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Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Sets New Rates for Hawaii Water Service to Help Keep Ka'anapali Water System Safe and Reliable
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-06 20:15
Core Points - Hawaii Water Service has received approval to increase annual revenue by $276,900 in its Ka'anapali system due to infrastructure upgrades and increased operating costs [1] - The last adjustment to base water rates for Ka'anapali was in 2016 [1] - The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved a new tiered structure for usage rates to encourage water conservation and support affordability for lower water-using customers, effective April 18, 2025 [2] Company Overview - Hawaii Water Service is a subsidiary of California Water Service Group, which provides regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater services to over 2.1 million people across multiple states [3] - California Water Service Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT" [3] Infrastructure Investments - Significant investments in the Ka'anapali service area include upgrades to two storage tanks and reservoirs, installation of two additional generators for power outage reliability, and routine replacement of pumping equipment [5]
Artesian Resources Corporation Announces 2% Increase in Quarterly Common Stock Dividend
Globenewswire· 2025-05-06 20:10
Core Points - Artesian Resources Corporation has approved a 2% increase in the quarterly dividend per share, raising the annualized dividend to $1.2296 per share [1][2] - The quarterly dividend rate is now $0.3074 per share, payable on May 27, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 16, 2025 [1] - This marks the 130th consecutive dividend paid to shareholders, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to investors [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 [3] - The principal subsidiary, Artesian Water Company, is the oldest and largest regulated water utility in the region, supplying 9.5 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of water main to over a third of Delaware's population [3]
Northwest Natural pany(NWN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-06 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income of $91.8 million or $2.28 per share for Q1 2025, compared to $63.8 million or $1.69 per share for the same period in 2024, reflecting strong results across all business segments [12][25][26] - The combined utility customer growth rate was 9.6% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025, primarily driven by the acquisition of Sea Energy, which added approximately 73,000 gas meters in Texas [13][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northwest Natural Gas Utility segment saw net income increase by $21.5 million or $0.42 per share, with margin increasing by $38.7 million due to new rates effective November 1, 2024 [26] - Sea Energy contributed net income of $5.5 million or $0.14 per share for Q1 2025, meeting expectations for the quarter [27] - The Northwest Natural Water segment's net income increased by $2.4 million or $0.06 per share, driven by new rates and additional revenues from acquisitions [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to invest approximately $60 million in water utilities in 2025 to replace aging infrastructure and improve treatment facilities [21] - The company anticipates a quarterly profile for 2025 to be similar to previous years, with the majority of revenues generated in the first and fourth quarters during winter heating months [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its customer base and enhancing service reliability through strategic acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Hughes Gas Resources for $60 million [18][19] - The company plans to refresh rates at multiple water utilities in 2025, primarily related to recovering critical infrastructure investments [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance, reaffirming annual adjusted earnings guidance in the range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share [29] - The company highlighted the importance of its gas distribution and storage infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing its role in providing reliable and cost-effective energy solutions [24] Other Important Information - The company has a liquidity of over $600 million as of March 31, 2025, with significant availability on lines of credit and cash on hand [32] - The company completed a $325 million junior subordinated debenture issuance to secure financing for the Sea Energy transaction [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for water utilities in 2025? - Management indicated that the increase in Q1 results is largely driven by rate case activity from last year, with expectations for continued growth and earnings contribution from Northwest Natural Water [36][37] Question: Is the Hughes acquisition similar to Sea Energy in terms of customer base? - Management confirmed that the Hughes acquisition primarily consists of residential and commercial customers, similar to Sea Energy, and provides geographic overlap for operational synergies [39][40]
The York Water Company Reports Three Months Earnings
Globenewswire· 2025-05-06 13:30
Financial Performance - The York Water Company reported first quarter operating revenues of $18,456,000, an increase of $828,000 compared to the same period in 2024 [2] - Net income for the first quarter was $3,638,000, a decrease of $689,000 from the previous year [2] - Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.25, down $0.05 from $0.30 in the first quarter of 2024 [2][4] Revenue Drivers - The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to growth in the customer base and revenues from the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) [2] - The DSIC is a charge allowed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the replacement of aging infrastructure [2] Cost Factors - The company experienced lower pension costs, but this was offset by a lower allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) and higher operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and interest on debt [2] - AFUDC represents the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance plant construction [2] Capital Investments - In the first three months of 2025, the company invested $9.3 million in capital projects, including main extensions and upgrades to the enterprise software system [3] - The company plans to invest an additional $36.7 million in 2025 for further main extensions, wastewater treatment plant construction, and routine improvements to infrastructure [3] Shareholder Returns - Dividends declared per common share increased to $0.2192 from $0.2108 in the previous year [4]
SJW Group Rebrands as H2O America
Globenewswire· 2025-05-06 12:45
Core Viewpoint - SJW Group has rebranded itself as H2O America, reflecting its evolution into a national platform while maintaining a commitment to local communities [1][3][4] Company Overview - H2O America is a national investor-owned network of local water and wastewater utilities, emphasizing the delivery of clean, high-quality water [8][10] - The company serves over 1.6 million people through its regional utilities, including Connecticut Water, Maine Water, San Jose Water, and Texas Water [10] Rebranding Details - The new name and logo symbolize the company's mission to protect water as a precious resource, with "H2O" representing water's essential role and "America" indicating national reach [2][4][5] - The new Nasdaq ticker symbol is HTO, effective immediately, replacing the former symbol SJW [1][7] Leadership Insights - Eric W. Thornburg, the current CEO, highlighted the company's commitment to delivering high-quality water and exceptional service while creating long-term value for investors [3] - Andrew F. Walters, the CFO, will succeed Thornburg as CEO on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of trust in providing drinking water [3] Future Direction - The rebranding is not just a name change but a reflection of the company's unified platform and commitment to local service [6] - H2O America plans to celebrate its new identity by ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell on May 14, 2025 [7] Community Engagement - The company invests in critical infrastructure to strengthen water supply and remains actively engaged in local communities [9]
Artesian Resources Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
Globenewswire· 2025-05-05 23:00
Core Viewpoint - Artesian Resources Corporation reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net income and revenues compared to the same period in 2024 [2][3]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $5.4 million, a $1.0 million increase or 23.2% compared to Q1 2024 [2]. - Diluted net income per share rose 23.0% to $0.53 from $0.43 in the same quarter of 2024 [2]. - Total revenues reached $25.9 million, reflecting a $1.3 million increase or 5.5% from Q1 2024 [3]. Revenue Breakdown - Water sales revenue increased by $0.9 million, or 4.3%, driven by higher water consumption and a new Distribution System Improvement Charge of 1.66% effective January 1, 2025 [4]. - Other utility operating revenue grew by approximately $0.3 million, or 11.4%, mainly due to increased wastewater revenue from a larger customer base [4]. - Non-utility operating revenue saw an increase of about $0.1 million, or 8.0%, primarily from the Service Line Protection Plan [5]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and income taxes, rose by $0.5 million, or 3.1% [6]. - Utility operating expenses increased by $0.4 million, or 3.1%, due to higher administrative costs and purchased power and water costs, partially offset by lower supply and treatment costs [6]. Rate Increase Application - Artesian Water Company filed a request for a 10.75% increase in customer rates, amounting to approximately $9.4 million annually, to support capital improvements and cover rising operational costs [8]. - A temporary rate increase of 1.22% is proposed to take effect on June 3, 2025, generating an additional $1.2 million in annual revenue [8]. Capital Expenditures - The company invested $10.4 million in water and wastewater infrastructure projects during the first quarter of 2025, focusing on rehabilitating aging infrastructure and upgrading facilities [10][11]. Company Overview - Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company for subsidiaries providing water and wastewater services on the Delmarva Peninsula, with Artesian Water Company being the largest regulated water utility in the region [12]. - The company supplies 9.4 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of mains to over a third of Delaware's population [12].
Mueller Water Products Reports 2025 Second Quarter Results
Globenewswire· 2025-05-05 21:00
Core Insights - Mueller Water Products, Inc. reported a solid performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, achieving record levels in consolidated net sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income per share, driven by healthy order levels and resilient end-market demand [2][4][6] Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 3.1 percent to $364.3 million compared to $353.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher pricing and increased volumes across most product lines [4][6] - Operating income rose by 10.1 percent to $69.9 million, with an operating margin of 19.2 percent, up from 18.0 percent in the prior year quarter [7][10] - Adjusted net income increased by 16.0 percent to $53.7 million, with adjusted net income per diluted share rising by 13.3 percent to $0.34 [10][11] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.8 percent to $84.5 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.2 percent [11][12] Segment Results - Water Flow Solutions segment net sales increased by 5.1 percent to $216.2 million, driven by higher volumes of iron gate and specialty valves [12][13] - Water Management Solutions segment net sales increased by 0.3 percent to $148.1 million, primarily due to increased volumes of repair products [15][16] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Net cash provided by operating activities for the six-month period increased by $6.2 million to $68.4 million compared to $62.2 million in the prior year period [20][22] - Free cash flow for the six-month period increased by $0.9 million to $47.3 million [22] - As of March 31, 2025, total debt outstanding was $450.5 million, with cash and cash equivalents of $329.2 million, resulting in a debt leverage ratio of 1.5 times [23] Fiscal 2025 Outlook - The company raised its guidance for fiscal 2025 consolidated net sales to between $1,390 million and $1,400 million, reflecting an increase of 5.7 percent to 6.5 percent compared to the prior year [24] - The company reaffirmed its expectations for fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $310 million and $315 million, an increase of 8.9 percent to 10.6 percent compared to the prior year [24][25]
Cadiz Issues Shareholder Letter with Lookback on Q1
Prnewswire· 2025-05-05 13:20
Core Viewpoint - The company is on track with project development and has experienced strong tailwinds in Q1 2025, despite external challenges [1][19]. Project Development and Financing - The company aims to complete construction of the Northern Pipeline by the end of 2026 and the Southern Pipeline by the end of 2027, with an aggressive schedule in place [2]. - Key objectives in Q1 included establishing new companies for project development and securing a lead project investor to raise capital and fund construction [3]. - A $20 million equity raise was closed in Q1 to cover capital costs and development expenses, ensuring the company remains on schedule [9]. Strategic Decisions and Market Positioning - The company secured a deal to purchase 180 miles of steel pipe from the Keystone XL project, which is not subject to the 25% tariffs on imported steel announced by President Trump, thus mitigating project cost risks [4]. - The company delayed permit applications until the new administration was in place, anticipating a more efficient review process under the Trump Administration, which is expected to provide a tailwind for project development [5]. - The company locked in linear generation technology that qualifies for a 50% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on approximately $120 million in expected costs, which is crucial for securing project investors [6]. Joint Powers Authority and Municipal Financing - The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority voted to form a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to support municipal financing for the project, allowing access to municipal debt for construction financing [11]. ATEC Operations and Market Growth - ATEC completed delivery on the 60MGD Central Utah treatment project and opened a new building to double its production capacity, indicating growth in operations [12]. - The groundwater remediation market in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% to $163.4 billion by 2027, with ATEC's opportunities in various stages of project development increasing significantly in Q1 [13]. Cadiz Ranch Developments - The company is building out wellfield infrastructure at Cadiz Ranch and assisting in the permit process for a hydrogen production facility, with interest from other developers for additional facilities [17][18].
Consolidated Water Sets First Quarter 2025 Investor Conference Call for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-05 12:31
Core Viewpoint - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. will hold a conference call on May 13, 2025, to discuss its first-quarter financial results for the period ending March 31, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call is scheduled for May 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time [2]. - A press release with financial results will be issued prior to the call [2]. - Participants can join the call using a toll-free number or an international dial-in number, with a conference ID provided [2]. Group 2: Replay Information - A replay of the conference call will be available after 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day and will remain accessible until May 20, 2025 [3]. - The replay can be accessed via the Investors section of the Consolidated Water website [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. specializes in the development and operation of advanced water supply and treatment plants, including seawater desalination facilities in the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands [3][4]. - The company has recently entered the U.S. desalination market with a contract for a seawater desalination plant in Hawaii [3]. - In addition to desalination, the company provides a range of services related to water production, supply, treatment, and wastewater management [4].
3 Dividend Stocks You Can Be Comfortable Buying and Holding, Even in a Recession
The Motley Fool· 2025-05-04 09:30
Group 1: Visa - Visa reported a 9% increase in revenue and a 10% increase in non-GAAP EPS for its fiscal second quarter of 2025, with payment volumes up 8% and processed transactions rising 9% [3][7] - Year-to-date, Visa's stock is up over 8%, significantly outperforming the financial sector and the S&P 500 [4] - The company generated $9.42 billion in free cash flow in the first half of fiscal 2025, supporting stock repurchases of $8.41 billion and dividends of $2.33 billion [6] - Visa is guiding for low-double-digit net revenue growth and a low teens increase in diluted EPS for the full fiscal year [7] - The stock has a P/E ratio of 34.4, above its 10-year median of 33.1, which is considered justified given the company's performance [8] Group 2: Kenvue - Kenvue's stock currently yields 3.5% and presents a value opportunity in a relatively safe industry, with management focused on turning around its underperforming skin health and beauty segment [9][10] - The skin health segment's recovery is slower than expected, with organic sales declining by 1.9% in 2024, although Neutrogena regained its No. 1 position in the U.S. face care group [11] - Other segments, including self-care and essential health, grew organic sales by 1.9% and 4.1% respectively in 2024 [12] - Kenvue is collaborating with activist investor Starboard Value to appoint new board members, indicating a commitment to improving performance [12][13] Group 3: Essential Utilities - Essential Utilities offers a 3.2% forward yielding dividend, making it an attractive option for conservative investors during market volatility [14] - The company provides water and wastewater services to 1.1 million customers, with 99% of its earnings attributed to these services, which are less likely to be affected by economic downturns [15] - Operating in regulated markets allows Essential Utilities to guarantee certain rates of return, aiding in future cash flow management [16] - The company has increased its dividend payout for 30 consecutive years, with a 7% compound annual growth rate over the past decade [17][18]