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].

Core Insights - American Water Works Company (AWK) reported second-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.48, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.49, but up 4.2% from $1.42 in the same quarter last year [1][7] - Total revenues for the quarter reached $1.27 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15 billion by 10.6% and representing an 11% increase from $1.14 billion year-over-year [2][7] Revenue and Segment Performance - Regulated businesses generated net revenues of $1.17 billion, reflecting an 11.4% year-over-year increase, while other segments contributed $92 million, up 6.5% year-over-year [3] - Total operating expenses increased to $787 million, a 12.4% rise from $700 million in the previous year, primarily due to higher operating and maintenance costs [3] Growth and Acquisitions - AWK expanded its customer base by adding 7,600 customers through seven completed acquisitions as of June 30, 2025, with 20 additional pending acquisitions expected to add 40,650 customers [4] - New rates implemented on January 1, 2025, are projected to increase revenues by $270 million for the full year, with pending rate cases potentially adding another $126 million if approved [4] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $94 million, with total liquidity of $1.17 billion, sufficient to meet near-term obligations [5] - Total long-term debt decreased to $12.28 billion, down 1.9% from $12.51 billion at the end of 2024 [5] Cash Flow and Investment - Cash flow from operating activities for the first half of 2025 was $632 million, compared to $727 million in the same period last year, with $1.3 billion invested to strengthen operations [6] Guidance and Long-Term Outlook - AWK narrowed its 2025 EPS guidance to a range of $5.70-$5.75, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $5.71, slightly below the midpoint of the guidance [7] - The company reaffirmed its long-term earnings and dividend growth target of 7-9% and plans to invest nearly $3.3 billion in 2025, with capital expenditures projected at $17-$18 billion for 2025-2029 and $40-$42 billion for 2025-2034 [8]

Core Insights - California Water Service Group (CWT) reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 71 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents by 54.3% and increasing 1.4% from the previous year's 70 cents [1][9] CWT's Total Revenues - CWT's operating revenues reached $265 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $226 million by 17.3% and showing an 8.5% increase from $244.3 million in the prior-year quarter [2][9] CWT's Operational Update - Total operating expenses were $213.1 million, up 8.7% from $196.1 million in the year-ago quarter - Water production costs rose by $7.9 million due to increased wholesale water rates and customer usage - Maintenance expenses increased by 2.9% year over year to $9 million - Net operating income was $51.8 million, compared to $48.2 million in the previous year [3][9] CWT's Financial Update - As of June 30, 2025, CWT had cash and cash equivalents of $50.5 million, slightly up from $50.1 million as of December 31, 2024 - Net long-term debt stood at $1,104 million, a slight decrease from $1,104.6 million as of December 31, 2024 [5] CWT's Zacks Rank - California Water currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [6] Upcoming Releases - American States Water (AWR) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on August 6, with a consensus estimate for earnings at 92 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 8.2% [7] - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd (CWCO) is also set to report second-quarter 2025 results soon, with a consensus estimate for earnings at 20 cents per share [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, revenue increased by $20.7 million or 8.5% to $265 million compared to $244.3 million in Q2 2024 [12] - Non-GAAP EPS rose by 15% year over year, reflecting strong performance despite the ongoing rate case [8][13] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $42.2 million or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $40.6 million or $0.70 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital spending increased approximately 7% quarter over quarter, with capital investments for the quarter at $119.4 million and year-to-date at $229.5 million [16] - The primary drivers of year-to-date diluted EPS growth were tariff rate changes and increased customer usage, contributing $0.75 per diluted share [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to maintain a strong liquidity profile with $50.5 million in unrestricted cash and $240 million in available credit [18] - The Texas utility subsidiary is experiencing growth, with increasing customer connections and paid commitments reflecting sustained demand in the Austin-San Antonio region [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth through acquisitions and capital investments, including a new wastewater treatment facility in California [29] - The ongoing California general rate case is a priority, with the company requesting $398 million over the years 2026-2028 for infrastructure improvements [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the timely completion of the rate case, indicating that the assigned commissioner prioritizes it [48][49] - The company remains committed to investing in water quality and infrastructure, particularly in response to PFAS regulations [25][26] Other Important Information - The company received an A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting a strong balance sheet [19] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.71% increase earlier this year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the GRC decision timeline - Management confirmed that they expect a decision by year-end and indicated that the assigned commissioner is prioritizing the case [46][48] Question: Impact of EPA's PFAS timeline on investments - Management stated that they will continue to move forward with planned investments despite the EPA's extended compliance deadlines [52][56] Question: Rate base outlook and capital expenditure shifts - Management clarified that shifts in capital expenditures were due to timing, with no significant changes to core CapEx investments [67][70] Question: Discussion on California's water decoupling bill - Management highlighted the importance of Senate Bill 473, which would require the CPUC to implement full decoupling for water utilities, and noted strong legislative support [75][78] Question: Coverage of PFAS costs through settlements - Management estimated that settlements could cover approximately $40 to $60 million of the anticipated $226 million in PFAS-related costs [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, revenue increased by $20.7 million or 8.5% to $265 million compared to $244.3 million in Q2 2024 [11] - Net income for the quarter was $42.2 million or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $40.6 million or $0.70 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [12] - Non-GAAP EPS increased by 15% year over year, reflecting strong performance despite regulatory challenges [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital spending was up approximately 7% quarter over quarter, with capital investments for the quarter totaling $119.4 million and year-to-date investments at $229.5 million [15] - The primary drivers of year-to-date diluted EPS growth were tariff rate changes and increased customer usage, contributing $0.75 per diluted share [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a strong liquidity profile with $50.5 million in unrestricted cash and $240 million in available credit [16] - The Texas utility subsidiary is experiencing growth, with increasing customer connections and paid commitments reflecting sustained demand in the Austin-San Antonio region [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth through acquisitions and capital investments, including a new wastewater treatment facility in California [29] - The company is actively pursuing a general rate case in California, requesting $398 million over the years 2026-2028 for infrastructure improvements [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the timely completion of the rate case, indicating it is a top priority for the assigned commissioner [48] - The company remains committed to investing in water quality and infrastructure, with a focus on PFAS compliance and treatment projects [25] Other Important Information - The company received an A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting a strong balance sheet [17] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.71% increase earlier this year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the GRC decision timeline - Management indicated that the rate case is on schedule, with the assigned commissioner prioritizing its completion [48][49] Question: Impact of EPA's PFAS timeline on investments - Management confirmed that they are proceeding with planned investments despite the EPA's extended compliance deadlines, emphasizing customer health and safety [55][56] Question: Clarification on capital expenditure shifts - Management explained that shifts in capital expenditures were due to timing adjustments, with no significant changes to core CapEx plans [62][66] Question: Status of water decoupling legislation in California - Management provided an update on Senate Bill 473, which aims to implement full decoupling for water utilities, noting strong legislative support [70][72] Question: Coverage of PFAS-related costs through settlements - Management estimated that settlements could cover approximately $40 to $60 million of the anticipated $226 million in PFAS-related costs [83][84]

Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation July 31, 2025 Today's Speakers Marty Kropelnicki Chairman & CEO James Lynch Sr. Vice President, CFO & Treasurer Shilen Patel Chief Business Development Officer and Vice President, TWSC, Inc. 2 Signed agreements to add up to 15,000+ new wastewater connections through a master planned community in Silverwood, California 5 Received first PFAS settlement payment for California, Washington, and New Mexico Maintained industry leading credit rating for Cal Water of A+/stab ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.8%, an increase of 100 basis points year over year [6][12] - Adjusted EPS grew by mid-teens percentage compared to the previous year [6] - Revenue growth was strong at 6% in the quarter, driven primarily by outperformance in Measurement and Control Solutions (MCS) [12][20] - Year-to-date free cash flow decreased by $61 million year over year, mainly due to outsourced water projects and timing of tax payments [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Measurement and Control Solutions (MCS)**: Orders grew 12% organically, with revenue up 10% driven by energy metering demand [14] - **Water Infrastructure (WI)**: Revenue grew 4%, with demand led by treatment solutions, although orders declined by 2% due to funding delays in the UK and Canada [15] - **Applied Water**: Orders increased by 4%, with revenue up 5%, driven by strength in commercial buildings [16] - **Water Solutions and Services**: Orders increased by 5%, with revenue growth also at 5%, reflecting strong execution on pricing and productivity [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for products and solutions remains resilient, with strong orders pace and particularly solid growth in smart metering [7] - The backlog remains strong, exceeding $5 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio near one [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its transformation plan laid out at the Investor Day, which includes simplifying operations and enhancing portfolio for growth through targeted acquisitions [9][26] - Recent acquisitions in advanced treatment are aimed at strengthening the company's growth engine and enhancing capabilities [26] - The company is committed to navigating tariff uncertainties and inflation through pricing actions and supply chain adjustments [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering strong performance for the remainder of 2025, despite macro uncertainties [20] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $8.9 billion to $9 billion, reflecting 4% to 5% total growth [20] - Management noted that while there are uncertainties around tariffs and foreign exchange movements, the team is effectively controlling internal factors [21] Other Important Information - The company has implemented simplification initiatives that have improved productivity and customer responsiveness, contributing to margin expansion [7][10] - The integration of Evoqua is progressing well, with cost synergies being delivered ahead of schedule [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on MCS order outlook and destocking - Management noted resilient demand across the board, with expectations for MCS to return to a positive book-to-bill ratio by year-end [35] Question: Progress on simplification initiatives - Management reported tracking ahead of the timeline for simplification, with improved decision-making and customer metrics [36][41] Question: Applied Water performance and eightytwenty impact - Management highlighted strong orders and revenue growth in Applied Water, with ongoing focus on simplifying the business to drive growth [50] Question: Municipal utility funding concerns - Management expressed confidence that Congress will appropriate funds to maintain healthy state revolving fund levels, despite concerns about potential cuts [88] Question: MCS margin drag from legacy projects - Management indicated that legacy projects would pressure margins in the short term but expect sequential improvement in the coming quarters [106] Question: Capital deployment strategy - Management remains forward-leaning on M&A, focusing on assets that fit the strategy and have strong financial returns [80]

Financial Performance & Guidance - 2025 YTD EPS reached $2.53, driven by increased revenue from higher rate base and rate case outcomes, showing a 9.4% increase compared to 2024 on a weather-normalized basis[12] - The company narrowed its 2025 EPS guidance to the top half of the range, now expecting $5.70 to $5.75, reflecting an 8.6% EPS growth at the midpoint on a weather-normalized basis[9, 27, 28, 29] - The company affirms long-term financial targets of 7-9% EPS growth and 7-9% dividend per share growth, with a dividend payout ratio target of 55-60% and a debt to capital ratio of less than 60%[13, 15] - The company's projected dividend payout ratio for 2025 is 58%, based on projected cash dividends per share of $3.2475 and EPS guidance midpoint of $5.625, excluding $0.10 incremental interest from amended HOS seller note[56, 57] Capital Investments & Acquisitions - The company invested $1.3 billion in infrastructure improvements and acquisitions through June 30, 2025[12] - The company agreed to purchase Nexus Water Group systems in eight states for $315 million, adding nearly 47,000 customers[12] - The company anticipates ~$1 billion of capital expenditure related to PFAS treatment and up to ~$50 million annually for operating expenses in its 2025-2029 plan[71] Regulatory & Rate Cases - New rates became effective in 2025 in IL, CA, TN, VA, IN, MO, and IA; general cases were filed in KY, WV, and CA[12] - The company completed rate filings that are effective since January 1, 2025, which are expected to generate $232 million in additional annualized revenue from rate cases and $38 million from infrastructure charges, totaling $270 million[82, 83, 86] - The company has pending rate case filings requesting a total revenue increase of $123 million and pending infrastructure surcharges filings requesting $3 million, totaling $126 million[88]

Financial Performance - Second quarter revenue reached $2.301 billion, representing a 6% overall growth[6] - Organic revenue growth was 6%[6] - Adjusted EBITDA margin hit a record quarterly high, expanding by 100 bps[7] - Earnings per share reached $0.93, with adjusted EPS at $1.26[6] - The company is raising its full-year revenue guidance to $8.9 - $9.0 billion, reflecting a 4-5% total growth[20] - The company is raising its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $4.70 – $4.85[20] Segment Performance - Measurement and Control Solutions saw order growth of 12% and revenue growth of 10%[14] - Water Infrastructure experienced a 2% decline in orders but a 4% revenue growth[14] - Applied Water orders grew by 4% and revenue by 5%[14] - Water Solutions and Services orders grew by 5% and revenue by 5%[14] Tariff Impact - The company estimates a total tariff impact of $255 million on imports of $1.1 billion[17] - Net tariff exposure is estimated at $160 million after accounting for USMCA compliant imports from Mexico[17] - Tariff costs are being mitigated through pricing and supplier management[19]

Core Insights - California Water Service Group reported solid financial performance for Q2 2025, reflecting effective cost management and ongoing rate proceedings across multiple states [3][4] - The company continues to focus on capital delivery plans while ensuring safe and affordable water services for customers [4] Financial Highlights - Q2 2025 net income was $42.2 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, representing a 3.9% increase from Q2 2024's net income of $40.6 million, or $0.70 per diluted share [6][7] - Year-to-date (YTD) 2025 net income decreased by 49.8% to $55.5 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to $110.5 million, or $1.90 per diluted share in YTD 2024 [7][14] - Q2 2025 revenue increased by $20.7 million, or 8.5%, to $265.0 million compared to $244.3 million in Q2 2024 [7] - YTD 2025 revenue decreased by $46.1 million, or 9.0%, to $468.9 million compared to $515.0 million in YTD 2024 [7] Capital Investments and Infrastructure - The company invested $119.4 million in water system infrastructure during Q2 2025 and $229.5 million YTD 2025, marking a 7.0% increase compared to YTD 2024 [6][12] - The 2024 California General Rate Case (GRC) is progressing on schedule, with proposed investments exceeding $1.6 billion from 2025 to 2027 [13][14] Regulatory and Legal Developments - The company executed an agreement to own and operate the Silverwood wastewater and recycled water systems, expected to serve approximately 500 connections initially, with full buildout projected to exceed 15,000 connections [16][17] - The company received $10.6 million from the first installment of PFAS litigation settlement proceeds, which will be used to offset capital expenditures for compliance with PFAS regulations [18] Sustainability and Dividends - The 2024 Sustainability Report highlighted a 23.5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from the 2021 baseline and 100% compliance with water quality standards [19][21] - The company declared its 322nd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, reflecting a 58-year history of dividend increases and a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.7% [19][21]