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Essential Utilities(WTRG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-12 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.3, a 6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [5] - Revenues increased by 28% from $612.1 million to $783.6 million year-over-year [22][23] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, compared to last year's $1.97 on a non-GAAP basis [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the Water and Gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall strong results [5] - The Gas segment reported an increase in volumes due to normal weather conditions compared to significantly warmer weather in the previous year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun to raise equity through its ATM program, issuing approximately $210 million so far this year [6] - The company expects to receive approximately $100 million in proceeds from settlements with polluters [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2025 [6] - The company is focusing on water and wastewater utility acquisitions, having acquired over $518 million in rate base since 2015 [31] - The company is actively working on PFAS compliance and expects to meet the $450 million capital spend rate to achieve compliance by 2028 [9][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year earnings per share guidance, citing strong first-quarter performance but cautioning about potential headwinds in the remaining quarters [52] - The company is optimistic about the legislative developments in Texas and Ohio that could positively impact rate cases [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its environmental stewardship, being named to USA TODAY's list of climate leaders for three consecutive years [9] - The company is exploring opportunities related to data center development and on-site power generation, representing up to five gigawatts of needed power generation in the Pittsburgh region [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Equity issuance and market conditions - Management indicated that they are focused on raising the remaining $315 million in equity for 2025 and will consider market conditions for further issuance [40][41] Question: Texas rate case expectations - Management stated that they plan to file the Texas rate case by the end of the month and expect it to be consistent with other states [42][44] Question: EPS guidance and performance - Management acknowledged strong first-quarter performance but emphasized the need to wait for clarity as the year progresses before adjusting guidance [50][52] Question: PFAS operational strategy - Management confirmed that they are proceeding with their PFAS mitigation strategy and remain on track with their budget [55][56] Question: Data center opportunities - Management discussed various approaches to support data center development, including behind-the-meter generation and increased distribution volume [64][66] Question: Beaver Falls case timeline - Management expects the Beaver Falls case to be on the agenda in June and remains hopeful for a favorable outcome [90]