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Consolidated Water(CWCO) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue decreased by 15% year-over-year to $33.7 million, primarily due to a $7.3 million decline in the services segment related to completed construction projects [7][10] - Net income from continuing operations attributable to shareholders was $4.9 million or $0.31 per diluted share, down from $6.9 million or $0.43 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [10] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $107.9 million, with working capital rising to $436.2 million [11] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services segment revenue declined significantly due to the completion of major design-build projects, partially offset by a 9% increase in recurring revenue from operations and maintenance contracts [3][4] - Retail segment revenue increased by $786,000, driven by a 13% rise in water sales volume [8] - Manufacturing segment revenue rose by approximately 10% to $5.8 million, reflecting improved production activity and a higher margin product mix [9][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail water sales in Grand Cayman showed much higher volumes due to population growth and increased business activity [3] - The Caribbean-based Bulk Water segment revenue remained stable year-over-year, indicating consistent income generation [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its services in Hawaii, with a significant seawater desalination project expected to drive growth in the services segment in 2026 and 2027 [5][6] - The company is pursuing additional projects in Colorado and the Southern Caribbean, indicating a strategy to diversify its geographical presence and service offerings [17][19] - Management emphasized the importance of long-term recurring revenue from Caribbean bulk water operations and retail water sales growth as key drivers for future profitability [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a decline in design-build work for 2025 but expects improvement in the second half of the year with several smaller projects set to begin construction [18] - The company remains confident in delivering steady long-term growth in revenue and profit, supported by strong retail water sales and ongoing projects [20] Other Important Information - The company is evaluating how to best utilize its large cash balance to increase shareholder value, including the potential for increasing quarterly dividends [12] - The company has resumed discussions with the utility regulator in the Cayman Islands for a new operating license, which is crucial for future operations [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Construction revenue flow for Hawaii project - Management explained that the construction revenue will ramp up as costs are incurred, with a significant portion of the revenue recognized during the construction phase [21][24] Question: Retail segment growth sustainability - Management confirmed that the increase in retail water sales is driven by permanent population growth and business activity, not just seasonal variations [30][32] Question: Permitting responsibilities for the Hawaii project - Management clarified that permitting responsibilities are shared between the company and the client, with some permits taking longer than expected due to government agency processes [39][44] Question: Future opportunities in Asia Pacific - Management indicated that while there are no current pursuits in the Asia Pacific region, there are sufficient opportunities closer to home, particularly in Florida [47][48]