphia and the metropolitan areas of northern New Jersey and is accessible through a network of major roadways and mass transportation. NJNG’s business is subject to various risks, such as those associated with adverse economic conditions, which can negatively impact customer growth and operating and financing costs; fluctuations in commodity prices, which can impact customer usage; customer conservation efforts; certain regulatory actions; and environmental remediation. It is often difficult to predict the impact of trends associated with these risks. NJNG employs strategies to manage the challenges it faces, including pursuing customer conversions from other fuel sources and monitoring new construction markets through contact with developers, utilizing incentive programs through BPU-approved mechanisms to reduce natural gas costs, pursuing rate and other regulatory strategies designed to stabilize and decouple gross margin, and working actively with consultants and the NJDEP to manage expectations related to its obligations associated with its former MGP sites. Operating Revenues/Throughput For the fiscal years ended September 30, operating revenues and throughput by customer class for our Natural Gas Distribution segment are as follows: ($ in thousands) Residential Commercial and other Firm transportation Total residential and commercial Interruptible Total system BGSS incentive programs (1) Total 2020 Bcf Operating Revenue (2) 44.6 $ 500,271 8.2 98,463 13.3 66,871 66.1 665,605 30.9 6,322 671,927 97.0 57,996 118.4 $ 729,923 215.4 2019 2018 Bcf Operating Revenue (2) $ 450,515 104,372 57,513 612,400 6,637 46.0 9.7 13.7 69.4 39.0 619,037 108.4 37.8 91,756 $ 710,793 146.2 Bcf Operating Revenue $ 441,486 95,351 65,256 602,093 7,522 45.5 8.9 15.5 69.9 46.2 609,615 116.1 42.8 122,250 $ 731,865 158.9 (1) Does not include 86.3, 86 and 107.4 Bcf for the capacity release program and related amounts of $3.1 million, $4.1 million and $5.7 million, which are recorded as a reduction of natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. (2) Operating revenue presents sales tax, net during fiscal 2020 and 2019, due to the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. During fiscal 2018, operating revenue only included sales tax on operating revenues excluding tax-exempt sales. NJNG added 8,349 and 9,711 new customers and added natural gas heat and other services to another 260 and 218 existing customers in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. NJNG expects its new customer annual growth rate to continue to be approximately 1.7 percent with projected additions in the range of approximately 28,000 to 30,000 new customers over the next three fiscal years. This anticipated customer growth represents approximately $6.3 million in new annual utility gross margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, as calculated under NJNG’s current CIP tariff. For a definition of utility gross margin see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Natural Gas Distribution Segment. In fiscal 2020, no single customer represented more than 10 percent of consolidated operating revenues. Seasonality of Natural Gas Revenues Therm sales are significantly affected by weather conditions, with customer demand being greatest during the winter months when natural gas is used for heating purposes. The relative measurement of the impact of weather is in degree-days. Degree-day data is used to estimate amounts of energy required to maintain comfortable indoor temperature levels based on each day’s average temperature. A degree-day is the measure of the variation in the weather based on the extent to which the average daily temperature falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree of temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit is counted as one heating degree-day. Normal heating degree-days are based on a 20-year average, calculated based on three reference areas representative of NJNG’s service territory. Page 7 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) The CIP, a mechanism authorized by the BPU, stabilizes NJNG’s utility gross margin, regardless of variations in weather. In addition, the CIP decouples the link between utility gross margin and customer usage, allowing NJNG to promote energy conservation measures. Recovery of utility gross margin is subject to additional conditions, including an earnings test, a revenue test and an evaluation of BGSS-related savings achieved over a 12-month period. In May 2014, the BPU approved the continuation of the CIP program. Concurrent with its annual BGSS filing, NJNG files for an annual review of its CIP, during which time it can request rate changes, as appropriate. For additional information regarding the CIP, including rate actions and impact to margin, see Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Natural Gas Distribution Segment. Natural Gas Supply Firm Natural Gas Supplies In fiscal 2020, NJNG purchased natural gas from approximately 65 suppliers under contracts ranging from one day to one year and purchased over 10 percent of its natural gas from one supplier. NJNG believes the loss of this supplier would not have a material adverse impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as an adequate number of alternative suppliers exist. NJNG believes that its supply strategy should adequately meet its expected firm load for the upcoming winter season. Firm Transportation and Storage Capacity NJNG maintains agreements for firm transportation and storage capacity with several interstate pipeline companies to take delivery of firm natural gas supplies, which ensures the ability to reliably service its customers. NJNG receives natural gas at 10 citygate stations located in Middlesex, Morris and Passaic counties in New Jersey. The pipeline companies that provide firm transportation service to NJNG’s citygate stations, the maximum daily deliverability of that capacity and the contract expiration dates are as follows: Pipeline Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P. Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp. Algonquin Gas Transmission Total Dths(1) 300,738 50,000 55,166 210,606 12,000 628,510 Expiration Various dates between 2021 and 2025 Various dates between 2024 and 2030 Various dates between 2021 and 2024 Various dates between 2021 and 2033 2022 (1) Numbers are shown net of any capacity release contracted amounts. Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc., formerly known as Dominion Energy Transmission, Inc. provides NJNG firm contract transportation service and supplies the pipelines included in the table above. In addition, NJNG has storage contracts that provide an additional 102,941 Dths of maximum daily deliverability to NJNG’s citygate stations from storage fields in its Northeast market area. The storage suppliers, the maximum daily deliverability of that storage capacity and the contract expiration dates are as follows: Pipeline Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp. Total Dths 94,557 8,384 102,941 Expiration 2022 2028 NJNG also has upstream storage contracts. The maximum daily deliverability and contract expiration dates are as follows: Company Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. Steckman Ridge, L.P. Central New York Oil & Gas Total Expiration Various dates between 2023 and 2026 2025 2023 Dths 251,829 38,000 25,337 315,166 Page 8 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) NJNG utilizes its transportation contracts to transport natural gas to NJNG’s citygates from the Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc., Steckman Ridge and Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC storage fields. NJNG has sufficient firm transportation, storage and supply capacity to fully meet its firm sales contract obligations. Citygate Supplies from Energy Services NJNG has several citygate supply agreements with Energy Services. NJNG and Energy Services have an agreement where NJNG releases 10,000 Dths/day of TETCO capacity, 2,200 Dths/day of Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. capacity, 10,728 Dths/day of Tennessee Gas Pipeline capacity and 1.6 million Dths of Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC storage capacity to Energy Services for the period of April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021. NJNG can call upon a supply of up to 20,000 Dths/day delivered to NJNG’s TETCO citygate. Energy Services manages the storage inventory and NJNG can call on that storage supply as needed at NJNG’s Tennessee citygate or storage point. NJNG also has agreements where it releases 160,000 Dths/day of its TETCO capacity to Energy Services for the period of April 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021. Under these agreements, NJNG can call upon a supply of up to 160,000 Dths/day delivered to its TETCO citygate as needed. See Note 18. Related Party Transactions in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these transactions. Peaking Supply To manage its winter peak day demand, NJNG maintains two LNG facilities with a combined deliverability of approximately 170,000 Dths/day, which represents approximately 18 percent of its estimated peak day sendout. NJNG’s liquefaction facility allows NJNG to convert natural gas into LNG to fill NJNG’s existing LNG storage tanks. See Item 2. Properties - Natural Gas Distribution for additional information regarding the LNG storage facilities. Basic Gas Supply Service BGSS is a BPU-approved clause designed to allow for the recovery of natural gas commodity costs on an annual basis. The clause requires all New Jersey natural gas utilities to make an annual filing by each June 1 for review of BGSS rates and to request a potential rate change effective the following October 1. The BGSS also allows each natural gas utility to provisionally increase residential and small commercial customer BGSS rates on December 1 and February 1 for up to a five percent increase to the average residential heat customer’s bill on a self-implementing basis with proper notice. Such increases are subject to subsequent BPU review and final approval. In addition to making periodic rate adjustments to reflect changes in commodity prices, NJNG is also permitted to refund or credit back a portion of the commodity costs to customers when the natural gas commodity costs decrease in comparison to amounts projected or to amounts previously collected from customers. Decreases in the BGSS rate and BGSS refunds can be implemented with five days’ notice to the BPU. Rate changes, as well as other regulatory actions related to BGSS, are discussed further in Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Wholesale natural gas prices are, by their nature, volatile. NJNG mitigates the impact of volatile price changes on customers through the use of financial derivative instruments, which are part of its storage incentive program and its BGSS clause. Future Natural Gas Supplies NJNG expects to meet the natural gas requirements for existing and projected firm customers. If NJNG’s long-term natural gas requirements change, NJNG expects to renegotiate and restructure its contract portfolio to better match the changing needs of its customers and changing natural gas supply landscape. Regulation and Rates State NJNG is subject to the jurisdiction of the BPU with respect to a wide range of matters such as base rates and regulatory rider rates, the issuance of securities, the safety and adequacy of service, the manner of keeping its accounts and records, the sufficiency of natural gas supply, pipeline safety, environmental issues, compliance with affiliate standards and the sale or encumbrance of its properties. See Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding NJNG’s rate proceedings. Page 9 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) Federal FERC regulates rates charged by interstate pipeline companies for the transportation and storage of natural gas. This affects NJNG’s agreements with several interstate pipeline companies for the purchase of such services. Costs associated with these services are currently recoverable through the BGSS. Competition Although its franchises are nonexclusive, NJNG is not currently subject to competition from other natural gas distribution utilities with regard to the transportation of natural gas in its service territory. Due to significant distances between NJNG’s current large industrial customers and the nearest interstate natural gas pipelines, as well as the availability of its transportation tariff, NJNG currently does not believe it has significant exposure to the risk that its distribution system will be bypassed. Competition does exist from suppliers of oil, electricity and propane. At the present time, however, natural gas is used in over 95 percent of new construction due to its efficiency, reliability and price advantage. Natural gas prices are a function of market supply and demand. Although NJNG believes natural gas will remain competitive with alternate fuels, no assurance can be given in this regard. The BPU, within the framework of the EDECA, fully opened NJNG’s residential markets to competition, including third- party suppliers, and restructured rates to segregate its BGSS and delivery (i.e., transportation) prices. New Jersey’s natural gas utilities must provide BGSS in the absence of a third-party supplier. On September 30, 2020, NJNG had 22,420 residential and 9,184 commercial and industrial customers utilizing the transportation service. Clean Energy Ventures Our Clean Energy Ventures segment invests in, owns and operates clean energy projects, including commercial and residential solar installations located in New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. As of September 30, 2020, Clean Energy Ventures has constructed a total of 357.4 MW of solar capacity in New Jersey that has qualified for ITCs, including a combination of residential and commercial net-metered and grid-connected solar systems. As part of its solar investment program, Clean Energy Ventures operates a residential solar program, The Sunlight Advantage®, which provides qualifying homeowners with the opportunity to have a solar system installed at their home with no installation or maintenance expenses. Clean Energy Ventures owns, operates and maintains the system over the life of the lease in exchange for monthly lease payments. The program is operated by Clean Energy Ventures using qualified contracting partners in addition to strategic suppliers for material standardization and sourcing. The residential solar lease and PPA market is highly competitive, with a large number of companies operating in New Jersey. Clean Energy Ventures competes on price, quality and brand reputation, leveraging its partner network and customer referrals. Clean Energy Ventures’ commercial solar projects are sourced through various channels and include both net-metered and grid-connected systems. Net-metered projects involve the sale of energy to a host and grid-connected systems into the wholesale energy markets. Project construction is competitively sourced through third parties. New Jersey has the sixth largest solar market in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association®, with a large number of firms competing in all facets of the market including development, financing and construction. Our solar systems are registered and certified with the BPU’s Office of Clean Energy and qualified to produce RECs. One REC is created for every MWh of electricity produced by a solar generator. Clean Energy Ventures sells SRECs generated to a variety of counterparties, including electric load-serving entities that serve electric customers in New Jersey and are required to comply with the solar carve-out of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, a regulation that requires the increased production of energy from renewable energy sources. Solar projects are also currently eligible for federal ITCs in the year that they are placed into service. In December 2019, the BPU established the TREC as the interim program successor to the SREC program. TRECs provide a fixed compensation base multiplied by an assigned project factor in order to determine their value. The project factor is determined by the type and location of the project, as defined. All TRECs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a TREC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. Clean Energy Ventures is subject to various risks including those associated with adverse federal and state legislation and regulatory policies, construction delays that can impact the timing or eligibility of tax incentives, technological changes and the future market of SRECs and TRECs. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information regarding these risks. Page 10 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) Energy Services Our Energy Services segment consists of unregulated wholesale and retail natural gas operations and provides producer and asset management services to a diverse customer base across North America. Energy Services has acquired contractual rights to natural gas transportation and storage assets it utilizes to implement its strategic and opportunistic market strategies. The rights to these assets were acquired in anticipation of delivering natural gas, performing asset management services for customers or identifying strategic opportunities that exist in or between the market areas that it serves. These opportunities are driven by price differentials between market locations and/or time periods. Energy Services’ activities are conducted in the market areas in which it has strong expertise, including the U.S. and Canada. Energy Services differentiates itself in the marketplace based on price, reliability and quality of service. Its competitors include wholesale marketing and trading companies, utilities, natural gas producers and financial institutions. Energy Services’ portfolio of customers includes regulated natural gas distribution companies, industrial companies, electric generators, natural gas/liquids processors, retail aggregators, wholesale marketers and natural gas producers. While focusing on maintaining a low-risk operating and counterparty credit profile, Energy Services’ activities specifically consist of the following elements: • Providing natural gas portfolio management services to nonaffiliated and our affiliated natural gas utility, electric generation facilities and natural gas producers; • Managing strategies for new and existing natural gas transportation and storage assets to capture value from changes in price due to location or timing differences as a means to generate financial margin (as defined below); • Managing transactional logistics to minimize the cost of natural gas delivery to customers while maintaining security of supply. Transactions utilize the most optimal and advantageous natural gas supply transportation routing available within its contractual asset portfolio and various market areas; and • Managing economic hedging programs that are designed to mitigate the impact of changes in market prices on financial margin generated on its natural gas transportation and storage commitments. In fiscal 2020, Energy Services did not purchase over 10 percent of its natural gas from any one supplier. Transportation and Natural Gas Storage Transactions Energy Services focuses on creating value from the use of its physical assets, which are typically amassed through contractual rights to natural gas transportation and storage capacity. These assets become more valuable when favorable price changes occur that impact the value between or within market areas and across time periods. On a forward basis, Energy Services may hedge these price differentials through the use of financial instruments. In addition, Energy Services may seek to optimize these assets on a daily basis, as market conditions warrant, by evaluating natural gas supply and transportation availability within its portfolio. This enables Energy Services to capture geographic pricing differences across various regions, as delivered natural gas prices may change favorably as a result of market conditions. Energy Services may, for example, initiate positions when intrinsic financial margin is present, and then enhance that financial margin as prices change across regions or time periods. Energy Services also engages in park-and-loan transactions with storage and pipeline operators, where Energy Services will either borrow (receive a loan of) natural gas with an obligation to repay the storage or pipeline operator at a later date or “park” natural gas with an obligation to withdraw at a later date. In these cases, Energy Services evaluates the economics of the transaction to determine if it can capture pricing differentials in the marketplace and generate financial margin. Energy Services evaluates deal attributes such as fixed fees, calendar spread value from deal inception until volumes are scheduled to be returned and/or repaid, as well as the time value of money. If this evaluation demonstrates that financial margin exists, Energy Services may enter into the transaction and hedge with natural gas futures contracts, thereby locking in financial margin. Energy Services maintains inventory balances to satisfy existing or anticipated sales of natural gas to its counterparties and/or to create additional value, as described above. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, Energy Services managed and sold 526.7 Bcf and 584.9 Bcf of natural gas, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, Energy Services had 34.3 Bcf or $57.4 million of natural gas in storage and 25.6 Bcf or $52.4 million of natural gas in storage, respectively. Page 11 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) Weather/Seasonality Energy Services activities are typically seasonal in nature as a result of changes in the supply and demand for natural gas. Demand for natural gas is generally higher during the winter months when there may also be supply constraints; however, during periods of milder temperatures, demand can decrease. In addition, demand for natural gas can also be high during periods of extreme heat in the summer months, resulting from the need for additional natural gas supply for natural gas-fired electric generation facilities. Accordingly, Energy Services can be subject to variations in earnings and working capital throughout the year as a result of changes in weather. Volatility Energy Services’ activities are also subject to price volatility or supply/demand dynamics within its North American wholesale markets, including in the Northeastern, Appalachian, Mid-Continent and Southeast regions. Changes in natural gas supply can affect capacity values and Energy Services’ financial margin, which, as described below, is generated from the optimization of transportation and storage assets. With its focus on risk management, Energy Services continues to diversify its revenue stream by identifying new growth opportunities in producer and asset management services. Energy Services monitors changing market dynamics and strategically adjusts its portfolio of transportation and storage assets, which currently includes an average of approximately 35bcf of firm storage and 1.4bcf/d of firm transportation capacity. Financial Margin To economically hedge the commodity price risk associated with its existing and anticipated commitments for the purchase and sale of natural gas, Energy Services enters into a variety of derivative instruments including, but not limited to, futures contracts, physical forward contracts, financial swaps and options. These derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as they occur. Energy Services views “financial margin” as a key internal financial metric. Energy Services’ financial margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, represents revenues earned from the sale of natural gas less costs of natural gas sold including any transportation and storage costs, and excluding any accounting impact from changes in the fair value of certain derivative instruments. For additional information regarding financial margin, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Energy Services Segment. Risk Management In conducting its business, Energy Services mitigates risk by following formal risk management guidelines, including transaction limits, segregation of duties and formal contract and credit review approval processes. Energy Services continuously monitors and seeks to reduce the risk associated with its counterparty credit exposures. Our Risk Management Committee oversees compliance with these established guidelines. Storage and Transportation Our Storage and Transportation segment, formerly known as our Midstream segment, includes investments in FERC- regulated interstate natural gas storage and transportation assets and is comprised of the following subsidiaries: • NJR Steckman Ridge Storage Company, which holds our 50 percent equity investment in Steckman Ridge. Steckman Ridge is a Delaware limited partnership, jointly owned and controlled by our subsidiaries and subsidiaries of Enbridge Inc., which built, owns and operates a natural gas storage facility with up to 12 Bcf of working natural gas capacity in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The facility has direct access to the TETCO and Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. pipelines and has access to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets; and • NJR Midstream Company, formerly NJR Pipeline Company, which includes our 20 percent equity investment in PennEast, which is expected to construct a 120-mile, FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipeline system that will extend from northern Pennsylvania to western New Jersey; Leaf River Energy Center LLC, which owns and operates a 32.2 million Dth salt dome natural gas facility, located in southeastern Mississippi; and FERC-regulated Adelphia Gateway, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NJR, which acquired all of Talen’s membership interests in IEC, an existing 84-mile pipeline in southeastern Pennsylvania. See Note 19. Acquisitions and Dispositions for more information. Page 12 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) OTHER BUSINESS OPERATIONS Home Services and Other Home Services and Other operations consist primarily of the following unregulated affiliates: • NJRHS, which provides heating, ventilation and cooling service, sales and installation of appliances to approximately 107,000 service contract customers, as well as installation of solar equipment; • NJR Plumbing Services, Inc., which provides plumbing repair and installation services; • New Jersey Resources Corporation, a diversified energy services holding company; • CR&R, which holds commercial real estate; and • NJR Service Corporation, which provides shared administrative and financial services to the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates. ENVIRONMENT We, along with our subsidiaries, are subject to legislation and regulation by federal, state and local authorities with respect to environmental matters. We believe that we are, in all material respects, in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. NJNG is responsible for the environmental remediation of identified former MGP sites, which contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations that ceased at these sites by the mid-1950s and, in some cases, had been discontinued many years earlier. NJNG periodically, and at least annually, performs an environmental review of the former MGP sites, including a review of potential estimated liabilities related to the investigation and remedial action on these sites. Based on this review, NJNG has estimated that the total future expenditures to remediate and monitor the former MGP sites for which it is responsible will range from approximately $143.1 million to $181.7 million. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known and measurable facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed in fiscal 2020. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the most likely amount in the range. If no point within the range is more likely than the other, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding regulatory asset of $150.6 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on the most likely amount; however, actual costs may differ from these estimates. HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES Employee Overview NJR fundamentally believes that its employees make the Company a unique, successful organization – in creativity, commitment, ingenuity, hard work and innovation. NJR employees fulfill the responsibilities that enable the Company to deliver natural gas service to its customers; to be a leader in clean energy investments; to grow its storage and transportation energy business; and, to earn the loyalty of its retail home services customers. NJR also is committed to provide every appropriate resource to ensure its employees’ safety. Through initiatives that start at the top, NJR has invested time, energy and manpower to foster a culture where safety is top-of-mind at all times, and where achieving safety goals is a shared priority for every NJR employee. As of September 30, 2020, the Company and our subsidiaries employed 1,156 employees compared with 1,108 employees as of September 30, 2019. Of the total number of employees, NJNG had 469 and 460 and NJRHS had 101 and 101 Union or Represented employees as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. NJNG and NJRHS have collective bargaining agreements with the Union, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, that expire on December 7, 2021 and April 2, 2023, respectively. The labor agreements cover wage increases and other benefits, including the defined benefit pension (which was closed to all employees hired on or after January 1, 2012, with the exception of certain rehires who are eligible to resume active participation), the postemployment benefit plan (which was closed to all employees hired on or after January 1, 2012) and the enhanced 401(k) retirement savings plan. We consider our relationship with employees, including those covered by collective bargaining agreements, to be in good standing. Page 13 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) The Company depends on its key personnel to successfully operate its businesses, including its executive officers, senior corporate management and management at its operating units. NJR seeks to attract and retain its employees by offering competitive compensation packages including base and incentive compensation (and in certain instances share-based compensation and retention incentives), attractive benefits and opportunities for advancement and rewarding careers. NJR periodically reviews and adjusts, if needed, its employees’ total compensation (including salaries, annual cash incentive compensation, other cash and equity incentives, and benefits) to ensure that it is competitive within the industry and is consistent with our level of performance. NJR has also implemented enterprise-wide talent development and succession planning programs designed to identify future and/or replacement candidates for key positions. In addition to compensation, NJR promotes numerous charitable, philanthropic, and social awareness programs that not only support the communities served, but also provide experiences for employees to promote a collaborative and rewarding work environment. Further, in order to take advantage of available opportunities and successfully implement our long-term strategy, NJR must be able to employ, train and retain the necessary skilled personnel. As a result, NJR supports and utilizes various training and educational programs and has developed additional company-wide and project-specific employee training and educational programs. NJR continues key programs focused on employee safety, leadership development, work-life balance, talent management, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion as well as employee engagement. Moreover, diversity, inclusion and employee engagement are integral to NJR’s vision, strategy and business success. NJR prides itself on a culture that respects co-workers and values concern for others. Fostering an environment that values diversity, inclusion and ethics helps create an inclusive organization that is able to embrace, leverage and respect the differences of employees, customers and the communities where we live, work and serve. NJR regularly evaluates employees and their productivity against future demand expectations and historical trends. NJR employees continue to maintain high levels of engagement, satisfaction and retention according to NJR’s annual employee survey. From time to time, NJR may reduce or add resources in certain areas in an effort to align with changing demands. NJR’s Board of Directors’ Role in Human Capital Resource Management NJR’s Board of Directors believes that human capital management is an important component of the Company’s continued growth and success, and is essential for our ability to attract, retain and develop talented and skilled employees. We pride ourselves on a culture that respects co-workers and values concern for others. Management regularly reports to the LDCC of the Board of Directors on human capital management topics, including corporate culture, diversity and inclusion, employee development and compensation and benefits. The LDCC has oversight of talent retention and development and succession planning, and the Board of Director’s provides input on important decisions in each of these areas. Each year, NJR conducts an employee feedback survey designed to help the Company measure overall employee engagement. The feedback employees provide during the survey helps NJR evaluate employee programs and benefits and monitor its current practices for potential areas of improvement. The LDCC maintains oversight of matters related to human capital management and in that capacity reviews the results of the employee feedback survey. Employee Benefits The LDCC believes employee benefits are an essential component of the Company’s competitive total compensation package. These benefits are designed to attract and retain our employees and include medical, health and dental insurance, long- term disability insurance, accidental death and disability insurance, travel and accident insurance, and our 401(k) Plan. As part of the 401(k) Plan, NJR generally matches 80 percent of the first 6 percent of compensation contributed by the employee into the 401(k) Plan, subject to the Internal Revenue Code and NJR’s 401(k) Plan limits. The matching contribution is limited to 70 percent for represented employees of NJRHS. Additionally, for employees who are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit plans, NJR contributes between 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent of base compensation, depending upon years of service, into the 401(k) Plan on their behalf. AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS The following reports and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website at https:// investor.njresources.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx as soon as reasonably possible after filing or furnishing them with the SEC: • • • Annual reports on Form 10-K; Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; and Current reports on Form 8-K. Page 14 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Continued) The following documents are available free of charge on our website (https://investor.njresources.com/governance/ governance-documents/default.aspx): Amended and Restated Bylaws; • • Corporate Governance Guidelines; • Wholesale Trading Code of Conduct; • • NJR Code of Conduct; Charters of the following Board of Directors Committees: Audit, Leadership Development and Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance; Audit Complaint Procedure; Communicating with Non-Management Directors Procedure; and Statement of Policy with Respect to Related Person Transactions. • • • In Part III of this Form 10-K, we incorporate certain information by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. We expect to file that Proxy Statement with the SEC on or about December 11, 2020. We will make it available on our website as soon as reasonably possible following that filing date. Please refer to the Proxy Statement when it is available. A printed copy of each document is available free of charge to any shareowner who requests it by contacting the Corporate Secretary at New Jersey Resources Corporation, 1415 Wyckoff Road, Wall, New Jersey 07719. INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Company’s Executive Officers and their age, position and business experience during the past five years are below. Name Age Stephen D. Westhoven 52 Officer since 2004 Patrick J. Migliaccio Amanda E. Mullan Amy Cradic 46 54 49 2013 2015 2018 Nancy A. Washington 56 2017 Business experience during last five years President and Chief Executive Officer (October 2019 - present) President and Chief Operating Officer (October 2018 - September 2019) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (November 2017 - September 2018) Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, NJRES and NJRCEV (October 2016 - October 2017) Senior Vice President, NJRES (May 2010 - September 2016) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (January 2016 - present) Vice President, Finance and Accounting (November 2014 - December 2015) Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (January 2017 - present) Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (April 2015 - December 2016) Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Non-Utility Businesses, Strategy and External Affairs (March 2020 - present) Vice President, Corporate Strategy and External Affairs (January 2020 – February 2020) Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy (January 2018 – December 2019) Chief of Staff, Office of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (April 2016 – January 2018) Chief Policy Advisor, Office of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (December 2013 – March 2016) Senior Vice President and General Counsel (March 2017 - present) Senior Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel, CIT Group Inc., a Livingston, NJ-based financial services firm (September 2010 - March 2017) ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS When considering any investment in our securities, investors should consider the following risk factors, as well as the information contained under the caption “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” in analyzing our present and future business performance. While this list is not exhaustive, management also places no priority or likelihood based on their descriptions or order of presentation. Unless indicated otherwise or the content requires otherwise, references below to “we,” “us,” and “our” should be read to refer to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Risks Related to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Extreme Events The Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to risk associated with the ongoing novel coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, which could materially and adversely impact our business, including our financial condition, results from operations, liquidity, cash flows and the market value of our common stock. Page 15 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has spread globally, including throughout the U.S. In response, the U.S. federal government and many jurisdictions, including without limitation, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Texas have instituted emergency orders, restrictions on travel, limitations on public gatherings and non-essential business, shelter-in-place requirements and government shutdowns. These emergency orders and restrictions have significantly disrupted economic activity in the jurisdictions in which we operate and have caused volatility in the capital markets. The effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related government responses could include extended disruptions to supply chains and capital markets, reduced labor availability and productivity and a prolonged reduction in economic activity. We are currently evaluating the potential prolonged impacts that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have on our future operating results and liquidity, which include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • impacts related to the health, safety, productivity and availability of our employees and contractors; reduced demand for energy and forecasted customer growth; our ability to develop, construct and operate facilities; suspension of collection activities and the inability to shutoff natural gas services for nonpayment; reduced demand for commercial, industrial and residential natural gas services; deterioration of the credit quality of our counterparties; increases in costs and supply chain delays and disruptions; delays and disruptions to capital construction and infrastructure operations and maintenance programs, including delays in the permitting process and base rate cases; delays and disruptions to financing plans and increasing costs related thereto; impacts on pension valuations and increased pension and post-retirement plan costs and funding requirements; deterioration in our financial metrics or the business environment that impacts our credit ratings; impacts to our liquidity position and cost of and ability to access funds from financial institutions and capital markets; impacts on our legal and regulatory matters, including the potential for delayed state regulatory filings and recovery of invested capital, as well as delays in newly enacted and proposed state regulatory actions and federal laws; exacerbation of other risks that may impact us; and other unpredictable events. These uncertain economic conditions may also result in the inability of our customers to pay for utility and certain non- utility services, which could affect the collectability and recognition of our revenues and adversely affect our financial results. While we have implemented our business continuity plan (including without limitation employee travel restrictions, employee remote work locations and cancellation of physical participation in meetings, events, and conferences) to conform to government restrictions and best practices encouraged by federal, state, and local government and regulatory authorities, if a large proportion of our employees in essential capacities were to contract COVID-19, there is no certainty that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate an adverse impact to our operations. The situation surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid and the likelihood of material impacts therefrom increases the longer the pandemic impacts activity levels in the U.S. As of September 30, 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material impact on the Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates; however, the ultimate severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses thereto are uncertain and we cannot predict whether they will have a material impact on our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows and when and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. We may be adversely impacted by natural disasters, pandemic illness (including COVID-19), terrorist activities and other extreme events to which we may be unable to promptly respond. Local or national natural disasters, pandemic illness (including COVID-19), terrorist activities, catastrophic failure of the interstate pipeline system and other extreme events are a threat to our assets and operations. Companies in our industry that are located in our service territory may face a heightened risk due to exposure to acts of terrorism that could target or impact our natural gas distribution, transmission and storage facilities and disrupt our operations and ability to meet customer requirements. In addition, the threat of terrorist activities could lead to increased economic instability and volatility in the price of natural gas that could affect our operations. Natural disasters or actual or threatened terrorist activities may also disrupt capital markets and our ability to raise capital or may impact our suppliers or our customers directly. A local disaster or Page 16 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) pandemic illness (including COVID-19) could result in part of our workforce being unable to operate or maintain our infrastructure or perform other tasks necessary to conduct our business. In addition, these risks could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental damage, impairment of our operations and substantial loss to the Company. Our regulators may not allow us to recover from our customers part or all of the increased cost related to the foregoing events, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. A slow or inadequate response to events that could cause business interruption may have an adverse impact on operations and earnings. We may be unable to obtain sufficient insurance to cover all risks associated with local and national disasters, pandemic illness, terrorist activities, catastrophic failure of the interstate pipeline system and other events, which could increase the risk that an event adversely affects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Risk Related to Our Business Operations We may be unable to obtain governmental approvals, property rights and/or financing for the construction, development and operation of our proposed energy investments and projects in a timely manner or at all. Construction, development and operation of energy investments, such as Leaf River and other natural gas storage facilities, NJNG infrastructure improvements, such as SRL and NJ RISE, pipeline transportation systems, such as PennEast and Adelphia Gateway Pipeline project, and solar energy projects are subject to federal and state regulatory oversight and require certain property rights, such as easements and rights-of-way from public and private property owners, as well as regulatory approvals, including environmental and other permits and licenses for such facilities and systems. We or our joint venture partnerships may be unable to obtain, in a cost-efficient or timely manner, all such needed property rights, permits and licenses to successfully construct and develop our energy facilities and systems. Successful financing of our energy investments requires participation by willing financial institutions and lenders, as well as acquisition of capital at favorable interest rates. If we do not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, property rights and financing, our equity method investments could be impaired. Such impairment could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our investments in solar energy projects are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Our investments in commercial and residential solar energy projects are dependent, in part, upon current state regulatory incentives and federal tax credits in order for the projects to be economically viable. Our return on investment for these solar projects is based substantially on our eligibility for ITCs and the future market value of SRECs that are traded in a competitive marketplace in the State of New Jersey. These projects face the risk that the current state regulatory programs and tax laws may expire or be adversely modified. Specifically, the legislature in New Jersey ordered the BPU to close the current SREC market to new projects and transition to a new incentive program to support long-term solar growth. If the BPU does not execute on the legislative requirements to effect this transition in an orderly manner, protect investor value and support long term industry growth, this could result in an oversupply of SRECs and a corresponding decrease in SREC prices. A sustained decrease in the value of SRECs could negatively impact the return on our investments and could impair our portfolio of solar assets. In addition, there are risks associated with our ability to develop and manage such projects profitably, including logistical risks and potential delays related to construction, permitting, regulatory approvals (including any approvals by the BPU required pursuant to solar energy legislation in the State of New Jersey, and similar approvals required by the State of Connecticut and State of Rhode Island) and electric grid interconnection, as well as the operational risk that the projects in service will not perform according to expectations due to equipment failure, suboptimal weather conditions or other economic factors beyond our control. All of the aforementioned risks could reduce the availability of viable solar energy projects for development. Furthermore, at the development or acquisition stage, our ability to predict actual performance results may be hindered or inaccurate and the projects may not perform as predicted. NJNG and Energy Services rely on storage, transportation assets and suppliers, which they do not own or control, to deliver natural gas. NJNG and Energy Services depend on natural gas pipelines and other transportation and storage facilities owned and operated by third parties to deliver natural gas to wholesale and retail markets and to provide retail energy services to customers. Their ability to provide natural gas for their present and projected sales will depend upon their suppliers’ ability to obtain and deliver additional supplies of natural gas, as well as NJNG’s ability to acquire supplies directly from new sources. Factors beyond the control of NJNG, its suppliers and the independent suppliers that have obligations to provide natural gas to certain NJNG customers may affect NJNG’s ability to deliver such supplies. These factors include other parties’ control over Page 17 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) the drilling of new wells and the facilities to transport natural gas to NJNG’s citygate stations, development of additional interstate pipeline infrastructure, availability of supply sources, competition for the acquisition of natural gas, priority allocations, impact of severe weather disruptions to natural gas supplies and the regulatory and pricing policies of federal and state regulatory agencies, as well as the availability of Canadian reserves for export to the U.S. Energy deregulation legislation may increase competition among natural gas utilities and impact the quantities of natural gas requirements needed for sales service. Energy Services also relies on a firm supply source to meet its energy management obligations to its customers. If supply, transportation or storage is disrupted, including for reasons of force majeure, the ability of NJNG and Energy Services to sell and deliver their products and services may be hindered. As a result, they may be responsible for damages incurred by their customers, such as the additional cost of acquiring alternative supply at then-current market rates. Particularly for Energy Services, these conditions could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Energy Services’ earnings and cash flows are dependent upon optimization of its physical assets. Energy Services’ earnings and cash flows are based, in part, on its ability to optimize its portfolio of contractually based natural gas storage and pipeline assets. The optimization strategy involves utilizing its physical assets to take advantage of differences in natural gas prices between geographic locations and/or time periods. Any change among various pricing points could affect these differentials. In addition, significant increases in the supply of natural gas in Energy Services’ market areas, including as a result of increased production along the Marcellus Shale, can reduce Energy Services’ ability to take advantage of pricing fluctuations in the future. Changes in pricing dynamics and supply could have an adverse impact on Energy Services’ optimization activities, earnings and cash flows. Energy Services incurs fixed demand fees to acquire its contractual rights to transportation and storage assets. Should commodity prices at various locations or time periods change in such a way that Energy Services is not able to recoup these costs from its customers, the cash flows and earnings at Energy Services, and ultimately the Company, could be adversely impacted. Changes in weather conditions may affect earnings and cash flows. Weather conditions and other natural phenomena can have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows. Severe weather conditions can impact suppliers and the pipelines that deliver natural gas to NJNG’s distribution system. Extended mild weather, during either the winter period or summer period, can have a significant impact on demand for and the cost of natural gas. While we believe the CIP mitigates the impact of weather variations on NJNG’s utility gross margin, severe weather conditions may have an impact on the ability of suppliers and pipelines to deliver the natural gas to NJNG, which can negatively affect our earnings. The CIP does not mitigate the impact of severe weather conditions on our cash flows. Future results at Energy Services are subject to volatility in the natural gas market due to weather. Variations in weather may affect earnings and working capital needs throughout the year. During periods of milder temperatures, demand and volatility in the natural gas market may decrease, which can negatively impact Energy Services’ earnings and cash flows. Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified employee workforce could adversely affect operations. Our ability to implement our business strategy and serve our customers is dependent upon our continuing ability to attract and retain talented professionals and a technically skilled workforce, and being able to transfer the knowledge and expertise of our workforce to new employees as our aging employees retire. Failure to hire and adequately train replacement employees, including the transfer of significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to the new employees, or the future availability and cost of contract labor could adversely affect the ability to manage and operate our business. Furthermore, NJNG and NJRHS have collective bargaining agreements with the Union that expire on December 7, 2021 and April 2, 2023, respectively. Disputes with the Union over terms and conditions of the agreements could result in instability in our labor relationship and work stoppages that could impair the timely delivery of natural gas and other services from our utility and Home Services business, which could strain relationships with customers and state regulators and cause a loss of revenues that could adversely affect our results of operations. Our collective bargaining agreements may also increase the cost of employing our natural gas distribution segment and Home Services workforce, affect our ability to continue offering market-based salaries and employee benefits, limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce and limit our ability to change work rules and practices and implement other efficiency-related improvements to successfully compete in today’s challenging marketplace. Our success as a company depends upon our ability to attract, effectively transition, motivate and retain key employees and identify and develop talent to succeed senior management. We depend on senior executive officers and other key personnel to develop, implement and execute on our overall business strategy. The inability to recruit and retain or effectively transition key personnel or the unexpected loss of key personnel may adversely affect our operations. Page 18 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) Uncertainties associated with our Adelphia Gateway Pipeline project could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We acquired Adelphia Gateway in January 2020, which involves the operation of a natural gas transmission pipeline extending approximately 90 miles through eastern Pennsylvania. As part of the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline project, we expect to convert the remaining sections of the southern mainline of the pipeline to transport natural gas. Any delays in the expected timeframe relating to converting the southern mainline of the pipeline to transport natural gas could cause disruption and create uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Risk Related to Technologies Failure to keep pace with technological change may limit customer growth and have an adverse effect on our operations. Advances in technology and changes in laws or regulations are reducing the cost of alternative methods of producing energy. In addition, customers are increasingly expecting enhanced communications regarding their electric and natural gas services, which, in some cases, may involve additional investments in technology. New technologies may require us to make significant expenditures to remain competitive and may result in the obsolescence of certain of our operating assets. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and successfully adapt to technological changes and to offer services that meet customer demand. Failure to adapt to advances in technology and manage the related costs could make us less competitive and negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Cyberattacks or failure of information technology systems could adversely affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations. We continue to place ever-greater reliance on technological tools that support our business operations and corporate functions, including tools that help us manage our natural gas distribution and energy trading operations and infrastructure. The failure of, or security breaches related to, these technologies could materially adversely affect our business operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We rely on information technology to manage our natural gas distribution and storage, energy trading and other corporate operations; maintain customer, employee, Company and vendor data; and prepare our financial statements and perform other critical business processes. This technology may fail due to cyberattack, physical disruption, design and implementation defects or human error. Disruption or failure of business operations and information technology systems could harm our facilities or otherwise adversely impact our ability to safely deliver natural gas to our customers, serve our customers effectively or manage our assets. Additionally, an attack on, or failure of, information technology systems could result in the unauthorized release of customer, employee or other confidential or sensitive data. Any of the foregoing events could adversely affect our business reputation, diminish customer confidence, disrupt operations, subject us to financial liability or increased regulation, increase our costs and expose us to material legal claims and liability. There is no guarantee that redundancies built into our networks and technology, or the procedures we have implemented to protect against cyberattack and other unauthorized access to secured data, are adequate to safeguard against all failures of technology or security breaches. Risk Related to Acquisition and Investment Strategies Any acquisitions that we may undertake involve risks and uncertainties. We may not realize the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities as a result of these transactions. The integration of acquisitions require significant time and resources. Investments of resources are required to support any acquisition, which could result in significant ongoing operating expenses, and we may experience challenges when combining separate business cultures, information technology systems and employees, and those challenges may divert senior management’s time and attention. If we fail to successfully integrate assets and liabilities through the entities which we acquire, we may not fully realize all of the growth opportunities, benefits expected from the transaction, cost savings and other synergies and, as a result, the fair value of assets acquired could be impaired. We assess long-lived assets, including intangible assets associated with acquisitions, for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. To the extent the value of long-lived assets become impaired, the impairment charges could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Page 19 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) The benefits that we expect to achieve from acquisitions will depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated growth opportunities and other synergies with our existing businesses. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to integrate these transactions within our existing businesses in a timely and seamless manner. We may experience challenges when combining separate business cultures, information technology systems and employees. Even if we are able to complete an integration successfully, we may not fully realize all the growth opportunities, cost savings and other synergies that we expect. Investing through partnerships or joint ventures decreases our ability to manage risk. We have utilized joint ventures through partnerships for certain Storage and Transportation investments, including Steckman Ridge and PennEast. Although we currently have no specific plans to do so, we may acquire interests in other joint ventures or partnerships in the future. In these joint ventures or partnerships, we may not have the right or power to direct the management and policies of the joint ventures or partnerships, and other participants or investors may take action contrary to our instructions or requests and against our policies and objectives. In addition, the other participants may become bankrupt or have economic or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with those of NJR and our subsidiaries and affiliates. Our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be harmed if a joint venture participant acts contrary to our interests. Risk Related to Regulations and Litigation We are subject to governmental regulation. Compliance with current and future regulatory requirements and procurement of necessary approvals, permits and certificates may result in substantial costs to us. We are subject to substantial regulation from federal, state and local authorities. We are required to comply with numerous laws and regulations and to obtain numerous authorizations, permits, approvals and certificates from governmental agencies. These agencies regulate various aspects of our business, including customer rates, services, construction and natural gas pipeline operations. FERC has regulatory authority over some of our operations, including sales of natural gas in the wholesale and retail markets and the purchase and sale of interstate pipeline and storage capacity, including Steckman Ridge, Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway. FERC will also have regulatory authority over the operations of PennEast. Any Congressional legislation or agency regulation that would alter these or other similar statutory and regulatory structures in a way to significantly raise costs that could not be recovered in rates from customers, that would reduce the availability of supply or capacity or that would reduce our competitiveness could negatively impact our earnings. In addition, changes in and compliance with laws such as the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 could increase federal regulatory oversight and administrative costs that may not be recovered in rates from customers, which could have an adverse effect on our earnings. We cannot predict the impact of any future revisions or changes in interpretations of existing regulations or the adoption of new laws and applicable regulations. Changes in regulations or the imposition of additional regulations could influence our operating environment and may result in substantial costs to us. Our costs of compliance with present and future environmental laws are significant and could adversely affect our cash flows and profitability. Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, waste management, natural resources and site remediation. Compliance with these laws and regulations may require us to expend significant financial resources to, among other things, conduct site remediation and perform environmental monitoring. If we fail to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, even if we are unable to do so due to factors beyond our control, we may be subject to civil liabilities or criminal penalties and may be required to incur significant expenditures to come into compliance. Additionally, any alleged violations of environmental laws and regulations may require us to expend significant resources in our defense against alleged violations. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress has for some time been considering various forms of climate change legislation. In addition, in July 2019, the State of New Jersey amended the GWRA, which targets 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050. The amendments to the GWRA require NJDEP to publish a report detailing measures to accomplish the goals of the GWRA, and within 18 months of the report, mandates that NJDEP promulgate regulations to achieve environmental targets. The policies in the state’s Energy Master Plan, currently in draft form, could be used to inform future regulations. Page 20 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) There is a possibility that the final form of such legislation at the federal level and regulations at the state level could impact our costs and put upward pressure on natural gas prices. Higher cost levels could impact the competitive position of natural gas and negatively affect our growth opportunities, cash flows and earnings. Risks related to the regulation of NJNG could affect the rates it is able to charge, its costs and its profitability. NJNG is subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. These authorities regulate many aspects of NJNG’s distribution and transmission operations, including construction and maintenance of facilities, operations, safety, tariff rates that NJNG can charge customers, rates of return, the authorized cost of capital, recovery of pipeline replacement, environmental remediation costs and relationships with its affiliates. NJNG’s ability to construct rate based assets timely and obtain rate increases, including base rate increases, extend its BGSS incentive and CIP programs and maintain its currently authorized rates of return may be impacted by events, including regulatory or legislative actions. There can be no assurance that NJNG will be able to obtain rate increases and continue its BGSS incentive, CIP, RAC and SAVEGREEN programs or continue to earn its currently authorized rates of return. Our regulated operations are subject to certain operating risks incidental to handling, storing, transporting and providing customers with natural gas. Our regulated operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks incidental to handling, storing, transporting and providing customers with natural gas, including our natural gas vehicle refueling stations and LNG facilities. These risks include catastrophic failure of the interstate pipeline system, explosions, pollution, release of toxic substances, fires, storms, safety issues and other adverse weather conditions and hazards, each of which could result in damage to or destruction of facilities or damage to persons and property. We could suffer substantial losses should any of these events occur. Moreover, as a result, NJNG has been, and likely will be, a defendant in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Although NJNG maintains insurance coverage, insurance may not be sufficient to cover all material expenses related to these risks. We are involved in legal or administrative proceedings before various courts and governmental bodies that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In the ordinary conduct of business, we are involved in legal or administrative proceedings before various courts and governmental bodies with respect to general claims, rates, permitting, taxes, environmental issues, natural gas cost prudence reviews and other matters. Adverse decisions regarding these matters, to the extent they require us to make payments in excess of amounts provided for in our financial statements or are not covered by insurance or indemnity rights, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Risk Related to our Markets We are exposed to market risk and may incur losses in our wholesale business. Our transportation and storage portfolios consist of contracts to transport and store natural gas. The value of our transportation and storage portfolio could be negatively impacted if the value of these contracts changes in a direction or manner that we do not anticipate. In addition, upon expiration of these transportation and storage contracts, to the extent that they are renewed or replaced at less favorable terms, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. Major changes in the supply and price of natural gas may affect financial results. While NJRES and NJNG expect to meet customers’ demand for natural gas for the foreseeable future, factors affecting suppliers and other third parties, including the inability to develop additional interstate pipeline infrastructure, lack of supply sources, increased competition, further deregulation, transportation costs, possible climate change legislation, energy efficiency mandates or changes in consumer behaviors, transportation availability and drilling for new natural gas resources, may impact the supply and price of natural gas. In addition, any significant disruption in the availability of supplies of natural gas could result in increased supply costs, higher prices for customers and potential supply disruptions to customers. NJRES and NJNG actively hedge against the fluctuation in the price of natural gas by entering into forward and financial contracts with third parties. Should these third parties fail to perform, and regulators not allow the pass-through of expended funds to customers, it may result in a loss that could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Page 21 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) Changes in customer growth may affect earnings and cash flows. NJNG’s ability to increase its utility gross margin is dependent upon the new construction housing market, as well as the conversion of customers to natural gas from other fuel sources. During periods of extended economic downturns, prolonged weakness in housing markets or slowdowns in the conversion market, there could be an adverse impact on NJNG’s utility gross margin, earnings and cash flows. Furthermore, while our estimates regarding customer growth are based in part upon information from third parties, the estimates have not been verified by an independent source and are subject to the aforementioned risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to materially deviate from the estimates. Adverse economic conditions, including inflation, increased natural gas costs, foreclosures and business failures, could adversely impact NJNG’s customer collections and increase our level of indebtedness. Inflation may cause increases in certain operating and capital costs. We continually review the adequacy of NJNG’s base tariff rates in relation to the increasing cost of providing service and the inherent regulatory lag in adjusting those rates. The ability to control operating expenses is an important factor that will influence future results. Rapid increases in the price of purchased natural gas may cause NJNG to experience a significant increase in short-term debt because it must pay suppliers for natural gas when it is purchased, which can be significantly in advance of when these costs may be recovered through the collection of monthly bills for natural gas delivered to customers. Increases in purchased natural gas costs also slow collection efforts as customers are more likely to delay the payment of their natural gas bills, leading to higher-than-normal accounts receivable. Our economic hedging activities that are designed to protect against commodity and financial market risks, including the use of derivative contracts in the normal course of our business, may cause fluctuations in reported financial results and financial losses that negatively impact results of operations and our stock price. We use derivatives, including futures, forwards, options, swaps and foreign exchange contracts, to manage commodity, financial market and foreign currency risks. The timing of the recognition of gains or losses associated with our economic hedges in accordance with GAAP does not always coincide with the gains or losses on the items being hedged. The difference in accounting can result in volatility in reported results, even though the expected profit margin is essentially unchanged from the dates the transactions were consummated. In addition, we could recognize financial losses on these contracts as a result of volatility in the market values of the underlying commodities or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these financial instruments can involve management’s judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could adversely affect the value of the reported fair value of these contracts. Risk Related to Credit and Liquidity NJR is a holding company and depends on its operating subsidiaries to meet its financial obligations. NJR is a holding company with no significant assets other than possible cash investments and the stock of its operating subsidiaries. We rely exclusively on dividends from our subsidiaries, on intercompany loans from our unregulated subsidiaries, and on the repayments of principal and interest from intercompany loans and reimbursement of expenses from our subsidiaries for our cash flows. Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and to pay principal and interest on our outstanding debt depends on the payment of dividends to us by our subsidiaries or the repayment of loans to us by our subsidiaries. The extent to which our subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends or repay funds to us may adversely affect our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock and principal and interest to holders of our debt. Credit rating downgrades could increase financing costs, limit access to the financial markets and negatively affect NJR and its subsidiaries. Rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch currently rate NJNG’s debt as investment grade. If such ratings are downgraded below investment grade, borrowing costs could increase, as will the costs of maintaining certain contractual relationships and obtaining future financing. Even if ratings are downgraded without falling below investment grade, NJR and NJNG could face increased borrowing costs under their current and future credit facilities. Our ability to borrow and costs of borrowing have a Page 22 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) direct impact on our subsidiaries’ ability to execute their operating strategies, particularly in the case of NJNG, which relies heavily upon capital expenditures financed by its credit facility. If we suffer a reduction in our credit and borrowing capacity or in our ability to issue parental guarantees, the business prospects of Energy Services, Clean Energy Ventures and Storage and Transportation, which rely on our creditworthiness, would be adversely affected. Energy Services could possibly be required to comply with various margin or other credit enhancement obligations under its trading and marketing contracts, and it may be unable to continue to trade or be able to do so only on less favorable terms with certain counterparties. Clean Energy Ventures could be required to seek alternative financing for its projects, and may be unable to obtain such financing or able to do so only on less favorable terms. In addition, we may not be able to finance our capital obligations to PennEast or for the conversion of the southern end of Adelphia Gateway. Additionally, lower credit ratings could adversely affect relationships with NJNG’s state regulators, who may be unwilling to allow NJNG to pass along increased costs to its natural gas customers. If we are unable to access the financial markets or there are adverse conditions in the equity or credit markets, it could affect management’s ability to execute our business plans. We rely on access to both short-term and long-term credit markets as significant sources of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by our cash flow from operations. Any deterioration in our financial condition could hamper our ability to access the equity or credit markets or otherwise obtain debt financing on terms favorable to us or at all. In addition, because certain state regulatory approvals may be necessary for NJNG to incur debt, NJNG may be unable to access credit markets on a timely basis. External events could also increase the cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to access the financial markets. Such external events could include the following: economic weakness and/or political instability in the U.S. or in the regions where we operate; political conditions, such as a shutdown of the U.S. federal government; financial difficulties of unrelated energy companies; capital market conditions generally; volatility in the equity markets; • • • • • • market prices for natural gas; • • the overall health of the natural gas utility industry; and fluctuations in interest rates, particularly with respect to NJNG’s variable rate debt instruments. Our ability to secure short-term financing is subject to conditions in the credit markets. A prolonged constriction of credit availability could affect management’s ability to execute our business plan. An inability to access capital may limit our ability to pursue improvements or acquisitions that we may otherwise rely on for both current operations and future growth. Energy Services and NJNG execute derivative transactions with financial institutions as a part of their economic hedging strategy and could incur losses associated with the inability of a financial counterparty to meet or perform under its obligations as a result of adverse conditions in the credit markets or their ability to access capital or post collateral. Failure by NJR and/or NJNG to comply with debt covenants may impact our financial condition. Our long-term debt obligations contain financial covenants related to debt-to-capital ratios and, in the case of NJNG, an interest coverage ratio. These debt obligations also contain provisions that put limitations on our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to expand or pursue certain business activities. For example, certain of these agreements contain provisions that, among other things, put limitations on our ability to make loans or investments, make material changes to the nature of our businesses, merge, consolidate or engage in asset sales, grant liens or make negative pledges. Furthermore, the debt obligations and our sale leaseback agreements contain covenants and other provisions requiring us to provide timely delivery of accurate financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. The failure to comply with any of these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of outstanding debt obligations and/or the inability to borrow under existing revolving credit facilities and term loans. We have relied, and continue to rely, upon short-term bank borrowings or commercial paper supported by our revolving credit facilities to finance the execution of a portion of our operating strategies. NJNG is dependent on these capital sources to purchase its natural gas supply and maintain its properties. The acceleration of our outstanding debt obligations and our inability to borrow under the existing revolving credit facilities would cause a material adverse change in NJR’s and NJNG’s financial condition. Page 23 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) Risks Related to Tax and Accounting Matters A change in our effective tax rate as a result of a failure to qualify for ITCs or being delayed in qualifying for ITCs due to delays or failures to complete planned solar energy projects within the safe harbor period may have a material impact on our earnings. GAAP requires that we apply an effective tax rate to interim periods that is consistent with our estimated annual effective tax rate. As a result, we project quarterly the annual effective tax rate and then adjust the tax expense recorded in that quarter to reflect the projected annual effective tax rate. The amount of the quarterly adjustment is based on information and assumptions, which are subject to change and may have a material impact on our quarterly and annual NFE. Factors we consider in estimating the probability of projects being completed during the fiscal year include, but are not limited to, Board of Directors approval, construction logistics, permitting, interconnection completion and execution of various contracts, including PPAs. If we fail to qualify for ITCs or are delayed in qualifying for some ITCs during the fiscal year due to delays or failures to complete planned solar energy projects as scheduled, our quarterly and annual net income and NFE may be materially impacted. This could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The cost of providing pension and postemployment health care benefits to eligible former employees is subject to changes in pension fund values, interest rates and changing demographics and may have a material adverse effect on our financial results. We have two defined benefit pension plans and two OPEB plans for the benefit of eligible full-time employees and qualified retirees, which were closed to all employees hired on or after January 1, 2012. The cost of providing these benefits to eligible current and former employees is subject to changes in the market value of the pension and OPEB fund assets, changing discount rates and changing actuarial assumptions based upon demographics, including longer life expectancy of beneficiaries, an expected increase in the number of eligible former employees over the next five years, impacts from healthcare legislation and increases in health care costs. Significant declines in equity markets and/or reductions in bond yields can have a material adverse effect on the funded status of our pension and OPEB plans. In these circumstances, we may be required to recognize increased pension and OPEB expenses and/or be required to make additional cash contributions into the plans. The funded status of these plans, and the related cost reflected in our financial statements, are affected by various factors that are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, losses of asset values may necessitate increased funding of the plans in the future to meet minimum federal government requirements. A significant decrease in the asset values of these plans can result in funding obligations earlier than we had originally planned, which would have a negative impact on cash flows from operations, decrease our borrowing capacity and increase our interest expense. Changes in tax laws or regulations may negatively affect our results of operations, net income, financial condition and cash flows. We are subject to taxation by various taxing authorities at the federal, state and local levels. Any future change in tax laws or interpretation of such laws could adversely affect our results of operations, net income, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, we cannot predict how our federal and state regulators will apply such tax change in our future rates. A valuation allowance may be required for our deferred tax assets. During fiscal 2018, as a result of the Tax Act’s decrease to the federal statutory corporate tax rate, we revalued our deferred tax assets and liabilities at the enactment date to reflect the rates expected to be in effect when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are realized or settled. These adjustments are based on assumptions we made with respect to our book versus tax differences and the timing of when those differences will reverse. Our deferred tax assets are comprised primarily of investment tax credits and state net operating losses. Any further revaluation of our deferred tax assets that may be required in the future could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Significant regulatory assets recorded by NJNG could be disallowed for recovery from customers in the future. NJNG records regulatory assets on its financial statements to reflect the ratemaking and regulatory decision-making authority of the BPU as allowed by GAAP. The creation of a regulatory asset allows for the deferral of costs, which, absent a Page 24 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued) mechanism to recover such costs from customers in rates approved by the BPU, would be charged to expense on its income statement in the period incurred. Primary regulatory assets that are subject to BPU approval include the recovery of BGSS and USF costs, remediation costs associated with NJNG’s MGP sites, CIP, NJCEP, economic stimulus plans, certain deferred income taxes and pension and other postemployment benefit plans. If there were to be a change in regulatory positions surrounding the collection of these deferred costs, there could be a material impact on NJNG’s existing tariff or a future base rate case, as well as our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Risks Related to Takeovers Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and amended and restated bylaws may delay or prevent a transaction that shareowners would view as favorable. Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended and amended and restated bylaws, as well as New Jersey law, contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent an unsolicited change in control of NJR, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock or the ability of stockholders to participate in a transaction in which they might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then-current market price. These provisions may also prevent changes in management. In addition, our Board is authorized to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval on such terms as our Board may determine. Our common shareowners will be subject to, and may be negatively affected by, the rights of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. In addition, we are subject to the New Jersey Shareholders’ Protection Act, which could delay or prevent a change of control of NJR. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Natural Gas Distribution Segment As of September 30, 2020, NJNG owns approximately 7,392 miles of distribution main, 7,630 miles of service main, 221 miles of transmission main and 566,249 meters. Mains are primarily located under public roads. Where mains are located under private property, NJNG has obtained easements from the owners of record. Additionally, NJNG owns and operates two LNG storage plants in Stafford Township, Ocean County; and Howell Township, Monmouth County. The two LNG plants have an aggregate estimated maximum capacity of approximately 170,000 Dths per day and 1 Bcf of total capacity. These facilities are used for peaking natural gas supply and for emergencies. NJNG’s Liquefaction facility is also located on the Howell Township property and allows NJNG to convert natural gas into LNG to fill NJNG’s existing LNG storage tanks. NJNG owns four service centers located in Rockaway Township, Morris County; Atlantic Highlands and Wall Township, Monmouth County; and Lakewood, Ocean County. These service centers house storerooms, garages, natural gas distribution and administrative offices. NJNG leases its headquarters and customer service facilities in Wall Township, Monmouth County; a customer service office in Asbury Park, Monmouth County; and a service center in Manahawkin, Ocean County. These customer service offices support customer contact, marketing, economic development and other functions. Substantially all of NJNG’s properties, not expressly excepted or duly released, are subject to the lien of the Mortgage Indenture as security for NJNG’s mortgage bonds, which totaled $1 billion as of September 30, 2020. In addition, under the terms of the Mortgage Indenture, NJNG could have issued up to $1 billion of additional first mortgage bonds as of September 30, 2020. Clean Energy Ventures Segment As of September 30, 2020, Clean Energy Ventures has various solar contracts, including lease agreements and easements, allowing the installation, operation and maintenance of solar equipment and access to the various properties, including commercial and residential rooftops throughout the State of New Jersey. In addition to the lease agreements and easements, Clean Energy Ventures owns solar panels with a total of 357.4 MW of capacity, 79.5 acres of land in Vineland, Cumberland County and 101.75 acres of land in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Clean Energy Ventures leases office space in Wall Township, Monmouth County. Page 25 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) Energy Services Segment As of September 30, 2020, Energy Services leases office space in Wall Township, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Allentown, Pennsylvania. Storage and Transportation Segment As of September 30, 2020, Adelphia Gateway owns 11.48 acres of land in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 20 acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 119.4 acres in Northampton County, Pennsylvania and 17.7 acres in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and leases office space in Wall Township, New Jersey. Leaf River owns 43.94 acres of land and a 5,000 square foot building in Smith County, Mississippi, 65.4 acres in Jasper County, Mississippi and 3.53 acres in Clarke County, Mississippi and leases office space in Houston, Texas. All Other Business Operations As of September 30, 2020, CR&R’s real estate portfolio consisted of 23 acres of undeveloped land in Atlantic County, New Jersey. NJRHS leases service centers in Dover, New Jersey and Wall Township, New Jersey. NJR Service Corporation leases office space in Red Bank, New Jersey. Capital Expenditure Program See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of anticipated fiscal 2021 and 2022 capital expenditures, as applicable to our reporting segments and business operations. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation NJNG is responsible for the remedial cleanup of certain former MGP sites, dating back to gas operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations. NJNG is currently involved in administrative proceedings with the NJDEP, and participating in various studies and investigations by outside consultants, to determine the nature and extent of any such contaminated residues and to develop appropriate programs of remedial action, where warranted, under NJDEP regulations. NJNG periodically, and at least annually, performs an environmental review of former MGP sites located in Atlantic Highlands, Berkeley, Long Branch, Manchester, Toms River, and Freehold, New Jersey, collectively, the "former MGP sites", including a review of potential liability for investigation and remedial action. NJNG estimated at the time of the most recent review the total future expenditures at the former MGP sites for which it is responsible, including potential liabilities for further and continued natural resource damages that may be brought by the NJDEP for alleged injury to groundwater or other natural resources concerning these sites. As we have not yet completed the remedial investigation of the site, the total amount of potential costs of all remedial actions at the MGP site in Freehold, New Jersey, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The estimated total future expenditures for all former MGP sites will range from approximately $143.1 million to $181.7 million. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the most likely amount in the range. If no point within the range is more likely than the other, we accrue at the lower end of the range. Accordingly, NJNG recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $150.6 million as of September 30, 2020 and $131.1 million as of September 30, 2019, based on the most likely amount. The remediation liability at September 30, 2020 includes adjustments for actual expenditures during fiscal 2020. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and insurance recoveries, if any. In June 2019, NJNG initiated a preliminary assessment of a site in Aberdeen, New Jersey to determine prior ownership and if former MGP operations were active at the location. As of September 30, 2019, costs associated with preliminary assessment activities were considered immaterial and included as a component of NJNG’s annual SBC application to recover remediation expenses. The preliminary assessment and site investigation activities are ongoing at the Aberdeen site. The estimated costs to complete the preliminary assessment and site investigation phase is included in the MGP remediation liability and corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2020. NJNG will continue to gather information to determine whether the obligation exists to undertake remedial action. Page 26 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part I ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Continued) NJNG recovers its remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, over rolling seven-year periods pursuant to a RAC approved by the BPU. On September 9, 2020, the BPU approved NJNG's request for an increase in the RAC, which increased the annual recovery from $8.5 million to $9.7 million and is effective October 1, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, $36.5 million of previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds, are included in regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of MGP-related costs through the RAC. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related non-recoverable costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. General The Company is involved, and from time to time in the future may be involved, in a number of pending and threatened judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings relating to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation matters, particularly when such matters are in their early stages or where the claimants seek indeterminate damages, the Company cannot state with confidence what the eventual outcome of the pending litigation will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter will be, if any. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, NJR establishes accruals for litigation for those matters that present loss contingencies as to which it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. NJR also discloses contingent matters for which there is a reasonable possibility of a loss. Based upon currently available information, NJR believes that the results of litigation that is currently pending, taken together, will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The actual results of resolving the pending litigation matters may be substantially higher than the amounts accrued. The foregoing statements about NJR’s litigation are based upon the Company’s judgments, assumptions and estimates and are necessarily subjective and uncertain. The Company has a number of threatened and pending litigation matters at various stages. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable Page 27 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES NJR’s Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NJR. As of October 27, 2020, NJR had 60,383 holders of record of its common stock. Performance Graph The performance graph and table below illustrates a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns based on an initial investment of $100 in our common stock, as compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index, the S&P 500 Utilities Industry Index and the customized peer company group listed below, referred to herein as the Peer Group. The Peer Group companies were selected based on similarities to the Company’s business model, size and other growth and business factors. Cumulative Total Return NJR S&P 500 Utilities S&P 500 Peer Group 2015 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 2016 $112.67 $117.37 $115.43 $126.37 2017 $148.40 $131.49 $136.91 $144.57 2018 $166.62 $135.34 $161.43 $150.79 2019 $167.49 $172.02 $168.30 $178.99 2020 $104.21 $163.47 $193.80 $146.25 The 10 companies in the Peer Group are: Atmos Energy Corporation; Avista Corporation; Black Hills Corporation; National Fuel Gas Company; NiSource Inc.; Northwest Natural Gas Company; ONE Gas, Inc.; South Jersey Industries, Inc.; Southwest Gas Corporation; and Spire lnc. This performance graph and accompanying information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. In 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to implement a share repurchase program, which has been expanded seven times since the inception of the program, authorizing a total of 19.5 million shares of common stock for repurchase. The share repurchase plan allows us to purchase our outstanding shares on the open market or in negotiated transactions, based on market and other conditions. We are not required to purchase any specific number of shares and may discontinue or suspend the program at any time. The share repurchase plan will expire when we have repurchased all shares authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless it is terminated earlier by action of our Board of Directors or additional shares are authorized for repurchase. The following table sets forth NJR’s repurchase activity for the quarter ended September 30, 2020: Period 7/01/20 - 7/31/20 8/01/20 - 8/31/20 9/01/20 - 9/30/20 Total Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased — — — — $ $ $ $ Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs — — — — Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 2,431,053 2,431,053 2,431,053 2,431,053 — — — — Page 28 Comparison of 5 year Cumulative ReturnNJRS&P 500 UtilitiesS&P 500Peer Group201520162017201820192020$50.00$100.00$150.00$200.00New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATISTICS (Thousands, except per share data) Fiscal Years Ended September 30, SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Operating revenues Natural gas purchases Net income Total assets Common stock equity Long-term debt (1) (2) COMMON STOCK DATA Earnings per share-basic Earnings per share-diluted Dividends declared per share NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION Net income Add: Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Net financial earnings (3) Basic earnings per share Add: Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Net financial earnings per share-basic (3) Diluted earnings per share Add: Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Net financial earnings per share-diluted (3) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 1,953,668 $ 2,592,045 $ 2,915,109 $ 2,268,617 $ 1,880,905 $ 1,304,719 $ 2,044,302 $ 2,275,342 $ 1,703,767 $ 1,352,686 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 $ 132,065 $ 131,672 $ 5,569,802 $ 4,372,985 $ 4,143,664 $ 3,928,507 $ 3,718,570 $ 1,844,692 $ 1,551,717 $ 1,418,978 $ 1,236,643 $ 1,166,591 $ 2,259,466 $ 1,537,177 $ 1,180,619 $ 997,080 $ 1,055,038 $2.05 $2.04 $1.27 $1.90 $1.89 $1.19 $2.66 $2.64 $1.11 $1.53 $1.52 $1.038 $1.53 $1.52 $0.975 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 $ 132,065 $ 131,672 (9,644) 2,296 2,881 (711) 26,770 (4,512) (11,241) 4,062 46,883 (17,018) 12,690 (3,016) (36,816) 13,364 $ 196,245 $ 174,960 $ 240,486 $ 149,392 $ 138,085 (22,570) 7,362 38,470 (13,964) 4,309 (1,024) $2.05 $1.90 $2.66 $1.53 $1.53 (0.10) 0.02 0.13 (0.03) $2.07 0.03 (0.01) 0.05 (0.01) $1.96 0.31 (0.05) (0.26) 0.08 $2.74 (0.13) 0.05 0.45 (0.17) $1.73 0.55 (0.20) (0.43) 0.16 $1.61 $2.04 $1.89 $2.64 $1.52 $1.52 (0.10) 0.02 0.13 (0.03) $2.06 0.03 (0.01) 0.05 (0.01) $1.95 0.30 (0.05) (0.25) 0.08 $2.72 (0.13) 0.05 0.44 (0.17) $1.71 0.54 (0.20) (0.42) 0.15 $1.59 Includes long-term financel leases of $63.7 million, $25 million, $26.4 million, $28.9 million and $30.7 million, respectively. Includes long-term solar asset financing obligation of $105.5 million, $80.4 million, $89.8 million, $28.2 million and $0, respectively. (1) (2) (3) NFE is a non-GAAP financial measure that eliminates the timing differences surrounding the recognition of certain derivative gains or losses, to effectively match the earnings effects of economic hedges associated with the physical sale or purchase of natural gas and, therefore, eliminate the impact of volatility to GAAP earnings associated with the related derivative instruments. For further discussion of this financial measure, see the Energy Services segment discussion in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Page 29 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Continued) NJNG OPERATING STATISTICS Fiscal Years Ended September 30, Operating revenues ($ in thousands) Residential Commercial, industrial and other Firm transportation Total residential and commercial Interruptible Total system BGSS incentive programs Total operating revenues Throughput (Bcf) Residential Commercial, industrial and other Firm transportation Total residential and commercial Interruptible Total system BGSS incentive programs Total throughput Customers at year-end Residential Commercial, industrial and other Firm transportation Total residential and commercial Interruptible BGSS incentive programs Total customers at year-end Interest coverage ratio (1) Average therm use per customer Residential Commercial, industrial and other Degree days Weather as a percent of normal (2) Number of employees 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 500,271 98,463 66,871 665,605 6,322 671,927 57,996 $ 729,923 $ 450,515 104,372 57,513 612,400 6,637 619,037 91,756 $ 710,793 $ 441,486 95,351 65,256 602,093 7,522 609,615 122,250 $ 731,865 $ 395,315 98,777 73,206 567,298 7,970 575,268 120,369 $ 695,637 $ 345,597 80,994 69,696 496,287 8,867 505,154 89,192 $ 594,346 44.6 8.2 13.3 66.1 30.9 97.0 118.4 215.4 46.0 9.7 13.7 69.4 39.0 108.4 123.8 232.2 45.5 8.9 15.5 69.9 46.2 116.1 150.2 266.3 40.7 8.7 14.4 63.8 55.0 118.8 178.4 297.2 36.9 7.3 14.1 58.3 61.5 119.8 216.7 336.5 497,779 28,735 31,604 558,118 29 19 558,166 8.29 486,474 28,992 32,107 547,573 32 21 547,626 6.57 474,495 28,037 36,126 538,658 31 28 538,717 6.35 460,013 26,947 42,790 529,750 33 27 529,810 7.96 448,273 26,218 46,608 521,099 34 30 521,163 8.97 895 8,683 4,254 92.8 % 721 945 10,198 4,506 99.0 % 709 959 10,992 4,537 99.5 % 686 885 11,183 4,129 90.0 % 680 824 11,378 3,867 82.5 % 670 (1) (2) (3) NJNG’s income from operations divided by interest expense. Normal heating degree days are based on a 20-year average, calculated based upon three reference areas representative of NJNG’s service territory. Operating revenue presents sales tax, net during fiscal 2020 and 2019, due to the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Prior to fiscal 2019, operating revenue only included sales tax on operating revenues excluding tax-exempt sales. Page 30 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Critical Accounting Policies We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingencies during the reporting period. We regularly evaluate our estimates, including those related to the calculation of the fair value of derivative instruments, regulatory assets, income taxes, pension and postemployment benefits other than pensions and contingencies related to environmental matters and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In the normal course of business, estimated amounts are subsequently adjusted to actual results that may differ from estimates. Regulatory Accounting NJNG maintains its accounts in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the BPU and recognizes the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. As a result of the ratemaking process, NJNG is required to apply the accounting principles in ASC 980, Regulated Operations, which differ in certain respects from those applied by unregulated businesses. Specifically, NJNG records regulatory assets when it is probable that certain operating costs will be recoverable from customers in future periods and records regulatory liabilities associated with probable future obligations to customers. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered by rates. The BPU’s regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Decisions to be made by the BPU in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. If the BPU indicates that recovery of all or a portion of a regulatory asset is not probable or does not allow for recovery of and a reasonable return on investments in property plant and equipment, a charge to income would be made in the period of such determination. Environmental Costs At the end of each fiscal year, NJNG, with the assistance of an independent consulting firm, updates the environmental review of its MGP sites, including its potential liability for investigation and remedial action. From this review, NJNG estimates expenditures necessary to remediate and monitor these MGP sites. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is developed from then-currently available facts, existing technology and current laws and regulations. In accordance with accounting standards for contingencies, NJNG’s policy is to record a liability when it is probable that the cost will be incurred and can be reasonably estimated. NJNG will determine a range of liabilities and will record the most likely amount. If no point within the range is more likely than any other, NJNG will accrue the lower end of the range. Since we believe that recovery of these expenditures, as well as related litigation costs, is possible through the regulatory process, we have recorded a regulatory asset corresponding to the related accrued liability. Accordingly, NJNG recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is based on the most likely amount. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations and the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay, as well as the potential impact of any litigation and any insurance recoveries. Previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds received are included in regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If there are changes in the regulatory position surrounding these costs, or should actual expenditures vary significantly from estimates in that these costs are disallowed for recovery by the BPU, such costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. See the Legal Proceedings section in Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for more details. Page 31 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Postemployment Employee Benefits Our costs of providing postemployment employee benefits are dependent upon numerous factors, including actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Postemployment employee benefit costs are affected by actual employee demographics including age, compensation levels and employment periods, the level of contributions made to the plans, changes in long-term interest rates and the return on plan assets. Changes made to the provisions of the plans or healthcare legislation may also impact current and future postemployment employee benefit costs. Postemployment employee benefit costs may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, changes in mortality tables, health care cost trends and discount rates used in determining the PBO. In determining the PBO and cost amounts, assumptions can change from period to period and could result in material changes to net postemployment employee benefit periodic costs and the related liability recognized by us. The remeasurement of plan assets and obligations for a significant event should occur as of the date of the significant event. We may use a practical expedient to remeasure the plan assets and obligations as of the nearest calendar month-end date. When performing interim remeasurements, we obtain new asset values, roll forward the obligation to reflect population changes and review the appropriateness of all assumptions, regardless of the reason for performing the interim remeasurement. Our postemployment employee benefit plan assets consist primarily of U.S. equity securities, international equity securities, fixed-income investments and other assets, with a targeted allocation of 34 percent, 17 percent, 38 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Fluctuations in actual market returns, as well as changes in interest rates, may result in increased or decreased postemployment employee benefit costs in future periods. Postemployment employee benefit expenses are included in O&M and other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following is a summary of a sensitivity analysis for each actuarial assumption: Pension Plans Actuarial Assumptions Discount rate Discount rate Rate of return on plan assets Rate of return on plan assets Other Postemployment Benefits Actuarial Assumptions Discount rate Discount rate Rate of return on plan assets Rate of return on plan assets Actuarial Assumptions Health care cost trend rate Health care cost trend rate Acquisitions Increase/ (Decrease) 1.00 % (1.00) % 1.00 % (1.00) % Increase/ (Decrease) 1.00 % (1.00) % 1.00 % (1.00) % Increase/ (Decrease) 1.00 % (1.00) % Estimated Increase/(Decrease) on PBO (Thousands) $(49,896) $62,361 n/a n/a Estimated Increase/(Decrease) to Expense (Thousands) $(4,671) $5,643 $(2,840) $2,839 Estimated Increase/(Decrease) on PBO (Thousands) $ (36,740) $ 47,260 n/a n/a Estimated Increase/(Decrease) to Expense (Thousands) (3,608) 4,486 (898) 898 $ $ $ $ Estimated Increase/(Decrease) on PBO (Thousands) $ 49,106 $ (38,844) Estimated Increase/(Decrease) to Expense (Thousands) 6,861 (5,383) $ $ The Company follows the guidance in ASC 805, Business Combinations, for determining the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisitions. ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, provides an initial fair value screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets. If the initial screening test is not met, the set is considered a business based on whether there are inputs and substantive processes in place. Based on the results of this analysis and conclusion on an acquisition’s classification of a business combination or an asset acquisition, the accounting treatment is derived. Page 32 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) If the acquisition is deemed to be a business, the acquisition method of accounting is applied. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are recorded at fair value. If the transaction is deemed to be an asset purchase, the cost accumulation and allocation model is used whereby the assets and liabilities are recorded based on the purchase price and allocated to the individual assets and liabilities based on relative fair values. The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable management judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates and the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as other assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. Management determines discount rates based on the risk inherent in the acquired assets and related cash flows. The valuation of an acquired business is based on available information at the acquisition date and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. However, a change in facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date can result in subsequent adjustments during the measurement period, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Investments in Equity Investees The Company accounts for its investments in Steckman Ridge and PennEast, using the equity method of accounting where it is not the primary beneficiary, as defined under ASC 810, Consolidation, in that its respective ownership interests are 50 percent or less and/or it has significant influence over operating and management decisions. The Company’s share of earnings is recognized as equity in earnings of affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the current fair value may be less than the asset’s carrying amount. Factors that the Company analyzes in determining whether an impairment in its equity investments exists include reviewing the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investees, including economic conditions and trends in the general market, significant delays in or failure to complete significant projects, unfavorable regulatory or legal actions expected to substantially impact future earnings potential and lower than expected cash distributions from investees. If the Company determines the decline in the value of its equity method investment is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. On September 10, 2019, the Third Circuit issued an order overturning the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey’s order granting PennEast condemnation and immediate access in accordance with the Natural Gas Act to certain properties in which New Jersey holds an interest. The Petition for Panel Rehearing or Rehearing En Banc filed with the Third Circuit was denied on November 5, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the NJDEP issued a letter indicating that it deemed PennEast’s freshwater wetlands permit application to be administratively incomplete and closed the matter without prejudice. On October 11, 2019, PennEast submitted a letter to the NJDEP objecting to its position that the freshwater wetlands permit application is administratively incomplete. On November 14, 2019, PennEast announced that it will ask the Supreme Court of the U.S. to review the September 2019 decision by the Third Circuit. As a result of the adverse court rulings, the Company evaluated its investment in PennEast for impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. The Company estimated the fair value of its investment using probability- weighted scenarios of discounted future cash flows. Management made significant estimates and assumptions related to development options and legal outcomes, construction costs, timing of capital investments and in-service dates, revenues and discount rates. The discounted cash flow scenarios contemplate the impact of key assumptions of potential future court decisions and potential future management decisions and require management to make significant estimates regarding the likelihood of various scenarios and assumptions. It is reasonably possible that future unfavorable developments, such as a reduced likelihood of success from development options and legal outcomes, estimated increases in construction costs, increases in the discount rate or further significant delays, could result in an impairment of our equity method investment. Also, the use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in a different calculation of fair value, which could ultimately result in the recognition of an impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Higher probabilities were assumed related to those scenarios where the project is completed. Page 33 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Due to the anticipated expiration of a customer contract for Steckman Ridge, the Company evaluated its investment in Steckman Ridge for other-than-temporary impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. The fair value of the Company’s investment in Steckman Ridge was determined using a discounted cash flow method and utilized management’s best estimates and assumptions related to expected future results, including the price and capacity of firm natural gas storage contracting, operations and maintenance costs, the nature and timing of major maintenance and capital investment, and discount rates. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and other factors. As a result, it is reasonably possible that unfavorable developments, such as the failure to execute storage contracts and other services for available capacity at anticipated price levels could result in an other- than temporary impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. For further information on these investments, see Note 7. Investments in Equity Investees. Impairment of Long-lived assets Property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed periodically for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable in accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance. Factors that the Company analyzes in determining whether an impairment in its long-lived assets exists include determining if a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset is present; a significant adverse change in the extent in which a long-lived asset is being used in its physical condition; legal proceedings or factors; significant business climate changes, accumulations of costs in significant excess of the amounts expected; a current-period operating or cash flow loss coupled with historical negative cash flows or expected future negative cash flows; and current expectations that more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. When an impairment indicator is present, the Company determines if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable by comparing it to its expected undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. Derivative Instruments We record our derivative instruments held as assets and liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, since we choose not to designate any of our physical and financial natural gas commodity derivatives as accounting hedges, changes in the fair value of Energy Services’ commodity derivatives are recognized in earnings, as they occur, as a component of operating revenues or natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange contracts are recognized in natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of derivative instruments is determined by reference to quoted market prices of listed exchange-traded contracts, published price quotations, pipeline tariff information or a combination of those items. Energy Services’ portfolio is valued using the most current and reasonable market information. If the price underlying a physical commodity transaction does not represent a visible and liquid market, Energy Services may utilize additional published pipeline tariff information and/or other services to determine an equivalent market price. As of September 30, 2020, the fair value of its derivative assets and liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets that is based on such pricing is considered immaterial. Should there be a significant change in the underlying market prices or pricing assumptions, Energy Services may experience a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Refer to Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks for a sensitivity analysis related to the impact to derivative fair values resulting from changes in commodity prices. The valuation methods we use to determine fair values remained consistent for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018. We apply a discount to our derivative assets to factor in an adjustment associated with the credit risk of its physical natural gas counterparties and to our derivative liabilities to factor in an adjustment associated with its own credit risk. We determine this amount by using historical default probabilities corresponding to the appropriate S&P issuer ratings. Since the majority of our counterparties are rated investment grade, this results in an immaterial credit risk adjustment. Gains and losses associated with derivatives utilized by NJNG to manage the price risk inherent in its natural gas purchasing activities are recoverable through its BGSS, subject to BPU approval. Accordingly, the offset to the change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded as either a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Page 34 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Clean Energy Ventures hedges certain of its expected production of SRECs through forward and futures contracts. Clean Energy Ventures intends to physically deliver all SRECs it sells and recognizes SREC revenue as operating revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Operations upon delivery of the underlying SREC. We have not designated any derivatives as fair value or cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. Income Taxes The determination of our provision for income taxes requires the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of tax laws. Judgment is required in assessing the deductibility and recoverability of certain tax benefits. We use the asset and liability method to determine and record deferred tax assets and liabilities, representing future tax benefits and taxes payable, which result from the differences in basis recorded in GAAP financial statements and amounts recorded in the income tax returns. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded utilizing the statutorily enacted tax rates expected to be in effect at the time the assets are realized, and/or the liabilities settled. An offsetting valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets won’t be realized. Any significant changes to the estimates and judgments with respect to the interpretations, timing or deductibility could result in a material change to earnings and cash flows. For a more detailed description of Income Taxes see Note 13. Income Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. For state income tax and other taxes, estimates and judgments are required with respect to the apportionment among the various jurisdictions. In addition, we operate within multiple tax jurisdictions and are subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. We maintain a liability for the estimate of potential income tax exposure and, in our opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years reported. Any significant changes to the estimates and judgments with respect to the apportionment factor could result in a material change to earnings and cash flows. Occasionally, the federal and state taxing authorities determine that it is necessary to make certain changes to the income tax laws. These changes may include but are not limited to changes in the tax rates and/or the treatment of certain items of income or expense. Accounting guidance requires that the Company reflect the effect of tax laws or tax rates at the date of enactment. Additionally, the Company is required to re-measure its deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the date of enactment. For non-regulated entities, the effect of changes in tax rates and/or tax laws are required to be included in income from continuing operations for the period that includes the enactment date. For regulated entities, if as the result of an action by a regulator it is probable that the future increase or decrease in taxes payable for items such as changes in tax law or rates will be recovered from or returned to customers through future rates, an asset or liability shall be recognized for that probable increase or decrease in future revenue. Accounting guidance also requires that regulatory liabilities/assets be considered a temporary difference for which a deferred tax asset/liability shall be recognized. Accounting guidance requires that we establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the positions will not be sustained when challenged by taxing authorities. Any changes to the estimates and judgments with respect to the interpretations, timing or deductibility could result in a change to earnings and cash flows. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recognized within income tax expense and accrued interest, and penalties are recognized within accrued taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent that NJNG invests in property that qualifies for ITCs, the ITC is deferred and amortized to income over the life of the equipment in accordance with regulatory treatment. In general, for our unregulated subsidiaries, we recognize ITCs as a reduction to income tax expense when the property is placed in service. Changes to the federal statutes related to ITCs, which have the effect of reducing or eliminating the credits, could have a negative impact on earnings and cash flows. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of recently issued accounting standards. Page 35 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Management’s Overview Consolidated NJR is a diversified energy services holding company providing retail natural gas service in New Jersey and wholesale natural gas and related energy services to customers in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, we invest in clean energy projects, natural gas storage and transportation assets and provide various repair, sales and installation services. A more detailed description of our organizational structure can be found in Item 1. Business. The following sections include a discussion of results for fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019. The comparative results for fiscal 2019 with fiscal 2018 have been omitted from this Form 10-K, but may be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on Form 10-K of our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2019. Reporting Segments We have four primary reporting segments as presented in the chart below: In addition to our four reporting segments, we have non-utility operations that either provide corporate support services or do not meet the criteria to be treated as a separate reporting segment. These operations, which comprise Home Services and Other, include: appliance repair services, sales and installations at NJRHS and commercial real estate holdings at CR&R. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic We are closely monitoring developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and are taking steps intended to limit potential exposure for our employees and those we serve. We have also taken proactive steps to ensure business continuity in the safe operation of our business. Both NJR and NJNG continue to have sufficient liquidity to meet their current obligations, and business operations remain fundamentally unchanged at this time. This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation, and we cannot predict the extent or duration of the outbreak, the effects of the pandemic on the global, national or local economy or its effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We cannot predict the nature and extent of impacts to future operations. We will continue to monitor developments affecting our employees, customers and operations and take additional steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, as necessary. Page 36 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Operating Results A summary of our consolidated results in net income and assets by reporting segment and operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows: (Thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Home Services and Other Intercompany (1) Total Net Income $ Assets Net Income Assets Net Income Assets 126,902 $ 3,531,477 $ 1,015,073 53,023 244,836 (11,008) 844,799 18,311 138,375 5,784 (204,758) 907 193,919 $ 5,569,802 $ 78,062 $ 3,064,309 $ 864,323 77,473 290,847 (1,268) 240,955 14,689 104,411 1,637 (191,860) (1,088) 169,505 $ 4,372,985 $ 84,048 $ 2,663,054 865,018 75,849 396,852 53,139 242,069 24,367 114,732 (3,555) (138,061) (412) 233,436 $ 4,143,664 $ (1) Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation. The increase in net income of $24.4 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, was driven primarily by increased earnings at our Natural Gas Distribution segment due to higher base rates resulting from the base rate case in November 2019, partially offset by decreased earnings at Energy Services resulting from warmer weather, which lead to decreased demand, lower natural gas prices and ultimately decreased volatility in the wholesale natural gas markets and decreased earnings at Clean Energy Ventures resulting from a decrease in ITC recognition, as well as the absence of wind revenue in fiscal 2020. The primary drivers of the changes noted above are described in more detail in the individual segment discussions. The increase in assets during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, was due primarily to the acquisition of Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway within our Storage and Transportation segment, increases in utility plant and solar asset investment within our Natural Gas Distribution segment and Clean Energy Ventures segment, respectively, and the recognition of a right- of-use asset upon adoption of ASC 842 - Leases on October 1, 2019. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Our management uses NFE, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating our operating results. Energy Services economically hedges its natural gas inventory with financial derivative instruments. NFE is a measure of the earnings based on eliminating timing differences surrounding the recognition of certain gains or losses, to effectively match the earnings effects of the economic hedges with the physical sale of natural gas and, therefore, eliminates the impact of volatility to GAAP earnings associated with the derivative instruments. There is a related tax effect on current and deferred income tax expense corresponding with this non-GAAP measure. To the extent we utilize forwards, futures or other derivatives to hedge forecasted SREC production, unrealized gains and losses are also eliminated for NFE purposes. GAAP requires us, during the interim periods, to estimate our annual effective tax rate and use this rate to calculate the year-to-date tax provision. We also determine an annual estimated effective tax rate for NFE purposes and calculate a quarterly tax adjustment based on the difference between our forecasted net income and our forecasted NFE for the fiscal year. Since the annual estimated effective tax rate is based on certain forecasted assumptions, including estimates surrounding completion of Clean Energy Ventures projects, the rate and resulting NFE are subject to change. No adjustment is needed during the fourth quarter, since the actual effective tax rate is calculated at fiscal year-end. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or a replacement of, the comparable GAAP measure and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results. Page 37 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Below is a reconciliation of consolidated net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to NFE for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands, except per share data) Net income Add: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (1) Tax effect Net financial earnings Basic earnings per share Add: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (1) Tax effect Basic net financial earnings per share 2020 2019 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 2018 (9,644) 2,296 12,690 (3,016) 26,770 (4,512) (22,570) 7,362 $ 196,245 $ 174,960 $ 240,486 2,881 (711) 4,309 (1,024) $ 2.05 $ 1.90 $ 2.66 (0.10) 0.02 0.13 (0.03) 2.07 $ 0.03 (0.01) 0.05 (0.01) 1.96 $ 0.31 (0.05) (0.26) 0.08 2.74 $ (1) Effects of hedging natural gas inventory transactions where the economic impact is realized in a future period. NFE by reporting segment and other operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, discussed in more detail within the operating results sections of each segment, is summarized as follows: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Home Services and Other Eliminations (1) Total 2020 $ 126,902 53,023 (7,873) 18,311 5,784 98 $ 196,245 2019 2018 65 % $ 78,062 45 % $ 84,048 77,473 27 75,849 44 2,918 (4) 60,378 2 14,689 9 24,367 8 (3,829) 1,911 3 1 (327) — (93) — 100 % $ 174,960 100 % $ 240,486 100 % 35 % 32 25 10 (2) — (1) Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation. The increase in NFE of $21.3 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, was driven primarily by increased base rates at our Natural Gas Distribution and Transportation segments, partially offset by lower financial margin generated at Energy Services resulting from warmer weather, which led to decreased demand, lower natural gas prices and ultimately decreased volatility in the wholesale natural gas markets and decreased earnings at Clean Energy Ventures, as previously discussed. Natural Gas Distribution Segment Overview Our Natural Gas Distribution segment is comprised of NJNG, a natural gas utility that provides regulated retail natural gas service throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties in New Jersey to approximately 558,000 residential and commercial customers in its service territory and also participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. The business is subject to various risks, including those risks associated with COVID-19 and may include but are not limited to impacts to customer growth and customer usage, customer collections, the timing and costs of capital expenditures and construction of infrastructure projects, operating and financing costs, fluctuations in commodity prices and customer conservation efforts. In addition, NJNG may be subject to adverse economic conditions, certain regulatory actions, environmental remediation and severe weather conditions. It is often difficult to predict the impact of events or trends associated with these risks. NJNG’s business is seasonal by nature, as weather conditions directly influence the volume of natural gas delivered to customers on an annual basis. Specifically, customer demand substantially increases during the winter months when natural gas is used for heating purposes. As a result, NJNG receives most of its natural gas distribution revenues during the first and second fiscal quarters and is subject to variations in earnings and working capital during the fiscal year. Page 38 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) As a regulated company, NJNG is required to recognize the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. See Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion on regulatory actions, including filings related to programs and associated expenditures, as well as rate requests related to recovery of capital investments and operating costs. NJNG’s operations are managed with the goal of providing safe and reliable service, growing its customer base, diversifying its utility gross margin, promoting clean energy programs and mitigating the risks discussed above. Base Rate Case On March 29, 2019, NJNG filed a base rate case with the BPU requesting a natural gas revenue increase of $128.2 million, including a change in NJNG’s overall rate of return on rate base to 7.87 percent. NJNG was also seeking permission to request recovery for SRL in a future filing, upon completion of the project. On July 2, 2019, NJNG filed an update with actual information through May 31, 2019, which reflected a revenue increase of $129.8 million. On September 30, 2019, NJNG filed a second update with actual information through August 31, 2019, which reflected a revenue increase of $134.3 million. On November 13, 2019, the BPU issued an order adopting a stipulation of settlement approving a $62.2 million increase to base rates, effective November 15, 2019. The increase includes an overall rate of return on rate base of 6.95 percent, return on common equity of 9.6 percent, a common equity ratio of 54 percent and a depreciation rate of 2.78 percent. Infrastructure Projects NJNG has significant annual capital expenditures associated with the management of its natural gas distribution and transmission system, including new utility plant associated with customer growth and its associated PIM and infrastructure programs. Below is a summary of NJNG’s capital expenditures, including accruals for fiscal 2020 and estimates for expected investments over the next fiscal year: Estimated capital expenditures are reviewed on a regular basis and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory oversight, environmental regulations, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital. Infrastructure Investment Program On February 28, 2019, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU seeking authority to implement a five-year Infrastructure Investment Program. The IIP consists of two components: transmission and distribution investments and information technology replacement and enhancements. The total investment for the IIP is approximately $507 million. All approved investments will be recovered through annual filings to adjust base rates. On October 28, 2020, the BPU approved the Page 39 $ (Millions)$8.2$56.5$56.3$72.7$—$8.7$52.9$78.6$14.6$22.4$53.3$93.4$6.4$33.7$154.2$65.42020A2021ENJ RISESAFE IICustomerGrowthSystemMaintenanceInfrastructureInvestmentProgramTechnologyUpgradesCost ofRemovaland OtherSRL$0$20$40$60$80$100$120$140$160New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Company’s transmission and distribution component of the IIP for $150 million over five years, effective November 1, 2020. NJNG voluntarily withdrew the information technology upgrade component and will seek to recover associated costs in future rate case proceedings. SAFE II and NJ RISE NJNG continues to implement BPU-approved infrastructure projects that are designed to enhance the reliability and integrity of NJNG’s natural gas distribution system. The BPU approved the 5-year SAFE II program and the associated rate mechanism to replace the remaining unprotected steel mains and services from NJNG’s natural gas distribution system at an estimated cost of approximately $200 million, excluding AFUDC. With the approval of SAFE II, $157.5 million was approved for accelerated cost recovery methodology. The remaining $42.5 million in capital expenditures must be requested for recovery in base rate cases, of which $23.4 million was approved in NJNG’s most recent base rate case. The BPU approved NJNG’s NJ RISE capital infrastructure program, which consists of six capital investment projects estimated to cost $102.5 million, excluding AFUDC, for natural gas distribution storm hardening and mitigation projects, along with associated depreciation expense. These system enhancements are intended to minimize service impacts during extreme weather events to customers in the most storm-prone areas of NJNG’s service territory. Recovery of NJ RISE investments is included in NJNG’s base rates. In September 2019, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual petition requesting a rate increase of $7.8 million, effective October 1, 2019. On March 30, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU requesting a rate increase of approximately $7.4 million for the recovery associated with NJ RISE and SAFE II capital investment costs of approximately $57.9 million. On July 24, 2020, the Company updated this filing with actual information through June 30, 2020 and the revised rate increase requested was $7.1 million based on $55.1 million of actual capital investments. On September 9, 2020, the BPU approved the increase to base rate revenue, effective October 1, 2020. Southern Reliability Link The SRL is an approximately 30-mile, 30-inch transmission main designed to support improved system reliability and integrity in the southern portion of NJNG’s service territory. Construction began on the project in December 2018 and is estimated to cost between $250 million and $270 million upon completion. Costs associated with SRL will be requested for recovery in a future base rate case. Customer Growth In conducting NJNG’s business, management focuses on factors it believes may have significant influence on its future financial results. NJNG’s policy is to work with all stakeholders, including customers, regulators and policymakers, to achieve favorable results. These factors include the rate of NJNG’s customer growth in its service territory, which can be influenced by political and regulatory policies, the delivered cost of natural gas compared with competing fuels, interest rates and general economic and business conditions. NJNG’s total customers as of September 30, include the following: Firm customers Residential Commercial, industrial & other Residential transport Commercial transport Total firm customers Other Total customers 2020 2019 2018 497,779 28,735 22,420 9,184 558,118 48 558,166 486,474 28,992 22,870 9,237 547,573 53 547,626 474,495 28,037 26,490 9,636 538,658 59 538,717 During fiscal 2020, NJNG added 8,349 new customers, which represents a new customer growth rate of approximately 1.5 percent. During that same time period, NJNG converted 260 existing customers to natural gas heat and other services. This Page 40 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) customer growth, as well as commercial customers who switched from interruptible to firm natural gas service, will contribute approximately $6.2 million, on an annualized basis, to utility gross margin. NJNG also added 9,711 and 9,596 new customers and converted 218 and 613 existing customers to natural gas heat and other services during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. NJNG continues to expect to add approximately 28,000 to 30,000 new customers during the three-year period of fiscal 2021 to 2023. NJNG’s estimates are based on information from municipalities and developers, as well as external industry analysts and management’s experience. NJNG estimates that approximately 65 percent of the growth will come from new construction markets and 35 percent from customer conversions to natural gas from other fuel sources. See the Natural Gas Distribution Segment Operating Results section that follows for a definition and further discussion of utility gross margin. Energy Efficiency Programs SAVEGREEN conducts home energy audits and provides various grants, incentives and financing alternatives designed to encourage the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and other energy efficiency upgrades. Depending on the specific incentive or approval, NJNG recovers costs associated with the programs over a two- to 10-year period through a tariff rider mechanism. On September 25, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU for an additional three-year SAVEGREEN program consisting of approximately $127 million in direct investment, $113 million in financing options, and approximately $23 million in operation and maintenance expenses, to be effective July 1, 2021. On December 18, 2018, the BPU approved a decrease in NJNG's EE recovery rate reflecting actual costs incurred through September 30, 2018, which resulted in an annual recovery of approximately $8.8 million, effective January 1, 2019. On October 25, 2019, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual filing to increase its EE recovery rate, which resulted in an annual recovery of approximately $11.3 million, effective November 1, 2019. On May 29, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU to minimally decrease its EE recovery rate. Throughout the course of the proceeding, the Company updated the filing with additional actual information. Based on the updated information, the BPU approved the Company to maintain its existing rate, which will result in an annual recovery of approximately $11.4 million, effective November 1, 2020. The following table summarizes, since inception, loans, grants, rebates and related investments as of September 30: (Thousands) Loans Grants, rebates and related investments Total 2020 119,400 $ 80,500 199,900 $ 2019 99,000 70,100 169,100 $ $ Program recoveries from customers during the period ending September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $10.3 million and $11.6 million, respectively. The recovery includes a weighted average cost of capital that ranges from 6.69 percent to 7.76 percent, with a return on equity of 9.75 percent to 10.3 percent. Conservation Incentive Program/BGSS The CIP facilitates normalizing NJNG’s utility gross margin for variances not only due to weather but also for other factors affecting customer usage, such as conservation and energy efficiency. Recovery of utility gross margin for the non- weather variance through the CIP is limited to the amount of certain natural gas supply cost savings achieved and is subject to a variable margin revenue test. Additionally, recovery of the CIP utility gross margin is subject to an annual earnings test. An annual review of the CIP must be filed by June 1, coincident with NJNG’s annual BGSS filing, during which NJNG can request rate changes to the CIP. In May 2014, the BPU approved the continuation of the CIP program with no expiration date. NJNG’s total utility firm gross margin includes the following adjustments related to the CIP mechanism: (Thousands) Weather (1) Usage Total 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 17,882 $ 292 18,174 $ 2,699 $ (341) 2,358 $ 205 (1,629) (1,424) (1) Compared with the CIP 20-year average, weather was 7.2 percent, 1 percent and 0.5 percent warmer-than-normal during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Page 41 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Recovery of Natural Gas Costs NJNG’s cost of natural gas is passed through to our customers, without markup, by applying NJNG’s authorized BGSS rate to actual therms delivered. There is no utility gross margin associated with BGSS costs; therefore, changes in such costs do not impact NJNG’s earnings. NJNG monitors its actual natural gas costs in comparison to its BGSS rates to manage its cash flows associated with its allowed recovery of natural gas costs, which is facilitated through BPU-approved deferred accounting and the BGSS pricing mechanism. Accordingly, NJNG occasionally adjusts its periodic BGSS rates or can issue credits or refunds, as appropriate, for its residential and small commercial customers when the commodity cost varies from the existing BGSS rate. BGSS rates for its large commercial customers are adjusted monthly based on NYMEX prices. NJNG’s residential and commercial markets are currently open to competition, and its rates are segregated between BGSS (i.e., natural gas commodity) and delivery (i.e., transportation) components. NJNG earns utility gross margin through the delivery of natural gas to its customers and, therefore, is not negatively affected by customers who use its transportation service and purchase natural gas from another supplier. Under an existing order from the BPU, BGSS can be provided by suppliers other than the state’s natural gas utilities; however, customers who purchase natural gas from another supplier continue to use NJNG for transportation service. On December 28, 2018, NJNG notified the BPU that it would implement a BGSS increase effective February 1, 2019, which resulted in an increase in revenues credited to BGSS of $10.9 million through September 30, 2019. On March 27, 2020, the BPU approved, on a final basis, a decrease to NJNG’s BGSS rate for residential and small commercial customers, an increase to its balancing charge rate, resulting in a $2 million decrease to the annual revenues credited to BGSS, as well as changes to the CIP rates, which resulted in a $10.6 million annual recovery increase, effective October 1, 2019. On May 29, 2020, NJNG filed its annual petition with the BPU to decrease its BGSS rate for residential and small commercial customers, decrease its balancing charge and modify its CIP rates. On September 9, 2020, the BPU approved NJNG’s petition, effective October 1, 2020, which will result in a $7.7 million overall net decrease to the annual recovery. The balancing charge rate includes the cost of balancing natural gas deliveries with customer usage for sales and transportation customers and balancing charge revenues are credited to BGSS. On November 20, 2020, NJNG submitted notification that it will provide an estimated $10 million in BGSS bill credits in December 2020 Refer to Note 4. Regulation - BGSS and CIP in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of NJNG’s periodic BGSS and CIP rate adjustments. BGSS Incentive Programs NJNG is eligible to receive financial incentives for reducing BGSS costs through a series of utility gross margin-sharing programs that include off-system sales, capacity release and storage incentive programs. These programs are designed to encourage better utilization and hedging of NJNG’s natural gas supply, transportation and storage assets. Depending on the program, NJNG shares 80 or 85 percent of utility gross margin generated by these programs with firm customers. Utility gross margin from incentive programs was $9.5 million, $8.4 million and $12.5 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Hedging In order to provide relative price stability to its natural gas supply portfolio, NJNG employs a hedging strategy with the goal of having at least 75 percent of the Company’s projected winter periodic BGSS natural gas sales volumes hedged by each November 1 and at least 25 percent of the projected periodic BGSS natural gas sales hedged for the following April-through- March period. This is accomplished with the use of various financial instruments including futures, swaps and options used in conjunction with commodity and/or weather-related hedging activity. Page 42 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Commodity prices Our Natural Gas Distribution segment is affected by the price of natural gas, which can have a significant impact on our cash flows, short-term financing costs, the price of natural gas charged to our customers through the BGSS clause, our ability to collect accounts receivable, which impacts our bad debt expense, and our ability to maintain a competitive advantage over other energy sources. Natural gas commodity prices may experience high volatility as shown in the graph below, which illustrates the daily natural gas prices(1) in the Northeast market region, also known as TETCO M-3. (1) Data sourced from S&P Global Platts. The maximum price per MMBtu was $5.59, $9.17 and $94.93 and the minimum price was $0.68, $1.09 and $0.53 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. A more detailed discussion of the impacts of the price of natural gas on operating revenues, natural gas purchases and cash flows can be found in the Results of Operations and Cash Flow sections of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Societal Benefits Charge USF NJNG’s qualifying customers are eligible for the USF program, which is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, to help make energy bills more affordable. In September 2018, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual USF compliance filing to increase the statewide USF rate, which will result in a $1 million annual increase, effective October 1, 2018. On June 24, 2019, NJNG filed its annual USF compliance filing proposing an increase to the statewide USF rate, which will result in the annual recovery increasing by $1.2 million, effective October 1, 2019. On June 25, 2020, NJNG filed its annual USF compliance filing proposing a decrease to the statewide USF rate, which will result in annual decreases of approximately $400,000. On September 23, 2020, the BPU approved the decrease, effective October 1, 2020. Refer to Note 4. Regulation - Societal Benefits Clause in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of NJNG’s USF rates. Page 43 ($ per MMBtu)Tetco M-3 Daily Prices202020192018OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSept$0$20$40$60$80New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Environmental Remediation NJNG is responsible for the environmental remediation of former MGP sites, which contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations that ceased operating at these sites by the mid-1950s and, in some cases, had been discontinued many years earlier. Actual MGP remediation costs may vary from management’s estimates due to the developing nature of remediation requirements, regulatory decisions by the NJDEP and related litigation. NJNG reviews these costs at the end of each fiscal year and adjusts its liability and corresponding regulatory asset as necessary to reflect its expected future remediation obligation. Accordingly, NJNG recognized a regulatory asset and an obligation of $150.6 million as of September 30, 2020, an increase of $19.5 million compared with the prior fiscal period. On September 27, 2019, NJNG filed its annual SBC application requesting to recover remediation expenses, including an increase in the RAC, of approximately $1.4 million annually and an increase to the NJCEP factor, which will result in an annual increase of approximately $3.3 million, to be effective April 1, 2020. On March 16, 2020, a stipulation was signed in NJNG’s annual SBC application including recovery of remediation expenses, an increase in the RAC of approximately $1.2 million annually and an annual decrease to the NJCEP factor of $600,000. The BPU approved the stipulation on September 9, 2020. On September 29, 2020, NJNG filed its annual SBC application requesting to recover remediation expenses, including an increase in the RAC, of approximately $1.3 million annually and an increase to the NJCEP factor, which will result in an annual increase of approximately $6 million, effective April 1, 2021. In June 2019, NJNG initiated a preliminary assessment of a site in Aberdeen, New Jersey to determine prior ownership and if there were former MGP operations active at the location. The Company is in the process of conducting site investigation activities to identify and evaluate the nature and extent of MGP-related contaminants present at the location. The costs associated with preliminary assessment and site investigation activities are considered immaterial and are included as a component of NJNG’s annual SBC application to recover remediation expenses. We will continue to gather information to further refine and enhance its estimate of potential costs for this site as it becomes available. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for a more detailed description. Other regulatory filings and a more detailed discussion of the filings in this section can be found in Note 4. Regulation in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating Results NJNG’s operating results for the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) Operating revenues Operating expenses Natural gas purchases (1) (2) Operation and maintenance Regulatory rider expense (3) Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating income Other income, net Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Income tax provision (benefit) Net income 2020 2019 $ 729,923 $ 710,793 $ 731,865 2018 287,307 162,792 34,529 71,883 556,511 173,412 11,486 30,975 27,021 $ 126,902 $ 336,489 171,198 33,937 57,980 599,604 111,189 2,441 26,134 9,434 78,062 $ 333,208 203,627 38,969 53,208 629,012 102,853 4,584 25,299 (1,910) 84,048 (1) (2) (3) Includes the purchased cost of the natural gas, fees paid to pipelines and storage facilities, adjustments as a result of BGSS incentive programs and hedging transactions. These expenses are passed through to customers and are offset by corresponding revenues. Includes related party transactions of approximately $11.5 million, $16.2 million and $57.2 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, a portion of which are eliminated in consolidation. Consists of expenses associated with state-mandated programs, the RAC and energy efficiency programs, and are calculated on a per-therm basis. These expenses are passed through to customers and are offset by corresponding revenues. Page 44 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Operating Revenues and Natural Gas Purchases Operating revenues increased 2.7 percent during fiscal 2020 compared with fiscal 2019. Natural gas purchases decreased 14.6 percent during fiscal 2020 compared with fiscal 2019. The factors contributing to the increases (decreases) in operating revenues and natural gas purchases during fiscal 2020, are as follows: (Thousands) Base rate impact CIP adjustments SAFE II/NJ RISE Firm sales BGSS incentives Average BGSS rates Other (1) Total increase (decrease) 2020 v. 2019 Operating revenue Natural gas purchases $ $ 55,348 $ 15,816 7,728 (27,461) (33,761) (5,258) 6,718 19,130 $ — — — (13,217) (34,834) (5,258) 4,127 (49,182) (1) Other includes changes in rider rates, including those related to EE, NJCEP and other programs. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Management uses utility gross margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, when evaluating the operating results of NJNG. NJNG’s utility gross margin is defined as natural gas revenues less natural gas purchases, sales tax and regulatory rider expenses, and may not be comparable to the definition of gross margin used by others in the natural gas distribution business and other industries. Management believes that utility gross margin provides a meaningful basis for evaluating utility operations since natural gas costs, sales tax and regulatory rider expenses are included in operating revenue and passed through to customers and, therefore, have no effect on utility gross margin. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP measure. Utility Gross Margin A reconciliation of operating revenues, the closest GAAP financial measure to NJNG’s utility gross margin, is as follows for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands) Operating revenues Less: Natural gas purchases Energy taxes Regulatory rider expense Utility gross margin 2020 729,923 $ 2019 710,793 $ 2018 731,865 $ 287,307 — 34,529 408,087 $ 336,489 — 33,937 340,367 $ 333,208 39,426 38,969 320,262 $ (1) Energy taxes does not include sales tax during fiscal 2020 and 2019, due to the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Energy taxes includes only sales tax on operating revenues during fiscal 2018, excluding tax-exempt sales. Utility gross margin consists of three components: • utility firm gross margin generated from only the delivery component of either a sales tariff or a transportation tariff from residential and commercial customers who receive natural gas service from NJNG; • BGSS incentive programs, where revenues generated or savings achieved from BPU-approved off-system sales, capacity release or storage incentive programs are shared between customers and NJNG; and • utility gross margin generated from off-tariff customers, as well as interruptible customers. Page 45 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) The following provides more information on the components of utility gross margin and associated throughput (Bcf) of natural gas delivered to customers: ($ in thousands) Utility gross margin/throughput Residential Commercial, industrial and other Firm transportation Total utility firm gross margin/throughput BGSS incentive programs Interruptible/off-tariff agreements Total utility gross margin/throughput Utility Firm Gross Margin 2020 2019 2018 Margin Bcf Margin Bcf Margin Bcf $ 275,033 44.6 57,929 8.2 60,199 13.3 393,161 66.1 9,471 118.4 5,455 30.9 $ 408,087 215.4 $ 224,597 50,553 51,069 326,219 46.0 9.7 13.7 69.4 8,398 123.8 39.0 5,750 $ 340,367 232.2 $ 203,195 46,636 51,880 301,711 45.5 8.9 15.5 69.9 12,482 150.2 6,069 46.2 $ 320,262 266.3 Utility firm gross margin increased $66.9 million during fiscal 2020 compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to the increase in base rates, along with increased returns on infrastructure programs related to SAFE II and NJ RISE. BGSS Incentive Programs A description of the factors contributing to the increases (decreases) in utility gross margin generated by NJNG’s BGSS incentive programs during fiscal 2020 is as follows: (Thousands) Storage Off-system sales Capacity release Total increase 2020 v. 2019 1,217 $ 795 (939) 1,073 $ The increase in utility gross margin was due primarily to an increase in storage incentive from market opportunities for low-cost storage injections and improved margins from off-system sales, partially offset by a decrease in capacity release volume. Operation and Maintenance Expense O&M expense decreased $8.4 million during fiscal 2020 compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreased consulting expenses related to technology improvements projects, partially offset by increased compensation costs. Depreciation Expense Depreciation expense increased $13.9 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, as a result of additional utility plant being placed into service, as well as an increase in the overall depreciation rate from 2.4 percent to 2.78 percent resulting from the settlement of the base rate case. Interest Expense Interest expense increased $4.8 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to the increased outstanding long-term debt. Other Income Other income increased $9 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to increased AFUDC earned on infrastructure projects. Income Tax Provision Income tax provision increased $17.6 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to increased operating income. Page 46 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Net Income Net income increased $48.8 million to $126.9 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to the increase in operating revenues related to increased base rates and increased other income related to AFUDC earned on infrastructure projects, partially offset by the increases in depreciation, income tax expense and interest expense, as previously discussed. Clean Energy Ventures Segment Overview Our Clean Energy Ventures segment actively pursues opportunities in the renewable energy markets. Clean Energy Ventures enters into various agreements to install solar net-metered systems for residential and commercial customers, as well as large commercial grid-connected projects. In addition, Clean Energy Ventures enters into various long-term agreements, including PPAs, to supply energy from commercial solar projects. Capital expenditures related to clean energy projects are subject to change due to a variety of factors that may affect our ability to commence operations at these projects on a timely basis or at all, including logistics associated with the start-up of residential and commercial solar projects, such as timing of construction schedules, the permitting and regulatory process, any delays related to electric grid interconnection, economic trends, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital or allocation of capital to other investments or business opportunities. Clean Energy Ventures is also subject to risks associated with COVID-19, which may include impacts to residential solar customer growth and customer collections, our ability to identify and develop commercial solar asset investments, impacts to our supply chain and our ability to source materials for construction. Through fiscal 2020, the primary contributors toward the value of qualifying clean energy projects are tax incentives and SRECs. Changes in the federal statutes related to the ITC or in the marketplace and/or relevant state legislation and regulatory policies affecting the market for solar renewable energy credits, could significantly affect future results. Solar Solar projects placed in service and related expenditures for the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: ($ in Thousands) Placed in service Grid-connected (1) Net-metered: Commercial (1) (2) Residential Total placed in service 2020 Projects MW Costs 2019 Projects MW Costs 2018 Projects MW Costs 9 60.1 $ 121,516 3 29.0 $ 64,684 3 33.7 $ 70,216 43 — — 481 5.9 17,474 490 66.0 $ 139,033 71,730 4 22.8 815 8.3 26,796 822 60.1 $ 163,210 — — 74 910 8.5 27,342 913 42.2 $ 97,632 (1) (2) Includes projects subject to sale leaseback arrangements. Includes a 4.4 MW commercial solar project acquired in August 2019. Since inception, Clean Energy Ventures has constructed a total of 357.4 MW of solar capacity and has an additional 8.1 MW under construction. Projects that were placed in service through December 31, 2019, qualify for a 30-percent federal ITC. The credit declines to 26 percent for property under construction during 2020, 22 percent for property under construction during 2021 and 10 percent for any property that is under construction after 2021. Projects placed in service after December 31, 2019, may also qualify for a 30 percent federal ITC if five percent or more of the total costs of a solar property are incurred before the end of the applicable year and there are continuous efforts to advance towards completion of the project, based on the IRS guidance around the ITC safe harbor determination. We have taken steps to preserve the ITC at the higher rate for certain solar projects that are completed after the scheduled reduction in rates, in accordance with IRS guidance. Clean Energy Ventures may enter into transactions to sell certain of its commercial solar assets concurrent with agreements to lease the assets back over a period of five to 15 years. The Company will continue to operate the solar assets and are responsible for related expenses and entitled to retain the revenue generated from SRECs, TRECs and energy sales. The ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects transfer to the buyer as applicable; however, the lease payments are structured so that Clean Energy Ventures is compensated for the transfer of the related tax incentives. Accordingly, for solar projects financed under sale leasebacks for which the assets were sold during the first 5 years of in-service life, Clean Energy Ventures recognizes the equivalent value of the ITC in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective five-year ITC recapture periods, starting with the second year of the lease. During fiscal 2020 and 2018, Clean Page 47 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Energy Ventures received proceeds of $42.9 million and $70.2 million, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of commercial solar assets. Clean Energy Ventures did not enter into any sale leaseback transactions for its commercial solar assets during fiscal 2019. Excluding the project costs related to the commercial solar projects that were included in the sale leaseback transactions, the Company had $124 million, $163.2 million and $27.4 million of solar-related capital expenditures that were placed in service and ITC-eligible during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which were recognized in income tax (benefit) provision on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As part of its solar investment portfolio, Clean Energy Ventures operates a residential solar program, The Sunlight Advantage®, which provides qualifying homeowners the opportunity to have a solar system installed at their home with no installation or maintenance expenses. Clean Energy Ventures owns, operates and maintains the system over the life of the contract in exchange for monthly lease payments. Once a solar installation has received the proper certifications and commences operations, each MWh of electricity produced creates an SREC that represents the renewable energy attribute of the solar-electricity generated that can be sold to third parties, predominantly load-serving entities that are required to comply with the solar requirements under New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standard. In December 2019, the BPU established the TREC as pursuant to the successor program to the SREC program. TRECs provide a fixed compensation base multiplied by an assigned project factor in order to determine their value. The project factor is determined by the type and location of the project, as defined. All TRECs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a TREC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. SREC and TREC activity for the fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows: Inventory balance as of October 1, SRECs generated TRECS generated SRECs delivered Inventory balance as of September 30, 2020 53,395 389,716 9,270 (408,100) 44,281 2019 105,192 311,803 — (363,600) 53,395 2018 48,357 245,147 — (188,312) 105,192 The average SREC sales price was $199 in fiscal 2020, $207 in fiscal 2019 and $217 in fiscal 2018 and the average TREC price was $144 in fiscal 2020. Clean Energy Ventures hedges a portion of its expected SREC production through the use of forward sales contracts. The following table reflects the hedged percentage of SREC inventory and projected SREC production related to its in-service commercial and residential assets: Energy Year (1) 2021 2022 2023 2024 Percent of SRECs Hedged 99% 93% 59% 22% (1) Energy years are compliance periods for New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standard that run from June 1 to May 31. There are no direct costs associated with the production of SRECs and TRECs by our solar assets. All related costs are included as a component of O&M expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, including such expenses as facility maintenance and various fees. Onshore Wind Clean Energy Ventures invested in small to mid-size onshore wind projects. In February 2019, Clean Energy Ventures finalized the sale of its remaining wind assets to a subsidiary of Skyline Renewables LLC for total proceeds of $208.6 million. The transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $645,000, which was recognized as a component of O&M expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Page 48 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Operating Results Clean Energy Ventures’ financial results for the fiscal years ended September 30, are summarized as follows: (Thousands) Operating revenues Operating expenses Operation and maintenance Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating income Other income, net Interest expense, net Income tax benefit Net income Operating Revenues 2020 102,617 $ $ 2019 2018 98,099 $ 71,375 30,310 37,855 68,165 34,452 6,420 20,253 (32,404) 53,023 $ 28,614 32,997 61,611 36,488 6,910 14,846 (48,921) 77,473 $ 27,058 31,877 58,935 12,440 1,797 18,320 (79,932) 75,849 $ Operating revenues increased $4.5 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to increased SREC and electricity sales, partially offset by the sale of the remaining wind assets in February 2019. Operation and Maintenance Expense O&M expense increased $1.7 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to increased project maintenance expenses, partially offset by a decrease in shared corporate costs, as well as a pre-tax gain of $645,000, associated with the sale of the remaining wind assets in February 2019, that did not recur. Depreciation Expense Depreciation expense increased $4.9 million in fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, as a result of increases in solar capital additions placed in service, partially offset by the change in estimated useful lives of our commercial solar assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Income Tax Benefit Income tax benefit decreased $16.5 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreased ITCs recognized. Income tax benefit during fiscal 2020 and 2019 includes $41.9 million and $61.9 million, respectively, of ITCs associated with solar projects that were completed and placed into service during the corresponding fiscal year. Income tax benefit during fiscal 2019 includes $3.8 million of PTCs associated with our former wind projects. Clean Energy Ventures recognized $37.1 million and $56.8 million related to tax credits, net of deferred taxes, during fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net Income Net income in fiscal 2020 decreased $24.5 million, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreased ITCs recognized and increased depreciation expense, partially offset by increased revenue, as previously discussed. Energy Services Segment Overview Energy Services markets and sells natural gas to wholesale and retail customers and manages natural gas transportation and storage assets throughout major market areas across North America. Energy Services maintains a strategic portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage contracts that it utilizes in conjunction with its market expertise to provide service and value to its customers. Availability of these transportation and storage contracts allows Energy Services to generate market opportunities by capturing price differentials over specific time horizons and between geographic market locations. Page 49 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Energy Services also provides management of transportation and storage assets for natural gas producers and regulated utilities. These management transactions typically involve the release of producer/utility-owned storage and/or transportation capacity in combination with an obligation to purchase and/or deliver physical natural gas. In addition to the contractual purchase and/or sale of physical natural gas, Energy Services generates or pays fee-based margin in exchange for its active management and may provide the producer and/or utility with additional margin based on actual results. In conjunction with the active management of these contracts, Energy Services generates financial margin by identifying market opportunities and simultaneously entering into natural gas purchase/sale, storage or transportation contracts and financial derivative contracts. In cases where storage is utilized to fulfill these contracts, these forecast sales and/or purchases are economically hedged through the use of financial derivative contracts. The financial derivative contracts consist primarily of exchange-traded futures, options and swap contracts, and are frequently used to lock in anticipated transactional cash flows and to help manage volatility in natural gas market prices. Generally, when its transportation and storage contracts are exposed to periods of increased market volatility, Energy Services is able to implement strategies that allow it to capture margin by improving the respective time or geographic spreads on a forward basis. Energy Services accounts for its physical commodity contracts and its financial derivative instruments at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of physical commodity contracts and financial derivative instruments are included in earnings as a component of operating revenue or natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Volatility in reported net income at Energy Services can occur over periods of time due to changes in the fair value of derivatives, as well as timing differences related to certain transactions. Unrealized gains and losses can fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of natural gas, SRECs and foreign currency from the original transaction price. Volatility in earnings can also occur as a result of timing differences between the settlement of financial derivatives and the sale of the underlying physical commodity. For example, when a financial instrument settles and the physical natural gas is injected into inventory, the realized gains and losses associated with the financial instrument are recognized in earnings. However, the gains and losses associated with the physical natural gas are not recognized in earnings until the natural gas inventory is withdrawn from storage and sold, at which time Energy Services realizes the entire margin on the transaction. Operating Results Energy Services’ financial results for the fiscal years ended September 30, are summarized as follows: (Thousands) Operating revenues (1) Operating expenses Natural gas purchases (including demand charges (2)(3)) Operation and maintenance (4) Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating income (loss) Other income Interest expense, net Income tax (benefit) provision Net (loss) income 2020 2019 $ 1,030,419 $ 1,742,791 $ 2,112,804 2018 1,024,579 17,368 123 1,042,070 (11,651) 304 3,276 (3,615) (11,008) $ 1,719,519 20,943 118 1,740,580 2,211 153 5,205 (1,573) (1,268) $ 1,995,335 35,616 76 2,031,027 81,777 303 3,945 24,996 53,139 $ (1) (2) (3) (4) Includes related party transactions of approximately $1.1 million, $8.2 million and $48.3 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are eliminated in consolidation. Costs associated with pipeline and storage capacity that are expensed over the term of the related contracts, which generally varies from less than one year to 10 years. Includes related party transactions of approximately $183,000, $3.4 million and $4.5 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, a portion of which are eliminated in consolidation. Includes energy and other taxes due to change in presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Page 50 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) As of September 30, Energy Services’ portfolio of financial derivative instruments are composed of: (in Bcf) Net short futures contracts Net long options Operating Revenues and Natural Gas Purchases 2020 2019 2018 29.3 — 34.6 1.0 24.3 — During fiscal 2020, operating revenues decreased $712.4 million and natural gas purchases decreased $694.9 million, due primarily to warmer weather compared to the prior period, which led to decreased demand and lower natural gas prices, increased natural gas in storage and ultimately decreased volatility in the wholesale natural gas markets. Future results at Energy Services are contingent upon natural gas market price volatility driven by variations in both the supply and demand balances caused by weather and other factors. As a result, variations in weather patterns in the key market areas served may affect earnings during the fiscal year. Changes in market fundamentals, such as an increase in supply and decrease in demand due to milder temperatures, and reduced volatility, can negatively impact Energy Services’ earnings. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Natural Gas Distribution Segment for TETCO M-3 Daily Prices, which illustrates the daily natural gas prices in the Northeast market region. Operation and Maintenance Expense O&M expense decreased $3.6 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreased compensation costs. Income Tax Benefit Income taxes increased $2 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreased operating income. Net Loss Net loss increased $9.7 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to lower operating income, partially offset by the related increase in income tax benefit, as previously discussed. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Management uses financial margin and NFE, non-GAAP financial measures, when evaluating the operating results of Energy Services. Financial margin and NFE are based on removing timing differences associated with certain derivative instruments, as discussed above. There is a related tax effect on current and deferred income tax expense corresponding with NFE. Management views these measures as representative of the overall expected economic result and uses these measures to compare Energy Services’ results against established benchmarks and earnings targets as these measures eliminate the impact of volatility on GAAP earnings as a result of timing differences associated with the settlement of derivative instruments. To the extent that there are unanticipated impacts from changes in the market value related to the effectiveness of economic hedges, Energy Services’ actual non-GAAP results can differ from the results anticipated at the outset of the transaction. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP measure. When Energy Services reconciles the most directly comparable GAAP measure to both financial margin and NFE, the current period unrealized gains and losses on derivatives are excluded as a reconciling item. Financial margin and NFE also exclude the effects of economic hedging of the value of our natural gas in storage and, therefore, only include realized gains and losses related to natural gas withdrawn from storage, effectively matching the full earnings effects of the derivatives with realized margins on the related physical natural gas flows. Page 51 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Financial Margin The following table is a computation of Energy Services’ financial margin for the fiscal years ended September 30. (Thousands) Operating revenues Less: Natural gas purchases Add: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions (1) Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory (2) Financial margin 2020 2019 2018 $ 1,030,419 $ 1,742,791 $ 2,112,804 1,024,579 1,719,519 1,995,335 (8,583) 12,690 1,195 26,728 4,309 (22,570) $ 9,947 $ 28,776 $ 121,627 (1) (2) Includes unrealized (gains) losses related to an intercompany transaction between NJNG and Energy Services that have been eliminated in consolidation of approximately $(809,000), $995,000 and $85,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Effects of hedging natural gas inventory transactions where the economic impact is realized in a future period. A reconciliation of operating income, the closest GAAP financial measure to Energy Services’ financial margin, is as follows for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands) Operating (loss) income Add: Operation and maintenance Depreciation and amortization Subtotal Add: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Financial margin 2020 2019 2018 $ (11,651) $ 2,211 $ 81,777 17,368 123 5,840 20,943 118 35,616 76 23,272 117,469 26,728 1,195 (8,583) 12,690 (22,570) 4,309 9,947 $ 28,776 $ 121,627 $ Financial margin decreased $18.8 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to warmer weather compared to the prior period, which led to decreased demand and lower natural gas prices, increased natural gas in storage and ultimately decreased volatility in the wholesale natural gas markets. Net Financial Earnings A reconciliation of Energy Services’ net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to NFE, is as follows for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands) Net (loss) income Add: 2020 2019 $ (11,008) $ (1,268) $ 53,139 2018 Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect (1) Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Net financial earnings (8,583) 2,044 12,690 (3,016) 1,195 26,728 (4,281) (294) 4,309 (22,570) 7,362 (1,024) $ (7,873) $ 2,918 $ 60,378 (1) Includes taxes related to an intercompany transaction between NJNG and Energy Services that have been eliminated in consolidation of approximately $252,000, $(310,000) and $(337,000) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. NFE decreased $10.8 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to lower financial margin, as previously discussed. Future results are subject to Energy Services’ ability to expand its wholesale sales and service activities and are contingent upon many other factors, including an adequate number of appropriate and credit-qualified counterparties in an active and liquid natural marketplace; volatility in the natural gas market due to weather or other fundamental market factors impacting supply and/or demand; transportation, storage and/or other market arbitrage opportunities; sufficient liquidity in the overall energy trading market; and continued access to liquidity in the capital markets. Page 52 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Storage and Transportation Segment, formerly Midstream Overview Our Storage and Transportation segment invests in natural gas assets, such as natural gas storage and transportation facilities. We believe that acquiring, owning and developing these storage and transportation assets, which operate under a tariff structure that has either regulated or market-based rates, can provide us a growth opportunity. Our Storage and Transportation segment is subject to various risks, including the construction, development and operation of our storage and transportation assets, obtaining necessary governmental, environmental and regulatory approvals, our ability to obtain necessary property rights and our ability to obtain financing at reasonable costs for the constructions and maintenance of our assets. In addition, our storage and transportation assets may be subject to risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disruption to supply chain and availability of critical equipment and supplies, disruptions to the availability of our specialized workforce and contractors and changes to demand for natural gas, transportation and other downstream activities. Our Storage and Transportation segment is comprised of a 50 percent ownership interest in Steckman Ridge, a storage facility that operates under market-based rates and a 20 percent ownership interest in PennEast, a natural gas pipeline. NJR Midstream Company acquired 100 percent of Leaf River for $367.5 million, on October 11, 2019. Leaf River owns and operates a 32.2 million Dth salt dome natural gas storage facility that operates under market-based rates. In addition, on January 13, 2020, Adelphia Gateway, acquired all of Talen’s membership interests in IEC, an existing 84-mile pipeline in southeastern Pennsylvania, including related assets and rights of way, for a base purchase price of $166 million. Adelphia Gateway operates under cost of service rates but can enter into negotiated rates with counterparties. The northern portion of the pipeline was operational upon acquisition and it currently serves two natural gas generation facilities. The conversion of the southern portion of the pipeline to natural gas began in October 2020 upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed from FERC. Through our subsidiary NJR Pipeline Company, we are a 20 percent investor in PennEast, a partnership whose purpose is to construct and operate a 120-mile natural gas pipeline that will extend from northeast Pennsylvania to western New Jersey. PennEast received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project from FERC on January 19, 2018. On September 10, 2019, the Third Circuit issued an order overturning the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey’s order granting PennEast condemnation and immediate access in accordance with the Natural Gas Act to certain properties in which the State of New Jersey holds an interest. A Petition for Rehearing was denied by the Third Circuit on November 5, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the NJDEP issued a letter indicating that it deemed PennEast’s freshwater wetlands permit application to be administratively incomplete and closed the matter without prejudice. On October 11, 2019, PennEast submitted a letter to the NJDEP objecting to its position that the application is administratively incomplete. PennEast’s objections were rejected by the NJDEP on November 18, 2019. On October 4, 2019, PennEast filed a petition for Declaratory Order with FERC requesting an interpretation of the eminent domain authority of a FERC certificate holder under the Natural Gas Act. The Declaratory Order was granted on January 30, 2020. On January 30, 2020, PennEast filed an amendment with FERC to construct the PennEast pipeline in two phases. Phase one consists of construction of a 68-mile pipeline in Pennsylvania from the eastern Marcellus Shale region in Luzerne County that would terminate in Northampton County. Phase two includes construction of the remaining original certificated route in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Construction could begin following approval by FERC of the phased approach and receipt of any remaining governmental and regulatory permits. On February 18, 2020, PennEast filed a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the U.S. to review the September 10, 2019 Third Circuit decision. On June 29, 2020, the Supreme Court requested that the Solicitor General of the U.S. file a brief that expresses the views on the question of the use of eminent domain to acquire state owned lands for pipeline construction. We evaluated our investment in PennEast for an other-than-temporary impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. It is reasonably possible that future unfavorable developments, such as a reduced likelihood of success from development options and legal outcomes, estimated increases in construction costs, increases in the discount rate, or further significant delays, could result in an impairment of our equity method investment. Also, the use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in a different calculation of fair value, which could ultimately result in the recognition of an impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Page 53 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Due to the anticipated expiration of a customer contract for Steckman Ridge, the Company evaluated its investment in Steckman Ridge for other-than-temporary impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. The fair value of the Company’s investment in Steckman Ridge was determined using a discounted cash flow method and utilized management’s best estimates and assumptions related to expected future results, including the price and capacity of firm natural gas storage contracting, operations and maintenance costs, the nature and timing of major maintenance and capital investment, and discount rates. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and other factors. As a result, it is reasonably possible that unfavorable developments, such as the failure to execute storage contracts and other services for available capacity at anticipated price levels could result in an other- than temporary impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of September 30, 2020, our investments in Steckman Ridge and PennEast were $112.4 million and $96 million, respectively. Operating Results The financial results of our Storage and Transportation segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, are summarized as follows: (Thousands) Operating revenues (1) Operating expenses Natural gas purchases Operation and maintenance Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating income Other income, net Interest expense, net Income tax provision Equity in earnings of affiliates Net income 2020 2019 2018 $ 44,728 $ — $ — 1,122 21,862 9,293 32,277 12,451 7,328 13,124 4,247 15,903 18,311 $ — 4,043 6 4,049 (4,049) 7,345 2,185 2,254 15,832 14,689 $ — 4,448 6 4,454 (4,454) 5,775 1,667 (8,548) 16,165 24,367 $ (1) Includes related party transactions of approximately $2.7 million, which are eliminated in consolidation. Operating revenue in fiscal 2020 increased $44.7 million, due to operating revenues at Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway that were not present during fiscal 2019. Equity in earnings of affiliates remained flat during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to decreases in storage revenue at Steckman Ridge, offset by an increase in AFUDC earned at PennEast. O&M and depreciation expenses increased $17.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to operations of Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway during fiscal 2020. Interest expense, net increased $10.9 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to increased debt service requirements related to the acquisition of Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway. Income tax provision increased $2 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to the increased operating income generated at Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway. Net income in fiscal 2020 increased $3.6 million, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to an increased revenue, partially offset by increased O&M and interest expense, as previously discussed. Page 54 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Home Services and Other Operations Overview The financial results of Home Services and Other consist primarily of the operating results of NJRHS. NJRHS provides service, sales and installation of appliances to approximately 107,000 service contract customers. Home Services and Other also includes organizational expenses incurred at NJR and rental income at CR&R. Operating Results The condensed consolidated financial results of Home Services and Other for the fiscal years ended September 30, are summarized as follows: (Thousands) Operating revenues Operation and maintenance (1) Income tax (benefit) provision Net income (loss) 2020 2019 2018 $ $ $ $ 51,017 $ 41,529 $ (2,478) $ 5,784 $ 50,902 $ 44,846 $ 1,428 $ 1,637 $ 50,057 46,561 11,944 (3,555) (1) Includes energy and other taxes due to change in presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. O&M expense decreased $3.3 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to lower consulting expenses related to technology improvement projects that were higher in the prior year, partially offset by increased compensation and shared corporate costs in the current period. Income tax expenses decreased $3.9 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to tax credits and impacts of New Jersey corporate business tax reform. Net income increased $4.1 million during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, due primarily to changes in income taxes noted above. Non-GAAP Financial Measures NFE is based on removing timing differences associated with NJR's variable-for-fixed interest rate swap. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute, for the comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Home Services and Other's net income for the fiscal years ended September 30, to the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to NFE, is as follows: (Thousands) Net income (loss) Add: Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Net financial earnings (loss) Liquidity and Capital Resources 2020 2019 2018 $ 5,784 $ 1,637 $ (3,555) — — 5,784 $ 381 (107) 1,911 $ (381) 107 (3,829) $ Our objective is to maintain an efficient consolidated capital structure that reflects the different characteristics of each reporting segment and business operations and provides adequate financial flexibility for accessing capital markets as required. Our consolidated capital structure as of September 30, was as follows: Common stock equity Long-term debt Short-term debt Total Common Stock Equity 2020 2019 43 % 53 4 100 % 50 % 49 1 100 % We satisfy our external common equity requirements, if any, through issuances of our common stock, including the proceeds from stock issuances under our DRP. The DRP allows us, at our option, to use treasury shares or newly issued shares Page 55 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) to raise capital. NJR raised approximately $18.1 million and $16.7 million of equity through the DRP by issuing approximately 520,000 and 351,000 shares of treasury stock, fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the fiscal 2019, NJR raised approximately $57.4 million of equity by issuing approximately 1,181,000 shares of common stock through the waiver discount feature of the DRP. There were no shares of common stock issued through the waiver discount feature of the DRP during fiscal 2020. On December 4, 2019, we completed an equity offering of 6,545,454 common shares, consisting of 5,333,334 common shares issued directly by NJR and 1,212,120 common shares issuable pursuant to forward sales agreements with investment banks. The issuance of 5,333,334 common shares resulted in proceeds of approximately $212.9 million, net of issuance costs, and was reflected in shareholders' equity and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. Under the forward sale agreements, a total of 1,212,120 common shares were borrowed from third parties and sold to the underwriters. Each forward sale agreement allows us, at our election and prior to September 30, 2020, to physically settle the forward sale agreements by issuing common shares in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreement, which was initially $40.0125 per share, or, alternatively, to settle the forward sale agreements in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of shares or cash. The forward sale price is subject to adjustment daily based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease with respect to certain fixed amounts specified in the agreements, such as dividends. On September 18, 2020, the Company amended our forward sale agreements to extend the maturity date of such forward sales agreements from September 30, 2020 to September 10, 2021. As of September 30, 2020, if we had elected to net settle the forward sale agreements, we would have received $14 million under a cash settlement or 543,150 common shares under a net share settlement. In 1996, the Board of Directors authorized us to implement a share repurchase program, which has been expanded seven times since the inception of the program, authorizing a total of 19.5 million shares of common stock for repurchase. As of September 30, 2020, we have repurchased a total of approximately 17.1 million shares and may repurchase an additional 2.4 million shares under the approved program. There were no shares of common stock shares repurchased during fiscal 2020 and 2019. Debt NJR and its unregulated subsidiaries generally rely on cash flows generated from operating activities and the utilization of committed credit facilities to provide liquidity to meet working capital and short-term debt financing requirements. NJNG also relies on the issuance of commercial paper for short-term funding. NJR and NJNG periodically access the capital markets to fund long-lived assets through the issuance of long-term debt securities. We believe that our existing borrowing availability, equity proceeds and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital, capital expenditures and dividend requirements for the next 12 months. NJR, NJNG, Clean Energy Ventures, Transportation and Storage and Energy Services currently anticipate that each of their financing requirements for the next 12 months will be met primarily through the issuance of short and long-term debt, meter and solar sale leasebacks. We believe that as of September 30, 2020, NJR and NJNG were, and currently are, in compliance with all existing debt covenants, both financial and non-financial. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there have been disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the credit and capital markets. The Company has been able to obtain sufficient financing to meet its funding requirements for operations and capital expenditures. Short-Term Debt We use our short-term borrowings primarily to finance Energy Services’ short-term liquidity needs, transportation and storage investments and PennEast contributions, share repurchases and, on an initial basis, Clean Energy Ventures’ investments. Energy Services’ use of high volume storage facilities and anticipated pipeline park-and-loan arrangements, combined with related economic hedging activities in the volatile wholesale natural gas market, create significant short-term cash requirements. As of September 30, 2020, NJR had revolving credit facilities totaling $675 million, with $539.4 million available under the facilities. On July 23, 2020, the remaining borrowings for the $350 million Bridge Facility were repaid. Page 56 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) NJNG satisfies its debt needs by issuing short-term and long-term debt based on its financial profile. The seasonal nature of NJNG’s operations creates large short-term cash requirements, primarily to finance natural gas purchases and customer accounts receivable. NJNG obtains working capital for these requirements, and for the temporary financing of construction and MGP remediation expenditures and energy tax payments, based on its financial profile, through the issuance of commercial paper supported by the NJNG Credit Facility or through short-term bank loans under the NJNG Credit Facility. NJNG’s commercial paper is sold through several commercial banks under an issuing and paying agency agreement and is supported by the $250 million NJNG Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2020, the unused amount available under the NJNG Credit Facility, including amounts allocated to the backstop under the commercial paper program and the issuance of letters of credit, was $249.3 million. Short-term borrowings were as follows: ($ in thousands) NJR Notes Payable to banks: Balance at end of period Weighted average interest rate at end of period Average balance for the period Weighted average interest rate for average balance Month end maximum for the period NJNG Commercial Paper and Notes Payable to banks: Balance at end of period Weighted average interest rate at end of period Average balance for the period Weighted average interest rate for average balance Month end maximum for the period Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2020 $ $ $ $ $ $ 125,350 1.49 % 178,400 1.07 % 336,300 — — % — — % — $ $ $ $ $ $ 125,350 1.49 % 404,823 1.93 % 416,300 — — % 13,940 1.61 % 62,300 Due to the seasonal nature of natural gas prices and demand, and because inventory levels are built up during its natural gas injection season (April through October), NJR and NJNG’s short-term borrowings tend to peak in the November through January time frame. NJR Based on its average borrowings during fiscal 2020, NJR’s average interest rate was 1.93 percent, resulting in interest expense of approximately $7.8 million. As of September 30, 2020, NJR had seven letters of credit outstanding totaling $10.3 million, which reduced the amount available under the NJR Credit Facility by the same amount. NJR does not anticipate that these letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparties. On October 9, 2019, NJR entered into a $350 million Bridge Facility, which was used primarily to finance the Leaf River acquisition. The Bridge Facility accrued interest at the LIBOR rate for a 1-month interest period plus 0.875 percent during the first 180 days, and 1.075 percent after 180 days, which was dependent on the credit rating of NJNG from Fitch and Moody’s. The occurrence of an event of default under the Bridge Facility would have resulted in all loans and other obligations of NJR becoming immediately due and payable and the Bridge Facility being terminated. Loans under the Bridge Facility were required to be prepaid to the extent of new cash proceeds received upon the issuance of equity of NJR, the incurrence of indebtedness by NJR or its subsidiaries, the disposition of assets by NJR or its subsidiaries or upon other specified events, in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Bridge Facility. The net proceeds from the December 2019 equity issuance were used to pay down the Bridge Facility. On April 23, 2020, the Bridge Facility was amended to clarify that the April 24, 2020 $250 million revolving credit facility was not considered a debt issuance that requires prepayment of the Bridge Facility. On July 23, 2020, the outstanding borrowings were repaid in full. On April 24, 2020, NJR entered into a 364-day, $250 million revolving credit facility with an interest rate based on LIBOR plus 1.625 percent. After six months, all outstanding amounts under the credit facility would convert to a term loan and would be due on April 23, 2021. In connection with this credit facility, all outstanding borrowings under NJR’s December 13, Page 57 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) 2019, $150 million revolving line of credit facility were repaid. On October 24, 2020, there was no balance outstanding on the $250 million credit facility. As a result, the credit facility was considered terminated. Neither NJNG nor its assets are obligated or pledged to support the NJR Credit Facility. NJNG As noted above, based on its average borrowings during fiscal 2020, NJNG’s average interest rate was 1.61 percent, resulting in interest expense of approximately $265,000. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG had two letters of credit outstanding for $731,000, which reduced the amount available under NJNG’s committed credit facility by the same amount. NJNG does not anticipate that these letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparties. Short-Term Debt Covenants Borrowings under the NJR Credit Facility and NJNG Credit Facility are conditioned upon compliance with a maximum leverage ratio (consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization as defined in the applicable agreements), of not more than .65 to 1.00 at any time. These revolving credit facilities contain customary representations and warranties for transactions of this type. They also contain customary events of default and certain covenants that will limit NJR’s or NJNG’s ability, beyond agreed upon thresholds, to, among other things: incur additional debt; incur liens and encumbrances; • • • make dispositions of assets; • • merge, consolidate, transfer, sell or lease all or substantially all of the borrowers’ or guarantors’ assets. enter into transactions with affiliates; and These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications set forth in the applicable agreements. Default Provisions The agreements governing our long-term and short-term debt obligations include provisions that, if not complied with, could require early payment or similar actions. Default events include, but are not limited to, the following: • • • • • • defaults for non-payment; defaults for breach of representations and warranties; defaults for insolvency; defaults for non-performance of covenants; cross-defaults to other debt obligations of the borrower; and guarantor defaults. The occurrence of an event of default under these agreements could result in all loans and other obligations of the borrower becoming immediately due and payable and the termination of the credit facilities or term loan. Long-Term Debt NJR As of September 30, 2020, NJNG's long-term debt consisted of $1.1 billion in fixed-rate debt issuances secured by the Mortgage Indenture, with maturities ranging from 2024 to 2060, and $63.7 million in finance leases with various maturities ranging from 2021 to 2026. Page 58 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) As of September 30, 2020, NJR had the following outstanding: • • • • • • • • • • $50 million of 3.25 percent senior notes due September 17, 2022; $50 million of 3.20 percent senior notes due August 18, 2023; $100 million of 3.48 percent senior notes due November 7, 2024; $100 million of 3.54 percent senior notes due August 18, 2026; $100 million of 3.96 percent senior notes due June 8, 2028; $150 million of 3.29 percent senior notes due July 17, 2029; $130 million of 3.50 percent senior notes due July 23, 2030; $120 million of 3.13 percent senior notes due September 1, 2031; $130 million of 3.60 percent senior notes due July 23, 2032; and $80 million of 3.25 percent senior notes due September 1, 2033. Neither NJNG nor its assets are obligated or pledged to support NJR’s long-term debt. On May 14, 2020, NJR entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $260 million of its senior notes, of which $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.5 percent, maturing in 2030, and $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.6 percent, maturing in 2032. On July 23, 2020, NJR issued all $260 million of the senior notes. The senior notes are unsecured and guaranteed by certain unregulated subsidiaries of NJR. On September 1, 2020, NJR entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for $200 million of its senior notes, of which $120 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2031, and $80 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.25 percent, maturing in 2033. The senior notes are unsecured and guaranteed by certain unregulated subsidiaries of NJR. NJNG As of September 30, 2020, NJNG’s long-term debt consisted of $1.1 billion in fixed-rate debt issuances secured by the Mortgage Indenture, with maturities ranging from 2024 to 2060, and $63.7 million in finance leases with various maturities ranging from 2021 to 2026. On May 14, 2020, NJNG entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $125 million of its senior notes, of which $100 million were at an interest rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2050, and $25 million were at an interest rate of 3.33 percent, maturing in 2060. On June 30, 2020, NJNG issued $50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes due June 30, 2050. On July 23, 2020, NJNG issued the remaining $50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes due July 23, 2050 and $25 million of 3.33 percent senior notes due July 23, 2060. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG’s FMBs issued under NJNG’s Mortgage Indenture. On September 1, 2020, NJNG entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for $75 million of its senior notes, of which $25 million were at an interest rate of 2.87 percent, maturing in 2050, and $50 million were at an interest rate of 2.97 percent, maturing in 2060. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG’s FMBs issued under NJNG’s Mortgage Indenture. NJR is not obligated directly or contingently with respect to the NJNG notes or the FMBs. Long-Term Debt Covenants and Default Provisions The NJR and NJNG long-term debt instruments contain customary representations and warranties for transactions of their type. They also contain customary events of default and certain covenants that will limit NJR or NJNG’s ability beyond agreed upon thresholds to, among other things: incur liens and encumbrances; incur additional debt (including a covenant that limits the amount of consolidated total debt of the borrower at the end • of a fiscal quarter to 65 percent of the consolidated total capitalization of the borrower, as those terms are defined in the applicable agreements, and a covenant limiting priority debt to 20 percent of the borrower’s consolidated total capitalization, as those terms are defined in the applicable agreements); • • make loans and investments; • make dispositions of assets; • make dividends or restricted payments; • • merge, consolidate, transfer, sell or lease substantially all of the borrower’s assets. enter into transactions with affiliates; and Page 59 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) The aforementioned covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications set forth in the applicable Note Purchase Agreements. In addition, the FMB issued by NJNG under the Mortgage Indenture are subject to certain default provisions. Events of Default, as defined in the Mortgage Indenture, consist mainly of: • • • • • thereof; or • failure for 30 days to pay interest when due; failure to pay principal or premium when due and payable; failure to make sinking fund payments when due; failure to comply with any other covenants of the Mortgage Indenture after 30 days’ written notice from the Trustee; failure to pay or provide for judgments in excess of $30 million in aggregate amount within 60 days of the entry certain events that are or could be the basis of a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or receivership proceeding. Upon the occurrence and continuance of such an Event of Default, the Mortgage Indenture, subject to any provisions of law applicable thereto, provides that the Trustee may take possession and conduct the business of NJNG, may sell the trust estate or proceed to foreclose the lien of the Mortgage Indenture. The interest rate on defaulted principal and interest, to the extent permitted by law, on the FMB issued under the Mortgage Indenture is the rate stated in the applicable supplement or, if no such rate is stated, six percent per annum. Sale Leaseback NJNG NJNG received $4 million, $9.9 million and $7.8 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, NJNG exercised early purchase options with respect to meter leases by making final principal payments of $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. NJNG continues to evaluate this sale leaseback program based on current market conditions. As noted, natural gas meters are excepted from the lien on NJNG property under the Mortgage Indenture. Clean Energy Ventures During fiscal 2020, Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of $42.9 million in connection with the sale leaseback of three commercial solar projects. Clean Energy Ventures did not receive proceeds related to the sale leaseback of commercial solar assets during fiscal 2019. Clean Energy Ventures entered into transactions to sell certain of its commercial solar assets concurrent with agreements to lease the assets back over five to 15-year terms. These sale leasebacks are financing obligations secured by the solar assets, related future cash flows from SREC and energy sales and a continuing guaranty by NJR. ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects were transferred to the buyer. Clean Energy Ventures will continue to operate the solar projects and retain ownership of SRECs generated and has the option to renew the lease or repurchase the assets at the end of the lease term per the terms of the arrangement. Page 60 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Contractual Obligations The following table is a summary of contractual cash obligations and financial commitments and their applicable payment due dates as of September 30, 2020: (Thousands) Long-term debt (1) Finance lease obligations (1) Solar asset financing obligations (1) Operating leases (1) Short-term debt New Jersey Clean Energy Program (1) Construction obligations Remediation expenditures (2) Natural gas supply purchase obligations-NJNG Demand fee commitments-NJNG Natural gas supply purchase obligations-Energy Services Demand fee commitments-Energy Services Total contractual cash obligations Total Up to 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years $ 3,358,967 $ 76,617 108,013 5,453 125,350 15,569 19,341 150,590 4,377 1,156,597 152,870 286,668 73,138 $ 244,411 $ 352,193 $ 2,689,225 2,324 54,992 47,268 12,928 73 1,589 — 125,350 — 15,569 — 19,341 59,813 35,609 — 4,377 555,995 — 37,469 $ 5,460,412 $ 717,142 $ 718,685 $ 632,418 $ 3,392,167 8,675 10,626 25,929 21,888 1,064 2,727 — — — — — — 36,928 18,240 — 124,660 291,617 184,325 — 1,600 151,270 98,319 104,847 46,033 — (1) (2) These obligations include an interest component, as defined under the related governing agreements or in accordance with the applicable tax statute. Expenditures are estimated. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. NJR does not expect to be required to make additional contributions to fund the pension plans over the next three fiscal years based on current actuarial assumptions; however, funding requirements are uncertain and can depend significantly on changes in actuarial assumptions, returns on plan assets and changes in the demographics of eligible employees and covered dependents. In addition, as in the past, we may elect to make discretionary contributions to the plans in excess of the minimum required amount. We made no discretionary contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2020 and 2019. There are no federal requirements to pre-fund OPEB benefits. However, we are required to fund certain amounts due to regulatory agreements with the BPU. We anticipate that the annual funding level of the OPEB plans will range from $5 million to $10 million annually over each of the next five years. Additional contributions may vary based on market conditions and various assumptions. As of September 30, 2020, there were NJR guarantees covering approximately $258 million of natural gas purchases and Energy Services demand fee commitments not yet reflected in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2020, committed and spent capital expenditures totaled $333.9 million. During fiscal 2021 and 2022, NJNG’s total capital expenditures are projected to be $443.4 million and $370.3 million, respectively. NJNG expects to fund its obligations with a combination of cash flow from operations, cash on hand, issuance of commercial paper, available capacity under its revolving credit facility and the issuance of long-term debt. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG’s future MGP expenditures are estimated to be $150.6 million. For a more detailed description of MGP see Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimated capital expenditures are reviewed on a regular basis and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental regulations, unforeseen events and the ability to access capital. Clean Energy Ventures’ expenditures include clean energy projects that support our goal to promote renewable energy. Accordingly, Clean Energy Ventures enters into agreements to install solar equipment involving both residential and commercial projects. We estimate the value of solar-related projects placed in service during fiscal 2021 to be between $155 million and $175 million. Capital expenditures related to clean energy projects are subject to change due to a variety of factors that may affect our ability to commence operations at these projects on a timely basis or at all, including sourcing projects that meet our investment criteria, logistics associated with the start-up of residential and commercial solar projects, such as timing of construction schedules, the permitting and regulatory process, any delays related to electric grid interconnection, economic trends or unforeseen events and the ability to access capital or allocation of capital to other investments or business opportunities. Page 61 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) During fiscal 2020, capital expenditures related to our storage and transportation investment in the Adelphia Gateway project were $180.1 million, which includes the purchase price of $166 million that was paid upon the close of the acquisition of the related assets in January 2020. We estimate expenditures related to the Adelphia Gateway project to be between $136 million and $156 million in fiscal 2021. Our Storage and Transportation segment had a total of $2.1 million of expenditures related to our investment in the PennEast pipeline project. Expenditures on the PennEast pipeline are expected to total between $7 million and $8 million during fiscal 2021. Energy Services does not currently anticipate any significant capital expenditures in fiscal 2021 and 2022. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements Our off-balance-sheet arrangements consist of guarantees covering approximately $258 million of natural gas purchases, SREC sales and demand fee commitments, and nine outstanding letters of credit totaling $11 million, as previously mentioned. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities and Note 9. Debt for more information. Cash Flows Operating Activities Cash flows from operating activities during fiscal 2020 totaled $213.5 million compared with $194.1 million during fiscal 2019. Operating cash flows are primarily affected by variations in working capital, which can be impacted by several factors, including: • seasonality of our business; fluctuations in wholesale natural gas prices and other energy prices, including changes in derivative asset and liability • values; • • • • • • • • timing of storage injections and withdrawals; the deferral and recovery of natural gas costs; changes in contractual assets used to optimize margins related to natural gas transactions; broker margin requirements; impact of unusual weather patterns on our wholesale business; timing of the collections of receivables and payments of current liabilities; volumes of natural gas purchased and sold; and timing of SREC deliveries. The increase of $19.3 million in operating cash flows during fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2019, was due primarily to increased margin at our Natural Gas Distribution segment related to increased base rates. Investing Activities Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $994 million during fiscal 2020, compared with $287.4 million during fiscal 2019. The increase of $706.6 million was due primarily to the acquisition of Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway and proceeds from the sale of our wind assets in February 2019, that did not recur in fiscal 2020. Financing Activities Financing cash flows generally are seasonal in nature and are impacted by the volatility in pricing in the natural gas and other energy markets. NJNG’s inventory levels are built up during its natural gas injection season (April through October) and reduced during withdrawal season (November through March) in response to the supply requirements of its customers. Changes in financing cash flows can also be impacted by natural gas management and marketing activities at Energy Services and clean energy investments at Clean Energy Ventures. Page 62 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Cash flows from financing activities during fiscal 2020 totaled $895.9 million, compared with $95.6 million during fiscal 2019. The increase of $800.3 million was due primarily to the issuance of $460 million and $200 million of long-term debt at NJR and NJNG, respectively, and increased short-term debt activity at NJR primarily related to the acquisition of Leaf River and Adelphia Gateway, as well as proceeds of $42.9 million from solar sale leasebacks at Clean Energy Ventures and proceeds from equity offering of $212.9 million. NJNG received $4 million, $9.9 million and $7.8 million for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, NJNG exercised early purchase options with respect to meter leases by making final principal payments of $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. NJNG continues to evaluate the natural gas meter sale leaseback program based on current market conditions. Credit Ratings The table below summarizes NJNG’s current credit ratings issued by two rating entities, Moody’s and Fitch, as of September 30, 2020: Corporate Rating Commercial Paper Senior Secured Ratings Outlook Moody’s N/A P-2 A1 Stable Fitch A- F-2 A+ Stable The Fitch ratings and outlook were reaffirmed on March 18, 2020. NJNG's Moody’s and Fitch ratings are investment- grade ratings. NJR is not a rated entity. On March 18, 2020, Moody’s revised NJNG's secured rating from Aa3 to A1 and its commercial paper rating from P-1 to P-2 resulting from higher debt levels to fund the Company’s elevated capital program. The outlook was increased to stable from negative. This action does not currently affect any of NJNG’s long-term borrowing rates or credit facility pricing. Although NJNG is not party to any lending agreements that would accelerate the maturity date of any obligation caused by a failure to maintain any specific credit rating, if such ratings are downgraded below investment grade, borrowing costs could increase, as would the costs of maintaining certain contractual relationships, and future financing and our access to capital markets would be reduced. Even if ratings are downgraded without falling below investment grade, NJR and NJNG could face increased borrowing costs under their credit facilities. A rating set forth above is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold NJR’s or NJNG’s securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. Each rating set forth above should be evaluated independently of any other rating. The timing and mix of any external financings will target a common equity ratio that is consistent with maintaining NJNG's current short-term and long-term credit ratings. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Financial Risk Management Commodity Market Risks Natural gas is a nationally traded commodity. Its prices are determined effectively by the NYMEX, CME, ICE and over- the-counter markets. The prices on the NYMEX, CME, ICE and over-the-counter markets generally reflect the national balance of natural gas supply and demand, but are also significantly influenced from time to time by other events. Our regulated and unregulated businesses are subject to market risk due to fluctuations in the price of natural gas. To economically hedge against such fluctuations, we have entered into forwards, futures, options and swap agreements. To manage these derivative instruments, we have well-defined risk management policies and procedures that include daily monitoring of volumetric limits and monetary guidelines. Our natural gas businesses are conducted through two of our operating subsidiaries. NJNG is a regulated utility that uses futures, options and swaps to provide relative price stability, and its recovery of natural gas Page 63 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued) costs is governed by the BPU. Energy Services uses futures, options, swaps and physical contracts to economically hedge purchases and sales of natural gas. The following table reflects the changes in the fair market value of financial derivatives related to natural gas purchases and sales: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Total Balance September 30, 2019 Increase (Decrease) in Fair Market Value Less Amounts Settled Balance September 30, 2020 $ (188) (11,640) (1) $ (11,828) $ (7,765) $ (7,742) $ (211) 59,129 43,092 4,397 $ 51,364 $ 35,350 $ 4,186 (1) Includes the addition of $459,000 related to the fair value of the derivative instrument acquired through the disposition of NJRRS. There were no changes in methods of valuations during the year ended September 30, 2020. The following is a summary of fair market value of financial derivatives as of September 30, 2020, excluding foreign exchange contracts discussed below, by method of valuation and by maturity for each fiscal year period: (Thousands) Price based on NYMEX/CME Price based on ICE Total 2021 2022 2023 - 2025 After 2025 Total Fair Value $ 445 $ 3,048 $ 3,493 $ 40 870 910 $ 15 $ — $ 500 (232) 3,686 $ (217) $ — $ 4,186 The following is a summary of financial derivatives by type at September 30, 2020: Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Total (1) Million British thermal units Volume Bcf Futures 23.7 Price per MMBtu (1) $0.83 - $4.27 Futures (27.5) $0.43 - $5.89 Swaps (1.8) $2.72 - $3.20 Amounts included in Derivatives (Thousands) $ (211) 3,939 458 $ 4,186 The following table reflects the changes in the fair market value of physical commodity contracts: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution - Prices based on other external data Energy Services - Prices based on other external data Total Foreign Currency Market Risks Balance September 30, 2019 $ (178) (31,624) $ (31,802) Increase (Decrease) in Fair Market Value Less Amounts Settled 253 (8,407) (8,154) 73 (15,308) (15,235) Balance September 30, 2020 $ 2 (24,723) $ (24,721) The following table reflects the changes in the fair market value of financial derivatives related to foreign currency hedges: (Thousands) Energy Services Balance September 30, 2019 Increase (Decrease) in Fair Market Value Less Amounts Settled Balance September 30, 2020 $ (285) (23) (285) $ (23) Page 64 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued) There were no changes in methods of valuations during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The following is a summary of fair market value of financial derivatives related to foreign currency hedges as of September 30, 2020, by method of valuation and by maturity for each fiscal year period: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 - 2025 After 2025 Total Fair Value Prices based on other external data $ (68) 45 — $ (23) Our market price risk is predominately linked with changes in the price of natural gas at the Henry Hub, the delivery point for the NYMEX natural gas futures contracts. Based on price sensitivity analysis, an illustrative 10 percent movement in the natural gas futures contract price, for example, increases (decreases) the reported derivative fair value of all open, unadjusted Henry Hub natural gas futures and fixed price swap positions by approximately $8.9 million. This analysis does not include potential changes to reported credit adjustments embedded in the $(12.6) million reported fair value. Derivative Fair Value Sensitivity Analysis (Thousands) Henry Hub Futures and Fixed Price Swaps Percent increase in NYMEX natural gas futures prices 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Estimated change in derivative fair value $ — $ (4,439) $ (8,877) $ (13,316) $ (17,754) Ending derivative fair value $ (12,576) $ (17,015) $ (21,453) $ (25,892) $ (30,330) Percent decrease in NYMEX natural gas futures prices 0% (5)% (10)% (15)% (20)% Estimated change in derivative fair value $ — $ 4,439 $ 8,877 $ 13,316 $ 17,754 Ending derivative fair value $ (12,576) $ (8,137) $ (3,699) $ 740 $ 5,178 Wholesale Credit Risk Natural Gas Distribution and Energy Services engage in wholesale marketing activities and Clean Energy Ventures engages in SREC sales. We monitor and manage the credit risk of our operations through credit policies and procedures that management believes reduce overall credit risk. These policies include a review and evaluation of prospective counterparties’ financial statements and/or credit ratings, daily monitoring of counterparties’ credit limits, daily communication with traders regarding credit status and the use of credit mitigation measures, such as minimum margin requirements, collateral requirements and netting agreements. Examples of collateral include letters of credit and cash received for either prepayment or margin deposit. Our Risk Management Committee continuously monitors our credit risk management policies and procedures and is composed of individuals from NJR-affiliated companies. The Risk Management Committee meets at least once a month and, among other things, evaluates the effectiveness of existing credit policies and procedures, reviews material transactions and discusses emerging issues. The following is a summary of gross and net credit exposures, grouped by investment and non-investment grade counterparties, as of September 30, 2020. Gross credit exposure is defined as the unrealized fair value of derivative and energy trading contracts, plus any outstanding wholesale receivable for the value of natural gas or power delivered and/or financial derivative commodity contract that has settled for which payment has not yet been received. Net credit exposure is defined as gross credit exposure reduced by collateral received from counterparties and/or payables, where netting agreements exist. The amounts presented below exclude accounts receivable for NJNG retail natural gas sales and services. Page 65 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued) Energy Services’ and Clean Energy Ventures’ counterparty credit exposure as of September 30, 2020, is as follows: (Thousands) Investment grade Noninvestment grade Internally-rated investment grade Internally-rated noninvestment grade Total NJNG’s counterparty credit exposure as of September 30, 2020, is as follows: (Thousands) Investment grade Noninvestment grade Internally-rated investment grade Internally-rated noninvestment grade Total Gross Credit Exposure Net Credit Exposure $ 129,910 8,363 24,608 11,373 $ 174,254 $ 114,922 919 18,923 4,465 $ 139,229 Gross Credit Exposure Net Credit Exposure $ 2,195 $ 2,060 164 39 1,098 3,496 $ — 8 — $ 2,068 Due to the inherent volatility in the market price for natural gas, electricity and SRECs, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If a counterparty failed to perform the obligations under its contract (for example, failed to make payment for natural gas received), we could sustain a loss. This loss would comprise the loss on natural gas delivered but not paid for and/or the cost of replacing natural gas not delivered or received at a price that exceeds the original contract price. Any such loss could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Effects of Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Rate Fluctuations We are also exposed to changes in interest rates on our debt hedges, variable rate debt and changes in foreign currency rates for our business conducted in Canada using Canadian dollars. We do not believe an immediate 10 percent increase or decrease in interest rates or foreign currency rates would have a material effect on our operating results or cash flows. For more information regarding the interest rate risk related to our short-term debt, please see the Liquidity and Capital Resources - Debt section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Effects of Inflation Although inflation rates have been relatively low to moderate in recent years, including the three most recent fiscal years, any change in price levels has an effect on operating results due to the capital-intensive and regulated nature of our utility subsidiary. We attempt to minimize the effects of inflation through cost control, productivity improvements and regulatory actions, when appropriate. Page 66 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management of New Jersey Resources Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s Management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes policies and procedures that: • • • pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of September 30, 2020, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States of America. The conclusion of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer is based on the recognition that there are inherent limitations in all systems of internal control over financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, errors or fraud. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, which appears herein. November 30, 2020 Page 67 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of New Jersey Resources Corporation: Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New Jersey Resources Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, common stock equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated November 30, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Regulation — Impact of Rate-Regulation on Various Account Balances and Disclosures — Refer to Notes 2 and 4 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description New Jersey Natural Gas Company (“NJNG”), a subsidiary of the Company, is a regulated gas distribution company that serves customers in central and northern New Jersey. NJNG is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (the “BPU”), which has jurisdiction with respect to the rates of gas distribution companies in New Jersey. Management has determined NJNG meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements in accordance with the ASC 980, Regulated Operations. Page 68 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) NJNG is subject to cost-based regulation; therefore, it is permitted to recover authorized operating expenses and earn a reasonable return on its utility capital investments based on the BPU’s approval. The impact of the ratemaking process and decisions authorized by the BPU allows NJNG to capitalize or defer certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets, and to recognize certain obligations representing amounts that are probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities in accordance with accounting guidance applicable to regulated operations. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate of return earned on investment, and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered by rates. Decisions to be made by the BPU in the future will impact the accounting for regulated operations, including decisions about the amount of allowable costs and return on invested capital included in rates and any refunds that may be required. Accounting for the economics of rate-regulation impacts multiple financial statement line items and disclosures, such as regulated property, plant, and equipment, regulatory assets and liabilities, operating revenues and depreciation expense. While NJNG has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the BPU will not approve full recovery of such costs or full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment. We identified the impact of rate-regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to support its assertions about the impact of regulatory orders on the financial statements, including assessing the probability of both recovery in rates of incurred costs and refunds to customers. Given that management’s accounting judgments are based on assumptions about the outcome of future decisions by the BPU, auditing these judgments requires specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due to its inherent complexities. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty around the impact of regulatory orders on the financial statements, including the probability of recovery in rates of incurred costs and a refund to customers included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of controls over the relevant regulatory account balances and disclosures, including management’s controls over the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the probability of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates. • We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the BPU for NJNG and other public utilities in New Jersey, regulatory statutes, interpretations, procedural memorandums, filings made by interveners, and other publicly available information to assess the probability of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedence of the BPU’s treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances. We also read the November 13, 2019 BPU order adopting the stipulation of settlement for NJNG’s March 2019 base rate case as well as the publicly available filings made by NJNG and its related attachments. We evaluated the external information and compared that to management’s assertions regarding the probability of recovery or refund of regulatory asset and liability balances for completeness. • We obtained an analysis from management regarding the probability of recovery for regulatory assets or refund or future reduction in rates for regulatory liabilities in order to assess management’s assertion that amounts are probable of recovery or refund or a future reduction in rates. • We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments. Investments in Equity Investees — Steckman Ridge — Refer to Notes 2 and 7 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company, through its subsidiary Steckman Ridge Storage Company, holds a 50 percent equity method investment in Steckman Ridge, a natural gas storage facility located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a major customer contract expired and was not renewed. The Company evaluated its investment for an other-than-temporary impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value and determined that an impairment charge was not necessary. The Company estimated the fair value of the investment using a discounted cash flow method. Management made estimates and assumptions related to the price and capacity of future firm natural gas storage contracting, operations and maintenance costs, the nature and timing of major maintenance and capital investment, and the discount rates. Page 69 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) We identified the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for the Steckman Ridge investment as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management made to estimate the fair value of its investment. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our internal specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the price and capacity of future firm natural gas storage contracting and the discount rate used in the discounted future cash flow method. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the price and capacity of future firm natural gas storage contracting and the discount rate used by management to estimate the fair value of the Steckman Ridge investment to evaluate impairment included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s evaluation of the Steckman Ridge investment for impairment including those related to the price and capacity of future firm natural gas storage contracting and the discount rates. • We evaluated the reasonableness of the price and capacity of future firm natural gas storage contracting by: – Making inquiries with operations and executive management teams regarding the viability of recontracting and optimizing the capacity associated with the expired contract. – Comparing management’s volume assumptions to comparable contractual agreements where applicable, and to information regarding demand in the region. – Comparing management’s rate assumptions to comparable contractual agreements where applicable and evaluating management’s future price assumptions against relevant market price information. – Reading internal communications to management and the Board of Directors and other Steckman Ridge member communications to search for contradictory information. • We evaluated the selection of the discount rate with the assistance of our fair value specialists, by: – Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation. – Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management. Investments in Equity Investees — PennEast — Refer to Notes 2 and 7 to the financial statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Company, through its subsidiary NJR Midstream Company, is a 20 percent investor in PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC (“PennEast”), a partnership whose purpose is to construct and operate a 120-mile natural gas pipeline that will extend from northeast Pennsylvania to western New Jersey. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, PennEast received certain adverse court rulings, which remain in effect as of the fiscal 2020 balance sheet date. The Company evaluated its investment for other-than-temporary impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value and determined that an impairment charge was not necessary. The Company estimated the fair value of its investment using probability-weighted scenarios of discounted future cash flows. Management made significant estimates and assumptions related to development options and legal outcomes, construction costs, timing of capital investments and in-service dates, revenues (including forecasted volumes and rates), and discount rates. The discounted cash flow scenarios contemplate the impact of key assumptions of potential future court decisions and potential future management decisions and requires management to make significant estimates regarding the likelihood of various scenarios and assumptions. Higher probabilities were assumed related to those scenarios where the project is completed. We identified the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for the PennEast investment as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes to estimate the fair value of its investment. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the probabilities associated with the development options and legal outcomes, the forecasted amount and timing of Page 70 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) future revenues, and the selection of the discount rate used in the probability-weighted scenarios of discounted future cash flows. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the probabilities associated with the development options and legal outcomes, the forecasted amount and timing of future revenues, and the selection of the discount rate used by management in the probability- weighted scenarios of discounted future cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment for the PennEast investment included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s evaluation of the PennEast investment for impairment including those related to the probabilities associated with the development options and legal outcomes, the forecasting of future revenues, and the selection of the discount rate. • We evaluated the reasonableness of the probabilities related to the development options and legal outcomes by making inquiries with legal counsel regarding the likely outcomes of future court rulings, and with engineering, operations, and the executive management team regarding the viability of development options. We compared the results of these legal and management inquiries to internal communications to management, the Board of Directors, and PennEast member partners to search for contradictory information. We also read external information included in press releases, earnings releases, regulatory filings, and other PennEast member communications to search for contradictory information. • We evaluated the reasonableness of the forecasted amount and timing of future revenues (including forecasted volumes and rates) by: – Comparing management’s volume assumptions to contractual agreements where applicable, and to information regarding demand and capacity volumes in the region for the remaining volumes. – Comparing management’s rate assumptions to contractual agreements where applicable and evaluating management’s future price assumptions against relevant market price curves. – Reading internal communications to management and the Board of Directors and external information included in press releases, earnings releases and other PennEast member communications to search for contradictory information. – • We evaluated the selection of the discount rate with the assistance of our fair value specialists, by: – Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation. – Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Parsippany, New Jersey November 30, 2020 We have served as the Company's auditor since 1951. Page 71 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of New Jersey Resources Corporation: Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of New Jersey Resources Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2020, of the Company and our report dated November 30, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Parsippany, New Jersey November 30, 2020 Page 72 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Thousands, except per share data) Fiscal years ended September 30, OPERATING REVENUES Utility Nonutility Total operating revenues OPERATING EXPENSES Natural gas purchases: Utility Nonutility Related parties Operation and maintenance Regulatory rider expenses Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses OPERATING INCOME Other income, net Interest expense, net of capitalized interest INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES Income tax benefit Equity in earnings of affiliates NET INCOME EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Basic Diluted WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic Diluted 2020 2019 2018 $ 729,923 $ 710,793 $ 731,865 1,223,745 1,881,252 2,183,244 1,953,668 2,592,045 2,915,109 275,831 320,256 6,083 278,143 34,529 119,894 7,948 268,141 33,937 91,730 276,005 1,022,805 1,716,098 1,990,832 8,505 315,215 38,969 85,701 1,737,285 2,438,110 2,715,227 199,882 13,047 46,286 166,643 216,383 23,878 67,597 172,664 153,935 11,273 47,082 118,126 (6,944) 14,311 (53,785) 13,008 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 (37,751) 13,628 $2.05 $2.04 $1.90 $1.89 $2.66 $2.64 94,798 95,107 89,242 89,616 87,689 88,315 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Thousands) Fiscal years ended September 30, Net income Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Unrealized (loss) on investments in equity securities, net of tax of $0, $0 and $6,973, respectively Reclassifications of losses to net income on investments in equity securities, net of tax of $0, $0 and $(858), respectively Reclassifications of losses to net income on derivatives designated as hedging instruments, net of tax of $(32), $0 and $0, respectively Loss on derivatives designated as hedging instruments, net of tax of $3,203, $0 and $0, respectively Adjustment to postemployment benefit obligation, net of tax of $567, $6,106, and $(573), respectively Other comprehensive (loss) Comprehensive income See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 73 2020 2019 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 2018 — — 108 (10,505) — (19,245) — 11,647 — — — — (2,131) (12,528) 1,520 (6,078) $ 181,391 $ 153,774 $ 227,358 (15,731) (15,731) New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands) Fiscal years ended September 30, CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2018 2020 2019 Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities Unrealized gain on derivative instruments Gain on sale of available for sale securities Gain on sale of businesses Depreciation and amortization Noncash lease expense Amortization of acquired wholesale energy contracts Allowance for equity used during construction Allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred income tax benefit due to tax legislation Equivalent value of ITCs recognized on equipment financing Manufactured gas plant remediation costs Equity in earnings, net of distributions received from equity investees Cost of removal - asset retirement obligations Contributions to postemployment benefit plans Tax benefit of delivered shares from stock based compensation Changes in: Components of working capital Other noncurrent assets Other noncurrent liabilities Cash flows from operating activities CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES Expenditures for: Utility plant Solar and wind equipment Storage and transportation assets and other Cost of removal Investments in equity investees Distributions from equity investees in excess of equity in earnings Acquisition of assets, net of cash acquired of $5.1 million Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of closing costs Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities, net Cash flows used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from long-term debt Payments of long-term debt Proceeds from term loan Payments of term loan Proceeds from (payments of)short-term debt, net Proceeds from sale leaseback transaction - solar Proceeds from sale leaseback transaction - natural gas meters Payments of common stock dividends Proceeds from waiver discount issuance of common stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from equity offering Tax withholding payments related to net settled stock compensation Cash flows from (used in) financing activities Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period CHANGES IN COMPONENTS OF WORKING CAPITAL Receivables Inventories Recovery of natural gas costs Natural gas purchases payable Natural gas purchases payable - related parties Prepaid expenses Prepaid and accrued taxes Accounts payable and other Restricted broker margin accounts Customers’ credit balances and deposits Other current assets Total SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Cash paid (received) for: Interest (net of amounts capitalized) Income taxes Accrued capital expenditures Inception gain on natural gas swap contract recognized as non-cash proceeds from sale of business See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 74 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 (9,644) — — 119,894 3,851 4,924 (17,053) 2,238 (9,092) — (6,482) (7,651) (5,848) (245) (9,032) 647 (8,096) (44,129) 5,280 213,481 (290,040) (133,841) (24,228) (22,059) (2,117) 1,907 (523,647) — — (994,025) 660,000 (20,286) 350,000 (350,000) 99,900 42,927 4,000 (117,804) — 18,080 212,900 (3,813) 895,904 115,360 4,063 119,423 5,065 (3,254) 17,479 (41,326) 1 2,548 (2,376) 20,390 (6,097) (1,182) 656 (8,096) 66,146 7,594 19,434 — 2,881 (1,567) (645) 91,730 — 8,424 (6,492) 2,387 (59,013) — (6,482) (13,878) (4,156) (258) (8,157) 1,290 (27,759) 8,193 38,125 194,128 (304,809) (157,828) (23,100) (40,195) (4,102) 2,428 — 205,745 34,484 (287,377) 467,900 (218,638) — — (126,500) — 9,895 (104,059) 57,391 16,717 — (7,104) 95,602 2,353 1,710 4,063 63,795 14,265 (15,733) (74,031) (360) (1,193) 2,271 2,256 (22,004) (209) 3,184 (27,759) 50,371 12,647 30,725 — 26,770 (5,332) (4,663) 85,701 — 18,222 (5,531) 2,579 15,590 (75,736) — (16,171) (1,725) (298) (6,359) 2,950 97,004 17,860 13,989 398,286 (206,880) (123,421) (6,644) (47,643) (16,151) 3,117 (10,000) 27,916 6,616 (373,090) 225,000 (165,486) — — (114,050) 71,538 7,820 (95,835) 41,677 17,136 — (13,755) (25,955) (759) 2,469 1,710 (7,524) 15,464 30,439 51,187 (1) 2,037 1,254 40,422 (30,974) 368 (5,668) 97,004 44,821 5,577 30,559 14,579 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS (Thousands) September 30, PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Utility plant, at cost Construction work in progress Nonutility plant and equipment, at cost Construction work in progress Total property, plant and equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization, utility plant Accumulated depreciation and amortization, nonutility plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment, net CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Customer accounts receivable: Billed Unbilled revenues Allowance for doubtful accounts Regulatory assets Natural gas in storage, at average cost Materials and supplies, at average cost Prepaid expenses Prepaid and accrued taxes Derivatives, at fair value Restricted broker margin accounts Other current assets Total current assets NONCURRENT ASSETS Investments in equity investees Regulatory assets Operating lease assets Derivatives, at fair value Intangible assets Software costs Other noncurrent assets Total noncurrent assets Total assets See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 75 2020 2019 $ 2,800,052 $ 2,625,730 379,846 1,430,723 176,556 237,011 861,904 62,492 4,787,177 3,787,137 (601,635) (585,160) (202,507) (156,033) 3,983,035 3,045,944 117,012 2,676 134,173 139,263 9,226 (7,242) 36,530 6,510 (6,148) 32,871 167,504 169,803 20,406 6,639 24,301 23,310 69,444 14,475 8,333 22,602 25,103 73,723 21,029 622,332 22,395 511,606 208,375 527,459 131,769 3,349 10,060 4,707 78,716 200,268 496,637 — 7,426 14,611 1,702 94,791 964,435 815,435 $ 5,569,802 $ 4,372,985 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES (Thousands, except share data) September 30, CAPITALIZATION Common stock, $2.50 par value; authorized 150,000,000 shares; outstanding September 30, 2020 — 95,949,183; September 30, 2019 — 89,998,788 Premium on common stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Treasury stock at cost and other; shares September 30, 2020 — 148,310; September 30, 2019 — 660,734 Retained earnings Common stock equity Long-term debt Total capitalization CURRENT LIABILITIES Current maturities of long-term debt Short-term debt Natural gas purchases payable Natural gas purchases payable to related parties Accounts payable and other Dividends payable Accrued taxes Regulatory liabilities New Jersey Clean Energy Program Derivatives, at fair value Operating lease liabilities Customers’ credit balances and deposits Total current liabilities NONCURRENT LIABILITIES Deferred income taxes Deferred investment tax credits Deferred gain Derivatives, at fair value Manufactured gas plant remediation Postemployment employee benefit liability Regulatory liabilities Operating lease liabilities Asset retirement obligation Other noncurrent liabilities Total noncurrent liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 15) Total capitalization and liabilities See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 76 2020 2019 $ 240,243 $ 226,649 491,982 291,331 (44,315) (31,787) 8,485 (10,436) 1,148,297 1,075,960 1,844,692 1,551,717 2,259,466 1,537,177 4,104,158 3,088,894 27,236 125,350 21,419 25,450 95,945 137,271 791 790 141,500 129,724 31,902 2,717 26,188 15,570 33,865 6,724 28,122 3,394 — 15,468 57,623 — 25,934 27,116 533,722 446,377 190,610 3,332 1,035 13,352 150,590 237,221 196,450 95,030 33,723 10,579 190,663 3,653 1,554 18,821 131,080 246,517 202,435 — 31,046 11,945 931,922 837,714 $ 5,569,802 $ 4,372,985 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCK EQUITY (Thousands) Number of Shares Common Stock Premium on Common Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Treasury Stock And Other Retained Earnings Total Balance at September 30, 2017 86,556 $ 222,258 $ 219,696 $ (3,256) $ (70,039) $ 867,984 $ 1,236,643 — — — — — — — (6,078) — 233,436 233,436 — — (6,078) Cash dividend declared ($1.11 per share) Treasury stock and other Reclassifications of certain income tax effects to retained earnings — (251) — — — — — (14) — Balance at September 30, 2018 88,293 226,196 274,748 Net income Other comprehensive loss Common stock issued: Incentive compensation plan Dividend reinvestment plan (1) Waiver discount Net income Other comprehensive loss Common stock issued: Incentive compensation plan Dividend reinvestment plan (1) Waiver discount Cash dividend declared ($1.19 per share) Treasury stock and other Adoption of ASU 2016-01 (2) Adoption of ASU 2017-05 (2) Adoption of ASU 2014-09/ASC 606 (2) Balance at September 30, 2019 Net income Other comprehensive loss Common stock issued: Common stock offering Incentive compensation plan Dividend reinvestment plan (1) Cash dividend declared ($1.27 per share) Treasury stock and other 561 413 1,403 15,169 — 755 1,014 2,535 39,142 — — 182 351 1,181 — (8) — — — — — 453 — — — — — — — — — 3,334 2,718 10,531 — — — — — — — — — — — 16,339 — — — — 16,572 17,094 41,677 — (97,579) (97,579) (22,773) — (22,787) (3,276) (12,610) — (15,731) — 3,276 — (76,473) 1,007,117 1,418,978 — 169,505 169,505 — — (15,731) — — — — — (3,446) — — — 13,945 46,860 — — — 3,787 16,663 57,391 — (106,342) (106,342) 5,232 — 5,232 — — — 3,446 4,970 (2,736) — 4,970 (2,736) 89,999 226,649 291,331 (31,787) (10,436) 1,075,960 1,551,717 — — — — — — — (12,528) — 193,919 193,919 — — (12,528) 5,333 13,333 199,567 105 520 — (8) 261 — — — 3,511 2,833 — (5,260) — — — — — — — 15,324 — 212,900 — — 3,772 18,157 — (121,582) (121,582) 3,597 — (1,663) Balance at September 30, 2020 95,949 $ 240,243 $ 491,982 $ (44,315) $ 8,485 $ 1,148,297 $ 1,844,692 (1) Shares sold through the DRP are issued from treasury stock at average cost, which may differ from the actual market price paid. (2) See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification section for more details. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 77 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) 1. NATURE OF THE BUSINESS New Jersey Resources Corporation provides regulated natural gas distribution and transmission and storage services and operates certain unregulated businesses primarily through the following: New Jersey Natural Gas Company provides natural gas utility service to approximately 558,000 retail customers throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties in New Jersey and is subject to rate regulation by the BPU. NJNG comprises the Natural Gas Distribution segment. NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation, the Company's clean energy subsidiary, comprises the Clean Energy Ventures segment and consists of the Company's capital investments in commercial and residential solar projects. NJR Energy Services Company comprises the Energy Services segment. Energy Services maintains and transacts around a portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage capacity contracts and provides physical wholesale energy, retail energy and energy management services in the U.S. and Canada. NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation, which comprises the Storage and Transportation segment, formerly the Midstream segment, invests in energy-related ventures through its subsidiaries. The Company holds a 50 percent ownership interest in Steckman Ridge, located in Pennsylvania and 20 percent ownership interest in PennEast, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company also operates natural gas storage and transmission assets through the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Leaf River, which was acquired on October 11, 2019 and FERC regulated Adelphia Gateway, which was acquired on January 13, 2020. See Note 19. Acquisitions and Dispositions for more information regarding these acquisitions. NJR Retail Holdings Corporation has two principal subsidiaries: NJR Home Services Company, which provides heating, central air conditioning, standby generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to residential homes throughout New Jersey; and Commercial Realty & Resources Corp., which owns commercial real estate. NJR Home Services Company and Commercial Realty & Resources Corp. are included in Home Services and Other operations. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Other financial investments or contractual interests that lack the characteristics of a voting interest entity, which are commonly referred to as variable interest entities, are evaluated by the Company to determine if the entity has the power to direct business activities and, therefore, would be considered a controlling interest that the Company would have to consolidate. Based on those evaluations, NJR has determined that it does not have any investments in variable interest entities as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Investments in entities over which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest are either accounted for under the equity method or cost method of accounting. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingencies during the reporting period. On a quarterly basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a need, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the calculation of the fair value of derivative instruments, debt, equity method investments, unbilled revenues, allowance for doubtful accounts, provisions for depreciation and amortization, long-lived assets, regulatory assets and liabilities, income taxes, pensions and other postemployment benefits, contingencies related to environmental matters and litigation. ARO are evaluated as often as needed. The Company’s estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company has legal, regulatory and environmental proceedings during the normal course of business that can result in loss contingencies. When evaluating the potential for a loss, a reserve is established if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Where the information is sufficient only to establish a range of probable liability, and no point within the range is more likely than any other, a reserve is established at the lower end of the range. In the normal course of business, estimated amounts are subsequently adjusted to actual results that may differ from estimates. Page 78 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has spread globally, including throughout the U.S.. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods presented. The Company considered the impacts of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used and determined that there have been no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations as of September 30, 2020. Acquisitions The Company follows the guidance in ASC 805, Business Combinations, for determining the appropriate accounting treatment for acquisitions. ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, provides an initial fair value screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets. If the initial screening test is not met, the set is considered a business based on whether there are inputs and substantive processes in place. Based on the results of this analysis and conclusion on an acquisition’s classification of a business combination or an asset acquisition, the accounting treatment is derived. If the acquisition is deemed to be a business, the acquisition method of accounting is applied. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are recorded at fair value. If the transaction is deemed to be an asset purchase, the cost accumulation and allocation model is used whereby the assets and liabilities are recorded based on the purchase price and allocated to the individual assets and liabilities based on relative fair values. The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable management judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates and the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as other assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. Management determines discount rates based on the risk inherent in the acquired assets and related cash flows. The valuation of an acquired business is based on available information at the acquisition date and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. However, a change in facts and circumstances as of the acquisition date can result in subsequent adjustments during the measurement period, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. See Note 19. Acquisitions and Dispositions for further information. Revenues Revenues from the sale of natural gas to NJNG customers are recognized in the period that natural gas is delivered and consumed by customers, including an estimate for unbilled revenue. Natural gas sales to individual customers are based on meter readings, which are performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, the amount of natural gas delivered to each customer after the last meter reading through the end of the respective accounting period is estimated, and recognizes unbilled revenues related to these amounts. The unbilled revenue estimates are based on estimated customer usage by customer type, weather effects, unaccounted-for natural gas and the most current tariff rates. Clean Energy Ventures recognizes revenue for SRECs when transferred to counterparties. SRECs are physically delivered through the transfer of certificates as per contractual settlement schedules. The Clean Energy Act of 2018 established guidelines for the closure of the SREC registration program to new applicants in New Jersey. The SREC program officially closed to new qualified solar projects on April 30, 2020. In December 2019, the BPU established the TREC as the successor to the SREC program. TRECs provide a fixed compensation base multiplied by an assigned project factor in order to determine their value. The project factor is determined by the type and location of the project, as defined. All TRECs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a TREC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. In June 2020, Clean Energy Ventures began generating TRECs for qualified new residential and commercial solar projects placed into service following the close of the SREC program. TREC revenue is recognized when generated and transferred monthly based upon metered solar electricity activity. Revenues for Energy Services are recognized when the natural gas is physically delivered to the customer. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivatives that economically hedge the forecasted sales of the natural gas are recognized in operating revenues as they occur, as noted above. Energy Services also recognizes changes in the fair value of SREC derivative contracts as a component of operating revenues. Page 79 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Our Storage and Transportation segment generates revenues from firm storage contracts and transportation contracts, related usage fees and hub services for the use of storage space, injections and withdrawals from their natural gas storage facility and the delivery of natural gas to customers. Demand fees are recognized as revenue over the term of the related agreement while usage fees and hub services revenues are recognized as services are performed. Revenues from all other activities are recorded in the period during which products or services are delivered and accepted by customers, or over the related contractual term. See Note 3. Revenue for further information. Natural Gas Purchases NJNG’s tariff includes a component for BGSS, which is designed to allow it to recover the cost of natural gas through rates charged to its customers and is typically revised on an annual basis. As part of computing its BGSS rate, NJNG projects its cost of natural gas, net of supplier refunds, the impact of hedging activities and cost savings created by BGSS incentive programs. NJNG subsequently recovers or credits the difference, if any, of actual costs compared with those included in current rates. Any underrecoveries or overrecoveries are either credited to customers or deferred and, subject to BPU approval, reflected in the BGSS rates in subsequent years. Natural gas purchases at Energy Services are composed of natural gas costs to be paid upon completion of a variety of transactions, as well as realized gains and losses from settled derivative instruments and unrealized gains and losses on the change in fair value of derivative instruments that have not yet settled. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that economically hedge the forecasted purchases of natural gas are recognized in natural gas purchases as they occur. Demand Fees For the purpose of securing storage and pipeline capacity in support of their respective businesses, the Energy Services and Natural Gas Distribution segments enter into storage and pipeline capacity contracts, which require the payment of associated demand fees and charges that allow them access to a high priority of service in order to maintain the ability to access storage or pipeline capacity during a fixed time period, which generally ranges from one to 10 years. Many of these demand fees and charges are based on established tariff rates as established and regulated by FERC. These charges represent commitments to pay storage providers and pipeline companies for the priority right to transport and/or store natural gas utilizing their respective assets. The following table summarizes the demand charges, which are net of capacity releases, and are included as a component of natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Millions) Energy Services Natural Gas Distribution Total 2020 2018 2019 $ 121.8 $ 120.4 $ 153.0 92.5 $ 253.7 $ 239.5 $ 245.5 131.9 119.1 Energy Services expenses demand charges over the term of the service being provided. The Natural Gas Distribution segment’s costs associated with demand charges are included in its weighted average cost of natural gas. The demand charges are expensed based on NJNG’s BGSS sales and recovered as part of its natural gas commodity component of its BGSS tariff. Operations and Maintenance Expenses Operations and maintenance expenses include operations and maintenance salaries and benefits, materials and supplies, usage of vehicles, tools and equipment, payments to contractors, utility plant maintenance, amortization of software costs for unregulated entities, customer service, professional fees and other outside services, insurance expense, accretion of cost of removal for future retirements of utility assets and other administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation represents costs related to stock-based awards granted to employees and members of NJR’s Board of Directors. NJR recognizes stock-based compensation based upon the estimated fair value of awards. The recognition period for these costs begins at either the applicable service inception date or grant date and continues throughout the requisite service period. The related compensation cost is recognized as O&M expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation for further information. Page 80 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Sales Tax Accounting As a result of the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as of October 1, 2018, the Company excludes from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority and therefore presents sales tax on a net basis in operating revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to October 1, 2018, sales tax was presented in both operating revenues and operating expenses. Income Taxes The Company computes income taxes using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred income taxes are generally determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. See Note 13. Income Taxes. In addition, the Company evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The Company invests in property that qualifies for federal ITCs and utilizes the ITCs, as allowed, based on the cost and life of the assets. ITCs at NJNG are deferred and amortized as a reduction to the tax provision over the average lives of the related equipment in accordance with regulatory treatment. ITCs at the unregulated subsidiaries of NJR are recognized as a reduction to income tax expense when the property is placed in service. Changes to the federal statutes related to ITCs, which has the effect of reducing or eliminating the credits, could have a negative impact on earnings and cash flows. Projects placed in service through December 31, 2019, qualified for a 30-percent federal ITC. The credit declines to 26 percent for property under construction during 2020, 22 percent for property under construction during 2021 and 10 percent for any property that is under construction before 2022. The Company has taken steps to preserve the ITC at the higher rate for certain solar projects that are completed after the scheduled reduction in rates, in accordance with IRS guidance on safe harbor determination. Investments in Equity Investees The Company accounts for its investments in Steckman Ridge and PennEast using the equity method of accounting where it is not the primary beneficiary, as defined under ASC 810, Consolidation, its respective ownership interests are 50 percent or less and/or it has significant influence over operating and management decisions. The Company’s share of earnings is recognized as equity in earnings of affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the current fair value may be less than the asset’s carrying amount. If the Company determines the decline in the value of its equity method investment is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. Property Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost. Costs include direct labor, materials and third-party construction contractor costs, capitalized interest and certain indirect costs related to equipment and employees engaged in construction. Utility plant and nonutility plant for Adelphia Gateway also includes AFUDC. Upon retirement, the cost of depreciable property, plus removal costs less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no gain or loss recorded. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets for our nonutility entities, and using rates based on the estimated average lives of the various classes of depreciable property for NJNG. The composite rate of depreciation used for NJNG was 2.65 percent of average depreciable property in fiscal 2020, 2.25 percent in fiscal 2019 and 2.29 percent in fiscal 2018. The Company recorded $120 million, $91.7 million and $85.7 million in depreciation expense during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During fiscal 2018 and 2019, the estimated useful lives of commercial solar assets ranged from 15 to 25 years. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company reassessed the estimated useful lives of its commercial solar asset fleet. Based upon this review, the Company concluded that the actual lives of certain commercial solar assets were longer than the estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes. As a result, effective July 1, 2020, the Company changed its estimates of the useful lives of its solar assets to a range of 15 to 35 years. The effects of this change were considered immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Page 81 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following as of September 30: (Thousands) Property Classifications Distribution facilities Transmission facilities Storage facilities Solar property Storage and transportation property All other property Total property, plant and equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, plant and equipment, net Estimated Estimated Useful Lives 38 to 74 years 35 to 56 years 34 to 47 years 15 to 35 years 5 to 50 years 5 to 35 years 2020 2,688,885 $ 332,947 79,922 997,141 428,491 259,791 4,787,177 (804,142) 3,983,035 $ 2019 2,419,381 330,912 79,916 879,597 28,445 48,886 3,787,137 (741,193) 3,045,944 $ $ Within storage and transportation property, base gas is required to maintain the necessary pressure and to allow for efficient operation of the Leaf River storage facility. The base gas is determined to be recoverable and is considered part of the facility and thus presented as a component in property, plant and equipment. This natural gas is not depreciated, as it is expected to be recovered and sold. As of September 30, 2020, the base gas had a cost basis of $5.7 million. Capitalized and Deferred Interest NJNG’s base rates include the ability to recover AFUDC on its construction work in progress. For all NJNG construction projects, an incremental cost of equity is recoverable during periods when NJNG’s short-term debt balances are lower than its construction work in progress. For more information on AFUDC treatment with respect to certain accelerated infrastructure projects, see Note 4. Regulation - Infrastructure Programs. Capitalized amounts associated with the debt and equity components of NJNG’s AFUDC are recorded in utility plant on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Corresponding amounts for the debt component are recognized in interest expense and in other income for the equity component on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Adelphia Gateway’s base rates include the ability to recover AFUDC on its construction work in progress. Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, capitalized amounts associated with Adelphia Gateway’s AFUDC are recorded in nonutility plant on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Corresponding amounts are recorded in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Capitalized and deferred interest include the following for the fiscal years ended September 30: ($ in thousands) AFUDC: Debt Equity Total Weighted average interest rate 2020 NJNG Adelphia Gateway 2019 NJNG 2018 NJNG $ $ 5,134 14,599 19,733 $ $ 1,394 2,454 3,848 $ $ 3,710 6,492 10,202 $ $ 1,979 5,531 7,510 6.79 % 8.28 % 6.35 % 5.94 % Pursuant to a BPU order, NJNG is permitted to recover carrying costs on uncollected balances related to SBC program costs, which include NJCEP, RAC and USF expenditures. The SBC interest rate changes each September based on the August 31 seven-year constant maturity treasury rate plus 60 basis points. The rate was 1.97 percent, 3.30 percent and 3.41 percent for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Accordingly, other income included $511,000, $760,000 and $411,000 in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Clean Energy Ventures capitalizes interest on the allocation of the costs of debt borrowed for the financing of solar investments. Capitalized amounts are included in nonutility plant and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and temporary investments with maturities of three months or less, and excludes restricted cash related to escrow balances for utility plant projects, which is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Page 82 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) ASU No. 2016-18, an amendment to ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows, required that any amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash or restricted cash-equivalents be included in cash and cash-equivalent balances on the cash flow statement. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total amounts in the Statements of Cash Flows, as of September 30: (Thousands) Balance Sheet Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets Statements of Cash Flow Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Loans Receivable 2020 2019 2018 $ $ $ 117,012 $ 2,411 $ 2,676 $ 1,387 $ 1,458 252 119,423 $ 4,063 $ 1,710 NJNG currently provides loans, with terms ranging from 2 to 10 years, to customers that elect to purchase and install certain energy-efficient equipment in accordance with its BPU-approved SAVEGREEN program. The loans are recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recorded $13.7 million and $12.4 million in other current assets and $35.3 million and $38.8 million in other noncurrent assets as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, related to the loans. If NJNG determines a loan is impaired, the basis of the loan would be subject to regulatory review for recovery. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has not recorded any impairments for SAVEGREEN loans. Regulatory Assets & Liabilities Under cost-based regulation, regulated utility enterprises generally are permitted to recover their operating expenses and earn a reasonable rate of return on their utility investment. Our Natural Gas Distribution segment maintains its accounts in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the BPU and in accordance with the ASC 980, Regulated Operations. As a result of the impact of the ratemaking process and regulatory actions of the BPU, NJNG is required to recognize the economic effects of rate regulation. Accordingly, NJNG capitalizes or defers certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets and recognizes certain obligations representing probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4. Regulation for a more detailed description of NJNG’s regulatory assets and liabilities. In January 2020, NJR acquired Adelphia Gateway an existing 84-mile pipeline in southeastern Pennsylvania, which maintains its accounts in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts and in accordance with the ASC 980, Regulated Operations. Accordingly, Adelphia Gateway capitalizes or defers certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets and recognizes certain obligations representing probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4. Regulation for a more detailed description of Adelphia Gateway’s regulatory assets and liabilities. Natural Gas in Storage Natural gas in storage is reflected at average cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and represents natural gas and LNG that will be utilized in the ordinary course of business. The following table summarizes natural gas in storage, at average cost by company, as of September 30: ($ in thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Storage and Transportation Total Derivative Instruments 2020 2019 Natural Gas in Storage Bcf Natural Gas in Storage Bcf $ $ 110,037 27.2 57,352 34.3 115 0.02 167,504 61.52 $ 117,413 27.0 52,390 25.6 — — $ 169,803 52.6 The Company accounts for its financial instruments, such as futures, options, foreign exchange contracts and interest rate contracts, as well as its physical commodity contracts related to the purchase and sale of natural gas at Energy Services, as derivatives, and therefore recognizes them at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s unregulated subsidiaries record changes in the fair value of their financial commodity derivatives in natural gas purchases and changes in Page 83 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) the fair value of their physical forward contracts in natural gas purchases or operating revenues, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ineffective portions of the cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in earnings. The ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging also provides for a NPNS scope exception for qualifying physical commodity contracts for which physical delivery is probable and the quantities delivered are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company prospectively applies this normal scope exception on a case-by-case basis to physical commodity contracts at NJNG and PPAs at Clean Energy Ventures. When applied, it does not account for these contracts until the contract settles and the related underlying natural gas or power is delivered. Gains and/or losses on NJNG’s derivatives used to economically hedge its regulated natural gas supply obligations, as well as its exposure to interest rate variability, are recoverable through its BGSS, a component of its tariff. Accordingly, the offset to the change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 5. Derivative Instruments for additional details regarding natural gas trading and hedging activities. Fair values of exchange-traded instruments, including futures and swaps, are based on unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets. The Company’s non-exchange-traded financial instruments, foreign currency derivatives, over-the-counter physical commodity contracts at Energy Services and interest rate contracts are valued using observable, quoted prices for similar or identical assets when available. In establishing the fair value of contracts for which a quoted basis price is not available at the measurement date, management utilizes available market data and pricing models to estimate fair values. Fair values are subject to change in the near term and reflect management’s best estimate based on a variety of factors. Estimating fair values of instruments that do not have quoted market prices requires management’s judgment in determining amounts that could reasonably be expected to be received from, or paid to, a third party in settlement of the instruments. These amounts could be materially different from amounts that might be realized in an actual sale transaction. During fiscal 2020, the Company entered into treasury lock transactions to fix the benchmark treasury rate associated with debt issuances for NJNG and NJR that occurred during the fiscal year. Settlement of the NJNG treasury locks resulted in a loss, which was recorded as a component of regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized in earnings over the term of the debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. NJR designated its treasury lock contracts as cash flow hedges, therefore, changes in fair value of the effective portion of the hedges were recorded in OCI. Settlement of the treasury locks resulted in a loss, which was recorded within OCI and will be amortized in earnings over the life of the debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts recognized in interest expense for NJNG and NJR related to the amortization of the loss on treasury lock transactions totaled $50,000 and $108,000, respectively, as of September 30, 2020. Software Costs The Company capitalizes certain costs, such as software design and configuration, coding, testing and installation, that are incurred to purchase or create and implement computer software for internal use. Capitalized costs include external costs of materials and services utilized in developing or obtaining internal-use software and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the internal-use software project. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality. Amortization is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective software. The following table presents the software costs included in the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of September 30: (Thousands) Balance Sheets Utility plant, at cost Construction work in progress Nonutility plant and equipment, at cost Accumulated depreciation and amortization, utility plant Accumulated depreciation and amortization, nonutility plant and equipment Software costs Statements of Operations Operation and maintenance (1) Depreciation and amortization (1) During fiscal 2020, $63,000 was amortized into O&M. Page 84 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 13,452 $ — $ 316 $ (279) $ (5) $ 4,707 $ 6,720 $ 284 $ — 4,778 — — — 1,702 9,062 — New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Investments in Equity Securities Investments in equity securities were carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, total unrealized gains and losses associated with equity securities were included as a part of accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of common stock equity, and reclassifications of realized gains or losses out of other comprehensive income into earnings were recorded in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, based on average cost. On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, an amendment to ASC 825, Financial Instruments. As a result, both realized and unrealized gains and losses were recorded in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, based on average cost. At September 30, 2018, the Company's investments in equity securities were comprised of an investment in DM Common Units, which had a fair value of $32.9 million. On January 28, 2019, Dominion and DM finalized an agreement and plan of merger and each outstanding DM Common Unit was converted into 0.2492 shares of Dominion common stock. This resulted in the conversion of the Company's 1.84 million DM Common Units into approximately 458,000 Dominion common shares. On March 6, 2019, the Company sold its investment in Dominion and received proceeds of approximately $34.5 million. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded total realized gains of $1.6 million in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Intangible Assets Finite-lived intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. The Company amortizes intangible assets based upon the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed over the life of the asset unless a pattern cannot be reliably determined, in which case the Company uses a straight-line amortization method. As of September 30, 2020, intangible assets consist primarily of acquired wholesale natural gas energy contracts totaling $10 million. The wholesale natural gas contracts are being amortized based upon expected cash flows over the respective terms of the agreements. The estimated future amortization expense as of September 30, is as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 Long-lived Assets $ $ $ $ 5,101 2,611 2,271 77 The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as significant adverse changes in regulation, business climate or market conditions, including prolonged periods of adverse commodity and capacity prices. If there are changes indicating that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, an undiscounted cash flows test is performed. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the recorded value of the asset to its fair value. Factors that the Company analyzes in determining whether an impairment in its long-lived assets exists include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long- lived asset; a significant adverse change in the extent in which a long-lived asset is being used in its physical condition; legal proceedings or other contributing factors; significant business climate changes; accumulations of costs in significant excess of the amounts expected; a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of such events; and current expectations that more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, there were no events or circumstances that indicated that the carrying value of long-lived assets or finite-lived intangibles were not recoverable. Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. See Note 9. Debt for the total unamortized debt issuance costs that are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Page 85 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Sale Leasebacks NJNG utilizes sale leaseback arrangements as a financing mechanism to fund certain of its capital expenditures related to natural gas meters, whereby the physical asset is sold concurrent with an agreement to lease the asset back. These agreements include options to renew the lease or repurchase the asset at the end of the term. Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions are accounted for as financing arrangements and are included in long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, NJNG received $4 million and $9.9 million, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters with terms ranging from seven to 11 years. In addition, for certain of its commercial solar energy projects, the Company enters into lease agreements that provide for the sale of commercial solar energy assets to third parties and the concurrent leaseback of the assets. For sale leaseback transactions where the Company has concluded that the terms of the arrangement does not qualify as a sale as the Company retains control of the underlying assets and, as such, the Company uses the financing method to account for the transaction. Under the financing method, the Company recognizes the proceeds received from the buyer-lessor that constitute a payment to acquire the solar energy asset as a financing arrangement, which is recorded as a component of debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2020 and 2018, Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of $42.9 million and $71.5 million, respectively, in connection with the failed sale leaseback of commercial solar assets. The proceeds received were recognized as a financing obligation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Clean Energy Ventures did not enter into any sale leaseback transactions for its commercial solar assets during fiscal 2019. Clean Energy Ventures simultaneously entered into agreements to lease the assets back over a term of five- to 15-years. The Company continues to operate the solar assets and is responsible for related expenses and entitled to retain the revenue generated from SRECs and energy sales. The ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects transfer to the buyer; however, the payments are structured so that Clean Energy Ventures is compensated for the transfer of the related tax attributes. Accordingly, Clean Energy Ventures recognizes the equivalent value of the tax attributes in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective five-year ITC recapture periods, starting with the second year of the lease. Environmental Contingencies Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable in accordance with accounting standards for contingencies. Estimating probable losses requires an analysis of uncertainties that often depend upon judgments about potential actions by third parties. Accruals for loss contingencies are recorded based on an analysis of potential results. With respect to environmental liabilities and related costs, NJNG periodically, and at least annually, performs an environmental review of the MGP sites, including a review of potential liability for investigation and remedial action. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the most likely amount in the range. If no point within the range is more likely than the other, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and any insurance recoveries. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of MGP-related costs through the RAC. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related non-recoverable costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for more details. Pension and Postemployment Plans The Company has two noncontributory defined pension plans covering eligible employees, including officers. Benefits are based on each employee’s years of service and compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually to these plans at least the minimum amount required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, and not more than can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Plan assets consist of equity securities, fixed-income securities and short-term investments. The Company did not make any discretionary contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company also provides two primarily noncontributory medical and life insurance plans for eligible retirees and dependents. Medical benefits, which make up the largest component of the plans, are based upon an age and years-of-service vesting schedule and other plan provisions. Funding of these benefits is made primarily into Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association trust funds. The Company contributed $8.4 million, $7.9 million and $6.2 million in aggregate to these plans in Page 86 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is recorded in postemployment employee benefit liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans, for a more detailed description of the Company’s pension and postemployment plans. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company recognizes ARO related to the costs associated with cutting and capping NJNG’s main and service natural gas distribution mains, which is required by New Jersey law when taking such natural gas distribution mains out of service. The Company also recognizes ARO associated with Clean Energy Ventures’ solar assets when there are decommissioning provisions in lease agreements that require removal of the asset at the end of the lease term. ARO are initially recognized when the legal obligation to retire an asset has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The discounted fair value is recognized as an ARO liability with a corresponding amount capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the underlying asset. The obligation is subsequently accreted to the future value of the expected retirement cost and the corresponding asset retirement cost is depreciated over the life of the related asset. Accretion expense associated with Clean Energy Ventures’ ARO is recognized as a component of operations and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accretion amounts associated with NJNG’s ARO are recognized as part of its depreciation expense and the corresponding regulatory asset and liability will be shown gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimating future removal costs requires management to make significant judgments because most of the removal obligations span long time frames and removal may be conditioned upon future events. Asset removal technologies are also constantly changing, which makes it difficult to estimate removal costs. Accordingly, inherent in the estimate of ARO are various assumptions including the ultimate settlement date, expected cash outflows, inflation rates, credit-adjusted risk-free rates and consideration of potential outcomes where settlement of the ARO can be conditioned upon events. In the latter case, the Company develops possible retirement scenarios and assigns probabilities based on management’s reasonable judgment and knowledge of industry practice. Accordingly, ARO are subject to change. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, as of September 30: (Thousands) Balance at September 30, 2018 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other comprehensive (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax of $0, $0, $6,557 and $6,557, respectively Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of tax of $0, $0, $(451) and $(451), respectively Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax of $0, $0, $6,106 and $6,106, respectively Reclassifications of certain income tax effects to retained earnings (2) Balance at September 30, 2019 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Investments in Equity Securities 3,446 $ Cash Flow Hedges — $ Postemployment Benefit Obligation (16,056) $ Total $ (12,610) — — — (3,446) — $ $ — — — — — (16,978) (16,978) 1,247 (1) 1,247 (15,731) (15,731) — (31,787) (3,446) $ (31,787) $ Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, net of tax of $0, $3,203, $1,235, $4,438, respectively Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $0, $(32), $(668), $(700), respectively Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax of $0, $3,171, $567, $3,738, respectively Balance at September 30, 2020 $ — — — — (10,505) (4,882) (15,387) 108 2,751 (1) 2,859 (10,397) $ (10,397) $ (2,131) (33,918) (12,528) $ (44,315) (1) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost, a component of O&M expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For more details, see Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans. (2) Due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, an amendment to ASC 825, Financial Instruments. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification section for more details. Page 87 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Foreign Currency Transactions The market area of Energy Services includes Canadian delivery points and as a result, Energy Services incurs certain natural gas commodity costs and demand fees denominated in Canadian dollars. Gains or losses that occur as a result of these foreign currency transactions are reported as a component of natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses recognized for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, are considered immaterial. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Amounts related to energy and other taxes have been reclassified to O&M on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Software costs previously recorded in other non-current assets have been reclassified to utility plant and software costs, and prepaid expenses previously recorded in other current assets have been reclassified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain amounts related to software costs previously reported in cash flows from operating activities have been reclassified to cash flows used in investing activities and prepaid expenses were reclassified within working capital on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Recently Adopted Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, an amendment to ASC 842, Leases, which, along with other ASU's containing minor amendments and technical corrections, provides for a comprehensive overhaul of the lease accounting model and changes the definition of a lease within the accounting literature. Under the new standard, all leases with an original term greater than one year are recorded on the balance sheet with a lessee recognizing a lease liability reflecting its obligation under the lease agreement and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the leased asset over the lease term. The subsequent measurement of the lease depends on whether the lease is classified as an operating lease (resulting in the recognition of a straight-line lease cost) or a finance lease (resulting in the recognition of interest and asset amortization expense). Additional disclosures are required to provide transparency as to the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing activities. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-01, a further amendment to ASC 842, Leases, which was introduced by ASU No. 2016-02, as discussed above. This update provides an optional practical expedient that allows companies to not evaluate existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for under Topic 840 as leases as of October 1, 2019. The Company adopted this practical expedient. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, which provides an optional transition method to ASC 842 that allows the Company to apply the new lease accounting requirements as of the effective date of the new standard, with the comparative periods remaining under the legacy ASC 840 requirements with a cumulative effect adjustment, if any, being made to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company elected this transition method and did not have any cumulative impact to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company elected various practical expedients permitted by ASC 842. This includes the package of practical expedients whereby the Company was not required to reassess all of its leases identified, lease classifications and initial direct costs associated with leases. The Company also elected to not separate nonlease components from lease components for certain classes of leases, such as office buildings, solar land leases and office equipment, and elected to exclude short-term leases from the recognition requirements of ASC 842 for all classes of assets. The Company adopted ASC 842 and all related amendments on October 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company’s lease agreements primarily consist of commercial solar land leases, storage and capacity leases, equipment and real property leases, including land and office facility leases and office equipment and the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. The total right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities recorded upon adoption were $67.1 million. Upon the acquisition of Leaf River, on October 11, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 for Leaf River which resulted in the recognition of an additional right-of-use asset and lease liability of $21.6 million. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, an amendment to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which, along with other ASU's containing minor amendments and technical corrections, is intended to make targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities by better aligning an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. These amendments modify the accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. Page 88 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Additionally, the amendments are intended to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance and provide relief to companies by easing certain hedge documentation requirements. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2019. As October 1, 2019, the Company did not apply hedge accounting to its risk management activities, therefore the amendments did not have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16, an amendment to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which permits the use of the Overnight Index Swap rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as an additional acceptable U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2019. As the Company did not apply hedge accounting to any of its risk management activities as of October 1, 2019, the amendments did not have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Stock Compensation In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, an amendment to ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non- employees. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2019. There was no impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Financial Instruments In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. This accounting standard provides clarification of guidance for financial instruments and makes narrow scope amendments related to various issues. The Company adopted this standard effective upon issuance. There was no impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of its adoption. Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, an amendment to ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform, which provides relief for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates such as LIBOR. The amendments in this update provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The amendments in this update are elective and are effective upon the ASU issuance through December 31, 2022. There was no impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of its adoption. Other Recent Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, an amendment to ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which changes the impairment model for certain financial assets that have a contractual right to receive cash, including trade and loan receivables. The new model requires recognition based upon an estimation of expected credit losses rather than recognition of losses when it is probable that they have been incurred. An entity will apply the amendment through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company assessed the impact of the guidance on NJR's reserve methodologies and credit policies and procedures for any assets that could be impacted, noting the majority of NJR's financial assets are short-term in nature, such as trade receivables and unbilled revenues. The Company completed its evaluation of ASU No. 2016-13 and subsequent amendments related to this topic and adopted this new guidance beginning October 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. If implementation resulted in a material impact to amounts associated with NJNG accounts receivable and unbilled revenue within the scope of the new standard and that were considered incremental costs caused by COVID-19, the Company could elect to defer those costs as a regulatory asset in accordance with the July 2, 2020 BPU order which authorized New Jersey utilities to create a regulatory asset for incremental COVID-19 related costs. See Note 4. Regulation for further detail. Page 89 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Fair Value In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, an amendment to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which removes, modifies and adds to certain disclosure requirements of fair value measurements. Disclosure requirements removed include the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Modifications include considerations around the requirement to disclose the timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse. The additions include the requirement to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the amendments will be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis depending on the specific amendments’ transition requirements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU but does not expect that its pending adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not have either Level 3 fair value measurements or transfers between Level 1 or Level 2 in its current portfolios, and therefore, does not expect this ASU to have an impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures. Compensation - Retirement Benefits In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, an amendment to ASC 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, which removes disclosures that no longer are considered cost-beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of certain disclosures and adds new disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the amended presentation and disclosure guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is continuing to evaluate the amendment to fully understand the impact on the Company's disclosures upon adoption but it is not expecting this ASU to materially affect the financial statements and disclosures. Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, an amendment to ASC 740, Income Taxes, which is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes and changes the accounting for certain income tax transactions, among other minor improvements. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the amendments will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the amendments to understand the impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Investments - Equity Method and Derivatives and Hedging In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The update states that an entity is required to evaluate observable transactions that necessitate applying or discontinuing the equity method of accounting, when applying the measurement alternative in Topic 321. This evaluation occurs prior to applying or upon ceasing the equity method. The update also states that when applying paragraph 815-10-15-141(a) for forward contracts and purchased options, an entity is not required to assess whether the underlying securities will be accounted for under the equity method in accordance with Topic 323 or fair value method under Topic 825 upon settlement or exercise. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU but does not expect that its pending adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. 3. REVENUE Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a product or service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer using the output method of progress. The Company elected to apply the invoice practical expedient for recognizing revenue, whereby the amounts invoiced to customers represent the value to the customer and the Company’s performance completion as of the invoice date. Therefore we do not disclose related unsatisfied performance obligations. The Company also elected the practical expedient to exclude from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority and therefore presents sales tax net in operating revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Page 90 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Below is a listing of performance obligations that arise from contracts with customers, along with details on the satisfaction of each performance obligation, the significant payment terms and the nature of the goods and services being transferred, by reporting segment and other business operations: Revenue Recognized Over Time: Segment Natural Gas Distribution Performance Obligation Natural gas utility sales Clean Energy Ventures Commercial solar and wind electricity Clean Energy Ventures Residential solar electricity Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Transition Renewable Energy Certificates Wholesale natural gas services Storage and Transportation Natural gas services Description NJNG's performance obligation is to provide natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers as demanded, based on regulated tariff rates, which are established by the BPU. Revenues from the sale of natural gas are recognized in the period that natural gas is delivered and consumed by customers, including an estimate for quantities consumed but not billed during the period. Payment is due each month for the previous month's deliveries. Natural gas sales to individual customers are based on meter readings, which are performed on a systematic basis throughout the billing period. The unbilled revenue estimates are based on estimated customer usage by customer type, weather effects and the most current tariff rates. NJNG is entitled to be compensated for performance completed until service is terminated. Customers may elect to purchase the natural gas commodity from NJNG or may contract separately to purchase natural gas directly from third-party suppliers. As NJNG is acting as an agent on behalf of the third-party supplier, revenue is recorded for the delivery of natural gas to the customer. Clean Energy Ventures operates wholly-owned solar projects that recognize revenue as electricity is generated and transferred to the customer. The performance obligation is to provide electricity the interconnection agreement and is satisfied upon transfer of electricity generated. All wind assets were sold as of February 7, 2019. in accordance with contract the customer terms or to Revenue is recognized as invoiced and the payment is due each month for the previous month's services. Clean Energy Ventures provides access to residential rooftop and ground-mount solar equipment to customers who then pay the Company a monthly fee. The performance obligation is to provide electricity to the customer based on generation from the underlying residential solar asset and is satisfied upon transfer of electricity generated. Revenue is derived from the contract terms and is recognized as invoiced, with the payment due each month for the previous month's services. Clean Energy Ventures generates RECs, which are created for every MWh of electricity produced by a solar generator. The performance obligation of Clean Energy Ventures is to generate electricity and TRECs, which are purchased monthly by a REC Administrator. Revenue is recognized upon generation. The performance obligation of Energy Services is to provide the customer transportation, storage and asset management services on an as-needed basis. Energy Services generates revenue through management fees, demand charges, reservation fees and transportation charges centered around the buying and selling of the natural gas commodity, representing one series of distinct performance obligations. Revenue is recognized based upon the underlying natural gas quantities physically delivered and the customer obtaining control. Energy Services invoices customers on a monthly basis in line with the terms of the contract and based on the services provided. Payment is due each month for the previous month's invoiced services. The performance obligation of our Storage and Transportation segment is to provide the customer with storage and transportation services. Storage and Transportation generates revenues from firm storage contracts and transportation contracts, related usage fees for the use of storage space, injection and withdrawal at the storage facility and the delivery of natural gas to customers. Revenue is recognized over time as our customers receive the benefits of our service as it is performed on their behalf using an output method based on actual deliveries. Demand fees are recognized as revenue over the term of the related agreement. Home Services and Other Service contracts Home Services enters into service contracts with homeowners to provide maintenance and replacement services of applicable heating, cooling or ventilation equipment. All services provided relate to a distinct performance obligation which is to provide services for the specific equipment over the term of the contract. Revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract and payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. Page 91 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Revenue Recognized at a Point in Time: Storage and Transportation Natural gas services The performance obligation of our Storage and Transportation segment is to provide the customer with storage and transportation services. Storage and Transportation generates revenues from hub services for the use of storage space, injection and withdrawal from the storage facility. Hub services include park and loan transactions and wheeling. Home Services and Other Installations Hub services revenues are recognized as services are performed. Home Services installs appliances, including but not limited to, furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers and generators, for customers. The distinct performance obligation is the installation of the contracted appliance, which is satisfied at the point in time the item is installed. The transaction price for each installation differs accordingly. Revenue is recognized at a point in time upon completion of the installation, which is when the customer is billed. Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers by product line and by reporting segment and other business operations during fiscal 2020 are as follows: (Thousands) 2020 Natural gas utility sales Wholesale natural gas services Service contracts Installations and maintenance Renewable Energy Certificates Electricity sales Eliminations (1) Revenues from contracts with customers Alternative revenue programs (2) Derivative Instruments Eliminations (1) Revenues out of scope Total operating revenues 2019 Natural gas utility sales Wholesale natural gas services Service contracts Installations and maintenance Electricity sales Eliminations (1) Revenues from contracts with customers Alternative revenue programs (2) Derivative Instruments Eliminations (1) Revenues out of scope Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Home Services and Other Total $ $ $ 695,858 — — — — — — 695,858 15,750 18,315 — 34,065 729,923 680,151 — — — — — 680,151 10,364 20,278 — 30,642 710,793 — — — — 1,384 20,099 — 21,483 — 81,134 — 81,134 102,617 — — — — 22,121 — 22,121 — 75,978 — 75,978 98,099 — 24,511 — — — — — 24,511 — 1,005,908 (1,116) 1,004,792 1,029,303 — 31,459 — — — — 31,459 — 1,711,332 (8,238) 1,703,094 1,734,553 (3) (3) — 44,728 — — — — (2,713) 42,015 — — — — 42,015 — — — — — — — — — — — — — $ 695,858 69,239 — 32,455 32,455 18,562 18,562 1,384 — 20,099 — (3,920) (1,207) 833,677 49,810 15,750 — — 1,105,357 — (1,116) — 1,119,991 49,810 $ 1,953,668 — $ 680,151 31,459 — 31,499 31,499 19,403 19,403 22,121 — (2,302) (2,302) 782,331 48,600 — 10,364 — 1,807,588 — (8,238) — 1,809,714 48,600 $ 2,592,045 Total operating revenues $ (1) (2) (3) Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation. Includes CIP revenue. Includes SREC revenue. Page 92 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers by customer type and by reporting segment and other business operations during the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) 2020 Residential Commercial and industrial Firm transportation Interruptible and off-tariff Revenues out of scope Total operating revenues 2019 Residential Commercial and industrial Firm transportation Interruptible and off-tariff Revenues out of scope Total operating revenues Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Home Services and Other Total $ $ $ $ 490,233 129,946 69,357 6,322 34,065 729,923 440,787 171,357 61,370 6,637 30,642 710,793 10,233 11,250 — — 81,134 102,617 9,003 13,118 — — 75,978 98,099 — 24,511 — — 1,004,792 1,029,303 — 31,459 — — 1,703,094 1,734,553 — 42,015 — — — 42,015 — — — — — — 48,867 $ 943 — — — 549,333 208,665 69,357 6,322 1,119,991 49,810 $ 1,953,668 47,655 $ 945 — — — 497,445 216,879 61,370 6,637 1,809,714 48,600 $ 2,592,045 Customer Accounts Receivable/Credit Balances and Deposits The timing of revenue recognition, customer billings and cash collections resulting in accounts receivables, billed and unbilled, and customers’ credit balances and deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets during fiscal 2020 are as follows: (Thousands) Balance as of October 1, 2019 (Decrease) Increase Balance as of September 30, 2020 Customer Accounts Receivable Billed Unbilled Customers' Credit Balances and Deposits $ $ 139,263 $ (5,090) 134,173 $ 6,510 $ 2,716 9,226 $ 27,116 (1,182) 25,934 The following table provides information about receivables and revenue earned on contracts in progress in excess of billings, which are included within accounts receivable, billed and unbilled, and customers’ credit balances and deposits, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30: Natural Gas Distribution (Thousands) 2020 Customer accounts receivable Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Home Services and Other Total Billed Unbilled $ Customers' credit balances and deposits Total 2019 Customer accounts receivable $ Billed Unbilled Customers' credit balances and deposits Total $ $ 52,134 7,842 (25,934) 34,042 36,302 6,510 (27,114) 15,698 5,282 1,384 — 6,666 3,233 — — 3,233 70,457 — — 70,457 97,301 — — 97,301 Page 93 3,905 — — 3,905 — — — — 2,395 $ — 134,173 9,226 — 2,395 $ (25,934) 117,465 2,427 $ — 139,263 6,510 (2) 2,425 $ (27,116) 118,657 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) 4. REGULATION The EDECA is the legal framework for New Jersey’s public utility and wholesale energy landscape. NJNG is required, pursuant to a written order by the BPU under EDECA, to open its residential markets to competition from third-party natural gas suppliers. Customers can choose the supplier of their natural gas commodity in NJNG’s service territory. As required by EDECA, NJNG’s rates are segregated into two primary components: the commodity portion, which represents the wholesale cost of natural gas, including the cost for interstate pipeline capacity to transport the natural gas to NJNG’s service territory; and the delivery portion, which represents the transportation of the commodity portion through NJNG’s natural gas distribution system to the end-use customer. NJNG does not earn utility gross margin on the commodity portion of its natural gas sales. NJNG earns utility gross margin through the delivery of natural gas to its customers, regardless of whether it or a third-party supplier provides the wholesale natural gas commodity. Under EDECA, the BPU is required to audit the state’s energy utilities every two years. The primary purpose of the audit is to ensure that utilities and their affiliates offering unregulated retail services do not have an unfair competitive advantage over nonaffiliated providers of similar retail services. A combined competitive services and management audit of NJNG commenced in August 1, 2013. A draft management audit report was accepted by the BPU on July 23, 2014, for public comment. To date, NJNG has implemented all audit recommendations with the approval of BPU staff and is waiting for final BPU approval. NJNG is subject to cost-based regulation; therefore, it is permitted to recover authorized operating expenses and earn a reasonable return on its utility capital investments based on the BPU’s approval. The impact of the ratemaking process and decisions authorized by the BPU allows NJNG to capitalize or defer certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets, and to recognize certain obligations representing amounts that are probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities in accordance with accounting guidance applicable to regulated operations. NJNG’s recovery of costs is facilitated through its base rates, BGSS and other regulatory tariff riders. NJNG is required to make an annual filing to the BPU by June 1 of each year for review of its BGSS, CIP and other programs and related rates. Annual rate changes are requested to be effective at the beginning of the following fiscal year. The current base rates include a weighted average cost of capital of 6.95 percent and a return on common equity of 9.6 percent. In addition, NJNG is permitted to request approval of certain rate or program changes. All rate and program changes are subject to proper notification and BPU review and approval. Page 94 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Regulatory assets and liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, are composed of the following: (Thousands) Regulatory assets-current New Jersey Clean Energy Program Conservation Incentive Program Underrecovered natural gas costs Derivatives at fair value, net Other current regulatory assets Total current regulatory assets Regulatory assets-noncurrent Environmental remediation costs: Expended, net of recoveries Liability for future expenditures Deferred income taxes Derivatives at fair value, net SAVEGREEN Postemployment and other benefit costs Deferred storm damage costs Cost of removal Other noncurrent regulatory assets Total noncurrent regulatory assets Regulatory liability-current Overrecovered natural gas costs Derivatives at fair value, net Total current regulatory liabilities Regulatory liabilities-noncurrent Tax Act impact (1) Derivatives at fair value, net New Jersey Clean Energy Program Other noncurrent regulatory liabilities Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities 2020 2019 15,570 $ 19,120 — — 1,682 36,372 $ 36,516 $ 150,590 28,241 1 21,281 188,170 6,515 75,080 20,068 526,462 $ 25,914 $ 274 26,188 $ 15,468 3,371 9,506 4,526 — 32,871 38,351 131,080 19,631 486 10,201 212,461 8,687 65,660 10,080 496,637 — — — 195,425 $ 352 — 509 196,286 $ 200,417 — 197 1,821 202,435 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) Reflects the re-measurement and subsequent amortization of NJNG's net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the change in federal tax rates enacted in the Tax Act. Regulatory assets at Adelphia Gateway, not included in the table above, total $158,000 and $997,000 in current and noncurrent, respectively, and is comprised primarily of the tax benefit associated with the equity component of AFUDC as of September 30, 2020. Recovery of regulatory assets is subject to FERC approval. New Jersey Clean Energy Program The NJCEP is a statewide program that encourages energy efficiency and renewable energy. Funding amounts are determined by the BPU’s Office of Clean Energy and all New Jersey utilities are required to share in the annual funding obligation. The current NJCEP program is for the State of New Jersey’s fiscal year ending June 2021. NJNG recovers the costs associated with its portion of the NJCEP obligation through its NJCEP rider, with interest. Over and Underrecovered Natural Gas Costs NJNG recovers its cost of natural gas through the BGSS rate component of its customers’ bills. NJNG’s cost of natural gas includes the purchased cost of the natural gas commodity, fees paid to pipelines and storage facilities, adjustments as a result of BGSS incentive programs and hedging transactions. Overrecovered natural gas costs represent a regulatory liability that generally occurs when NJNG’s BGSS rates are higher than actual costs and requests approval to be returned to customers including interest, when applicable, in accordance with NJNG’s approved BGSS tariff. Conversely, underrecovered natural gas costs generally occur during periods when NJNG’s BGSS rates are lower than actual costs, in which case NJNG records a regulatory asset and requests amounts to be recovered from customers in the future. Page 95 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Derivatives Derivatives are utilized by NJNG to manage the price risk associated with its natural gas purchasing activities and to participate in certain BGSS incentive programs. The gains and losses associated with NJNG’s derivatives are recoverable through its BGSS, as noted above, without interest. See Note 5. Derivative Instruments. Conservation Incentive Program The CIP permits NJNG to recover utility gross margin variations related to customer usage resulting from customer conservation efforts and mitigates the impact of weather on its margin. Such utility gross margin variations are recovered in the year following the end of the CIP usage year, without interest, and are subject to additional conditions, including an earnings test, a revenue test and an evaluation of BGSS-related savings. This program has no expiration date. Environmental Remediation Costs NJNG is responsible for the cleanup of certain former gas manufacturing facilities. Actual expenditures are recovered from customers, with interest, over seven-year rolling periods, through a RAC rate rider. Recovery for NJNG’s estimated future liability will be requested and/or recovered when actual expenditures are incurred. See Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities. Deferred Income Taxes Upon adoption of a 1993 provision of ASC 740, Income Taxes, NJNG recognized a transition adjustment and corresponding regulatory asset representing the difference between NJNG’s existing deferred tax amounts compared with the deferred tax amounts calculated in accordance with the change in method prescribed by ASC 740. NJNG recovers the regulatory asset associated with these tax impacts through future base rates, without interest. SAVEGREEN NJNG administers certain programs that supplement the state’s NJCEP and that allow NJNG to promote clean energy to its residential and commercial customers, as described further below. NJNG will recover related expenditures and a weighted average cost of capital on the unamortized balance through a tariff rider, with interest, as approved by the BPU, over a two- to 10-year period depending upon the specific program incentive. Postemployment and Other Benefit Costs Postemployment and Other Benefit Costs represents NJNG’s underfunded postemployment benefit obligations, as well as a fiscal 2010 tax charge resulting from a change in the deductibility of federal subsidies associated with Medicare Part D, both of which are deferred as regulatory assets and are recoverable, without interest, in base rates. The BPU approved the recovery of the tax charge through NJNG’s base rates effective October 2016 over a seven-year amortization period. See Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans. Deferred Storm Damage Costs Portions of NJNG’s distribution system incurred significant damage as a result of Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy in October 2012. NJNG deferred the uninsured incremental O&M costs associated with its restoration efforts, which were approved for recovery by the BPU through NJNG’s base rates, without interest, effective October 2016 over a seven-year amortization period. Cost of Removal NJNG accrues and collects for cost of removal in base rates on its utility property, without interest. These costs are recorded in accumulated depreciation for regulatory reporting purposes, and actual costs of removal, without interest, will be recovered in subsequent rates, pursuant to the BPU order. Consistent with GAAP, amounts recorded within accumulated depreciation for regulatory accounting purposes are reclassified out of accumulated depreciation to either a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability depending on whether actual cost of removal is still subject to collection or amounts overcollected will be refunded back to customers. NJNG’s prior regulatory liability represented customer collections in excess of actual expenditures, which the Company returned to customers as a reduction to depreciation expense. Page 96 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Other Regulatory Assets Other regulatory assets consist primarily of deferred costs associated with certain components of NJNG’s SBC, as discussed further in the regulatory proceedings section, and NJNG’s compliance with federal- and state-mandated PIM provisions. NJNG’s related costs to maintain the operational integrity of its distribution and transmission main are recoverable, without interest, subject to BPU review and approval. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG recorded $1.8 million of PIM in other regulatory assets, which is being recovered through base rates over a seven-year amortization period effective October 2016. The following is a description of certain regulatory proceedings during fiscal 2019 and 2020: In March 2019, NJNG filed a base rate case with the BPU requesting a natural gas revenue increase of $128.2 million, including a change in the Company’s overall rate of return on rate base to 7.87 percent. NJNG is also seeking permission to request recovery for SRL in a future filing, upon completion of the project. On July 2, 2019, the Company filed an update with actual information through May 31, 2019, which reflected a revenue increase of $129.8 million. In September 2019, the Company filed a second update with actual information through August 31, 2019, which reflected a revenue increase of $134.3 million. On November 13, 2019, the BPU issued an order adopting a stipulation of settlement approving a $62.2 million increase to base rates, which were effective on November 15, 2019. The increase includes an overall rate of return on rate base of 6.95 percent, return on common equity of 9.6 percent, a common equity ratio of 54 percent and a depreciation rate of 2.78 percent. BGSS and CIP BGSS rates are normally revised on an annual basis. In addition, to manage the fluctuations in wholesale natural gas costs, NJNG has the ability to make two interim filings during each fiscal year to increase residential and small commercial customer BGSS rates on a self-implementing and provisional basis. NJNG is also permitted to refund or credit back a portion of the commodity costs to customers at any time given five days’ notice when the natural gas commodity costs decrease in comparison to amounts projected or to amounts previously collected from customers. Concurrent with the annual BGSS filing, NJNG files for an annual review of its CIP. NJNG’s annual BGSS and CIP filings are summarized as follows: • 2018 BGSS/CIP filing — In April 2019, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual petition on a final basis to maintain its BGSS rate for residential and small commercial customers and increase its balancing charge rate, resulting in a $10.3 million increase to the annual revenues credited to BGSS, as well as changes to the CIP rates, which resulted in a $30.9 million annual recovery decrease effective October 2018. • On December 28, 2018, NJNG notified the BPU that it will increase the BGSS rate, effective February 1, 2019, resulting in an estimated $10.9 million increase to the revenues credited to BGSS from February through September 30, 2019. • • 2019 BGSS/CIP filing — On March 27, 2020, the BPU approved, on a final basis, NJNG’s annual petition to modify its BGSS, balancing charge and CIP rates. The rate changes resulted in a $17.6 million decrease to the annual revenues credited to BGSS and a $15.6 million annual increase related to its balancing charge, as well as changes to CIP rates, which resulted in a $10.6 million annual recovery increase, effective October 1, 2019. 2020 BGSS/CIP filing — On September 9, 2020, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual petition to modify its BGSS, balancing charge and CIP rates for residential and small commercial customers. The rate changes will result in a $20.4 million decrease to the annual revenues credited to BGSS, a $3.8 million annual decrease related to its balancing charge, as well as changes to CIP rates, which will result in a $16.5 million annual recovery increase, effective October 1, 2020. BGSS Incentive Programs NJNG is eligible to receive financial incentives for reducing BGSS costs through a series of utility gross margin-sharing programs that include off-system sales, capacity release and storage incentive programs. The Company is permitted to annually propose a process to evaluate and discuss alternative incentive programs, should performance of the existing incentives or market conditions warrant re-evaluation. Page 97 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Energy Efficiency Programs SAVEGREEN conducts home energy audits and provides various grants, incentives and financing alternatives, which are designed to encourage the installation of high efficiency heating and cooling equipment and other upgrades to promote energy efficiency to its residential and commercial customers while stimulating state and local economies through the creation of jobs. Depending on the specific initiative or approval, NJNG recovers costs associated with the programs over a three- to 10- year period through a tariff rider mechanism. As of September 30, 2020, the BPU approved total SAVEGREEN investments of approximately $354.3 million, including $135 million that was approved in September 2018, for a continuation of existing EE programs and the implementation of new programs through December 2021. On September 25, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU for an additional three-year SAVEGREEN program consisting of approximately $127 million of direct investment, $113 million in financing options, and approximately $23 million in operation and maintenance expenses, to be effective July 1, 2021. SAVEGREEN investments and costs are filed with the BPU on an annual basis. NJNG’s annual EE filings are summarized as follows: • • • 2018 EE filing — On December 18, 2018, the BPU approved a decrease in NJNG's EE recovery rate reflecting actual costs incurred through September 30, 2018, which resulted in an annual recovery of approximately $8.8 million, effective January 1, 2019. 2019 EE filing — On October 25, 2019, the BPU approved an increase in NJNG's EE recovery rate, which resulted in an annual recovery of approximately $11.3 million, effective November 1, 2019. 2020 EE filing — On May 29, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU to minimally decrease its EE recovery rate. Throughout the course of the proceeding, the Company updated the filing for additional actual information. Based on the updated information, the BPU approved the request to maintain its existing rate, which will result in an annual recovery of approximately $11.4 million, effective November 1, 2020. Societal Benefits Charge The SBC is comprised of three primary riders that allow NJNG to recover costs associated with USF, which is a permanent statewide program for all natural gas and electric utilities for the benefit of income-eligible customers, MGP remediation and the NJCEP. NJNG has submitted the following filings to the BPU, which include a report of program expenditures incurred each program year: • • • • 2018 SBC filing — In September 2018, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual USF compliance filing to increase the statewide USF rate, which resulted in a $1 million annual increase, effective October 1, 2018. In March 2019, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual SBC application requesting recovery of remediation expenses incurred through June 30, 2018, an increase in the RAC of approximately $1.4 million annually, and an increase to the NJCEP factor, which resulted in an annual increase of approximately $1.9 million, effective April 1, 2019. 2019 SBC filing — On June 24, 2019, NJNG filed its annual USF compliance filing proposing an increase to the statewide USF rate, which will result in the annual recovery increasing by $1.2 million, effective October 1, 2019. On September 27, 2019, NJNG filed its annual SBC application requesting to recover remediation expenses including an increase in the RAC, of approximately $1.4 million annually and an increase to the NJCEP factor, which resulted in an annual increase of approximately $3.3 million, effective April 1, 2020. On March 16, 2020, a stipulation was signed in NJNG's annual SBC application which included an increase in the RAC rate of $1.2 million annually and a decrease to the NJCEP factor of $600,000. The BPU approved the stipulation on September 9, 2020, effective October 1, 2020. 2020 USF filing — On June 25, 2020, NJNG filed its annual USF compliance filing proposing a decrease to the statewide USF rate, decreasing the annual recovery by approximately $400,000. On September 23, 2020, the BPU approved the decrease, effective October 1, 2020. 2020 SBC filing — On September 29, 2020, NJNG filed its annual SBC application requesting to recover remediation expenses including an increase in the RAC, of approximately $1.3 million annually and an increase to the NJCEP factor, which will result in an annual increase of approximately $6 million, effective April 1, 2021. Page 98 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Infrastructure Programs NJNG has significant annual capital expenditures associated with the management of its natural gas distribution and transmission system, including new utility plant for customer growth and its associated PIM and infrastructure programs. NJNG continues to implement BPU-approved infrastructure projects that are designed to enhance the reliability of NJNG’s natural gas distribution system, including SAFE and NJ RISE. SAFE/NJ RISE The SAFE program replaces portions of NJNG’s natural gas distribution unprotected steel, cast iron infrastructure and associated services to improve the safety and reliability of the natural gas distribution system. SAFE I was approved to invest up to $130 million, exclusive of AFUDC, over a four-year period. SAFE II was approved to invest up to $200 million, excluding AFUDC, over a five-year period. NJNG will recover approximately $157.5 million through annual rate filings, with the remainder recovered through subsequent rate cases. As a condition of approval of the program, NJNG was required to file a base rate case no later than November 2019 and satisfied this requirement with its March 29, 2019 base rate case filing. NJ RISE consists of six capital investment projects estimated to cost $102.5 million over a five-year period, excluding AFUDC, for natural gas distribution storm-hardening and mitigation projects, along with incremental depreciation expense. NJ RISE includes a weighted average cost of capital that ranges from 6.74 percent to 6.9 percent and a return on equity of 9.75 percent. Requests for recovery of future NJ RISE capital costs will occur in conjunction with SAFE II. On September 17, 2018, the BPU approved NJNG’s petition requesting a base rate increase of $6.8 million annually for the recovery of SAFE II and NJ RISE capital investment costs related to the 12 months ending June 30, 2018, effective October 1, 2018. On September 27, 2019, the BPU approved NJNG’s annual petition requesting a base rate increase of $7.8 million, effective October 1, 2019. On March 30, 2020, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU requesting a base rate increase of approximately $7.4 million for the recovery associated with NJ RISE and SAFE II capital investments cost of approximately $57.9 million made through June 30, 2020. On July 24, 2020, the Company updated this filing for actual information through June 30, 2020 and the revised rate increase requested is $7.1 million based on $55.1 million of actual capital investments. On September 9, 2020, the BPU approved the increase, effective October 1, 2020. Southern Reliability Link The SRL is an approximately 30-mile, 30-inch transmission main designed to support improved system reliability and integrity in the southern portion of NJNG’s service territory. All approvals required for the completion of the project have been received and construction began in December 2018. Infrastructure Investment Program On February 28, 2019, NJNG filed a petition with the BPU seeking authority to implement a five-year IIP. The IIP consists of two components, transmission and distribution investments and information technology replacement and enhancements. The total investment for the IIP is approximately $507 million. Upon approval from the BPU, investments will be recovered through annual filings to adjust base rates. On October 28, 2020, the BPU approved the Company’s transmission and distribution component of the IIP for $150 million over five years, effective November 1, 2020. The recovery of information technology replacement and enhancements, that was included in the original IIP filing, will be included as part of base rate filings as projects are placed in service. Other Filings COVID-19 On July 2, 2020, the BPU issued an order which authorized New Jersey utilities to create a regulatory asset by deferring incremental COVID-19 related costs and required a related quarterly report be filed for the COVID-19-related costs and savings incurred. Utilities must file petition by later of December 31, 2021, or within 60 days of the close of the regulatory asset period and rate recovery can be addressed in the filing or the utility may request consideration be deferred to future rate case. Any potential rate recovery and the appropriate period of recovery, will be addressed through that filing, or may request a deferral of rate recovery for a future base rate case. Page 99 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The Tax Act On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law, which resulted in a reduction in the federal corporate tax rate. As a result, NJNG recorded a regulatory liability, which included the revaluation of its deferred income taxes and the accounting of the income tax effects on the revaluation. On January 31, 2018, the BPU issued an Order which directed New Jersey utilities to submit filings to the BPU by March 2, 2018, to propose the prospective change in base rates as a result of the Tax Act to be effective April 1, 2018, the method to return to customers the overcollection of taxes in base rates from January 1, 2018, through March 31, 2018, and an outline of the method by which the excess deferred taxes would be returned to customers. The excess deferred taxes are primarily related to timing differences associated with utility plant depreciation and are subject to IRS normalization rules, which require amortization over the remaining life of the utility plant. As a result of the changes associated with the Tax Act, NJNG recorded a decrease in its net deferred tax liability of $228.4 million, which included $164.3 million for the revaluation of its deferred income taxes and $64.1 million for the accounting of the income tax effects on the revaluation of those deferred income taxes. These amounts were recorded as a regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On March 1, 2018, NJNG submitted its required filing to the BPU proposing a $19.7 million base rate reduction and customer refunds of approximately $31 million, which is inclusive of state sales tax and interest at the Company’s short-term debt rate as specified in the Company’s last base rate case. On March 26, 2018, the BPU approved, on an interim basis, the $19.7 million rate reduction, effective April 1, 2018. On May 22, 2018, the BPU approved final rates and customer refunds of the $31 million. These credits were returned to customer accounts in June 2018. As of September 30, 2020, the regulatory liability included excess deferred income taxes of $195 million, which requires amortization over the remaining life of the utility plant consistent with IRS normalization principles. 5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company is subject primarily to commodity price risk due to fluctuations in the market price of natural gas, SRECs and electricity. To manage this risk, the Company enters into a variety of derivative instruments including, but not limited to, futures contracts, physical forward contracts, financial options and swaps to economically hedge the commodity price risk associated with its existing and anticipated commitments to purchase and sell natural gas, SRECs and electricity. In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency and interest rate risk and may utilize foreign currency derivatives to hedge Canadian dollar denominated natural gas purchases and/or sales and interest rate derivatives to reduce exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. All of these types of contracts are accounted for as derivatives, unless the Company elects NPNS, which is done on a contract-by-contract election. Accordingly, all of the financial and certain of the Company's physical derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For a more detailed discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies and level disclosures associated with the Company’s derivative instruments, see Note 6. Fair Value. Energy Services Energy Services chooses not to designate its financial commodity and physical forward commodity derivatives as accounting hedges or to elect NPNS. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded as a component of natural gas purchases or operating revenues, as appropriate for Energy Services, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as unrealized gains or losses. For Energy Services at settlement, realized gains and losses on all financial derivative instruments are recognized as a component of natural gas purchases and realized gains and losses on all physical derivatives follow the presentation of the related unrealized gains and losses as a component of either natural gas purchases or operating revenues. Energy Services also enters into natural gas transactions in Canada and, consequently, is exposed to fluctuations in the value of Canadian currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Energy Services may utilize foreign currency derivatives to lock in the exchange rates associated with natural gas transactions denominated in Canadian currency. The derivatives may include currency forwards, futures or swaps and are accounted for as derivatives. These derivatives are typically used to hedge demand fee payments on pipeline capacity, storage and natural gas purchase agreements. As a result of Energy Services entering into transactions to borrow natural gas, commonly referred to as “park and loans,” an embedded derivative is recognized relating to differences between the fair value of the amount borrowed and the fair value of the amount that will ultimately be repaid, based on changes in the forward price for natural gas prices at the borrowed location over the contract term. This embedded derivative is accounted for as a forward sale in the month in which the repayment of the borrowed natural gas is expected to occur, and is considered a derivative transaction that is recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in value recognized in current-period earnings. Page 100 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Expected production of SRECs is hedged through the use of forward and futures contracts. All contracts require the Company to physically deliver SRECs through the transfer of certificates as per contractual settlement schedules. Energy Services recognizes changes in the fair value of these derivatives as a component of operating revenues. Upon settlement of the contract, the related revenue is recognized when the SREC is transferred to the counterparty. Natural Gas Distribution NJNG’s physical and financial commodity derivatives, except for those designated as NPNS, are recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Because NJNG recovers these amounts through future BGSS rates as increases or decreases to the cost of natural gas in NJNG’s tariff for gas service, the changes in fair value of these contracts are deferred as a component of regulatory assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company prospectively applies the NPNS scope exception on a case-by-case basis to certain qualifying physical commodity contracts. Contracts that are designated as NPNS are recognized in regulatory assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balances Sheets upon settlement. The average cost of natural gas is charged to expense in the current-period earnings based on the BGSS factor times the therm sales. In June 2015, NJNG entered into a treasury lock transaction to fix a benchmark treasury rate of 3.26 percent associated with a $125 million debt issuance that was finalized in May 2018. This debt issuance coincided with the maturity of NJNG's $125 million, 5.6 percent notes that came due May 15, 2018. This treasury lock was settled on March 13, 2018, which coincided with the pricing of the new debt being issued. Settlement of the treasury lock resulted in a $2.6 million loss, which was recorded as a component of regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized in earnings over the term of the $125 million, 4.01 percent notes that were issued on May 11, 2018. During fiscal 2020, NJNG entered into treasury lock transactions to fix the benchmark treasury rate associated with a $75 million debt tranche that was issued in September 2020. Settlement of the treasury locks resulted in a $6.6 million loss, which was recorded as a component of regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized in earnings over the term of the debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which totaled $50,000, as of September 30, 2020. Clean Energy Ventures The Company elects NPNS accounting treatment on qualifying PPA contracts executed by Clean Energy Ventures that meet the definition of a derivative. Contracts designated as NPNS are accounted for on an accrual basis. Accordingly, electricity sales are recognized in revenues throughout the term of the PPA as electricity is delivered. NPNS is a contract-by-contract election and where it makes sense to do so, the Company can and may elect certain contracts to be normal. Home Services and Other On January 26, 2018, NJR entered into a variable-for-fixed interest rate swap on its $100 million variable rate term loan, which fixed the variable rate at 2.84 percent. The swap terminated on August 16, 2019, which coincided with the maturity of the debt. The change in the fair value and the settlement of the interest rate swap was recorded as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2020, NJR entered into treasury lock transactions to fix the benchmark treasury rate associated with $260 million debt issuance that was finalized in July 2020 and a $200 million debt issuance that was finalized in September 2020. NJR designated its treasury lock contracts as cash flow hedges, therefore, changes in fair value of the effective portion of the hedges were recorded in OCI. Settlement of the treasury locks resulted in a loss of $13.7 million, which was recorded within OCI and will be amortized in earnings over the life of the debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which totaled $108,000, net of tax, as of September 30, 2020. Page 101 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Fair Value of Derivatives The following table reflects the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30: (Thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet Location Natural Gas Distribution: Fair Value 2020 2019 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Physical commodity contracts Derivatives - current $ Financial commodity contracts Derivatives - current $ 78 71 76 282 $ 67 382 $ 245 570 Energy Services: Physical commodity contracts Derivatives - current Derivatives - noncurrent 6,454 1,264 20,438 12,003 6,847 1,710 27,540 12,641 Financial commodity contracts Derivatives - current 16,671 12,965 17,806 29,057 Derivatives - noncurrent 2,037 1,346 5,716 6,105 Foreign currency contracts Derivatives - current Derivatives - noncurrent 36 48 104 3 1 — 211 75 Total fair value of derivatives $ 26,659 $ 47,217 $ 32,529 $ 76,444 Offsetting of Derivatives The Company transacts under master netting arrangements or equivalent agreements that allow it to offset derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty. However, the Company’s policy is to present its derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis at the contract level unit of account on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Page 102 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The following table summarizes the reported gross amounts, the amounts that the Company has the right to offset but elects not to, financial collateral, as well as the net amounts the Company could present on the Consolidated Balance Sheets but elects not to. (Thousands) As of September 2020: Derivative assets: Energy Services Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Foreign currency contracts Total Energy Services Natural Gas Distribution Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Total Natural Gas Distribution Derivative liabilities: Energy Services Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Foreign currency contracts Total Energy Services Natural Gas Distribution Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Total Natural Gas Distribution As of September 30, 2019: Derivative assets: Energy Services Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Foreign currency contracts Total Energy Services Natural Gas Distribution Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Total Natural Gas Distribution Derivative liabilities: Energy Services Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Foreign currency contracts Total Energy Services Natural Gas Distribution Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Total Natural Gas Distribution Amounts Presented on Balance Sheets (1) Offsetting Derivative Instruments (2) Financial Collateral Received/Pledged (3) Net Amounts (4) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 7,718 18,708 84 26,510 78 71 149 32,441 14,311 107 46,859 76 282 358 8,557 23,522 1 32,080 67 382 449 40,181 35,162 286 75,629 245 570 815 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (3,587) (14,311) (84) (17,982) (65) (71) (136) (3,587) (14,311) (84) (17,982) (65) (71) (136) (2,906) (19,646) (1) (22,553) (9) (382) (391) (2,906) (19,646) (1) (22,553) (9) (382) (391) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (200) — — (200) — — — — — — — — — — (200) — — (200) — — — (15,516) — (15,516) — (188) (188) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,931 4,397 — 8,328 13 — 13 28,854 — 23 28,877 11 211 222 5,451 3,876 — 9,327 58 — 58 37,275 — 285 37,560 236 — 236 (1) (2) (3) (4) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis on the balance sheet as the Company does not elect balance sheet offsetting under ASC 210-20. Includes transactions with NAESB netting election, transactions held by FCMs with net margining and transactions with ISDA netting. Financial collateral includes cash balances at FCMs, as well as cash received from or pledged to other counterparties. Net amounts represent presentation of derivative assets and liabilities if the Company were to elect balance sheet offsetting under ASC 210-20. Page 103 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Energy Services utilizes financial derivatives to economically hedge the gross margin associated with the purchase of physical natural gas to be used for storage injection and its subsequent sale at a later date. The gains (losses) on the financial transactions that are economic hedges of the cost of the purchased natural gas are recognized prior to the gains (losses) on the physical transaction, which are recognized in earnings when the natural gas is delivered. Therefore, mismatches between the timing of the recognition of realized gains (losses) on the financial derivative instruments and gains (losses) associated with the actual sale of the natural gas that is being economically hedged, along with fair value changes in derivative instruments, creates volatility in the results of Energy Services, although the Company’s intended economic results relating to the entire transaction are unaffected. The following table reflects the effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as of September 30: (Thousands) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Energy Services: Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives 2019 2020 2018 Physical commodity contracts Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Foreign currency contracts Home Services and Other: Interest rate contracts Operating revenues Natural gas purchases Natural gas purchases Natural gas purchases Interest expense Total unrealized and realized (losses) gains $ — $ 1,163 (3,366) 58,949 (41) $ (5,732) (521) (643) (283) $ (9,311) (197) (24,622) (379) 56,705 $ (233) (7,412) 334 $ (34,175) NJNG’s derivative contracts are part of the Company’s risk management activities that relate to its natural gas purchases, BGSS incentive programs and debt financing. These transactions are entered into pursuant to regulatory approval. At settlement, the resulting gains and/or losses are payable to or recoverable from utility customers and are deferred in regulatory assets or liabilities resulting in no impact to earnings. The following table reflects the gains (losses) associated with NJNG’s derivative instruments as of September 30: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution: Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Interest rate contracts Total unrealized and realized (losses) gains 2020 2019 2018 $ 2,077 (3,903) — $ (1,826) $ 5,926 (7,700) — $ (1,774) $ 1,232 1,844 8,467 $ 11,543 NJR designates its treasury lock contracts as cash flow hedges, therefore, changes in fair value of the effective portion of the hedges are recorded in OCI and upon settlement of the contracts, realized gains and (losses) are reclassified from OCI to interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table reflects the effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges in OCI as of September 30: (Thousands) Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate contracts Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives 2019 2020 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income 2019 2020 $ (13,568) $ — Interest expense $ 140 $ — Page 104 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) NJNG and Energy Services had the following outstanding long (short) derivatives as of September 30: Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Transaction Type Futures Physical Commodity Futures Swaps Options Physical Commodity Volume (Bcf) 2020 2019 23.7 6.0 (27.5) (1.8) — 5.0 27.6 11.6 (29.6) (5.0) 1.0 44.5 Not included in the above table are Energy Services' net notional amount of foreign currency transactions of approximately $5.1 million and $6.2 million and 960,000 and 796,000 SRECs that were open, as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Broker Margin Futures exchanges have contract-specific margin requirements that require the posting of cash or cash equivalents relating to traded contracts. Margin requirements consist of initial margin that is posted upon the initiation of a position, maintenance margin that is usually expressed as a percent of initial margin, and variation margin that fluctuates based on the daily marked- to-market relative to maintenance margin requirements. The Company maintains separate broker margin accounts for the Natural Gas Distribution and Energy Services segments. The balances as of September 30, by segment, are as follows: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Wholesale Credit Risk Balance Sheet Location Restricted broker margin accounts Restricted broker margin accounts 2020 2019 $ $ 13,525 $ 55,919 $ 1,982 71,741 NJNG, Energy Services and Clean Energy Ventures are exposed to credit risk as a result of their sales/wholesale marketing activities. As a result of the inherent volatility in the prices of natural gas commodities, derivatives, SRECs, electricity and RECs, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If a counterparty fails to perform the obligations under its contract (e.g., fails to deliver or pay for natural gas, SRECs, electricity or RECs), then the Company could sustain a loss. The Company monitors and manages the credit risk of its wholesale operations through credit policies and procedures that management believes reduce overall credit risk. These policies include a review and evaluation of current and prospective counterparties’ financial statements and/or credit ratings, daily monitoring of counterparties’ credit limits and exposure, daily communication with traders regarding credit status and the use of credit mitigation measures, such as collateral requirements and netting agreements. Examples of collateral include letters of credit and cash received for either prepayment or margin deposit. Collateral may be requested due to the Company’s election not to extend credit or because exposure exceeds defined thresholds. Most of the Company’s wholesale marketing contracts contain standard netting provisions. These contracts include those governed by ISDA and the NAESB. The netting provisions refer to payment netting, whereby receivables and payables with the same counterparty are offset and the resulting net amount is paid to the party to which it is due. Internally-rated exposure applies to counterparties that are not rated by Fitch or Moody’s. In these cases, the counterparty’s or guarantor’s financial statements are reviewed, and similar methodologies and ratios used by Fitch and/or Moody’s are applied to arrive at a substitute rating. Gross credit exposure is defined as the unrealized fair value of physical and financial derivative commodity contracts, plus any outstanding wholesale receivable for the value of natural gas delivered and/ or financial derivative commodity contract that has settled for which payment has not yet been received. Page 105 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The following is a summary of gross credit exposures grouped by investment and noninvestment grade counterparties, as of September 30, 2020. The amounts presented below have not been reduced by any collateral received or netting and exclude accounts receivable for NJNG retail natural gas sales and services and Clean Energy Ventures residential solar installations. (Thousands) Investment grade Noninvestment grade Internally-rated investment grade Internally-rated noninvestment grade Total Gross Credit Exposure $ 132,105 8,527 24,647 12,471 $ 177,750 Conversely, certain of NJNG’s and Energy Services’ derivative instruments are linked to agreements containing provisions that would require cash collateral payments from the Company if certain events occur. These provisions vary based upon the terms in individual counterparty agreements and can result in cash payments if NJNG’s credit rating were to fall below its current level. Specifically, most, but not all, of these additional payments will be triggered if NJNG’s debt is downgraded by the major credit agencies, regardless of investment grade status. In addition, some of these agreements include threshold amounts that would result in additional collateral payments if the values of derivative liabilities were to exceed the maximum values provided for in relevant counterparty agreements. Other provisions include payment features that are not specifically linked to ratings, but are based on certain financial metrics. Collateral amounts associated with any of these conditions are determined based on a sliding scale and are contingent upon the degree to which the Company’s credit rating and/or financial metrics deteriorate, and the extent to which liability amounts exceed applicable threshold limits. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on September 30, 2020 and 2019, were considered immaterial. These amounts differ from the respective net derivative liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because the agreements also include clauses, commonly known as “Rights of Offset,” that would permit the Company to offset its derivative assets against its derivative liabilities for determining additional collateral to be posted, as previously discussed. 6. FAIR VALUE Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, current loan receivables, accounts payable, commercial paper and borrowings under revolving credit facilities are estimated to equal their carrying amounts due to the short maturity of those instruments. Non-current loan receivables are recorded based on what the Company expects to receive, which approximates fair value. The Company regularly evaluates the credit quality and collection profile of its customers to approximate fair value. As of September 30, the estimated fair value of long-term debt at NJNG and NJR, including current maturities, excluding finance leases and debt issuance costs, is as follows (1): (Thousands) NJNG (2) (3) Carrying value Fair market value NJR (4) Carrying value Fair market value 2020 2019 $ 1,092,845 $ $ 1,271,715 $ 892,845 984,129 $ 1,010,000 $ $ 1,146,033 $ 550,000 584,735 (1) (2) (3) (4) See Note 9. Debt for a reconciliation to long-term and short-term debt. Excludes finance leases of $74.2 million and $35.4 million as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Excludes NJNG's debt issuance costs of $9.2 million and $9 million as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Excludes NJR's debt issuance costs of $3.4 million and $2 million as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Page 106 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Clean Energy Ventures enters into transactions to sell certain commercial solar assets and lease the assets back for a term specified in the lease. These transactions are considered financing obligations for accounting purposes and are recorded within long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimated fair value of solar asset financing obligations as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 was $149.2 million and $98.6 million, respectively. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of its debt. Inputs include observable municipal and corporate yields, as appropriate for the maturity of the specific issue and the Company's credit rating. As of September 30, 2020, NJR discloses its debt within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair Value Hierarchy The Company applies fair value measurement guidance to its financial assets and liabilities, as appropriate, which include financial derivatives and physical commodity contracts qualifying as derivatives, available for sale securities and other financial assets and liabilities. In addition, authoritative accounting literature prescribes the use of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value based on the source of the data used to develop the price inputs. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to inputs that are based on unobservable market data and includes the following: Level 1 Level 2 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. The Company’s Level 1 assets and liabilities include exchange traded natural gas futures and options contracts, listed equities and money market funds. Exchange traded futures and options contracts include all energy contracts traded on the NYMEX, CME and ICE that the Company refers to internally as basis swaps, fixed swaps, futures and financial options that are cleared through a FCM. Other significant observable inputs, such as interest rates or price data, including both commodity and basis pricing that is observed either directly or indirectly from publications or pricing services. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include over-the-counter physical forward commodity contracts and swap contracts, SREC forward sales or derivatives that are initially valued using observable quotes and are subsequently adjusted to include time value, credit risk or estimated transport pricing components for which no basis price is available. Level 2 financial derivatives consist of transactions with non-FCM counterparties (basis swaps, fixed swaps and/or options). Inputs are verifiable and do not require significant management judgment. For some physical commodity contracts, the Company utilizes transportation tariff rates that are publicly available and that it considers to be observable inputs that are equivalent to market data received from an independent source. There are no significant judgments or adjustments applied to the transportation tariff inputs and no market perspective is required. Even if the transportation tariff input were considered to be a “model,” it would still be considered to be a Level 2 input as the data is: • • • widely accepted and public; non-proprietary and sourced from an independent third party; and observable and published. These additional adjustments are generally not considered to be significant to the ultimate recognized values. Level 3 Inputs derived from a significant amount of unobservable market data. These include the Company’s best estimate of fair value and are derived primarily through the use of internal valuation methodologies. Financial derivative portfolios of NJNG and Energy Services consist mainly of futures, options and swaps. The Company primarily uses the market approach and its policy is to use actively quoted market prices when available. The principal market for its derivative transactions is the natural gas wholesale market; therefore, the primary sources for its price inputs are CME, NYMEX and ICE. Energy Services uses Platts and Natural Gas Exchange for Canadian delivery points. However, Energy Services also engages in transactions that result in transporting natural gas to delivery points for which there is no actively quoted market price. In most instances, the transportation cost to the final delivery location is not significant to the overall valuation. If required, Energy Services’ policy is to use the best information available to determine fair value based on internal pricing models, which would include estimates extrapolated from broker quotes or other pricing services. Page 107 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The Company also has other financial assets that include listed equities, mutual funds and money market funds for which there are active exchange quotes available. When the Company determines fair values, measurements are adjusted, as needed, for credit risk associated with its counterparties, as well as its own credit risk. The Company determines these adjustments by using historical default probabilities that correspond to the applicable S&P issuer ratings, while also taking into consideration collateral and netting arrangements that serve to mitigate risk. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows: (Thousands) As of September 2020: Assets Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts - foreign exchange Money market funds Other Total assets at fair value Liabilities Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts - foreign exchange Total liabilities at fair value As of September 30, 2019: Assets Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts - foreign exchange Other (1) Total assets at fair value Liabilities Physical commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts Financial commodity contracts - foreign exchange Total liabilities at fair value (1) Includes money market funds. Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) $ — 18,279 — 112,291 1,840 $ 132,410 $ — 14,593 — $ 14,593 $ — 20,028 — 1,706 $ 21,734 $ — 35,732 — $ 35,732 $ 7,796 500 84 — — $ 8,380 $ 32,517 — 107 $ 32,624 $ 8,624 3,876 1 — $ 12,501 $ 40,426 — 286 $ 40,712 $ — — — — — $ — $ — — — $ — $ — — — — $ — $ — — — $ — Total $ 7,796 18,779 84 112,291 1,840 $ 140,790 $ 32,517 14,593 107 $ 47,217 $ 8,624 23,904 1 1,706 $ 34,235 $ 40,426 35,732 286 $ 76,444 See Note 5. Derivative Instruments for additional details. 7. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES As of September 30, the Company’s investments in equity method investees includes the following: (Thousands) Steckman Ridge (1) PennEast (2) Total 2020 112,378 $ 95,997 208,375 $ $ $ 2019 114,428 85,840 200,268 (1) (2) Includes loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $70.4 million for both fiscal 2020 and 2019, which accrue interest at a variable rate that resets quarterly and are due October 1, 2023. Includes a deferred tax component related to AFUDC equity of $4.6 million and $4.1 million for September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Page 108 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Steckman Ridge The Company holds a 50 percent equity method investment in Steckman Ridge, a jointly owned and controlled natural gas storage facility located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Due to the anticipated expiration of a customer contract, the Company evaluated its investment in Steckman Ridge for other-than-temporary impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. The fair value of the Company’s investment in Steckman Ridge was determined using a discounted cash flow method and utilized management’s best estimates and assumptions related to expected future results, including the price and capacity of firm natural gas storage contracting, operations and maintenance costs, the nature and timing of major maintenance and capital investment, and discount rates. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and other factors. As a result, it is reasonably possible that unfavorable developments, such as the failure to execute storage contracts and other services for available capacity at anticipated price levels could result in an other- than temporary impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. PennEast The Company, through its subsidiary NJR Midstream Company, is a 20 percent investor in PennEast, a partnership whose purpose is to construct and operate a 120-mile natural gas pipeline that will extend from northeast Pennsylvania to western New Jersey. PennEast received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project from FERC on January 19, 2018. On September 10, 2019, the Third Circuit issued an order overturning the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey’s order granting PennEast condemnation and immediate access in accordance with the Natural Gas Act to certain properties in which the State of New Jersey holds an interest. A Petition for Rehearing was denied by the Third Circuit on November 5, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the NJDEP issued a letter indicating that it deemed PennEast’s freshwater wetlands permit application to be administratively incomplete and closed the matter without prejudice. On October 11, 2019, PennEast submitted a letter to the NJDEP objecting to its position that the application is administratively incomplete. PennEast's objections were rejected by the NJDEP on November 18, 2019. On October 4, 2019, PennEast filed a petition for Declaratory Order with FERC requesting an interpretation of the eminent domain authority of a FERC certificate holder under the Natural Gas Act. The Declaratory Order was granted on January 30, 2020. On January 30, 2020, PennEast filed an amendment with FERC to construct the PennEast pipeline in two phases. Phase one consists of construction of a 68-mile pipeline in Pennsylvania from the eastern Marcellus Shale region in Luzerne County that would terminate in Northampton County. Phase two includes construction of the remaining original certificated route in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Construction could begin following approval by FERC of the phased approach and receipt of any remaining governmental and regulatory permits. On February 18, 2020, PennEast filed a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the U.S. to review the September 10, 2019 Third Circuit decision. On June 29, 2020, the Supreme Court requested that the Solicitor General of the U.S. file a brief that expresses the views on the question of the use of eminent domain to acquire state owned lands for pipeline construction. The Company evaluated its investment in PennEast for other-than-temporary impairment and determined an impairment charge was not necessary. The Company estimated the fair value of its investment in PennEast using probability-weighted scenarios of discounted future cash flows. Management made significant estimates and assumptions related to development options and legal outcomes, construction costs, timing of capital investments and in-service dates, revenues and discount rates. Higher probabilities were assumed related to those scenarios where the project is completed. The discounted cash flow scenarios contemplated the impact of key assumptions of future court decisions and future management decisions and requires management to make significant estimates regarding the likelihood of various scenarios and assumptions. It is reasonably possible that future unfavorable developments, such as a reduced likelihood of success from development options and legal outcomes, estimated increases in construction costs, increases in the discount rate, or further significant delays, could result in Page 109 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) an impairment of our equity method investment. Also, the use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in a different calculation of fair value, which could ultimately result in the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge in the Consolidated Financial Statements. 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table presents the calculation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands, except per share amounts) Net income, as reported Basic earnings per share Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding-basic Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per share Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding-basic Incremental shares (1) Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding-diluted Diluted earnings per common share (2) (1) (2) 2020 2019 2018 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 94,798 89,242 87,689 $2.05 $1.90 $2.66 94,798 89,242 87,689 309 374 626 95,107 89,616 88,315 $2.04 $1.89 $2.64 Incremental shares consist primarily of unvested stock awards and performance units. There were anti-dilutive shares of 74,000 excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share related to the equity forward sale agreement for fiscal 2020. There were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2019 and 2018. 9. DEBT NJNG and NJR finance working capital requirements and capital expenditures through the issuance of various long-term debt and other financing arrangements, including unsecured credit and private placement debt shelf facilities. Amounts available under credit facilities are reduced by bank or commercial paper borrowings, as applicable, and any outstanding letters of credit. Page 110 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Long-term Debt The following table presents the long-term debt of the Company as of September 30: (Thousands) NJNG Series OO Series PP Series QQ Series RR Series SS Series TT Series UU Series VV Series WW Series XX Series YY Series ZZ Series AAA Series BBB Series CCC Series DDD Series EEE Series FFF Series GGG Series HHH First mortgage bonds: 3.00% 3.15% 3.58% 4.61% 2.82% 3.66% 3.63% 4.01% 3.50% 3.38% 2.45% 3.76% 3.86% 2.75% 3.00% 3.13% 3.13% 3.33% 2.87% 2.97% Finance lease obligation-buildings Finance lease obligation-meters Less: Debt issuance costs Less: Current maturities of long-term debt Total NJNG long-term debt NJR 3.25% 3.20% 3.48% 3.54% 3.96% 3.29% 3.60% 3.50% 3.25% 3.13% Less: Debt issuance costs Less: Current maturities of long-term debt Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Unsecured senior notes Total NJR long-term debt Clean Energy Ventures Maturity date: August 1, 2041 April 15, 2028 March 13, 2024 March 13, 2044 April 15, 2025 April 15, 2045 June 21, 2046 May 11, 2048 April 1, 2042 April 1, 2038 April 1, 2059 July 17, 2049 July 17, 2059 August 1, 2039 August 1, 2043 June 30, 2050 July 23, 2050 July 23, 2060 September 1, 2050 September 1, 2060 June 30, 2037 Various dates September 17, 2022 August 18, 2023 November 7, 2024 August 18, 2026 June 8, 2028 July 17, 2029 July 23, 2032 July 23, 2030 September 1, 2033 September 1, 2031 Solar asset financing obligation Less: Current maturities of long-term debt Total Clean Energy Ventures long-term debt Various dates Total long-term debt Page 111 2020 2019 46,500 50,000 70,000 55,000 50,000 100,000 125,000 125,000 10,300 10,500 15,000 100,000 85,000 9,545 41,000 50,000 50,000 25,000 25,000 50,000 47,597 26,562 (9,195) (10,416) 1,147,393 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 150,000 130,000 130,000 80,000 120,000 (3,424) — 1,006,576 46,500 50,000 70,000 55,000 50,000 100,000 125,000 125,000 10,300 10,500 15,000 100,000 85,000 9,545 41,000 — — — — — 5,637 29,744 (9,027) (10,420) 908,779 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 150,000 — — — — (2,004) — 547,996 122,317 (16,820) 105,497 91,401 (10,999) 80,402 $ 2,259,466 $ 1,537,177 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Annual long-term debt redemption requirements, excluding finance leases, debt issuance costs and solar asset financing obligations, as of September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter NJNG First Mortgage Bonds NJR NJNG — — $ $ — 50,000 $ $ — $ 50,000 $ 70,000 $ 100,000 $ $ 50,000 — $ $ 810,000 $ 972,845 NJNG and Trustee entered into the Mortgage Indenture, dated September 1, 2014, which secures all of the outstanding First Mortgage Bonds issued by NJNG. The Mortgage Indenture provides a direct first mortgage lien upon substantially all of the operating properties and franchises of NJNG (other than excepted property, such as cash on hand, choses-in-action, securities, rent, natural gas meters and certain materials, supplies, appliances and vehicles), subject only to certain permitted encumbrances. The Mortgage Indenture contains provisions subjecting after-acquired property (other than excepted property and subject to pre-existing liens, if any, at the time of acquisition) to the lien thereof. NJNG’s Mortgage Indenture does not restrict NJNG’s ability to pay dividends. New Jersey Administrative Code 14:4-4.7 states that a public utility cannot issue dividends, without regulatory approval, if its equity to total capitalization ratio falls below 30 percent. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG’s equity to total capitalization ratio is 53.1 percent and has the ability to issue up to $1.1 billion of FMB under the terms of the Mortgage Indenture. On April 18, 2019, NJNG completed the remarketing of three FMBs, in the amount of $35.8 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.02 percent. The bonds have maturity dates ranging from April 2038 to April 2059. The bonds were previously purchased in lieu of redemption and were being held by the Company. On July 17, 2019, NJNG entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, under which NJNG issued $100 million of 3.76 percent senior notes due July 17, 2049 and $85 million of 3.86 percent senior notes due July 17, 2059. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG's FMBs issued under NJNG's Mortgage Indenture. On August 1, 2019, NJNG completed a remarketing of three existing variable rate FMBs, with a total principal amount of $97 million, which fixed the interest rates of the bonds. NJNG remarketed $46.5 million at 3 percent due August 1, 2041, $41 million at 3 percent due August 2043 and $9.5 million at 2.75 percent due August 1, 2039. EDA Bonds are special, limited obligations of the EDA payable solely from payments made by NJNG pursuant to a Loan Agreement and are secured by the pledge of $97 million principal amount of the FMB issued by the Company. On May 14, 2020, NJNG entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $125 million of its senior notes, of which $100 million were at an interest rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2050, and $25 million were at an interest rate of 3.33 percent, maturing in 2060. On June 30, 2020, NJNG issued $50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes due June 30, 2050. On July 23, 2020, NJNG issued the remaining $50 million of 3.13 percent senior notes due July 23, 2050 and $25 million of 3.33 percent senior notes due July 23, 2060. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG’s FMBs issued under NJNG’s Mortgage Indenture. On September 1, 2020, NJNG entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for $75 million of its senior notes, of which $25 million were at an interest rate of 2.87 percent, maturing in 2050, and $50 million were at an interest rate of 2.97 percent, maturing in 2060. The senior notes are secured by an equal principal amount of NJNG’s FMBs issued under NJNG’s Mortgage Indenture. Page 112 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Sale Leasebacks NJNG has entered into a sale leaseback for its headquarters building, which has a 16-year term that expires in June 30, 2037. The present value of the agreement’s lease payments is reflected as a finance lease liability, which are included in utility plant and long-term debt, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJNG received $4 million, $9.9 million and $7.8 million for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. NJNG records a finance lease liability that is paid over the term of the lease and has the option to purchase the meters back at fair value upon expiration of the lease. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, NJNG exercised early purchase options with respect to meter leases by making final principal payments of $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Contractual commitments for finance lease payments, as of the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Subtotal Less: Interest component Total NJR senior note 54,992 6,004 4,622 5,279 3,396 2,324 76,617 (2,458) 74,159 $ $ On July 17, 2019, NJR entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $150 million of 3.29 percent senior notes due on July 17, 2029. NJR issued $50 million of these senior notes on July 17, 2019 and issued the remaining $100 million of these senior notes on August 15, 2019. On January 26, 2018, NJR entered into a variable-for-fixed interest rate swap on its $100 million variable rate term loan, which fixed the variable rate at 2.84 percent. The swap terminated on August 16, 2019, which coincided with the maturity of the debt. NJR had no long-term variable-rate debt outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. On May 14, 2020, NJR entered into a Note Purchase Agreement for $260 million of its senior notes, of which $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.5 percent, maturing in 2030, and $130 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.6 percent, maturing in 2032. On July 23, 2020, NJR issued all $260 million of the senior notes. The senior notes are unsecured and guaranteed by certain unregulated subsidiaries of NJR. On September 1, 2020, NJR entered into and issued a Note Purchase Agreement for $200 million of its senior notes, of which $120 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.13 percent, maturing in 2031, and $80 million are at a fixed interest rate of 3.25 percent, maturing in 2033. The senior notes are unsecured and guaranteed by certain unregulated subsidiaries of NJR. Clean Energy Ventures Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of $42.9 million and $71.5 million in fiscal 2020 and 2018, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of commercial solar assets. Clean Energy Ventures did not receive proceeds related to the sale leaseback of commercial solar assets during fiscal 2019. Clean Energy Ventures enters into transactions to sell the commercial solar assets concurrent with agreements to lease the assets back over a period of five to 15 years. These sale leasebacks arrangements did not qualify for sale treatment and, therefore, are accounted for as a financing arrangement, which are typically secured by the renewable energy facility asset and its future cash flows from SREC and energy sales. ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects are transferred to the buyer. Clean Energy Ventures continues to operate the solar assets, including related expenses, and retain the revenue generated from SRECs and energy sales, and has the option to renew the lease or repurchase the assets sold at the end of the contract term. Page 113 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Contractual commitments for the solar financing obligation payments, as of the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Subtotal Less: Interest component Total Short-term Debt Lease Payments 12,928 $ 12,926 13,003 12,904 8,985 47,268 108,014 (23,052) 84,962 $ A summary of NJR’s and NJNG’s short-term bank facilities as of September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) NJR Bank revolving credit facilities (1) Notes outstanding at end of period Weighted average interest rate at end of period Amount available at end of period (2) Bank revolving credit facilities (1) Notes outstanding at end of period Weighted average interest rate at end of period Amount available at end of period (2) NJNG Bank revolving credit facilities (3) Commercial paper outstanding at end of period Weighted average interest rate at end of period Amount available at end of period (4) 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 425,000 125,350 1.49 % 289,356 250,000 — — % 250,000 250,000 — — % 249,269 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 425,000 25,450 3.04 % 394,800 — — — % — 250,000 — — % 249,269 Expiration Dates December 2023 April 2021 December 2023 (1) (2) (3) (4) Committed credit facilities, which require commitment fees of 0.075 percent on the unused amounts. Letters of credit outstanding total $10.3 million and $4.8 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which reduces amount available by the same amount. Committed credit facilities, which require commitment fees of 0.075 percent on the unused amounts. Letters of credit outstanding total $731,000 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, which reduces amount available by the same amount. Amounts available under credit facilities are reduced by bank or commercial paper borrowings, as applicable, and any outstanding letters of credit. Neither NJNG nor the results of its operations are obligated or pledged to support the NJR credit or debt shelf facilities. On October 9, 2019, NJR entered into a $350 million Bridge Facility, which was used primarily to finance the Leaf River acquisition. The Bridge Facility accrued interest at the LIBOR rate for a 1-month interest period plus 0.875 percent during the first 180 days, and 1.075 percent after 180 days. Loans under the Bridge Facility were required to be prepaid to the extent of new cash proceeds received upon the issuance of equity of NJR, the incurrence of indebtedness by NJR or its subsidiaries, the disposition of assets by NJR or its subsidiaries or upon other specified events, in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Bridge Facility. As of September 30, 2020, the loan was repaid in full. NJR On April 24, 2020, NJR entered into a 364-day $250 million revolving credit facility with an interest rate based on LIBOR plus 1.625 percent. After six months, all outstanding amounts under the credit facility would convert to a term loan and would be due on April 23, 2021. In connection with entry into this credit facility, as of September 30, 2020, all outstanding borrowings under NJR's December 13, 2019, $150 million revolving line of credit facility were repaid. On October 24, 2020, there was no balance outstanding on the $250 million credit facility. As a result, the credit facility was considered terminated. Page 114 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) On June 25, 2018, the $425 million NJR Credit Facility was amended to permit liens and the disposition of assets relating to sale leaseback or other similar tax equity financing arrangements of meter assets or of solar facilities. These transactions are permissible so long as NJR is in compliance with certain covenants both before and after such incurrence, and if no event of default may be caused by such sale leaseback or similar arrangement. On December 5, 2018, NJR entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing a $425 million NJR Credit Facility. The NJR Credit Facility expires on December 5, 2023, subject to two mutual options for a one-year extension beyond that date. The NJR Credit Facility permits the borrowing of revolving loans and swingline loans, as well as the issuance of letters of credit. The NJR Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature, which would allow NJR, in the absence of a default or event of default, to increase from time to time, with the existing or new lenders, the revolving credit commitments under the NJR Credit Facility in minimum increments of $50 million increments up to a maximum of $250 million. Certain of NJR’s unregulated subsidiaries have guaranteed all of NJR’s obligations under the NJR Credit Facility. The credit facility is used primarily to finance its share repurchases, to satisfy Energy Services’ short-term liquidity needs and to finance, on an initial basis, unregulated investments. As of September 30, 2020, NJR had seven letters of credit outstanding totaling $10.3 million on behalf of Energy Services and Clean Energy Ventures. These letters of credit reduce the amount available under NJR’s committed credit facility by the same amount. NJR does not anticipate that these letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparties, and they will be renewed as necessary. Energy Services’ letters of credit are used for margin requirements for natural gas transactions, collateral and security deposit for retail natural gas sales and expire on dates ranging from December 2020 to September 2021. Neither NJNG nor the results of its operations are obligated or pledged to support the NJR credit or debt shelf facilities. NJNG On December 5, 2018, NJNG entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing a $250 million, NJNG Credit Facility. The NJNG Credit Facility expires on December 5, 2023, subject to two mutual options for a one-year extension beyond that date. The NJNG Credit Facility permits the borrowing of revolving loans and swingline loans, as well as the issuance of letters of credit. The NJNG Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature, which would allow NJNG, in the absence of a default or event of default, to increase from time to time, with the existing or new lenders, the revolving credit commitments under the NJNG Credit Facility in minimum increments of $50 million up to a maximum of $100 million. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG has two letters of credit outstanding for $731,000. NJNG’s letters of credit are used as collateral for remediation projects and expire in August 11, 2021. These letters of credit reduce the amount available under NJNG’s committed credit facility by the same amount. NJNG does not anticipate that these letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparty and they will be renewed as necessary. 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION In January 2017, the NJR 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan replaced the NJR 2007 Stock Award and Incentive Plan. Shares have been issued in the form of performance share units, restricted stock units, deferred retention stock units and unrestricted common stock to non-employee directors. As of September 30, 2020, 3,189,550 shares remain available for future issuance. The following table summarizes all stock-based compensation expense recognized during the following fiscal years: (Thousands) Stock-based compensation expense: Performance share awards Restricted and non-restricted stock Deferred retention stock Compensation expense included in operation and maintenance expense Income tax benefit (1) Total, net of tax 2020 2019 2018 $ 1,943 $ 5,804 $ 3,526 2,191 2,492 1,500 7,128 9,796 12,845 (3,734) (2,848) $ 4,636 $ 6,948 $ 9,111 2,868 1,725 6,536 (1,900) (1) Excludes additional tax benefit related to delivered shares of $647,000, $1.3 million and $3 million as of September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Page 115 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Performance Share Units In fiscal 2020, the Company granted to certain officers 33,123 performance shares, which are market condition awards that vest on September 30, 2022, subject to the Company meeting certain conditions. In fiscal 2020, the Company also granted to certain officers 48,941 performance shares, of which 30,473 vest on September 30, 2022 and 18,468 vest annually over a three-year period beginning in September 2020, both of which are subject to the Company meeting certain performance conditions. In fiscal 2019, the Company granted to certain officers 36,392 performance shares, which are market condition awards that vest on September 30, 2021, subject to the Company meeting certain conditions. In fiscal 2019, the Company also granted to certain officers 63,870 performance shares, of which 33,844 vest on September 30, 2021 and 30,026 vest annually over a three-year period beginning in September 2019, both of which are subject to the Company meeting certain performance conditions. In fiscal 2018, the Company granted to certain officers 31,836 performance shares, which are market condition awards that vested on September 30, 2020, subject to the Company meeting certain conditions. In fiscal 2018, the Company also granted to certain officers 59,341 performance shares, of which 29,608 vested in September 30, 2020 and 29,733 vest annually over a three-year period beginning in September 2018, both of which were subject to the Company meeting certain performance conditions. The vesting of these awards are shown in the table below. There is approximately $2.4 million of deferred compensation related to unvested performance shares that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.7 years. The following table summarizes the performance share activity under the stock award and incentive plans for the past three fiscal years: Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2017 Granted Vested (2) Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2018 Granted Vested (3) Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2019 Granted Vested (4) Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2020 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $30.12 $44.67 $29.49 $31.45 $39.67 $47.98 $38.52 $44.34 $46.53 $40.61 $44.27 $44.38 $44.22 Shares (1) 156,587 91,177 (100,146) (2,442) 145,176 100,262 (103,009) (11,920) 130,509 82,064 (55,025) (1,817) 155,731 Total Fair Value of Vested Shares (in Thousands) — — $ 4,714 — — — $ 4,622 — — — $ 2,083 — — (1) (2) (3) (4) The number of common shares issued related to certain performance shares may range from zero to 150 percent of the number of shares shown in the table above based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals. As certified by the Company’s Leadership and Compensation Committee on November 13, 2018, the number of common shares related to performance shares earned was 99 percent, or 38,660 shares, the number of common shares earned related to NFE performance was 121 percent or 39,694 shares, and the number of common shares earned related to Performance Based Restricted Stock was 100 percent or 36,998 shares. Each award earned excludes accumulated dividends. The number represented on this line is the target number of 100 percent. As certified by the Company’s Leadership and Compensation Committee on November 12, 2019, the number of common shares earned related to TSR performance was 119 percent or 43,641 shares, the number of common shares earned related to NFE performance was 117 percent or 26,413 shares, and the number of common shares earned related to Performance Based Restricted Stock was 100 percent or 24,468 shares. Each award earned excludes accumulated dividends. The number represented on this line is the target number of 100 percent. As certified by the Company’s Leadership and Compensation Committee on November 9, 2020, there were no common shares earned related to TSR performance, the number of common shares earned related to NFE performance was 114 percent or 28,513 shares and the number of common shares earned related to Performance Based Restricted Stock was 100 percent or 11,139 shares. Each award earned excludes accumulated dividends. The number represented on this line is the target number of 100 percent. The Company measures compensation expense related to performance shares based on the fair value of these awards at their date of grant. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, compensation expense for market condition grants are recognized for awards granted, and are not adjusted based on actual achievement of the performance goals. The Company estimated the fair value of these grants on the date of grant using a lattice model. Performance condition grants Page 116 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) are initially fair valued at the Company’s stock price on grant date, and are subsequently adjusted for actual achievement of the performance goals. Restricted Stock Units In fiscal 2020, the Company granted 42,478 shares of restricted stock units that vest annually over a three-year period beginning October 2020. In fiscal 2019, the Company granted 29,222 shares of restricted stock that vest annually over a three- year period beginning in October 2019. In fiscal 2019, the Company also granted 6,062 shares of restricted stock that vest annually over a three-year period beginning April 2020. In fiscal 2018, the Company granted 27,949 shares of restricted stock that vest annually over a three-year period beginning in October 2018. There is approximately $1 million of deferred compensation related to unvested restricted stock shares that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.8 years. The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity under the stock award and incentive plans for the past three fiscal years: Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2017 Granted Vested Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2018 Granted Vested Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2019 Granted Vested Cancelled/forfeited Non-vested and outstanding at September 30, 2020 Deferred Retention Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $32.40 $45.00 $31.23 $33.54 $41.24 $48.24 $39.26 $42.96 $46.18 $40.61 $44.71 $43.62 $43.52 Shares 51,154 27,949 (33,815) (1,120) 44,168 35,284 (20,748) (548) 58,156 42,478 (25,973) (1,175) 73,486 Total Fair Value of Vested Shares (in Thousands) — — $ 1,438 — — — $ 935 — — — $ 1,073 — — Deferred retention stock awards are granted upon approval by the Board of Directors, which generally occurs subsequent to the fiscal year end. Deferred retention stock awards vest immediately when granted, with shares delivered at a future date in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements. The expense for these awards is recognized in the fiscal year in which services are rendered. The following table summarizes the deferred retention stock award under the stock award and incentive plans for the past three fiscal years: Outstanding at September 30, 2017 Granted/Vested Delivered Forfeited Outstanding at September 30, 2018 Granted/Vested Delivered Forfeited Outstanding at September 30, 2019 Granted/Vested Delivered Outstanding at September 30, 2020 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $29.54 $45.00 $29.42 $35.56 $32.99 $47.95 $30.32 $44.41 $44.67 $40.72 $35.25 $46.32 Shares 672,578 24,167 (452,694) (1,969) 242,082 167,407 (158,733) (7,195) 243,561 42,358 (57,673) 228,246 Total Fair Value of Vested Shares (in Thousands) — — $ 19,581 — — $ 7,145 — — — $ 2,423 — Page 117 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Non-Employee Director Stock Effective January 2020, non-employee director compensation includes an annual equity retainer that is awarded at the time of the Company’s annual meeting of shareowners. The shares vest upon the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the date of the Company’s next annual meeting of shareowners following the grant date and are subsequently amortized to expense over a 12-month period. During fiscal years 2019 and 2018, the equity portion of non-employee director compensation was awarded in shares of NJR common stock. The shares vested immediately and were subsequently amortized to expense over a 12-month period. The following summarizes non-employee director share awards for the past three fiscal years: Shares granted Weighted average grant date fair value 2020 27,696 (1) $42.88 2019 2018 26,165 $44.80 26,524 $39.85 (1) $311,000 of expense remains as of September 30, 2020, to be recognized through December 31, 2020. 11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans The Company has two trusteed, noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans covering eligible regular represented and non-represented employees with more than one year of service. Defined benefit plan benefits are based on years of service and average compensation during the highest 60 consecutive months of employment. The Company also provides postemployment medical and life insurance benefits to employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. All represented employees of NJRHS hired on or after October 1, 2000, non-represented employees hired on or after October 1, 2009 and NJNG represented employees hired on or after January 1, 2012, are covered by an enhanced defined contribution plan instead of the defined benefit plan. Participation in the postemployment medical and life insurance plan was also frozen to new employees as of the same dates, with the exception of new NJRHS represented employees, for which benefits were frozen beginning April 3, 2012. The Company maintains an unfunded nonqualified PEP that was established to provide employees with the full level of benefits as stated in the qualified plan without reductions due to various limitations imposed by the provisions of federal income tax laws and regulations. There were no plan assets in the nonqualified plan due to the nature of the plan. In April 2018, the Company implemented a voluntary early retirement program open to certain eligible employees. As of September 30, 2018, pension and postemployment benefit costs related to the special termination benefits were $4.2 million and other severance benefits were $2.2 million. For the amounts incurred, NJNG recognized an expense of approximately $5.1 million and Home Services and other recognized an expense of approximately $1.3 million, as a component of O&M in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s funding policy for its pension plans is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. In fiscal 2020 and 2019, the Company had no minimum funding requirements. The Company made no discretionary contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2020 or 2019. The Company does not expect to be required to make additional contributions to fund the pension plans over the following two fiscal years based on current actuarial assumptions; however, funding requirements are uncertain and can depend significantly on changes in actuarial assumptions, returns on plan assets and changes in the demographics of eligible employees and covered dependents. There are no federal requirements to pre-fund OPEB benefits. However, the Company is required to fund certain amounts due to regulatory agreements with the BPU. The Company contributed $8.4 million and $7.9 million, in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, and estimates that it will contribute between $5 million and $10 million over each of the next five years. Additional contributions may be required based on market conditions and changes to assumptions. The Affordable Care Act was enacted in March 2010 and created an excise tax applicable to high-cost health plans, commonly known as the Cadillac Tax. Employers who sponsor health plans that have an annual cost that exceeded an amount defined by the law would pay a 40 percent tax on the excess plan costs beginning in 2022. The 2020 federal spending package permanently eliminated the Affordable Care Act-mandated Cadillac tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage. Due to the repeal, the Company's OPEB liability was revalued for these changes. The Company applied a practical expedient to remeasure the plan assets and obligations as of December 31, 2019, which was the nearest calendar month-end date. The impact of the revaluation of the OPEB liability was recorded as of January 1, 2020 and is incorporated within actuarial assumptions at September 30, 2020. Page 118 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The following summarizes the changes in the funded status of the plans and the related liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30: (Thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Plan participants’ contributions (2) Actuarial loss (gain) Benefits paid, net of retiree subsidies received Benefit obligation at end of year Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Benefits paid, net of plan participants’ contributions (2) Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status Amounts recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheets Postemployment employee (liability) Current Noncurrent Total Pension (1) OPEB 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ 360,477 $ 298,575 $ 260,003 $ 196,785 4,404 8,324 210 54,700 (4,420) $ 397,164 $ 360,477 $ 245,862 $ 260,003 7,381 12,173 43 52,549 (10,244) 4,854 7,026 194 (23,226) (2,989) 8,223 10,587 25 29,738 (11,886) 30,632 596 (11,894) $ 288,634 $ 279,410 $ 19,194 231 (10,201) $ 307,968 $ 288,634 $ $ 77,980 2,499 7,926 (4,479) 83,926 (71,843) $ (149,456) $ (176,077) 83,925 $ 6,872 8,436 (2,827) 96,406 $ (89,196) $ $ $ (531) $ (88,665) (89,196) $ (800) (900) $ (603) $ (71,240) (175,277) (148,556) (71,843) $ (149,456) $ (176,077) (1) (2) Includes the Company’s PEP. Prior to July 1, 1998, employees were eligible to elect an additional participant contribution to enhance their benefits and contributions made during the periods were insignificant. The actuarial loss on the Company’s pension is primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligation. The actuarial gain related to the OPEB plans is primarily due to the remeasurement of the plan assets and obligations due to the removal of the Cadillac tax, partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate. The Company recognizes a liability for its underfunded benefit plans as required by ASC 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits. The Company records the offset to regulatory assets for the portion of liability relating to NJNG and to accumulated other comprehensive income for the portion of the liability related to its unregulated operations. The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30: Balance at September 30, 2018 Amounts arising during the period: Net actuarial loss Amounts amortized to net periodic costs: Net actuarial (loss) Prior service credit Balance at September 30, 2019 Amounts arising during the period: Net actuarial loss (gain) Amounts amortized to net periodic costs: Net actuarial (loss) Prior service (cost) credit Balance at September 30, 2020 Regulatory Assets OPEB Pension Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension OPEB $ 66,233 $ 68,685 $ 14,633 $ 7,659 38,137 48,452 14,271 9,264 (4,662) (102) (5,820) 312 $ 99,606 $ 111,629 (648) (1,103) — 53 $ 27,801 $ 16,328 11,953 (21,974) 7,731 (1,614) (7,893) (102) (6,536) 182 $ 103,564 $ 83,301 (907) (2,528) — 16 $ 33,004 $ 13,823 Page 119 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The amounts in regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive income not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost as of September 30 are: Regulatory Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension OPEB Pension OPEB 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ 103,197 $ 99,139 $ 83,600 $ 112,109 $ 33,004 $ 27,801 $ 13,847 $ 16,367 (39) $ 103,564 $ 99,606 $ 83,301 $ 111,629 $ 33,004 $ 27,801 $ 13,823 $ 16,328 (299) (480) 367 467 (24) — — (Thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service cost (credit) Total To the extent the unrecognized amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income or regulatory assets exceed 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, an amortized amount over the average expected future working lifetime of the active plan participants is recognized. Amounts included in regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2021 are as follows: (Thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service cost (credit) Total Regulatory Assets OPEB Pension Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension OPEB $ $ 8,269 $ 102 8,371 $ 6,846 (166) 6,680 $ $ 3,178 $ — 3,178 $ 1,064 (13) 1,051 The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans, including the PEP, exceeded the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit and accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets as of September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) Projected benefit obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Pension 2020 2019 $ 397,164 $ 360,477 $ 352,320 $ 319,527 $ 307,968 $ 288,634 The components of the net periodic cost for pension benefits, including the Company’s PEP, and OPEB costs (principally health care and life insurance) for employees and covered dependents for fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Recognized actuarial loss 2020 Pension 2019 2018 2020 OPEB 2019 $ 8,223 $ 7,381 $ 8,139 $ 4,854 $ 4,404 $ 10,587 12,173 10,493 7,026 8,324 2018 4,607 6,365 (20,579) (19,054) (19,639) (6,510) (5,515) (5,352) Prior service cost (credit) amortization 102 102 106 10,424 5,765 7,537 7,442 (197) 6,466 (365) Net periodic benefit cost Special termination benefit 8,757 $ 6,367 $ 6,636 $ 12,615 $ 13,314 — — 3,730 — — 4,660 (365) 9,915 490 Net periodic benefit cost recognized as expense $ 8,757 $ 6,367 $ 10,366 $ 12,615 $ 13,314 $ 10,405 Page 120 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used to determine the Company’s benefit costs during the fiscal years below and obligations as of September 30, are as follows: 2020 Pension 2019 2018 2020 OPEB 2019 2018 Benefit costs: Discount rate Expected asset return Compensation increase Obligations: 3.37/3.35% (1) 7.25 4.36/4.35% (1) 7.00 % 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.25/3.50% (1) 4.04/4.03% (1) 7.50 % 3.25/3.50% (1) 3.48/3.44% (1) 4.38/4.37% (1) 7.00 % 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.25/3.50% (1) 3.25/3.50% (1) 4.12/4.08% (1) 7.50 % 7.25 Discount rate Compensation increase 2.95/2.92% (1) 3.37/3.35% (1) 4.36/4.35% 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.25/3.50% (1) 3.08/3.03% (1) 3.48/3.44% (1) 4.38/4.37% (1) 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.00/3.50% (1) 3.25/3.50% (1) (1) Percentages for represented and nonrepresented plans, respectively. When measuring its projected benefit obligations, the Company uses an aggregate discount rate at which its obligation could be effectively settled. The Company determines a single weighted average discount rate based on a yield curve comprised of rates of return on a population of high quality debt issuances (AA- or better) whose cash flows (via coupons or maturities) match the timing and amount of its expected future benefit payments. The Company measures its service and interest costs using a disaggregated, or spot rate, approach. The Company applies the duration-specific spot rates from the full yield curve, as of the measurement date, to each year’s future benefit payments, which aligns the timing of the plans’ separate future cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. Information relating to the assumed HCCTR used to determine expected OPEB benefits as of September 30, and the effect of a 1 percent change in the rate, are as follows: ($ in thousands) HCCTR Ultimate HCCTR Year ultimate HCCTR reached Effect of a 1 percentage point increase in the HCCTR on: Year-end benefit obligation Total service and interest cost Effect of a 1 percentage point decrease in the HCCTR on: Year-end benefit obligation Total service and interest costs 2020 7.6% 4.5% 2026 2019 7.6% 4.5% 2026 2018 7.9% 4.5% 2024 $ 49,106 $ 2,799 $ 49,061 $ 2,923 $ 36,260 $ 2,482 $ (38,844) $ (2,151) $ (38,747) $ (2,250) $ (28,743) $ (1,937) The Company’s investment objective is a long-term real rate of return on assets before permissible expenses that is approximately 5 percent greater than the assumed rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the asset categories in which the Company invests and the current expectations and historical performance for these categories. The mix and targeted allocation of the pension and OPEB plans’ assets are as follows: Asset Allocation U.S. equity securities International equity securities Fixed income Other assets Total 2021 Target Assets at September 30, Allocation 34 % 2020 38 % 17 38 11 18 39 5 2019 37 % 17 42 4 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company adopted the revised mortality assumptions published by the Society of Actuaries for its pension and other postemployment benefit obligations, which reflected increased life expectancies in the U.S. The adoption of the new mortality Page 121 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) projection scale, MP-2019 and the Pri-2012 mortality study, did not materially impact the projected benefit obligation for the plans. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid during the following fiscal years: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 - 2030 Pension OPEB 6,179 $ 12,799 $ 6,837 $ 13,765 $ 7,420 $ 14,512 $ 7,988 $ 15,345 $ $ 16,267 $ 8,625 $ 95,969 $ 52,480 The Company’s OPEB plans provide prescription drug benefits that are actuarially equivalent to those provided by Medicare Part D. Therefore, under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, the Company qualifies for federal subsidies. The following estimated subsidy payments are expected to be paid during the following fiscal years: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 - 2030 Estimated Subsidy Payment $ $ $ $ $ $ 292 316 349 384 420 2,789 Pension and OPEB assets held in the master trust, measured at fair value, as of September 30, are summarized as follows: (Thousands) As of September 2020: Assets Money market funds Registered Investment Companies: Equity Funds: Large Cap Index Extended Market Index International Stock Fixed Income Funds: Emerging Markets Core Fixed Income Opportunistic Income Ultra Short Duration High Yield Bond Fund Long Duration Fund Total assets at in the fair value hierarchy Investments measured at net asset value $ Common collective trusts Total assets at fair value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Pension Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) OPEB Total $ — $ — $ 15 $ 15 95,542 21,085 56,912 16,008 — — — 26,303 77,036 292,886 $ 29,908 6,470 17,390 4,958 11,146 7,128 7,057 8,223 — 92,295 15,082 307,968 $ $ 29,908 6,470 17,390 4,958 11,146 7,128 7,057 8,223 — 92,295 4,111 96,406 95,542 21,085 56,912 16,008 — — — 26,303 77,036 292,886 Page 122 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) (Thousands) As of September 30, 2019: Assets Money market funds Registered Investment Companies: Equity Funds: Large Cap Index Extended Market Index International Stock Fixed Income Funds: Emerging Markets Core Fixed Income Opportunistic Income Ultra Short Duration High Yield Bond Fund Long Duration Fund Total assets at in the fair value hierarchy Investments measured at net asset value $ Common collective trusts Total assets at fair value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Pension Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) OPEB Total $ — $ — $ 21 $ 21 89,374 16,548 49,929 15,794 — — — 24,328 80,041 276,014 89,374 16,548 49,929 15,794 — — — 24,328 80,041 276,014 $ 25,474 5,036 14,564 4,764 10,570 6,365 6,340 7,350 — 80,484 12,620 288,634 $ $ 25,474 5,036 14,564 4,764 10,570 6,365 6,340 7,350 — 80,484 3,442 83,926 The Plan had no Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements during fiscal 2020 and 2019, and there have been no changes in valuation methodologies as of September 30, 2020. The Plan held assets that are valued using net asset value as a practical expedient, which are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value: Money Market funds — Represents bank balances and money market funds that are valued based on the net asset value of shares held at year end. Registered Investment Companies — Equity and fixed income funds valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year end as reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Common collective trusts — The NAV for common collective trusts is provided by the trustee and is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund less liabilities. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Defined Contribution Plan The Company offers a Savings Plan to eligible employees. The Company matches 80 percent of participants’ contributions up to 6 percent of base compensation. Represented NJRHS employees, non-represented employees hired on or after October 1, 2009, and NJNG represented employees hired on or after January 1, 2012, are eligible for an employer special contribution of between 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent of base compensation, depending on years of service, into the Savings Plan on their behalf. The amount expensed and contributed for the matching provision of the Savings Plan was $4.5 million in fiscal 2020, $3.9 million in fiscal 2019 and $3.9 million in fiscal 2018. The amount contributed for the employer special contribution of the Savings Plan was $1.6 million in fiscal 2020, $1.3 million in fiscal 2019 and $959,000 in fiscal 2018. Page 123 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) 12. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS The Company recognizes ARO when the legal obligation to retire an asset has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Accordingly, the Company recognizes ARO related to the costs associated with cutting and capping its main and service natural gas distribution pipelines of NJNG, which is required by New Jersey law when taking such natural gas distribution pipeline out of service. The Company also recognizes ARO related to Clean Energy Ventures’ solar assets when there are decommissioning provisions in Clean Energy Ventures’ lease agreements that require removal of the asset. Accretion amounts associated with NJNG’s ARO are recognized as part of its depreciation expense and the corresponding regulatory asset and liability will be shown gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accretion amounts associated with Clean Energy Ventures’ ARO are recognized as a component of operations and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following is an analysis of the change in the Company’s ARO for the fiscal years ended September 30: (Thousands) Balance at October 1 Accretion Additions Change in estimated useful life Change in assumptions Retirements Other Balance at period end 2020 2019 NJNG NJRCEV NJNG NJRCEV $ $ 26,944 $ 1,476 — — 1,104 (244) — 29,280 $ 4,102 196 1,306 (1,160) — — — 4,444 $ $ 25,640 $ 1,427 135 — — (258) — 26,944 $ 3,048 150 904 — — — — 4,102 Accretion for the next five years, for the fiscal years ended September 30, is estimated to be as follows: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total 13. INCOME TAXES Estimated Accretion 1,717 $ 1,789 1,869 1,948 2,029 9,352 $ The income tax benefit from operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, consists of the following: (Thousands) Current: Federal State Deferred: Federal State Investment/production tax credits Income tax benefit 2020 2019 2018 $ (2,164) $ 6,763 10,933 $ 3,530 (2,848) 4,563 31,577 (900) (42,220) (6,944) $ 7,988 5,833 (66,035) (37,751) $ (40,785) 6,731 (21,446) (53,785) $ Page 124 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) As of September 30, the temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets (liabilities), consist of the following: (Thousands) Deferred tax assets Investment tax credits (1) Federal net operating losses (2) State net operating losses Fair value of derivatives Postemployment benefits Incentive compensation Amortization of intangibles Overrecovered natural gas costs Other Total deferred tax assets Less: Valuation allowance Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance Deferred tax liabilities Property related items Remediation costs Investments in equity investees Underrecovered natural gas costs Conservation incentive plan Other Total deferred tax liabilities Total net deferred tax liabilities 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ $ 194,840 24,091 33,233 13,979 8,544 7,071 5,892 7,244 2,370 297,264 (17,639) 279,625 (419,075) (10,207) (23,395) — (5,345) (6,639) (464,661) (185,036) $ $ $ $ $ $ 156,153 24,173 25,302 9,673 9,192 7,231 4,991 — 7,139 243,854 (4,035) 239,819 (379,673) (10,720) (21,730) (2,657) (942) (4,776) (420,498) (180,679) (1) (2) Includes $898,000 and $2 million for NJNG for fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is being amortized over the life of the related assets. See discussion of federal net operating loss utilization in the Other Tax Items section of this note. A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the effective rate from operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows: (Thousands) Statutory income tax expense Change resulting from: Investment/production tax credits Cost of removal of assets placed in service prior to 1981 AFUDC equity State income taxes, net of federal benefit NJ Unitary method change Basis adjustment of solar assets due to ITC Valuation allowance Tax Act - utility excess deferred income taxes amortized (1) Tax Act - nonutility excess deferred income taxes (1) Tax Act - utility excess deferred income taxes refunded to customers (1) Other Income tax benefit Effective income tax rate (2) (3) 2020 $ 39,265 2019 $ 27,668 2018 $ 44,014 (42,220) (5,362) (4,933) 8,657 (15,345) 4,399 13,604 (3,573) — — (1,436) $ (6,944) (66,035) (6,349) (2,313) 7,707 — 6,500 — (3,573) — — (1,356) (21,446) (5,829) (2,117) 7,092 — 1,080 — (1,786) (59,627) (14,323) (843) $ (37,751) $ (53,785) (3.7) % (28.7) % (29.9) % (1) (2) (3) For a more detailed description, see The Tax Act section of this note. The U.S. federal statutory rate was 21 percent for both fiscal 2020 and 2019 and 24.5 percent for fiscal 2018. The effective tax rate without the impact of the Tax Act would have been 12.4 percent for fiscal 2018. The Company and one or more of its subsidiaries files or expects to file income and/or franchise tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in the states of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Mississippi and Virginia. The Company neither files in, nor believes it has a filing requirement in, any foreign jurisdictions other than Canada. Due to certain available tax treaty benefits, the Company incurs no tax liability in Canada. Page 125 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The Company’s federal income tax returns through fiscal 2014 have either been reviewed by the IRS, or the related statute of limitations has expired and all matters have been settled. Federal income tax returns for periods subsequent to fiscal 2014 are open to examination or are currently under examination by the IRS. For all periods subsequent to those ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s state income tax returns are statutorily open to examination in all applicable states with the exception of Colorado, New Jersey and Texas. In Colorado, New Jersey and Texas, all periods subsequent to September 30, 2015 are statutorily open to examination. In May 2019, the Company received a favorable ruling from the IRS regarding a change to its tax method of accounting for the capitalization of certain costs associated with self-constructed property placed in service during fiscal years prior to September 30, 2015. The self-constructed property to which these costs relate is considered qualified energy property as defined under the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the Company is eligible to claim a 30 percent ITC on the increase in the depreciable cost basis of the property through the filing of an amended tax return in the year of change. As a result of the favorable IRS ruling, the Company recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $10 million from the additional ITC recognized, net of deferred taxes. NJR evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of potential future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. A tax benefit claimed, or expected to be claimed, on a tax return may be recognized if it is more likely than not that the position will be upheld upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recognized within income tax expense and accrued interest, and penalties are recognized within other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2020, the Company evaluated certain tax benefits that have been recorded in the financial statements and concluded that a portion of the tax benefits are uncertain at this time. As a result, the Company recorded a reserve that is included in accrued taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The tax benefits relate to fiscal tax years open to examination by the IRS and may be subject to subsequent adjustment. The reserve for uncertain tax benefits for the fiscal year ended September 30, is as follows: (Thousands) Balance at October 1, Additions based on tax positions related to the current fiscal period Balance at period end 2020 2019 $ $ 4,930 $ — 4,930 $ — 4,930 4,930 CARES Act On March 27, 2020, the President of the U.S. signed the CARES Act, which is aimed at providing emergency assistance and health care for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and generally supporting the U.S. economy. The CARES Act, among other things, includes several business tax provisions which include, but are not limited to modifications of federal net operating loss carrybacks and deductibility, changes to prior year refundable alternative minimum tax liabilities, increase of limitations on business interest deductions from 30 percent to 50 percent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, technical corrections of the classification of qualified improvement property making them eligible for bonus depreciation, increase of the limits on charitable contribution deductions from 10 percent to 25 percent of adjusted taxable income, modifications of the treatment of federal loans, loan guarantees, and other investments, suspension of industry specific excise taxes, deferral of the company portion of OASDI, and implementation of a refundable employee retention tax credit. The CARES Act provides for the delay in the required deposit of the employer portion of the OASDI payroll tax from the date of enactment through the end of 2020. Of the taxes that the Company can defer, 50 percent of the deferred taxes are required to be deposited by the end of 2021 and the remaining 50 percent are required to be deposited by the end of 2022. Additionally, The CARES Act provides a refundable tax credit, the employee retention tax credit, to certain employers who are ordered by a competent governmental authority to suspend or reduce business operations due to concern about the spread of COVID-19 or suffered a significant decline in the business during a calendar quarter during 2020 compared to the same calendar quarter during the previous year. As of September 30, 2020, the Company deferred $3.1 million related to the employer portion of the OASDI tax. The Company is currently investigating the applicability of the Employee Retention Tax credit. Page 126 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Other Tax Items As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has federal income tax net operating losses of approximately $134 million. Federal net operating losses can generally be carried back two years and forward 20 years and will begin to expire in fiscal 2036, with the remainder expiring by 2038. The Company expects to exercise its ability to carryback federal net operating losses to offset taxable income in prior periods. For the net operating losses it expects to carryback, the Company estimated the portion considered refundable and recorded receivables of approximately $22.8 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, as a component of other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon filing amended federal income tax returns to carryback its remaining federal net operating losses totaling $24.1 million, the Company will reduce its taxable income in those periods and recapture federal investment tax credits of the same amount that were previously utilized to offset taxable income. In addition, as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has tax credit carryforwards of approximately $195.2 million and $154.2 million, respectively, which each have a life of 20 years. When the Company carries back the federal net operating losses noted above, it expects to recapture investment tax credits totaling $24.1 million. These recaptured tax credits are in addition to the $195.2 million and will be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The Company expects to utilize this entire carryforward prior to expiration, which would begin in fiscal 2034. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has state income tax net operating losses of approximately $487.7 million and $340 million, respectively. These state net operating losses have varying carry-forward periods dictated by the state in which they were incurred; these state carry-forward periods range from seven to 20 years and would begin to expire in fiscal 2021, with the majority expiring after 2035. The Company expects to utilize this entire carryforward, other than as described below. On February 7, 2019, Clean Energy Ventures finalized the sale of its remaining wind assets. As a result of the sale, it is more likely than not that certain state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realizable prior to their expiration and recorded a valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carryforwards in Montana, Iowa and Kansas. As a result of changes to filing requirements in the State of New Jersey that require tax returns filed for periods ending on or after July 31, 2019, be filed on a combined basis when part of an affiliated group, the Company recorded a benefit from income taxes, resulting from the re-measurement of deferred income tax attributes. The Company also evaluated its New Jersey state net operating loss carryforwards on a post-apportionment basis and determined it is more likely than not that a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards may not be realizable prior to their expiration. As a result, the Company recorded a valuation allowance associated with New Jersey state net operating loss carryforwards. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had a valuation allowance of $17.6 million and $4 million related to state net operating loss carryforwards. The Consolidated Appropriations Act extended the 30 percent ITC for solar property that is under construction on or before December 31, 2019. Projects placed in service after December 31, 2019, may also qualify for a 30 percent federal ITC if five percent or more of the total costs of a solar property are incurred before the end of the applicable year and there are continuous efforts to advance towards completion of the project, based on the IRS guidance around ITC safe harbor determination. The credit will decline to 26 percent for property under construction during 2020, and to 22 percent for property under construction during 2021. For any property that is under construction before 2022, but not placed in service before 2024, the ITC will be reduced to 10 percent. The Tax Act On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Act. The law made several changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the most impactful to the Company of which was a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent that became effective January 1, 2018. Since the Company's fiscal year end is September 30, it is required by the Internal Revenue Code to calculate a statutory rate based upon the federal tax rates in effect before and after the effective date of the change in the taxable year that includes the effective date. Accordingly, the Company applied a federal statutory tax rate of 24.5 percent during fiscal 2018 and as of October 1, 2018, used the enacted rate of 21 percent. As a result of the changes associated with the Tax Act during fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $59.6 million. Page 127 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) As a result of the changes associated with the Tax Act, NJNG recorded a decrease in its net deferred tax liability of $228.4 million, which included $164.3 million for the revaluation of its deferred income taxes and $64.1 million for the accounting of the income tax effects on the revaluation of those deferred income taxes. These amounts were recorded as a regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On May 22, 2018, the BPU approved a refund of $31 million, which included approximately $20.1 million of the initial revaluation of excess deferred income taxes, $9 million for the overcollection of taxes from customers from January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018, and interest on the overcollected taxes at the Company's short-term debt rate. These credits were returned to customer accounts in June 2018. During fiscal 2018, NJNG credited approximately $17 million to income tax (benefit) provision on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which includes $14.3 million attributable to the remeasurement of deferred income taxes, $1.8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income taxes primarily related to timing differences associated with utility plant depreciation and $880,000 related to the revaluation of deferred income taxes not included in base rates. As of September 30, 2020, the regulatory liability included excess deferred income taxes of $195 million, which requires amortization over the remaining life of the utility plant consistent with IRS normalization principles. 14. LEASES Lessee Accounting The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception based on whether the Company has the right to control the use of an identified asset, the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset and accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and leased liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, including payments at commencement that depend on an index or rate. The Company’s land leases and office equipment leases in which the Company is the lessee do not have a readily determinable implicit rate, so an incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at the lease commencement date, is utilized to determine the present value of lease payments. When a secured borrowing rate is not readily available, unsecured borrowing rates are adjusted for the effects of collateral to determine the incremental borrowing rate. The Company uses the implicit rate for agreements in which it is a lessor. The Company has not entered into any material agreements in which it is a lessor. Lease expense and lease income are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases. For more information on the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, see Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Company’s lease agreements primarily consist of commercial solar land leases, storage and capacity leases, equipment and real property, including land and office facilities, office equipment and the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. Certain leases contain escalation provisions for inflation metrics. The storage leases contain a variable payment component that relates to the change in the inflation metrics that are not known past the current payment period. These variable components of these lease payments are excluded from the lease payments that are used to determine the related right-of-use asset and lease liability. The variable portion of these leases are recognized as leasing expenses when they are incurred. The capacity lease payments are fully variable and based on the amount of natural gas stored in the storage caverns. The Company’s solar land lease terms are primarily between 15 and 35 years, which includes options to extend the terms for multiple additional 5 to 10 years each. The Company’s office leases vary in duration, ranging from 1 to 25 years and may or may not include extension or early purchase options. The majority of the Company’s meter leases are for terms of 7 years with purchase options available prior to the end of the 7 year term. Equipment leases include general office equipment that also vary in duration, most are for a term of 5 years. The Company's storage and capacity leases have assumed terms of 50 years to coincide with the expected useful lives of the cavern assets with which the leases are associated. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend, purchase the leased asset or terminate a lease and they are included in the lease liability calculation when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised. The expense related to the leases subject to the short-term lease recognition exemption are recognized on a straight-line basis, with such amounts disclosed in the financial statement notes below. The Company has lease agreements with lease and nonlease components and has elected the practical expedient to combine lease and nonlease components for certain classes of leases, such as office buildings, solar land leases and office equipment. Variable payments are not significant to the Company. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any Page 128 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) material residual value guarantees, material restrictions or material covenants. There are no material lease transactions with related parties. The following table presents the Company's lease costs included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30: (Thousands) Finance lease cost Income Statement Location 2020 Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Total finance lease cost Operating lease cost Short-term lease cost Variable lease cost Total lease cost Operation and maintenance, net of capitalized costs Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance $ $ $ 5,007 1,511 6,518 6,404 1,041 1,025 14,988 The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the fiscal year ended September 30: (Thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating cash flows from finance leases Financing cash flows from finance leases 2020 $ $ $ 8,804 1,189 6,985 Assets obtained or modified through amendments in exchange for operating lease liabilities during fiscal 2020 were $76.6 million. Assets obtained or modified through amendments in exchange for finance lease liabilities during fiscal 2020, were $49.7 million. The following table presents the balance and classifications of our right of use assets and lease liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the fiscal year ended September 30: (Thousands) Assets Noncurrent Operating lease assets Finance lease assets Total lease assets Liabilities Current Operating lease liabilities Finance lease liabilities Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Finance lease liabilities Total lease liabilities Balance Sheet Location 2020 Operating lease assets Utility plant Operating lease liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt Operating lease liabilities Long-term debt $ $ $ $ 131,769 71,085 202,854 6,724 10,416 95,030 63,743 175,913 As of September 30, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term for the operating and finance leases is 25.5 and 11.5 years, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used in the valuation of the operating and finance lease liabilities and right-of-use assets over the remaining lease term is 3.18 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Page 129 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The following table presents the Company's maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020: (Thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total future lease payments Less: Liability accretion Total lease liability Operating Leases Finance Leases $ 6,706 $ 6,634 6,590 6,210 5,646 122,085 153,871 (52,117) 101,754 $ 54,992 6,004 4,622 5,279 3,396 2,324 76,617 (2,458) 74,159 $ The following table reflects the Company's future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases for continuing operations as of September 30, 2019, under ASC 840 and is being presented for comparative purposes. These commitments relate principally to commercial solar land leases, equipment and real property leases, including land and office facility leases, natural gas meters and office equipment. (Thousands) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Operating Leases Finance Leases $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,411 $ 4,698 $ 4,609 $ 4,579 $ 4,199 $ 54,405 $ 11,707 6,603 7,494 3,995 4,652 4,173 On August 14, 2020, the Company entered into a partial termination agreement of its lease contracts associated with its natural gas cavern storage. As a result of the partial termination, the Company paid $28.5 million to the lease owners receiving in return a 50 year non-compete agreement. The Company treated these Leaf River lease arrangements as one combined contract and its termination was recognized as remeasurement of the remaining lease assets that will be amortized over the remaining part of the lease lives. 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Cash Commitments NJNG has entered into long-term contracts, expiring at various dates through October 2036, for the supply, transportation and storage of natural gas. These contracts include annual fixed charges of approximately $124.7 million at current contract rates and volumes, which are recoverable through BGSS. For the purpose of securing storage and pipeline capacity, our Energy Services segment enters into storage and pipeline capacity contracts, which require the payment of certain demand charges by Energy Services to maintain the ability to access such natural gas storage or pipeline capacity, during a fixed time period, which generally ranges from one to 10 years. Demand charges are established by interstate storage and pipeline operators and are regulated by FERC. These demand charges represent commitments to pay storage providers or pipeline companies for the right to store and/or transport natural gas utilizing their respective assets. Page 130 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) Commitments as of September 30, 2020, for natural gas purchases and future demand fees for the next five fiscal year periods, are as follows: (Thousands) Energy Services: Natural gas purchases Storage demand fees Pipeline demand fees Sub-total Energy Services NJNG: Natural gas purchases Storage demand fees Pipeline demand fees Sub-total NJNG Total 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter $ 151,270 $ 21,857 76,462 — $ 2,488 17,110 $ 249,589 $ 68,079 $ 38,368 $ 26,435 $ 19,598 $ — $ 3,748 22,687 — $ 8,632 29,736 1,600 $ 13,028 53,451 — 942 36,527 37,469 $ — $ — $ 4,377 $ 36,096 20,303 32,122 88,564 131,578 107,614 — 3,530 552,465 $ 129,037 $ 163,700 $ 127,917 $ 97,886 $ 86,439 $ 555,995 $ 378,626 $ 231,779 $ 166,285 $ 124,321 $ 106,037 $ 593,464 — $ 6,830 79,609 — $ 12,768 85,118 As of September 30, 2020, the Company’s future minimum lease payments under various operating leases will not be more than $1.4 million annually for the next five years and $73,000 in the aggregate for all years thereafter. Guarantees As of September 30, 2020, there were NJR guarantees covering approximately $258 million of Energy Services’ natural gas purchases and demand fee commitments not yet reflected in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Legal Proceedings Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation NJNG is responsible for the remedial cleanup of certain former MGP sites, dating back to gas operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which contain contaminated residues from former gas manufacturing operations. NJNG is currently involved in administrative proceedings with the NJDEP, and participating in various studies and investigations by outside consultants, to determine the nature and extent of any such contaminated residues and to develop appropriate programs of remedial action, where warranted, under NJDEP regulations. NJNG periodically, and at least annually, performs an environmental review of former MGP sites located in Atlantic Highlands, Berkeley, Long Branch, Manchester, Toms River, and Freehold, New Jersey, collectively, the "former MGP sites", including a review of potential liability for investigation and remedial action. NJNG estimated at the time of the most recent review that total future expenditures at the former MGP sites for which it is responsible, including potential liabilities for further and continued natural resource damages, may be brought by the NJDEP for alleged injury to groundwater or other natural resources concerning these sites. As we have not yet completed the remedial investigation of the site, the total amount of potential costs of all remedial actions at the MGP site in Freehold, New Jersey, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The estimated total future expenditures for all former MGP sites will range from approximately $143.1 million to $181.7 million. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the most likely amount in the range. If no point within the range is more likely than the other, the Company accrues at the lower end of the range. Accordingly, NJNG recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $150.6 million as of September 30, 2020 and $131.1 million as of September 30, 2019, based on the most likely amount. The remediation liability at September 30, 2020 includes adjustments for actual expenditures during fiscal 2020. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and insurance recoveries, if any. In June 2019, NJNG initiated a preliminary assessment of a site in Aberdeen, New Jersey to determine prior ownership and if former MGP operations were active at the location. As of September 30, 2019, costs associated with preliminary assessment activities were considered immaterial and included as a component of NJNG’s annual SBC application to recover remediation expenses. The preliminary assessment and site investigation activities are ongoing at the Aberdeen, NJ site location. The estimated costs to complete the preliminary assessment and site investigation phase is included in the MGP Page 131 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) remediation liability and corresponding regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2020. NJNG will continue to gather information to determine whether the obligation exists to undertake remedial action. NJNG recovers its remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, over rolling seven-year periods pursuant to a RAC approved by the BPU. On September 9, 2020,the BPU approved NJNG's an increase in the RAC, which increased the annual recovery from $8.5 million to $9.7 million and is effective October 1, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, $36.5 million of previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds, are included in regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of MGP-related costs through the RAC. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related non-recoverable costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. General The Company is involved, and from time to time in the future may be involved, in a number of pending and threatened judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings relating to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation matters, particularly when such matters are in their early stages or where the claimants seek indeterminate damages, the Company cannot state with confidence what the eventual outcome of the pending litigation will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter will be, if any. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, NJR establishes accruals for litigation for those matters that present loss contingencies as to which it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. NJR also discloses contingent matters for which there is a reasonable possibility of a loss. Based upon currently available information, NJR believes that the results of litigation that is currently pending, taken together, will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The actual results of resolving the pending litigation matters may be substantially higher than the amounts accrued. The foregoing statements about NJR’s litigation are based upon the Company’s judgments, assumptions and estimates and are necessarily subjective and uncertain. The Company has a number of threatened and pending litigation matters at various stages. 16. COMMON STOCK EQUITY On December 4, 2019, the Company completed an equity offering of 6,545,454 common shares, consisting of 5,333,334 common shares issued directly by the Company and 1,212,120 common shares issuable pursuant to forward sales agreements with investment banks. The issuance of 5,333,334 resulted in proceeds of approximately $212.9 million, net of issuance costs, and was reflected in shareholders' equity and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. Under the forward sale agreements, a total of 1,212,120 common shares were borrowed from third parties and sold to the underwriters. Each forward sale agreement allowed the Company, at its election and prior to September 30, 2020, to physically settle the forward sale agreement by issuing common shares in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreement, which was initially $40.0125 per share, or, alternatively, to settle the forward sale agreement in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of shares or cash. The forward sale price is subject to adjustment daily based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease in respect of certain fixed amounts specified in the agreement, such as anticipated dividends. On September 18, 2020, the Company amended our forward sale agreements to extend the maturity date of such forward sales agreements from September 30, 2020 to September 10, 2021. As of September 30, 2020, if the Company elected to net settle the forward sale agreement, the Company would receive approximately $14.3 million under a cash settlement or would receive 543,150 common shares under a net share settlement. Issuances of shares under the forward sale agreements are classified as equity transactions. Accordingly, no amounts relating to the forward sale agreements have or will be recorded in the financial statements until settlements take place. Prior to any settlements, the only impact to the financial statements is the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method until settlement of the forward sale agreements. Under this method, the number of the Company common shares used in calculating diluted EPS is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares that would be issued upon physical settlement of the forward sale agreements less the number of shares that would be purchased by the Company in the market (based on the average market price during the same reporting period) using the proceeds receivable upon settlement (based on the adjusted forward sale price at the end of that reporting period). Share dilution occurs when the average market price of the Company's common shares is higher than the adjusted forward sale price. See Note 8. Earnings Per Share for the impact of the forward sale agreements on the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Page 132 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) 17. REPORTING SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATIONS DATA The Company organizes its businesses based on a combination of factors, including its products and its regulatory environment. As a result, the Company manages its businesses through the following reporting segments and other operations: the Natural Gas Distribution segment consists of regulated energy and off-system, capacity and storage management operations; the Clean Energy Ventures segment consists of capital investments in clean energy projects; the Energy Services segment consists of unregulated wholesale and retail energy operations; the Storage and Transportation segment consists of the Company’s investments in natural gas storage and transportation facilities; the Home Services and Other operations consist of heating, cooling and water appliance sales, installations and services, other investments and general corporate activities. Information related to the Company’s various reporting segments and other operations is detailed below: (Thousands) Fiscal Years Ended September 30, Operating revenues Natural Gas Distribution External customers Clean Energy Ventures External customers Energy Services External customers (1) Intercompany Storage and Transportation External customers (1) Intercompany Subtotal Home Services and Other External customers Intercompany Eliminations Total Depreciation and amortization Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services (2) Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Eliminations Total Interest income (3) Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Eliminations Total 2020 2019 2018 $ 729,923 $ 710,793 $ 731,865 102,617 98,099 71,375 1,029,303 1,734,553 2,064,477 48,327 1,116 8,238 42,015 2,713 — — 1,907,687 2,551,683 2,916,044 — — 49,810 1,207 (5,036) 47,392 2,665 (50,992) $ 1,953,668 $ 2,592,045 $ 2,915,109 48,600 2,302 (10,540) $ 71,883 $ 37,855 123 9,293 119,154 1,032 (292) $ 119,894 $ $ $ 538 $ 240 99 3,510 4,387 8,633 (10,061) 2,959 $ 57,980 $ 32,997 118 6 91,101 914 (285) 91,730 $ 994 $ — 78 4,000 5,072 1,942 (5,391) 1,623 $ 53,208 31,877 76 6 85,167 780 (246) 85,701 614 — 240 3,374 4,228 1,476 (5,090) 614 Includes sales to Canada for the Energy Services segment, which are immaterial. (1) (2) The amortization of acquired wholesale energy contracts is excluded above and is included in natural gas purchases - nonutility on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Included in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (3) Page 133 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) (Thousands) Fiscal Years Ended September 30, Interest expense, net of capitalized interest Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Eliminations Total Income tax provision (benefit) Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Eliminations Total Equity in earnings of affiliates Storage and Transportation Eliminations Total Net financial earnings (loss) Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Energy Services Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Eliminations Total Capital expenditures Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Total Investments in equity investees Storage and Transportation Total Page 134 2020 2019 2018 $ 30,975 $ 26,134 $ 25,299 20,253 14,846 18,320 3,276 13,124 5,205 2,185 3,945 1,667 67,628 48,370 49,231 10,327 1,535 7 (10,358) (2,823) (2,952) $ 67,597 $ 47,082 $ 46,286 $ 27,021 $ 9,434 $ (1,910) (32,404) (48,921) (79,932) (3,615) (1,573) 24,996 4,247 2,254 (8,548) (4,751) (38,806) (65,394) (2,478) 1,428 11,944 285 (373) (335) $ (6,944) $ (37,751) $ (53,785) $ 15,903 $ 15,832 $ 16,165 (1,592) (2,204) (3,157) $ 14,311 $ 13,628 $ 13,008 $ 126,902 $ 78,062 $ 84,048 53,023 77,473 (7,873) 2,918 18,311 190,363 14,689 173,142 75,849 60,378 24,367 244,642 5,784 98 1,911 (93) (3,829) (327) $ 196,245 $ 174,960 $ 240,486 $ 290,040 $ 345,004 $ 254,523 133,841 157,828 123,421 20,998 20,616 5,431 444,879 523,448 383,375 3,230 2,484 1,213 $ 448,109 $ 525,932 $ 384,588 $ $ 2,117 $ 4,102 $ 16,151 2,117 $ 4,102 $ 16,151 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The Chief Executive Officer, who uses NFE as a measure of profit or loss in measuring the results of the Company’s reporting segments and operations, is the chief operating decision maker of the Company. A reconciliation of consolidated NFE to consolidated net income is as follows: (Thousands) Consolidated net financial earnings Less: Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and related transactions Tax effect Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory Tax effect Consolidated net income 2020 2019 2018 $ 196,245 $ 174,960 $ 240,486 (9,644) 2,296 12,690 2,881 26,770 (711) (4,512) 4,309 (22,570) (3,016) (1,024) 7,362 $ 193,919 $ 169,505 $ 233,436 The Company uses derivative instruments as economic hedges of purchases and sales of physical natural gas inventory. For GAAP purposes, these derivatives are recorded at fair value and related changes in fair value are included in reported earnings. Revenues and cost of natural gas related to physical natural gas flow are recognized when the natural gas is delivered to customers. Consequently, there is a mismatch in the timing of earnings recognition between the economic hedges and physical natural gas flows. Timing differences occur in two ways: • • Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives are recognized in reported earnings in periods prior to physical natural gas inventory flows; and Unrealized gains and losses of prior periods are reclassified as realized gains and losses when derivatives are settled in the same period as physical natural gas inventory movements occur. NFE is a measure of the earnings based on eliminating these timing differences, to effectively match the earnings effects of the economic hedges with the physical sale of natural gas, SRECs and foreign currency contracts. Consequently, to reconcile between net income and NFE, current-period unrealized gains and losses on the derivatives are excluded from NFE as a reconciling item. Additionally, realized derivative gains and losses are also included in current-period net income. However, NFE includes only realized gains and losses related to natural gas sold out of inventory, effectively matching the full earnings effects of the derivatives with realized margins on physical natural gas flows. Included in the tax effects are current and deferred income tax expense corresponding with the non-GAAP measure. Also included in the tax effects during fiscal 2018, are the impacts of the Tax Act and resulting revaluation of the deferred income taxes that arose from derivative and hedging activity as measured under NFE. The revaluation caused the effective tax rate on reconciling items to differ from the statutory rate in effect for the year. The Company also calculates a quarterly tax adjustment based on an estimated annual effective tax rate for NFE purposes. The Company’s assets for the various reporting segments and business operations are detailed below: (Thousands) Assets at end of period: Natural Gas Distribution Clean Energy Ventures (1) Energy Services Storage and Transportation Subtotal Home Services and Other Intercompany assets (2) Total 2020 2019 2018 $ 3,531,477 $ 3,064,309 $ 2,663,054 1,015,073 864,323 865,018 244,836 290,847 396,852 844,799 240,955 242,069 5,636,185 4,460,434 4,166,993 138,375 104,411 114,732 (204,758) (191,860) (138,061) $ 5,569,802 $ 4,372,985 $ 4,143,664 (1) (2) Includes assets held for sale of $206.9 million for September 30, 2018. Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated and reclassified in consolidation. Page 135 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) 18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Effective April 1, 2020, NJNG entered into a 5-year agreement for 3 Bcf of firm storage capacity with Steckman Ridge, which expires on March 31, 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, NJNG incurs demand fees, at market rates, of approximately $9.3 million annually, a portion of which is eliminated in consolidation. These fees are recoverable through NJNG’s BGSS mechanism and are included as a component of regulatory assets. Energy Services may periodically enter into storage or park and loan agreements with its affiliated FERC-jurisdictional natural gas storage facility, Steckman Ridge. As of September 30, 2020, Energy Services has entered into transactions with Steckman Ridge for varying terms, all of which expire by October 31, 2020. NJNG has entered into a 15-year transportation precedent agreement for committed capacity of 180,000 Dths per day and NJRES entered into a 5-year, 50,000 Dths per day transportation precedent agreement with PennEast, both to commence when PennEast is placed in service. Demand fees, net of eliminations, associated with Steckman Ridge during the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Total 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 5,900 $ 183 6,083 $ 5,814 $ 2,134 7,948 $ 5,730 2,775 8,505 The following table summarizes demand fees payable to Steckman Ridge as of September 30: (Thousands) Natural Gas Distribution Energy Services Total 2020 2019 $ $ 775 $ 16 791 $ 775 15 790 NJNG and Energy Services have entered into various asset management agreements, the effects of which are eliminated in consolidation. Under the terms of these agreements, NJNG releases certain transportation and storage contracts to Energy Services. As of September 30, 2020, NJNG and Energy Services had three asset management agreements with expiration dates ranging from October 31, 2020 through October 31, 2021. NJNG entered into a transportation precedent agreement with Adelphia Gateway for committed capacity of 130,000 Dths per day, which expires in October 2026. Energy Services has a 5-year agreement for 3 Bcf of firm storage capacity with Leaf River, which is eliminated in consolidation and expires in March 2024. 19. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS Acquisitions Adelphia Gateway On January 13, 2020, Adelphia Gateway, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NJR, acquired all of Talen’s membership interests in IEC, an existing 84-mile pipeline in southeastern Pennsylvania, including related assets and rights of way, for a base purchase price of $166 million. In November 2017, the Company made an initial payment of $10 million towards the base purchase price, which was included in other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining purchase price of $156 million was paid upon the close of the acquisition of the related assets. As additional consideration, Adelphia Gateway will pay Talen specified amounts of up to $23 million contingent upon the achievement of certain regulatory approvals and binding natural gas capacity commitments. On December 20, 2019, FERC issued Adelphia Gateway’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Adelphia Gateway has agreed to provide firm natural gas transportation service for 10 years following the closing to two power generators owned by affiliates of Talen that are currently served by the pipeline. Page 136 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The Company evaluated the acquisition under the guidance of ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business and concluded that the acquisition did not meet the definition of a business, as almost all of the fair value relates to the pipeline assets acquired. As a result, the purchase was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and purchase price allocation based upon the relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities to be assumed: (Thousands) Purchase price Net working capital adjustment Transaction costs Total costs capitalized Identifiable assets acquired Property, plant and equipment Other Net working capital Net assets acquired Estimated Fair Value $ $ $ $ 166,000 (449) 9,456 175,007 174,438 1,018 (449) 175,007 The Company utilized a discounted cash flow valuation technique to measure the fair value of the property, plant, and equipment based upon the present value of their future economic benefits reflecting current market expectations. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation are not observable in active markets and thus represent non-recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of pipeline related assets, land, buildings and other structures and software. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, ranging from five to 30 years, based on various classes of depreciable property. Other assets consist primarily of an assembled workforce and base gas. Asset retirement obligations are initially recognized when the legal obligation to retire an asset has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Company records any asset retirement obligations in the period in which information permitting a reasonable estimate of such obligation becomes available. The Company is unable to predict when, or if, the pipelines would become completely obsolete and require decommissioning. As such, upon acquisition, there were no liabilities recorded for asset retirement obligations, as both the timing and future estimates of decommissioning the pipeline was indeterminable. Leaf River On October 11, 2019, NJR Pipeline Company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NJR, acquired 100 percent of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Leaf River Energy Center LLC for $367.5 million. The purchase price was subject to certain contractual conditions, including customary purchase price adjustments related to the amount of net working capital and transaction expenses. Leaf River owns and operates a 32.2 million Dth salt dome natural gas storage facility, located in southeastern Mississippi. The Company evaluated the acquisition under the guidance of ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business and concluded that the acquisition did not meet the definition of a business, as almost all of the fair value relates to the natural gas storage assets acquired. As a result, the purchase was accounted for as an asset acquisition. Page 137 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and purchase price allocation based upon the relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities to be assumed: (Thousands) Purchase price Net working capital adjustment Transaction costs Total costs capitalized Identifiable assets acquired Property, plant and equipment Base gas Other assets, net Net working capital Net assets acquired Estimated Fair Value $ 367,500 4,111 1,664 373,275 365,715 3,445 4 4,111 373,275 $ $ $ The total consideration transferred is comprised of the purchase price to the seller and the transaction costs incurred during the acquisition. The Company utilized a discounted cash flow valuation technique to measure the fair value of the property, plant, and equipment based upon the present value of their future economic benefits reflecting current market expectations. Base gas is valued based upon the estimated replacement costs associated with the respective assets. Base gas is needed to maintain the necessary pressure to allow efficient operation of the storage facility. The base gas is determined to be recoverable and is considered a component of the facility and presented as a component in property, plant and equipment. This natural gas is not depreciated, as it is expected to be recovered and sold. Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of surface equipment and pipelines necessary to operate the facility. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, ranging from five to 50 years, based on various classes of depreciable property. Asset retirement obligations are initially recognized when the legal obligation to retire an asset has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Company records any asset retirement obligations in the period in which information permitting a reasonable estimate of such obligation becomes available. The Company is unable to predict when, or if, the storage facilities and related pipelines would become completely obsolete and require decommissioning. As such, upon acquisition, there were no liabilities recorded for asset retirement obligations, as both the timing and future estimates of decommissioning the storage facilities and related pipelines were indeterminable. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation are not observable in active markets and thus represent non- recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. Dispositions Clean Energy Ventures On June 1, 2018, Clean Energy Ventures completed the sale of its membership interest in its 9.7 MW wind farm in Two Dot, Montana to NorthWestern Energy for a total purchase price of $18.5 million. The transaction generated a pre-tax gain of approximately $951,000 which is recognized as a reduction to O&M on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On February 7, 2019, Clean Energy Ventures finalized the sale of its remaining wind assets to a subsidiary of Skyline Renewables LLC for a total purchase price of $208.6 million. The transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $645,000, which was recognized as a reduction to O&M expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Energy Services On February 28, 2018, NJR sold all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of NJRRS, which was a component of the Energy Services segment. The Company received $9.5 million in cash and a natural gas swap contract with a fair value of $14.6 million, which was recorded in derivatives, at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale Page 138 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Continued) generated a pre-tax gain of $3.7 million, which was recognized as a reduction to O&M on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 20. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) A summary of financial data for each quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019 follows. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s businesses, quarterly amounts vary significantly during the fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the information furnished reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods. (Thousands, except per share data) 2020 Operating revenues Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) Earnings (loss) per share (1) Basic Diluted 2019 Operating revenues Operating income (loss) (2) Net income (loss) Earnings (loss) per share (1) Basic Diluted First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter $ 615,036 $ 639,614 $ 298,974 $ 400,044 39,862 $ 101,497 $ 43,272 89,361 $ $ (20,191) $ (27,219) $ 95,215 $ 88,505 $ $0.97 $0.97 $0.93 $0.92 $(0.28) $(0.28) $0.45 $0.45 $ 811,767 $ 866,255 $ 434,942 $ 479,081 (7,790) $ 18,086 $ 77,001 $ 73,573 $ 88,743 $ 86,248 $ (4,019) $ (8,402) $ $0.97 $0.97 $0.83 $0.82 $(0.09) $(0.09) $0.20 $0.20 (1) (2) The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts due to rounding. Quarterly amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07, an amendment to ASC 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Page 139 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part II ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K under the caption Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 10-K under the caption Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting We periodically review our internal controls over financial reporting as part of our efforts to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, we routinely review our system of internal controls over financial reporting to identify potential changes to our processes and systems that may improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal controls environment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we implemented a new core ERP system, which we expect to enhance our system of internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of this implementation, we modified certain existing internal controls as well as implemented new controls and procedures related to the new ERP. Except with respect to the implementation of the ERP, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None Page 140 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Information required by this item, including information concerning the Board of Directors of the Company, the members of the Company’s Audit Committee, the Company’s Audit Committee Financial Expert, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and shareowner proposals, is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareowners, which will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after September 30, 2020. The information regarding executive officers is included in this report as Item 1 under the caption Information About our Executive Officers and incorporated herein by reference. The Board of Directors has adopted the Code of Conduct, a code for all directors, officers and employees, as required by the New York Stock Exchange rules, and governing the chief executive officer and senior financial officers, in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and SEC regulations. Copies of the Code of Conduct are available free of charge on the Company’s website at http://investor.njresources.com under the caption Corporate Governance. A printed copy of the Code of Conduct is available free of charge to any shareowner who requests it by contacting the Corporate Secretary at 1415 Wyckoff Road, Wall, New Jersey 07719. The Company will disclose any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of the Code of Conduct that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions that relate to any element of the Code of Conduct as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K by posting such information on the Company’s website. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement. Page 141 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) 1. Financial Statements. All Financial Statements of the Registrant are filed as part of this report and included in Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K. (a) 2. Financial Statement Schedules-See Index to Financial Statement Schedules in Item 8. (a) 3. Exhibits-See Exhibit Index on page 145. Page 142 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020 Page 144 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are either not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. Page 143 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (Thousands) CLASSIFICATION 2020 BEGINNING BALANCE ADDITIONS CHARGED TO EXPENSE OTHER ENDING BALANCE Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets Allowance for doubtful accounts 2019 Allowance for doubtful accounts 2018 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ $ $ $ 4,035 6,148 15,869 2,238 (2,265) (1,144) (1) 5,704 2,387 (1,943) (1) 5,181 2,579 (2,056) (1) $ $ $ $ 17,639 7,242 6,148 5,704 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, less recoveries and adjustments. Page 144 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Exhibit Description 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3(a) 4.3(b) 4.3(c) 4.3(d) 4.3(e) 4.3(f) 4.3(g) 4.3(h) 4.3(i) 4.3(j) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2017, by and between Talen Generation, LLC, and Adelphia Gateway, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 2, 2017) Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, between NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation and SRIV Partnership, LLC, dated as of November 21, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 21, 2018) Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated September 3, 2019, by and between Leaf River Energy Holdings, LLC and NJR Pipeline Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 5, 2019) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of New Jersey Resources Corporation, as amended through March 3, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on January 23, 2014, and Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on March 3, 2015) Bylaws of New Jersey Resources Corporation, as amended and restated on July 14, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 20, 2020) Description of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, as filed on November 22, 2019) Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, as filed on November 25, 2013) Amended and Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2014, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 30, 2014) 36th Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2014, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 30, 2014) First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2015 between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 7, 2015) Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2016, between New Jersey Natural Gas Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K as filed on June 22, 2016) Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2018, by and between New Jersey Natural Gas Company and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on May 11, 2018) Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2019, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2019) Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2019, by and between New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 17, 2019) Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2019, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(g) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, as filed on November 22, 2019) Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2020, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 2, 2020) Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2020, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 23, 2020) Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 2, 2020, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 2, 2020) Page 145 Exhibit Number 4.4 4.4(a) 4.4(b) 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Exhibit Description $75,000,000 Shelf Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011, between New Jersey Resources Corporation and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential Facility”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on July 6, 2011) First Amendment to the Prudential Facility, dated as of July 25, 2014, between the Company and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on November 12, 2014) Second Amendment to the Prudential Facility, dated as of September 28, 2015, between the Company and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 2, 2015) $125,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2014, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 7, 2014) Loan Agreement between New Jersey Economic Development Authority and New Jersey Natural Gas Company, dated as of August 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, as filed on November 23, 2011) First Amendment to the Loan Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2019, NJNG and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, as filed on November 22, 2019) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2019, between NJNG and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, as filed on November 22, 2019) $50,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2013, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2013) $150,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 12, 2015, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on February 17, 2015) Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2016, among New Jersey Resources Corporation and each of the Purchasers listed in Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on March 25, 2016) $125,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2016, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on June 22, 2016) $125,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2018, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on May 11, 2018) $100,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2018, by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on June 8, 2018) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2019, between NJNG and New Jersey Economic Development Authority and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2019) Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2019, NJNG and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2019) Amended and Restated Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, dated as of April 18, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2019) $150,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2019, by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 17, 2019) Page 146 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Exhibit Number 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 Exhibit Description $185,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2019, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 17, 2019) Amended and Restated Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, dated as of August 22, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, as filed on November 22, 2019) $260,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2020, by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on May 18, 2020) $125,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2020, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on May 18, 2020) $200,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2020, by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 2, 2020) $75,000,000 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2020, by and among New Jersey Natural Gas Company and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 2, 2020) 10.1*+ Form of Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement between the Company and Named Executive Officer 10.1(a)*+ Schedule of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreements for named executive officers 10.2 10.3* 10.4* 10.5* 10.6* 10.7* 10.8* 10.9* Service Agreement for Rate Schedule SS-1 by and between NJNG and Texas Eastern Transmission Company, dated as of June 21, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1996, as filed on December 30, 1996) Summary of 2021 Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 11, 2020) Summary of 2020 Company’s Non-Employee Director Compensation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on January 23, 2020) New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - Total Shareholder Return Fiscal Year 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 8, 2018) New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - NFE Fiscal Year 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 8, 2018) New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 8, 2018) New Jersey Resources Corporation Deferred Stock Retention Award Agreement Fiscal Year 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 8, 2018) New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 8, 2018) 10.10* The Company’s 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting as filed on December 15, 2016) 10.11*+ New Jersey Resources Savings Equalization Plan (as amended and restated as of November 16, 2020) 10.12*+ New Jersey Resources Pension Equalization Plan (as amended and restated as of November 16, 2020) Page 147 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Exhibit Number Exhibit Description 10.13* New Jersey Resources Corporation Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2009) 10.14*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated on November 16, 2020) 10.15*+ Amended and Restated New Jersey Resources Corporation Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated as of November 16, 2020) 10.16* Form of Amended and Restated Employment Continuation Agreement between the Company and named executive officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 18, 2019) 10.16(a)*+ Schedule of Employee Continuation Agreements 10.16(b)* Form of Amended and Restated Employment Continuation Agreement for officers of NJR Energy Services Company dated as of November 12, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 18, 2019) 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Steckman Ridge GP, LLC, dated as of March 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2007) Limited Partnership Agreement of Steckman Ridge, LP dated as of March 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 3, 2007) $425,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 5, 2018, by and among NJR, the guarantors thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A., Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and TD Bank, N.A., as Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 11, 2018) $250,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 5, 2018, by and among NJNG, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A., Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and TD Bank, N.A., as Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 11, 2018) 10.21* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - NFE Fiscal Year 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2019) 10.22* New Jersey Resources Corporation Deferred Stock Retention Award Agreement Fiscal Year 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2019) 10.23* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - Total Shareholder Return Fiscal Year 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2019) 10.24* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2019) 10.25* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on February 6, 2019) 10.26*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2020 10.27*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - Total Shareholder Return Fiscal Year 2020 10.28*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - NFE Fiscal Year 2020 Page 148 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Exhibit Number Exhibit Description 10.29*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Fiscal Year 2020 10.30*+ New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Deferred Retention Stock Award Agreement Fiscal Year 2020 10.31 10.32 10.33 10.34 10.35 10.36 Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 4, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8- K, as filed on December 9, 2019) Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, dated December 4, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8- K, as filed on December 9, 2019) Additional Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 9, 2019) Additional Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, dated December 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 9, 2019) Amendment to Forward Sale Agreement, dated September 18, 2020, between New Jersey Resources Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 4, 2019 and Additional Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 24, 2020) Amendment to Forward Sale Agreement, dated September 18, 2020, between New Jersey Resources Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated December 4, 2019 and Additional Forward Sale Agreement between New Jersey Resources Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated December 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 24, 2020) 10.37* 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Form of Director Restricted Stock Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on January 23, 2020) 10.38* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Units Agreement Fiscal Year 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 13, 2020) 10.39* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - Total Shareholder Return Fiscal Year 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 13, 2020) 10.40* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Agreement - NFE Fiscal Year 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 13, 2020) 10.41* New Jersey Resources Corporation 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Fiscal Year 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 13, 2020) Page 149 Exhibit Number 10.42 New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Exhibit Description 364-Day $250,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of April 24, 2020 by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation and each of the Guarantors party thereto and the lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association and PNC Capital Markets LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and TD Bank, N.A., as Joint Lead Arrangers, and Truist Bank and TB Bank, N.A., as Co- Syndication Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 27, 2020) 21.1+ Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23.1+ 31.1+ 31.2+ Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 32.1+ † Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 32.2+ † Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 101+ Interactive Data File {Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, furnished in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language)} 104+ Cover Page Interactive Data File included in Exhibit 101 ________________________________ + Filed herewith. * Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements or management contracts. † This certificate accompanies this report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by NJR for purposes of Section 18 or any other provision of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Page 150 SIGNATURES New Jersey Resources Corporation Part IV Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. Date: November 30, 2020 NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION (Registrant) By:/s/ Patrick J. Migliaccio Patrick J. Migliaccio Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated: November 30, 2020 /s/ Stephen D. Westhoven Stephen D. Westhoven President and Chief Executive Officer Director (Principal Executive Officer) November 30, 2020 /s/ Patrick J. Migliaccio Patrick J. Migliaccio Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) November 30, 2020 November 30, 2020 /s/ Donald L. Correll Donald L. Correll Chairman /s/ Gregory E. Aliff Gregory E. Aliff Director November 30, 2020 /s/ Jane M. Kenny Jane M. Kenny Director November 30, 2020 /s/ Thomas C. O’Connor Thomas C. O’Connor Director November 30, 2020 /s/ James H. DeGraffenreidt, Jr. James H. DeGraffenreidt, Jr. Director November 30, 2020 November 30, 2020 November 30, 2020 /s/ Robert B. Evans Robert B. Evans Director /s/ M. Susan Hardwick M. Susan Hardwick Director November 30, 2020 /s/ M. William Howard, Jr. M. William Howard, Jr. Director November 30, 2020 /s/ Sharon C. Taylor Sharon C. Taylor Director /s/ David A. Trice David A. Trice Director November 30, 2020 /s/ George R. Zoffinger George R. Zoffinger Director Page 151 Shareowner Information Annual Meeting The Annual Shareowners Meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. ET on January 20, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s annual meeting will be held virtually via webcast with no physical in-person meeting. Please refer to your proxy statement for the link and details on how to participate. Stock Listing The company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NJR. The stock may also appear as NewJerRes or NJRsc in stock tables in many daily newspapers, business publications, financial websites and search engines. Investor and Media Information Members of the financial community are invited to contact Dennis Puma, Director — Investor Relations, at 732-938-1229. Members of the media are invited to contact Michael Kinney, Director —Corporate Communications, at 732-938-1031. Correspondence can be sent to New Jersey Resources, 1415 Wyckoff Road, P.O. Box 1468, Wall, NJ 07719. Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the company’s common stock is Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge). Shareowners with questions about account activity should contact Broadridge investor relations representatives between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, by calling toll-free 800-817-3955. General written inquiries and address changes may be sent to: Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions P.O. Box 1342, Brentwood, NY 11717 or For certified and overnight delivery: Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, ATTN: IWS 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 Shareowners can view their account information online at shareholder.broadridge.com/NJR. New Jersey Resources Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan The New Jersey Resources Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan, NJR Direct, provides a convenient and economical method for new eligible investors to make an initial investment in shares of common stock and for existing shareowners to invest in additional shares of common stock or reinvest all or some of their common stock cash dividends. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. NJR Direct is administered by Broadridge. As a participant in NJR Direct, you can: • Conveniently purchase our common stock without incurring brokerage commissions or transaction/processing fees. • Build your investment over time, starting with as little as $100, up to a maximum of $100,000 per calendar year. • Increase your holdings in NJR by reinvesting all or some of your cash dividends in our common stock. • Benefit from maintenance of shares of common stock in book- entry form and detailed record keeping and reporting, provided at no charge. • Deposit common stock certificates registered in your name with the plan administrator into your plan account for safekeeping, at no cost. • Receive statements of your account following each reinvestment of dividends and each investment of an optional cash payment or payroll deduction amount, if any. • Execute plan transactions online. For additional information, please visit njresources.com, then “Shareholder Services” under “Investor Relations.” Full details are contained in the NJR Direct prospectus, which may be obtained from Broadridge or the company. Dividends Dividends on NJR common stock are currently declared quarterly by the board of directors. Future dividends are dependent on a number of factors, including our earnings, financial condition, shareowner equity levels, our cash flow and business requirements, as determined by the board of directors. Shareowners of record receive their dividend checks from Broadridge, unless they have elected to reinvest their dividends with NJR Direct. The company offers direct deposit of dividends into shareowners’ bank accounts so the funds are available the same day they are paid. Please contact Broadridge for details. Request for Form 10-K and other Documents The following documents may be obtained when available, without charge, upon written request to:  Investor Relations, New Jersey Resources, 1415 Wyckoff Road, P.O. Box 1468, Wall, NJ 07719: • Bylaws, as amended and restated • Annual Report and Form 10-K • Form 10-Q • Form 8-K • Quarterly Earnings News Release • Corporate Governance Guidelines • Audit Committee Charter • Leadership Development and Compensation Committee Charter • Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter • NJR Code of Conduct • Audit Complaint Procedure • Communicating with Non-Management Directors • Statement of Policy with Respect to Related Person Transactions These documents, as well as other filings made with the SEC, are also available through njresources.com. Information in this Annual Report should not be considered a solicitation of the sale or purchase of securities. • Invest automatically with optional withdrawals from your bank account. Design: Decker Design, Inc., New York Printed on recycled paper. 1415 Wyckoff Road Post Office Box 1468 Wall, NJ 07719 732-938-1480 www.njresources.com N E W J E R S E Y R E S O U R C E S 2 0 2 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T 

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