Group 1 - Select Water Solutions, Inc. reported revenue of $364.22 million for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 0.3% and an EPS of $0.10 compared to $0.13 a year ago [1] - The reported revenue was a surprise of -0.28% against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $365.22 million, with an EPS surprise of -23.08% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.13 [1] - The stock has returned -0.6% over the past month, underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change, and currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [3] Group 2 - Revenue from Chemical Technologies was $67.7 million, below the four-analyst average estimate of $73.97 million, representing a year-over-year change of +1.7% [4] - Revenue from Water Services was $215.66 million, exceeding the average estimate of $207.72 million, but showing a -6.2% change compared to the year-ago quarter [4] - Revenue from Water Infrastructure was $80.86 million, slightly below the average estimate of $81.22 million, with a year-over-year change of +17.9% [4] - Gross Profit before D&A for Water Services was $42.35 million, below the average estimate of $44.87 million [4] - Gross Profit before D&A for Chemical Technologies was $11.82 million, slightly above the average estimate of $11.58 million [4] - Gross Profit before D&A for Water Infrastructure was $44.64 million, exceeding the average estimate of $42.69 million [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income of $4.7 million and adjusted earnings of $0.29 per share for Q2 2025, representing an increase of $400,000 or 0.02 per share compared to the same period in the prior year [5][14] - For the first six months of 2025, adjusted net income was $33.1 million or $2.3 per share, an increase of $1.6 million or 0.07 per share compared to the same period in 2024 [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric adjusted gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $53.3 million, an increase of $1.3 million or 2.5% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by higher distribution rates and customer growth [15] - Gas adjusted gross margin for the same period was $108.1 million, an increase of $15.8 million or approximately 17.1% compared to the same period in 2024, attributed to higher rates, customer growth, and a return to normal winter weather [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added approximately 9,360 new gas customers, including 8,800 from the acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas, compared to the same period in 2024 [16] - Approximately 55% of the company's gas customers are under decoupled rates as of June 30, 2025 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about the ongoing regulatory reviews of the Maine Natural Gas and Aquarion Water transactions, expecting to close these acquisitions by 2025 [7][8] - The company aims to accelerate rate base growth to approximately 10% annually through 2029, supporting earnings growth near the top end of its guidance range [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed a strong financial outlook and long-term guidance for earnings growth, dividend growth, and rate base growth [6][26] - The company sees increasing support for natural gas in New England as a means to reduce energy supply volatility and improve affordability for customers [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a $50 million at-the-market equity program and issued $32 million in senior unsecured notes for Bangor Natural Gas [23] - The current five-year capital budget totals approximately $1 billion, which is 46% higher than the prior five years, reflecting the investment plan for existing operations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the slight negative results in Q3 affect the dividend approach for the third quarter? - Management confirmed that the slight change in quarterly distribution for the second half of the year will not affect the company's approach to 2025 dividends [30][32]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group (CWT) significantly outperformed analyst expectations in Q2 2025, with GAAP earnings per share of $0.71 compared to a consensus of $0.56, and revenue of $264.95 million, exceeding estimates by over $21 million and reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase [1][2]. Financial Performance - GAAP EPS for Q2 2025 was $0.73, surpassing the estimate of $0.56 and showing a year-over-year increase of 2.8% [2]. - Revenue reached $264.95 million, up 8.4% from $244.30 million in Q2 2024, driven by rate increases and higher customer usage [2][5]. - Net income was $42.17 million, a 3.9% increase from $40.6 million in Q2 2024 [2]. - Operating expenses rose to $213.15 million, an 8.7% increase from $196.13 million in the prior year, with key contributors being higher water production costs and labor expenses [2][6]. Business Overview and Strategic Focus - California Water Service Group operates as a regulated utility providing water and wastewater services to over two million people across California and select states [3]. - The company focuses on earning fair returns through regulatory approval, investing in modern water systems, and maintaining compliance with environmental standards [4]. Infrastructure and Capital Investment - Capital expenditures totaled $119.4 million in Q2 2025, with a year-to-date investment of $229.5 million, reflecting a 7% increase over the same period in 2024 [7]. - A significant development includes the agreement to operate the Silverwood wastewater and recycled water systems, which will serve over 15,000 customer connections [7][11]. Environmental Compliance and Sustainability - The company received a $10.6 million settlement from 3M related to PFAS contamination, which will fund capital investments for new federal drinking water standards requiring over $226 million in upgrades [8]. - A 23.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2021 baseline was reported, alongside a 100% compliance rate in water quality testing [9]. Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The board declared its 322nd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, continuing a trend of dividend increases for 58 consecutive years, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.7% [10]. Future Outlook - The company's financial trajectory will be influenced by the outcomes of the California General Rate Case and ongoing infrastructure investments [12]. - Key watchpoints include expense growth and the need for substantial funding for long-term projects, which may require new borrowings or equity issuance [13].

Financial Performance - Quarterly Net Income was $4 million, or $0.25 per share, a decrease of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to the same period in 2024[9] - Quarterly Adjusted Net Income was $4.7 million, or $0.29 per share, an increase of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to the same period in 2024 when excluding transaction costs[9] - Year-to-Date Net Income was $31.5 million, or $1.94 per share, consistent with Net Income but $0.02 lower earnings relative to the first six months of 2024[9] - Year-to-Date Adjusted Net Income was $33.1 million, or $2.03 per share, an increase of $1.6 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to the first six months of 2024 when excluding transaction costs[9] Acquisitions and Growth - Bangor Natural Gas ("BNG") acquisition was completed in January 2025[9] - Maine Natural Gas ("MNG") and Aquarion acquisitions are expected to close by the end of 2025[9] - Acquisitions are expected to support earnings growth towards the upper-end of the guidance range over the next five years[9] - The company anticipates a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% - 7% and a long-term rate base growth of 6.5% - 8.5%[9] - The company projects a five-year capital investment of approximately $980 million, which is 46% higher than the prior five years[46] Customer Base and Regulatory Matters - The company has 86,600 natural gas customers[3, 28, 29, 55, 59, 61, 75] - A temporary electric rate award of $7.8 million was approved as-requested in New Hampshire[9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income of $2.28 per share for the first six months of 2025, compared to $1.6 per share for the same period last year [7] - Adjusted net income for Q2 2025 was $315,000 or $0.01 per share, an improvement from a loss of $2.8 million or $0.07 per share in Q2 2024 [17] - Year-to-date adjusted net income was $92.1 million or $2.28 per share for 2025, up from $61 million or $1.6 per share for the same period in 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northwest Natural Gas segment saw net income increase by $4.5 million or $0.12 per share, with margin increasing by $16.9 million due to new rates in Oregon [18] - Sea Energy provided net income of $1 million or $0.03 per share, with strong margin and net income trends aligning with expectations [18] - The Water segment's net income increased by $1.8 million or $0.04 per share, driven by new rates at the largest water utility in Arizona and additional revenues from acquired utilities [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined utility customer growth rate was 10.6% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2025, primarily driven by gas utilities in Texas [8] - Northwest Natural Water's customer base grew by 5.8% over the last twelve months, including three acquisitions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company reaffirmed its annual 2025 adjusted earnings guidance, expecting a range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share [22] - The capital expenditure plan for 2025 is projected to be between $450 million and $500 million, focusing on modernizing infrastructure and system upgrades [23] - The company aims for a long-term earnings per share growth rate of 4% to 6% compounded annually from 2025 adjusted EPS [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial targets for the full year, citing strong performance across all business segments [24] - The company noted that while there are signs of housing market slowdown in Texas, overall growth remains strong with significant meter additions [29] Other Important Information - The company filed a general rate case in Oregon to recover investments in gas infrastructure, expecting a modest 2.5% rate increase effective October 31 [11] - The liquidity position at June 30, 2025, was approximately $550 million, with no material debt maturities expected in 2025 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Sea Energy's growth and backlog - Management indicated that Sea Energy is performing as expected, with strong growth and a significant backlog exceeding annual goals by midyear [28][29] Question: Scale of upcoming water rate cases - Management noted that individual water rate cases are generally small, often less than $1 million in revenue requirement, leading to multiple rate cases executed annually [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales increased by 6.6% to $380.3 million, setting a new quarterly record [17] - Gross margin improved to 38.3%, reflecting a 150 basis point increase year over year [18] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $86.4 million, up 1.4% compared to the prior year [21] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $56 million after $12 million in capital expenditures [9] - Adjusted net income per diluted share increased by 6.3% year over year to $0.34 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Supply Solutions (WSS) net sales increased by 4.1% to $216.6 million, driven by volume growth in iron gate and specialty valves [22] - Water Management Solutions (WMS) net sales rose by 10.2% to $163.7 million, led by strong volume growth in repair products and hydrants [24] - Adjusted operating income for WSS increased by 4.7% to $60.5 million, while WMS saw a 12.6% increase to $30.3 million [23][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The residential construction market is experiencing a slowdown, particularly in single-family housing starts, which may impact future sales [35] - The municipal repair and replacement market remains strong, driven by the need to repair aging infrastructure [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance operational efficiencies and customer service while navigating external challenges such as tariffs [9][16] - Focus on sustainability and innovative solutions is emphasized, with ongoing investments in facilities and employees [10][30] - The closure of the legacy brass foundry is expected to yield benefits in the upcoming quarters [14][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges heightened macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty but remains optimistic about achieving record results for the second consecutive year [7][9] - The anticipated impact of tariffs has been lower than initially expected, with ongoing efforts to mitigate costs through pricing actions and supply chain initiatives [14][15] - The company is excited about the long-term growth potential in water infrastructure solutions, despite current challenges [30][72] Other Important Information - The company has updated its annual guidance for 2025, increasing net sales expectations by $15 million and adjusted EBITDA by $7.5 million [27][28] - Total debt stands at $451 million, with a strong balance sheet and no debt maturities until June 2029 [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on end markets and stability - Management noted a slowdown in the residential construction market, particularly in single-family housing starts, while the municipal market remains strong [35][37] Question: Margin outlook and FX impact - Management indicated that the FX headwind was a one-time event and that margins are expected to improve moving forward [38][46] Question: Legacy brass foundry impact on margins - The legacy brass foundry closure is expected to improve margins, with the tariff impact being significant in the specialty valve business [44][45] Question: Infrastructure funding and market conditions - Management expressed that infrastructure funding has been slow, but the need for investment in water infrastructure remains critical [70][72] Question: Pricing actions and demand pull forward - No significant pre-buy demand was observed, and pricing adjustments have been made in response to tariffs [62][64]

Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for YTD Q2 2025 was $2.28, compared to $1.60 in the prior year[15] - NWN Gas Utility's net income increased by $4.5 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to new rates in Oregon effective November 1, 2024[21] - SiEnergy Gas Utility reported a net income increase of $1.0 million in Q2 2025, reflecting its first year of results after acquisitions[21] - NWN Water Utility's net income increased by $1.8 million in Q2 2025, mainly due to new rates at Foothills and incremental earnings from ICH utilities[21] - NW Natural Holdings reaffirms its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $2.75 - $2.95[15,30] Growth and Expansion - The company added over 92,000 gas and water utility connections in the last 12 months, representing a combined growth rate of 10.6% as of June 30, 2025, largely driven by Texas acquisitions[15] - Strong first half 2025 organic customer growth of 1.9% (annualized) on a consolidated basis[15] - SiEnergy's combined customer backlog has grown to more than 217,000[16] - Consolidated customer growth of 2.0% – 2.5% is expected in 2025[30] Strategic Initiatives - NW Natural Holdings expects to issue $65 – $75 million in equity for the full year 2025[31] - The company completed the acquisition of Pines gas utility (formerly Hughes), adding scale to SiEnergy[15] - A settlement was reached in NW Natural's Oregon general rate case, providing a $21.3 million revenue requirement increase and a 9.5% ROE[16]

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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].