Middlesex Water Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) reported strong financial results for Q2 2024. Net income increased 6.5% to $10.5 million, with diluted earnings per share rising to $0.59 from $0.55 in Q2 2023. Quarterly consolidated operating revenues grew 14.8% to $49.1 million, driven by NJBPU-approved base rate increases and higher commercial and industrial billings in the Middlesex System.

Year-to-date performance showed significant improvement, with net income up $5.5 million and diluted EPS reaching $1.18, compared to $0.88 in the same period of 2023. The company's focus on infrastructure investment through RENEW and Water for Tomorrow® programs continues, with plans to file a general rate case in Delaware in Q3 2024. Middlesex also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.325 per share, marking its 51st consecutive year of dividend increases.

Positive

• Net income increased 6.5% to $10.5 million in Q2 2024
• Quarterly consolidated operating revenues grew 14.8% to $49.1 million
• Year-to-date net income increased by $5.5 million compared to 2023
• Diluted EPS for the first six months of 2024 reached $1.18, up from $0.88 in 2023
• NJBPU-approved base rate increase effective March 1, 2024, boosting Middlesex System revenues
• Customer growth and higher demand in Delaware system
• Declared quarterly dividend of $0.325 per share, marking 51st consecutive year of dividend increases

Negative

• Operation and maintenance expenses increased by $0.6 million in Q2 2024
• Year-to-date operations and maintenance expenses increased by $0.8 million
• Income taxes increased by $4.3 million year-to-date due to higher pre-tax income and lower tax benefits

Insights

Financial Analyst

Middlesex Water Company's Q2 2024 results show solid financial performance, with notable improvements across key metrics. Net income increased by 6.5% to $10.5 million, while revenues saw a significant jump of 14.8% to $49.1 million. This growth is primarily attributed to the NJBPU-approved base rate increase and higher commercial and industrial billings in the Middlesex System.

The company's year-to-date performance is even more impressive, with net income up by $5.5 million compared to the same period in 2023. This includes a one-time recovery of $6.4 million related to the Park Avenue Wellfield, which significantly boosted the bottom line. However, investors should note that this is a non-recurring item and adjust their expectations accordingly for future quarters.

Operating expenses have increased, mainly due to enhanced water treatment processes and regulatory compliance costs. While these are necessary investments, they may put pressure on margins in the short term. The company's ability to pass these costs on to customers through rate increases will be important for maintaining profitability.

Middlesex's dividend policy remains strong, with a quarterly dividend of $0.325 per share announced. The company's 51-year streak of consecutive annual dividend increases is a testament to its financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns.

Looking ahead, the planned rate case filing in Delaware in Q3 2024 could provide another avenue for revenue growth. However, investors should monitor the regulatory environment closely, as the outcome of such filings can significantly impact future financial performance.

Utility Industry Expert

Middlesex Water Company's Q2 2024 results reflect the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the water utility sector. The company's focus on infrastructure investment through programs like RENEW and Water for Tomorrow® is important in an industry facing aging infrastructure and stricter regulations.

The 14.8% revenue increase is impressive for a utility, indicating successful rate case outcomes and demand growth. However, the industry is capital-intensive and Middlesex's ongoing investments in water treatment and compliance will require careful balance with profitability.

The mention of new federal drinking water regulations highlights a key industry trend. Utilities must adapt to evolving standards, often requiring significant capital expenditures. Middlesex's proactive approach in addressing these challenges, such as the enhanced water treatment process at the Park Avenue Wellfield, positions it well in the regulatory landscape.

Customer growth in Delaware is a positive sign, but the upcoming rate case filing will be critical. Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing rate increase requests, balancing utility needs with customer affordability. The outcome of this case will be a key indicator of Middlesex's ability to recover its investments and maintain its growth trajectory.

The company's succession planning strategy is noteworthy. Leadership transitions can be challenging in the utility sector, where long-term planning and regulatory relationships are crucial. Investors should monitor developments in this area, as effective succession can significantly impact a utility's long-term performance and strategic direction.

• Second Quarter 2024 Net Income was $10.5 million, as compared to $9.9 million in 2023, an increase of 6.5%.
• Second Quarter 2024 Revenues were $49.1 million, as compared to $42.8 million in 2023, an increase of 14.8%.
• Dividend of $0.325 per share of common stock payable in September 2024
  

ISELIN, N.J., July 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company (“Middlesex” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:MSEX) a provider of water and wastewater services, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Results

Diluted earnings per share were $0.59 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $0.55 for the same period in 2023. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased to $10.5 million, up 6.5% from the same period in 2023.

Quarterly consolidated operating revenues were $49.1 million, an increase of $6.3 million as compared to the same period in 2023. Revenues in our Middlesex System increased $5.2 million due to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“NJBPU”) approved base rate increase which took effect March 1, 2024 and increased commercial and industrial customer billings. In our Delaware system, revenues increased $0.6 million due to customer growth and higher customer demand.

Operation and maintenance expenses for the second quarter of 2024 increased $0.6 million from the same period in 2023. The increase was largely related to an enhanced water treatment process at the Company’s Park Avenue Wellfield, increased labor costs, lead service line inventory compliance costs associated with our Delaware system, and outside professional support services costs.

Year-to-Date Results

Year-to-date net income increased $5.5 million, when compared to the same period in 2023. Diluted earnings per share were $1.18 and $0.88 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The majority of the increase is attributable to the implementation of the NJBPU-approved base rate increases in our Middlesex System and the one-time recovery of previously incurred depreciation, operating and carrying costs of $6.4 million associated with the prior period construction and operation of the water treatment facilities at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Wellfield. As part of the NJBPU-approved Middlesex base rate case, which included the impact of the previously disclosed PFOA lawsuit settlement, the NJBPU authorized these operating and carrying costs to be recovered after Middlesex first applied settlement proceeds to the cost of the water treatment facilities at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Wellfield.

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $89.7 million, an increase of $8.7 million over the same period in 2023. Middlesex System revenues increased $6.8 million due to the NJBPU- approved base rate increase effective March 1, 2024 and higher commercial and industrial billings. In our Delaware system, revenues increased $1.4 million due to customer growth and higher customer demand. Pinelands system revenues increased $0.2 million due to scheduled rate increases resulting from the NJBPU-approved 2023 base rate increase. Non-regulated revenues increased $0.2 million primarily due to higher supplemental contract services.

Year-to-date operations and maintenance expenses increased $0.8 million over the same period in 2023, primarily due to increased labor and employee benefit costs, an enhanced water treatment process at the Company’s Park Avenue Wellfield and lead service line inventory compliance costs associated with our Delaware system. These cost increases were offset by the one-time cost recovery described above.

Year-to-date income taxes increased by $4.3 million when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher pre-tax income and lower income tax benefits associated with decreased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex System.

Middlesex President and Chief Executive Officer Nadine Leslie said, “We continue to focus on solidifying our growth and succession planning strategies, meeting customer demand for high quality water service, and investing in our drinking water infrastructure through our RENEW and Water for Tomorrow® programs in New Jersey to ensure compliance with new federal drinking water regulations. In Delaware, we expect to file our general rate case in the third quarter of 2024 to maintain our infrastructure resiliency and compliance with various regulations,” Leslie added.

Board Declares Dividend

We previously announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per common share payable on September 3, 2024, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2024. Middlesex has paid cash dividends in varying amounts continually since 1912 and has increased its annual dividend for fifty-one consecutive years.

ABOUT MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

Established in 1897, Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ: MSEX) serves as a trusted provider of life-sustaining high quality water service for residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection purposes. The Company and its subsidiaries form the Middlesex family of companies, which collectively serve a population of half a million people in New Jersey and Delaware. We offer a full range of water, wastewater utility and related services including municipal and industrial contract operations and water and wastewater system technical operations and maintenance. We are focused on meeting and balancing the needs of our employees, customers, and shareholders. We invest in our people, our infrastructure, and the communities we serve to support reliable and resilient utility services, economic growth and quality of life.  Information about Middlesex Water’s Investment Plan (Direct Share Purchase and Sale and Dividend Reinvestment Plan) is available at https://shareholder.broadridge.com/middlesexwater/

This press release contains “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws reflecting the current beliefs or expectations of Middlesex Water Company “MSEX” or the “Company” regarding its future performance, its financial condition, its strategic plans and cash flows, its results of operations as well as any other statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current facts. These statements reflect the Company’s current views and information currently available.  This information is based on estimates, assumptions and analysis that the Company believes, as of the date hereof, provide a reasonable basis for the information contained herein.  Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward‐looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “foresees.” Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from forward‐looking statements, and the assumptions on which forward-looking statements are based.  There can be no assurance that the information contained herein is reflective of future performance, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward‐looking statements as a predictor of future performance. Unless otherwise specified, all information contained in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no duty to update or revise the information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Bernadette Sohler, Vice President – Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
(732) 638-7549
www.middlesexwater.com

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating Revenues	$	49,146			$	42,801			$	89,670			$	80,957
Operating Expenses:
Operations and Maintenance		21,825				21,204				42,290				41,462
Depreciation		6,305				6,184				11,701				12,170
Other Taxes		5,701				4,744				10,499				9,168
Total Operating Expenses		33,831				32,132				64,490				62,800
Operating Income		15,315				10,669				25,180				18,157
Other Income:
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction		257				852				433				1,665
Other Income, net		2,399				1,290				7,588				2,188
Total Other Income, net		2,656				2,142				8,021				3,853
Interest Charges		4,041				3,251				7,310				5,846
Income before Income Taxes		13,930				9,560				25,891				16,164
Income Taxes		3,384				(341	)			4,663				397
Net Income		10,546				9,901				21,228				15,767
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements		30				30				60				60
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	10,516			$	9,871			$	21,168			$	15,707
Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic	$	0.59			$	0.56			$	1.19			$	0.89
Diluted	$	0.59			$	0.55			$	1.18			$	0.88
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding :
Basic		17,829				17,713				17,824				17,683
Diluted		17,944				17,828				17,939				17,798

FAQ

What was Middlesex Water Company's (MSEX) net income for Q2 2024?

Middlesex Water Company's net income for Q2 2024 was $10.5 million, an increase of 6.5% compared to Q2 2023.

How much did Middlesex Water's (MSEX) revenues grow in Q2 2024?

Middlesex Water's revenues grew by 14.8% to $49.1 million in Q2 2024, compared to $42.8 million in Q2 2023.

What is the quarterly dividend declared by Middlesex Water (MSEX) for September 2024?

Middlesex Water declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per common share, payable on September 3, 2024.

How did Middlesex Water's (MSEX) earnings per share (EPS) change in Q2 2024?

Middlesex Water's diluted earnings per share increased to $0.59 in Q2 2024, up from $0.55 in Q2 2023.

What factors contributed to Middlesex Water's (MSEX) revenue increase in Q2 2024?

The revenue increase was primarily due to NJBPU-approved base rate increases, higher commercial and industrial billings in the Middlesex System, and customer growth and higher demand in the Delaware system.