Middlesex Water Company Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Middlesex Water Company reported positive financial results for the second quarter of 2025, highlighting growth in net income and operating revenues, driven by rate increases and customer growth despite challenges from unfavorable weather conditions [3][4][6]. Financial Results - For the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, net income was $10.8 million, with diluted EPS of $0.60, an increase from $10.5 million and $0.59 in the same quarter of 2024 [3]. - Operating revenues for the quarter were $49.3 million, up from $49.1 million year-over-year, attributed to rate increases and customer growth [4]. - Operating expenses increased to $35.4 million from $33.8 million, primarily due to higher variable production costs and increased labor costs [5]. Year-to-Date Performance - Year-to-date net income for the first half of 2025 was $20.3 million, a decrease from $21.3 million in the same period of 2024, with diluted EPS of $1.13 compared to $1.18 [6]. - Operating revenues for the first half of 2025 reached $93.6 million, an increase of approximately $4.0 million over the same period in 2024 [7]. - Operating expenses for the first half of 2025 rose by $3.7 million compared to the previous year, driven by weather-related costs and a one-time recovery in 2024 [8]. Growth Initiatives - The company invested approximately $51 million in water and wastewater utility infrastructure during the first half of 2025, representing about 55% of its planned annual investment of $93 million [9]. - The Delaware Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement that will increase annual operating revenues by $5.5 million, effective July 3, 2025 [11]. Dividend Declaration - On July 23, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.34 per common share, continuing a history of dividend payments since 1912 [13].