Unitil(US:UTL)2025-11-04 20:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income of $0.4 million and adjusted earnings of $0.03 per share for Q3 2025, an increase of $0.01 per share compared to Q3 2024 [4][11] - For the first nine months of 2025, adjusted net income was $33.5 million, or $2.03 per share, an increase of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to the same period in 2024 [4][11] - The ratio of funds from operations to debt was approximately 17% as of September 30, 2025, indicating a strong balance sheet [5][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric adjusted gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $86.4 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 5.8%, compared to the same period in 2024, driven by higher distribution rates and customer growth [11][12] - Gas adjusted gross margin for the same period was $134.7 million, an increase of $19.1 million, or approximately 16.5%, attributed to higher distribution rates, customer growth, and colder winter weather [12][13] - The company added approximately 9,400 new gas customers, including about 8,800 from the acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects the acquisitions to accelerate rate-based growth to approximately 10% annually through 2029, supporting earnings growth in the upper half of the guidance range [8][19] - The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission approved the acquisition of Aquarion on October 7, 2025, with further approvals expected in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine [7][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable growth and has successfully integrated Bangor Natural Gas and completed the acquisition of Maine Natural Gas [21] - The company plans to file a base rate case for Maine Natural Gas in mid-2027, following the successful integration of Bangor Natural Gas [6][5] - The company aims to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, highlighting its commitment to sustainability [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the execution of their strategic priorities and the ability to provide strong shareholder returns for many years [21] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.01-$3.17 per share, with a midpoint of $3.09 per share on an adjusted earnings basis [19] Other Important Information - The company completed a $72 million equity offering to strengthen its balance sheet and improve credit metrics [5][18] - Capital spending for the year is consistent with expectations, with a five-year capital plan totaling approximately $1.1 billion, which is 19% higher than the prior plan [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on rate base figures - The difference between the $1.2 billion rate base and the $1.4 billion forecast reflects additional rate base for the acquired companies, including Maine Natural Gas, Bangor Natural Gas, and Aquarion [24][25] - The change in capital expenditures versus rate base increase is due to the timing of when capital projects are closed and placed into service [25] Question: Inclusion of future M&A in rate base - The $1.4 billion rate base includes additional base rates for all three companies being acquired, indicating implications for future M&As [26]