Artesian Resources Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Artesian Resources (ARTNA) reported strong first-quarter 2024 results with net income reaching $4.4 million, a 19.1% increase from the same period last year. Diluted net income per share rose by 10.3% to $0.43. Revenues totaled $24.5 million, a 9.1% increase year-over-year, driven by higher water sales revenue and other utility operating revenue. Despite increased operating expenses, the company remains focused on investing in infrastructure to maintain high-quality service standards.

Positive

• Net income increased by 19.1% to $4.4 million.

• Diluted net income per share rose by 10.3% to $0.43.

• Revenues grew to $24.5 million, up by 9.1% compared to the same period last year.

• Water sales revenue increased by 10.0% due to a temporary rate increase and higher water consumption.

Negative

• Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and income taxes, increased by 5.6%.

• Utility operating expenses rose by 6.1% driven by higher costs related to water treatment and distribution operations.

• Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 7.5% due to continued investment in utility plant infrastructure.

• Interest charges decreased primarily due to lower borrowing levels.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Artesian Resources Corporation's reported increase in net income by $0.7 million (19.1%) and a 10.3% rise in diluted net income per share signals a robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2024. This growth is underpinned by a 9.1% increase in revenues, largely attributed to a temporary water rate hike and heightened water consumption. While revenue growth is a positive indicator, investors should consider the parallel 5.6% increase in operating expenses due to higher costs in water treatment, distribution operations and administrative costs. This might suggest a squeeze on profit margins if such costs continue to escalate without corresponding revenue increases. The reported capital expenditures of $8.9 million highlight an aggressive investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, which is vital for long-term sustainability but could impact cash flows in the short term. Further scrutiny of the balance between these expenditures and the potential returns they generate would be necessary for a comprehensive valuation of the company's financial health.

Environmental & Sustainability Analyst

Artesian's investment in the Sussex Regional Recharge Facility's wastewater treatment plant is a nod towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By providing a solution for wastewater disposal that recharges local groundwater supplies, the company is positioning itself as a proactive player in environmental responsibility, which could enhance its brand reputation and customer loyalty. Additionally, this move aligns with the increasing regulatory and consumer demand for environmental sustainability, potentially opening up new revenue streams. However, the full economic benefits of such projects must be weighed against their initial capital outlay and ongoing operational costs. Long-term, they may lead to cost savings and regulatory advantages, but short-term financial impacts could concern investors focused on immediate returns. Understanding the balance between these environmental initiatives and their contribution to the company's bottom line is essential for stakeholders evaluating the long-term prospects of their investment.

NEWARK, Del., May 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artesian Resources Corporation (Nasdaq: ARTNA), a leading provider on the Delmarva Peninsula of water and wastewater services, and a number of other related business services, today announced earnings results for the first quarter of 2024.  

First Quarter Results

Net income was $4.4 million, a $0.7 million, or 19.1%, increase compared to net income recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Diluted net income per share increased 10.3% to $0.43, compared to $0.39 for the same period in 2023.

Revenues totaled $24.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, $2.0 million, or 9.1%, more than revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Water sales revenue increased $1.8 million, or 10.0%, primarily as a result of a net 7.5% temporary water rate increase placed into effect on November 28, 2023, as permitted under Delaware law, until permanent rates are determined by the Delaware Public Service Commission, and an increase in overall water consumption.

Other utility operating revenue increased approximately $0.2 million, or 7.0%, primarily due to an increase in wastewater revenue associated with an increase in the number of customers served.

Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and income taxes, increased $0.8 million, or 5.6%. Utility operating expenses increased $0.7 million, or 6.1%, primarily the result of increased costs associated with water treatment and distribution operations, including filter replacements costs and chemical costs, and increases in payroll, employee benefits, purchased power and administrative costs.  

“We are pleased to report temporary water rates are in effect, offsetting increased operating costs incurred to maintain high quality and reliable water service to our customers,” said Nicki Taylor, President of Artesian Water Company.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.2 million, or 7.5%, primarily due to continued investment in utility plant providing supply, treatment, storage and distribution of water to customers and service to our wastewater customers.

Federal and state income tax expense increased $0.4 million, or 28.0%, primarily due to higher pre-tax income in 2024 compared to 2023.

Other income decreased $0.2 million, primarily due to a decrease in allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC, as a result of lower long-term construction activity subject to AFUDC.

Interest Charges decreased $0.3 million, primarily due to lower borrowing levels related to the Company’s lines of credit.

Capital Expenditures

As part of Artesian’s ongoing effort to ensure high-quality reliable service to customers, $8.9 million was invested in the first three months of 2024 in water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These investments include PFAS treatment equipment, relocation of facilities as a result of government mandates, renewals associated with the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, installation of new main, purchase of new transportation equipment, and enhancing or improving existing treatment facilities and pumping stations to better serve our customers.  

“Artesian recently commenced construction of the Sussex Regional Recharge Facility’s (SRRF) wastewater treatment plant in Milton, Delaware. Moving forward on this project will provide a more environmentally sound solution for wastewater disposal in Sussex County. This facility will allow for the diversion of excess nutrients from local rivers and streams to be productively utilized for farming use and ultimately recharging local groundwater supplies,” said Dian C. Taylor, CEO.

“We have now progressed to the construction phase of the SRRF treatment plant. This facility will be an important part of Artesian’s regional system to treat wastewater most effectively while enhancing operational efficiencies. Our regionalization efforts in Sussex County are vital to supporting existing wastewater treatment needs along with sustaining the continued growth occurring in this rapidly developing area of Delaware,” said David B. Spacht, President of Artesian Wastewater Management.

About Artesian Resources
Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company of wholly-owned subsidiaries offering water and wastewater services, and a number of other related core business services, on the Delmarva Peninsula. Artesian Water Company, the principal subsidiary, is the oldest and largest regulated water utility on the Delmarva Peninsula and has been providing water service since 1905. Artesian Water Company supplies 8.8 billion gallons of water per year through 1,470 miles of main to over a third of Delawareans.

Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, recovery of investments in water utility plant and increased operating costs in rates charged to customers as presented in our current filing before the Delaware Public Service Commission, expectations regarding the cost and timing of planned infrastructure investments, the impact of weather on our operations, our growth strategy, our expectations regarding infrastructure investments, our enhanced wastewater operational efficiencies, and continued growth in our business and the number of customers served. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including: changes in weather, changes in our contractual obligations, changes in government policies, the timing and results of our rate requests, failure to receive regulatory approval, changes in economic and market conditions generally and other matters discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so and you should not rely on any forward-looking statement as representation of the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release.

Contact:
Nicki Taylor
Investor Relations
(302) 453-6900
ntaylor@artesianwater.com

Artesian Resources Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2024			2023
Operating Revenues
Water sales	$	19,825		$	18,016
Other utility operating revenue		3,015			2,817
Non-utility revenue		1,704			1,662
		24,544			22,495
Operating Expenses
Utility operating expenses		11,957			11,272
Non-utility operating expenses		1,116			1,085
Depreciation and amortization		3,465			3,224
State and federal income taxes		1,681			1,313
Property and other taxes		1,606			1,541
		19,825			18,435
Operating Income		4,719			4,060
Allowance for funds used during construction		285			459
Miscellaneous		1,574			1,603
Income Before Interest Charges		6,578			6,122
Interest Charges		2,167			2,417
Net Income	$	4,411		$	3,705
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic		10,287			9,504
Net Income per Common Share - Basic	$	0.43		$	0.39
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted		10,291			9,510
Net Income per Common Share - Diluted	$	0.43		$	0.39
Artesian Resources Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	March 31,			December 31,
	2024			2023
Assets
Utility Plant, at original cost less
accumulated depreciation	$	722,217		$	714,284
Current Assets		30,847			30,617
Regulatory and Other Assets		22,347			21,931
	$	775,411		$	766,832
Capitalization and Liabilities
Stockholders' Equity	$	231,986		$	230,397
Long Term Debt, Net of Current Portion		178,333			178,307
Current Liabilities		21,725			22,414
Advances for Construction		2,774			2,797
Net Contributions in Aid of Construction		255,231			247,934
Other Liabilities		85,362			84,983
	$	775,411		$	766,832

FAQ

What was Artesian Resources 's net income for the first quarter of 2024?

Artesian Resources reported a net income of $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2024.

How much did diluted net income per share increase by in the first quarter of 2024?

Diluted net income per share rose by 10.3% to $0.43 in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the total revenue for Artesian Resources for the first quarter of 2024?

Artesian Resources reported revenues of $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2024.

Why did water sales revenue increase in the first quarter of 2024?

Water sales revenue increased by 10.0% primarily due to a temporary rate increase and higher water consumption in the first quarter of 2024.

What were the driving factors behind the increase in utility operating expenses in the first quarter of 2024?

Utility operating expenses rose by 6.1% in the first quarter of 2024, mainly driven by higher costs related to water treatment and distribution operations.