The chart below shows how WTRG performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, WTRG sees a +0.31% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +1.41% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by -0.92%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Earnings Per Share Success: 1. Strong EPS Performance: Essential Utilities reported earnings per share of $0.25 for Q3 2024, exceeding expectations and demonstrating resilience despite challenges.
Revenue Increase Analysis: 2. Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $435.3 million in Q3 2024, a 6% increase from $411.3 million in Q3 2023, driven by rate increases and customer growth.
Rate Case Approval Impact: 3. Major Rate Case Approvals: The Pennsylvania PUC approved a rate case for Peoples Natural Gas, resulting in an annualized revenue increase of $93 million, enhancing financial stability for the company.
Water Rate Settlement Success: 4. Successful Water Rate Settlement: A settlement in the Aqua Pennsylvania rate case is expected to yield an annualized revenue increase of $73 million, effective February 2025, bolstering the company's financial outlook.
Capital Investment Strategy: 5. Robust Capital Investment Plans: Essential Utilities plans to invest approximately $7.8 billion in infrastructure improvements over the next five years, supporting long-term growth and operational efficiency.
Negative
Declining Earnings Per Share: 1. Declining EPS: Earnings per share decreased to $0.25 in Q3 2024 from $0.30 in Q3 2023, reflecting a drop of approximately 17%.
Rising Operating Expenses: 2. Increased Operating Costs: The company anticipates higher operating costs in 2025 due to increased expenses for purchased power and chemicals related to PFAS mitigation, which could negatively impact profitability.
Rate Increase Appeal: 3. Regulatory Appeal: The Office of the Consumer Advocate has appealed the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's approval of a $93 million rate increase, creating uncertainty around future revenue.
Decline in Gas Sales: 4. Lower Natural Gas Sales: The company experienced a decline in natural gas sales due to warmer-than-normal weather, which negatively impacted revenue generation in the gas segment.
DELCORA Transaction Impact: 5. Exclusion of DELCORA: The company's long-term EPS guidance excludes any contributions from the DELCORA transaction, indicating potential lost revenue opportunities from this acquisition.
Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call Transcript
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