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Core Insights - Mueller Water Products (MWA) reported revenue of $380.3 million for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.6% and a surprise of +3.84% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $366.25 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.34, slightly below the consensus estimate of $0.35, resulting in an EPS surprise of -2.86% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Sales for Water Management Solutions reached $163.7 million, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of $156 million, with a year-over-year change of +10.2% [4] - Net Sales for Water Flow Solutions amounted to $216.6 million, surpassing the $210 million average estimate, representing a year-over-year increase of +4.1% [4] - Adjusted operating income for Water Flow Solutions was reported at $60.5 million, above the average estimate of $54.5 million [4] - Adjusted operating income for Corporate was reported at -$16.1 million, compared to the average estimate of -$14 million [4] - Adjusted operating income for Water Management Solutions was $30.3 million, slightly above the estimated $30 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Mueller Water Products have returned -2.2%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has seen a +0.6% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Artesian Resources Corporation reported strong financial results for the second quarter and year-to-date of 2025, highlighting increased net income and revenues driven by higher water sales and a growing customer base in wastewater services [1][10]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 was $6.3 million, an increase of $1.0 million or 18.1% compared to Q2 2024 [2]. - Diluted net income per share rose 17.3% to $0.61 from $0.52 in the same period last year [2]. - Year-to-date net income reached $11.7 million, a $2.0 million or 20.4% increase compared to the first half of 2024 [10]. - Year-to-date diluted net income per share increased 20.0% to $1.14 from $0.95 in 2024 [10]. Revenue Breakdown - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were $28.5 million, up $1.1 million or 4.1% from Q2 2024 [4]. - Water sales revenue increased by $0.6 million or 2.6%, attributed to higher Distribution System Improvement Charges (DSIC) and an increase in the number of customers served [5]. - Other utility operating revenue rose approximately $0.4 million or 10.7%, driven by increased wastewater revenue from a growing customer base [6]. - Non-utility operating revenue increased by approximately $0.2 million or 12.3%, due to higher Service Line Protection Plan (SLPP) revenue [6]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and income taxes, increased by $0.3 million or 1.8% [7]. - Utility operating expenses rose by $0.3 million or 2.7%, influenced by higher costs in transmission, distribution, and collection systems [7]. - Non-utility operating expenses decreased by $0.1 million or 11.9%, due to lower administrative and payroll costs [8]. Capital Expenditures - Artesian invested $26.3 million in water and wastewater infrastructure projects in the first half of 2025, focusing on renewing aging infrastructure and enhancing service capabilities [16]. - The company is addressing emerging contaminants and replacing aging infrastructure to meet future regulatory standards [17]. Company Overview - Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company providing water and wastewater services on the Delmarva Peninsula, with its principal subsidiary being the oldest and largest regulated water utility in the region [18]. - The company supplies 9.4 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of mains to over a third of Delaware's population [18].

Core Insights - Mueller Water Products, Inc. reported a 6.6% increase in net sales to $380.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $356.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year [4][6] - The company achieved a net income of $52.5 million, up 11.0% from $47.3 million in the prior year quarter, with a net income margin improvement to 13.8% from 13.3% [11][41] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.4% to $86.4 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.7%, down from 23.9% in the prior year [12][41] - The company raised its annual guidance for fiscal 2025 net sales to between $1,405 million and $1,415 million, reflecting an increase of 6.9% to 7.6% compared to the previous year [25] Financial Performance - Gross profit for the third quarter increased by 10.9% to $145.7 million, with a gross margin of 38.3%, up from 36.8% in the prior year [7][41] - Operating income rose by 10.0% to $73.7 million, with an operating margin of 19.4%, compared to 18.8% in the prior year [9][41] - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 15.4% to $71.0 million, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency impacts and inflationary pressures [8][41] Segment Results - Water Flow Solutions segment net sales increased by 4.1% to $216.6 million, driven by higher volumes of iron gate and specialty valves [13][45] - Water Management Solutions segment net sales rose by 10.2% to $163.7 million, primarily due to increased volumes of repair products and hydrants [16][45] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period was $135.8 million, down from $149.5 million in the prior year [21][43] - Free cash flow for the nine-month period was $103.0 million, a decrease from $121.5 million in the previous year [23][43] - As of June 30, 2025, total debt outstanding was $450.8 million, with cash and cash equivalents of $372.0 million, resulting in a debt leverage ratio of 1.5 times [24][45] Outlook - The company expects adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 to be between $318 million and $322 million, reflecting an increase of 11.7% to 13.1% compared to the prior year [25][26] - Total SG&A expenses are projected to be between $245 million and $247 million for fiscal 2025 [26]

Core Viewpoint - Artesian Resources Corporation has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3074 per share, marking its 131st consecutive quarterly dividend payment to shareholders [1]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The quarterly dividend is payable on August 25, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025 [1]. - The annualized dividend amounts to $1.2296 per share [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company for wholly-owned subsidiaries that provide water and wastewater services on the Delmarva Peninsula [2]. - Artesian Water Company, the principal subsidiary, is the oldest and largest regulated water utility on the Delmarva Peninsula, providing water service since 1905 [2]. - The company supplies 9.5 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of water main to over a third of Delaware's population [2].

Core Points - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. will hold a conference call on August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its Q2 2025 results [1][2] - A press release with financial results will be issued prior to the call [2] - The company is involved in designing, building, and operating advanced water supply and treatment plants, including seawater desalination facilities [3][4] Company Overview - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. operates in the water supply and treatment industry, focusing on seawater desalination and water treatment facilities in various regions including the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands [3] - The company is currently engaged in a $204 million project for a seawater desalination plant in Hawaii [3] - It also provides a range of services related to commercial and municipal water production, supply, and treatment, as well as industrial water and wastewater treatment [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, a 35% increase compared to the same quarter last year [6] - Revenues increased by 18.5% year-over-year, rising from $434.4 million to $514.9 million [26] - Net income for the gas business was $17.5 million for the quarter [7] - The company expects GAAP earnings per share to exceed the guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11 for the year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas business showed strong performance with significant revenue growth attributed to favorable rate case outcomes and increased gas volume [26] - The water business is expected to see annual rate base growth of 6% through 2029, not including acquisitions [18] - O&M expenses increased by 4.2% year-over-year, driven by higher employee-related costs and bad debt expenses [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a wet summer, which has decreased water consumption in several states [28] - The Texas market has seen a 16% population increase and a corresponding 30% GDP growth, contributing to the company's growth in that region [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reaffirming its capital investment plans with a target of approximately $1.4 billion in infrastructure investment for 2025 [7] - The focus remains on growing the water and wastewater business through acquisitions, with recent purchases totaling approximately $58 million for systems serving about 10,300 customers [34] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and improve cash flow while delivering consistent dividend growth [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong growth potential in both water and gas platforms [36] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS issues and sees regulatory changes as potential growth opportunities [22][76] - Management noted that the engagement with regulatory bodies has been positive, indicating a constructive relationship moving forward [55] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 5.25% increase in the dividend, continuing a 30-year tradition of dividend growth [12] - The company has been recognized for its community engagement efforts, being named one of Greater Philadelphia's most community-minded businesses [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on quarterly earnings guidance - Management indicated that GAAP earnings are expected to exceed the guidance range due to strong revenue in gas and favorable tax items [41][44] Question: Cash flow trends and PFAS settlements - The company expects to receive approximately $45 million in PFAS proceeds this year, with $7.1 million already received [49] Question: Regulatory environment in Pennsylvania - Management noted a positive engagement with the new consumer advocate and expressed hope for constructive relationships with all advocates [55][56] Question: Fair market value in acquisitions - Management stated they might consider paying above the reasonable review ratio if significant rate base growth is anticipated [59] Question: Tax rate modeling - Management suggested a low single-digit benefit for 2025 and a low single-digit expense for 2026, indicating a crossover in tax impacts [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, a 35% increase compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Net income for the gas business was $17,500,000, contributing to strong overall performance [5] - Revenues increased by 18.5% year-over-year, rising from $434,400,000 to $514,900,000 [24][25] - Earnings per share increased by 35.7% year-over-year, driven by favorable rate case outcomes and increased gas volume [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water business is expected to see annual rate base growth of 6% through 2029, not including acquisitions [15] - The gas business experienced strong revenue growth due to higher gas usage and favorable rate outcomes [24] - The water business contributed $2,100,000 to revenue growth, although lower water volumes offset some gains [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over a million customers with a rate base exceeding $7,000,000,000 across eight states [15] - In Texas, the company has grown by nearly 25,000 connections over the last ten years, with another 90,000 under contract or negotiation [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reaffirming its capital investment plans with a target of approximately $1,400,000,000 in infrastructure investment for 2025 [5] - The focus remains on growing the water and wastewater business through acquisitions, with recent purchases totaling approximately $58,000,000 [32] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and deliver consistent dividend growth while keeping the payout ratio between 60-65% [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth opportunities, particularly in Pennsylvania due to low energy costs attracting hyperscalers [7][70] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS regulations and sees potential for acquisition growth as municipalities begin to comply with new standards [20][74] - Management expects GAAP earnings per share to exceed the guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, driven by strong performance and non-recurring benefits [5][46] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 5.25% increase in the dividend, continuing a 30-year tradition of dividend growth [10] - The company has been recognized for its community engagement efforts, being named one of Greater Philadelphia's most community-minded businesses [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on quarterly earnings guidance - Management confirmed that GAAP earnings are expected to be above the guidance range due to strong revenue and some positive tax items [41][46] Question: Trends in cash flow and PFAS settlements - Management indicated a target for funds from operations (FFO) to be above 12% and expects to receive approximately $45,000,000 in PFAS proceeds this year [48][49] Question: Insights on Pennsylvania's regulatory environment - Management noted a positive engagement with the new consumer advocate and expressed hope for constructive relationships with all advocates [54][55] Question: Fair market value and acquisition strategy - Management stated they might consider paying above the reasonable review ratio if significant rate base growth is anticipated [58] Question: Tax rate modeling for future years - Management advised to expect a low single-digit benefit for 2025 and a low single-digit expense for 2026 [61]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 EPS was $0.38, with 2025 EPS guidance set at $2.07 - $2.11[9] - Operating revenues for Q2 2025 increased by 18.5% to $514.9 million, compared to $434.4 million in Q2 2024[41] - Net income for Q2 2025 increased by 43.0% to $107.8 million, compared to $75.4 million in Q2 2024[41] - YTD 2025 operating revenues increased by 24.1% to $1,298.5 million, compared to $1,046.5 million in YTD 2024[75] - YTD 2025 net income increased by 14.8% to $391.6 million, compared to $341.2 million in YTD 2024[75] Investments and Growth - Infrastructure investments for 2025 are projected to be $1.4 billion - $1.5 billion[9] - The company anticipates approximately $7.8 billion in infrastructure investments from 2025-2029[20] - The company targets a rate base CAGR of approximately 6% through 2029 for Aqua[23] - The company targets a rate base CAGR of approximately 11% through 2029 for Peoples[65] Regulatory and Acquisitions - Completed regulatory recoveries in 2025 are expected to increase annualized revenue by $92.6 million for the water segment and $8.2 million for the gas segment[53] - Pending regulatory recoveries are expected to increase annualized revenue by $96.6 million for the water segment[53] - Over 135,000 water and wastewater customers and approximately $550 million in rate base have been acquired through M&A since 2015[60]

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) reported second-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 38 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 29 cents by 31% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 35.7% [1][7] - Total operating revenues reached $515 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $473 million by 8.8% and showing an 18.7% increase year over year, driven by higher rates and purchased gas costs [2][7] Revenue Breakdown - The regulated water segment generated revenues of $332.3 million, a 9.9% increase from $302.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher water and wastewater rates [3] - The regulated natural gas segment reported revenues of $177.3 million, a significant 38.3% increase from $128.2 million in the same quarter last year, driven by higher purchased gas costs and increased rates and surcharges [4] Expense and Investment Highlights - Operation and maintenance expenses were $148.5 million, up 4.2% from $142.5 million in the prior year [5] - Operating income totaled $185.3 million, reflecting a 27.5% year-over-year increase [5] - The company invested $613 million in the first half of 2025 to upgrade its regulated water and natural gas infrastructure [5] Strategic Acquisitions and Future Guidance - Essential Utilities acquired systems serving nearly 10,300 customers for approximately $58 million in 2025, with new water and gas rate approvals expected to increase annual revenues by $92.6 million and $8.2 million, respectively [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance in the range of $2.07-$2.11, with a long-term annual earnings growth forecast of 5% to 7% through 2027 [9] - Planned investments for infrastructure in 2025 are projected to be between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, with a total of $7.8 billion planned from 2025 to 2029 [10]