Unitil Reports First Quarter Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Unitil Corporation reported a net income of $27.5 million, or $1.69 in EPS, for Q1 2025, reflecting a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024, driven by strong operational performance and strategic initiatives [1][2]. Financial Performance - The adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $28.4 million, or $1.74 in EPS, an increase of $1.2 million, or $0.05 in EPS, compared to Q1 2024 [1][19]. - Electric GAAP gross margin decreased to $19.6 million, down $0.5 million from Q1 2024, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expenses [2]. - Electric adjusted gross margin increased to $27.5 million, reflecting a $0.4 million rise compared to Q1 2024, attributed to higher rates and customer growth [3][24]. - Gas GAAP gross margin rose to $57.1 million, an increase of $6.9 million from Q1 2024, driven by higher rates, customer growth, and favorable winter weather [5][24]. - Gas adjusted gross margin reached $70.9 million, up $9.9 million from the previous year, also influenced by higher rates and customer growth [6][24]. Operational Expenses - Operation and maintenance expenses increased by $4.4 million in Q1 2025, reflecting higher utility operating costs, labor costs, and professional fees [7]. - Depreciation and amortization expenses rose by $3.7 million, influenced by higher depreciation rates and additional utility plant in service [8]. - Interest expense increased by $1.8 million, primarily due to higher long-term debt levels and interest expenses on regulatory liabilities [11]. Sales and Revenue - Total electric kWh sales increased by 6.9% to 438.2 million kWh in Q1 2025, with residential sales up by 11.1% [27]. - Total gas therm sales increased by 26.1% to 113.1 million therms, with residential sales rising by 33.5% [27]. - Electric revenues decreased by $13.4 million to $60.2 million, while gas revenues increased by $5.5 million to $110.6 million [27]. Dividends - The Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.45 per share, maintaining an annualized dividend rate of $1.80 per share, continuing a record of consistent quarterly payments [13].