Unitil(US:UTL)2025-08-05 19:00Financial 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]