Unitil Reports Second Quarter Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

Unitil (NYSE: UTL) reported Net Income of $4.3 million, or $0.27 EPS for Q2 2024, up $0.1 million or $0.02 EPS from Q2 2023. For H1 2024, Net Income was $31.5 million, or $1.96 EPS, an increase of $3.2 million or $0.20 EPS year-over-year. Q2 2024 Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins were $17.8 million and $20.5 million respectively. The company's planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas and successful rate cases in Massachusetts reflect its commitment to long-term growth. Unitil serves approximately 108,500 electric and 88,400 natural gas customers in New England.

Positive

• Net Income increased by $0.1 million in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023
• H1 2024 Net Income rose by $3.2 million compared to H1 2023
• Gas GAAP Gross Margin increased by $1.1 million in Q2 2024 and $6.3 million in H1 2024
• Higher rates and customer growth contributed to increased margins
• Planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company indicates expansion

Negative

• Electric GAAP Gross Margin decreased slightly by $0.1 million in H1 2024
• Operation and Maintenance expenses increased by $0.3 million in Q2 and $0.4 million in H1 2024
• Depreciation and Amortization expense increased by $1.5 million in Q2 and $2.8 million in H1 2024
• Interest Expense increased by $0.4 million in Q2 and $0.6 million in H1 2024
• Other Expense increased by $0.2 million in Q2 and $0.5 million in H1 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Unitil's Q2 2024 results show modest growth, with Net Income increasing by $0.1 million to $4.3 million and EPS rising by $0.02 to $0.27. The six-month performance is more robust, with Net Income up $3.2 million to $31.5 million and EPS increasing by $0.20 to $1.96. These figures suggest steady improvement in the company's financial health.

The Gas segment outperformed Electric, with Gas GAAP Gross Margin increasing by $1.1 million in Q2 and $6.3 million for the half-year. This growth was primarily driven by higher rates and customer growth. The Electric segment remained relatively flat, indicating potential challenges in that area.

Investors should note the increased Operation and Maintenance expenses, higher depreciation costs and rising interest expenses. These factors could pressure margins if not offset by continued revenue growth. The consistent dividend payments and planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company suggest a focus on long-term growth and shareholder value.

Utility Industry Expert

Unitil's performance reflects the broader trends in the utility sector. The company's focus on natural gas expansion is evident in the stronger performance of its Gas segment, aligning with the industry's shift towards cleaner energy sources. The planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company further reinforces this strategy, potentially enhancing Unitil's market position in New England.

The company's ability to secure rate increases across its service areas demonstrates effective regulatory management, a important factor in the utility sector. However, the flat performance in the Electric segment warrants attention, as it may indicate challenges in adapting to changing energy consumption patterns or increased competition from renewable sources.

The higher depreciation and amortization expenses suggest ongoing infrastructure investments, which are essential for long-term reliability and growth but may pressure short-term profitability. Unitil's focus on "best-in-class service" and "long-term sustainable growth" aligns with industry best practices but will require careful balance with cost management to maintain financial health.

Market Research Analyst

Unitil's Q2 results reveal interesting market dynamics. The Gas segment's growth, particularly the $0.4 million increase due to colder early spring weather, highlights the impact of climate variability on utility performance. This underscores the importance of diversified energy portfolios in managing seasonal risks.

The company's customer growth in both Electric and Gas segments is a positive indicator, suggesting effective market penetration strategies. However, the flat Electric segment performance might indicate market saturation or increased competition from alternative energy sources.

Unitil's consistent dividend payments ($0.425 per share quarterly) could be attractive to income-focused investors, especially in the current economic climate. The planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas signals a proactive approach to market expansion, which could drive future growth.

Investors should monitor the impact of rising Operation and Maintenance expenses and higher interest costs on future profitability. These factors, combined with the company's infrastructure investments, will be important in determining Unitil's long-term competitiveness in the evolving New England energy market.

HAMPTON, N.H., Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) (unitil.com) today announced Net Income of $4.3 million, or $0.27 in Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $0.1 million in Net Income, or $0.02 in EPS, compared to the second quarter of 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company reported Net Income of $31.5 million, or $1.96 in Earnings Per Share (EPS), an increase of $3.2 million in Net Income, or $0.20 in EPS, compared to the first six months of 2023. The Company’s Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins for the second quarter of 2024 were $17.8 million and $20.5 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company’s Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins were $37.9 million and $70.6 million, respectively. Operation and Maintenance expenses include $0.3 million in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 for transaction costs associated with the Company’s recently announced acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company.

“The Company continues to provide best-in-class service to our customers and deliver solid financial results for our investors,” said Thomas P. Meissner, Jr., Unitil’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas and the successful outcomes of our rate cases in Massachusetts reflect the Company’s commitment to long-term sustainable growth, which will continue to create exceptional value for all stakeholders.”

Electric GAAP Gross Margin was $17.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024, essentially unchanged compared to the same period in 2023. Electric GAAP Gross Margin was $37.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to the same period in 2023. The three month period reflects higher rates and customer growth of $0.7 million, offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $0.7 million. The decrease in the six month period was driven by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $1.2 million, partially offset by higher rates and customer growth of $1.1 million.

Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure¹) was $24.9 million and $52.0 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, increases of $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. These increases reflect higher rates and customer growth.

_________________
¹ _{The accompanying Supplemental Information more fully describes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release and includes a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the financial measures that the Company’s management believes are the most comparable GAAP financial measures. The Supplemental Information also includes a discussion of the changes in the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented.}
_________________

Gas GAAP Gross Margin was $20.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2023. Gas GAAP Gross Margin was $70.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $6.3 million compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in the three month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $1.6 million, and the favorable effect on gas sales of $0.4 million from colder early spring weather in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $0.9 million. The increase in the six month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $8.1 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $1.8 million.

Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure¹) was $31.3 million and $92.3 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, increases of $2.0 million and $8.1 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the three month period reflects higher rates and customer growth of $1.6 million, and the favorable effect on gas sales of $0.4 million from colder early spring weather in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in the six month period reflects higher rates and customer growth of $8.1 million.

Operation and Maintenance expenses increased $0.3 million and $0.4 million, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the three month period reflects higher labor costs of $0.6 million, partially offset by lower utility operating costs of $0.3 million. The increase in the six month period primarily reflects higher labor costs.

Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $1.5 million and $2.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023, reflecting additional depreciation associated with higher levels of utility plant in service and higher amortization of storm costs and other deferred costs.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased $0.3 million and $0.7 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023, reflecting higher local property taxes on higher utility plant in service and higher payroll taxes.

Interest Expense, Net increased $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily reflecting higher interest expense on short-term borrowings and higher levels of long-term debt, partially offset by higher interest income on regulatory assets and other interest income.

Other Expense (Income), Net increased $0.2 million and $0.5 million, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023, reflecting higher retirement benefit costs.

Federal and State Income Taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $0.1 million and increased $1.0 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2023. The increase in the six month period reflects higher pre-tax earnings in 2024.

At its January 2024, May 2024, and July 2024 meetings, the Unitil Corporation Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on the Company’s common stock of $0.425 per share. These quarterly dividends result in a current effective annualized dividend rate of $1.70 per share, representing an unbroken record of quarterly dividend payments since trading began in Unitil’s common stock.

The Company’s earnings historically have been seasonal and typically have been higher in the first and fourth quarters when customers use natural gas for heating purposes.

The Company will hold a quarterly conference call to discuss second quarter 2024 results on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast. This call, financial and other statistical information contained in the Company’s presentation on this call, and information required by Regulation G regarding non-GAAP financial measures can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of Unitil’s website, unitil.com.

About Unitil Corporation

Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering electricity and natural gas in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to the delivery of dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Together, Unitil’s operating utilities serve approximately 108,500 electric customers and 88,400 natural gas customers. For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit unitil.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include declarations regarding Unitil’s beliefs and current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include the following: Unitil’s regulatory environment (including regulations relating to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters); fluctuations in the supply of, the demand for, and the prices of, energy commodities and transmission and transportation capacity and Unitil’s ability to recover energy commodity costs in its rates; customers’ preferred energy sources; severe storms and Unitil’s ability to recover storm costs in its rates; general economic conditions; variations in weather; long-term global climate change; unforeseen or changing circumstances, which could adversely affect the reduction of company-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions; Unitil’s ability to retain its existing customers and attract new customers; increased competition; and other risks detailed in Unitil's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Unitil undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For more information please contact:  

Christopher Goulding – Investor Relations	Alec O’Meara – External Affairs
Phone: 603-773-6466	Phone: 603-773-6404
Email: gouldingc@unitil.com	Email: omeara@unitil.com

Supplemental Information; Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company analyzes operating results using Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Electric Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Electric Operating Revenue less Cost of Electric Sales. Gas Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Gas Operating Revenues less Cost of Gas Sales. The Company’s management believes Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins provide useful information to investors regarding profitability. Also, the Company’s management believes Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins are important measures to analyze revenue from the Company’s ongoing operations because the approved cost of electric and gas sales are tracked, reconciled and passed through directly to customers in electric and gas tariff rates, resulting in an equal and offsetting amount reflected in Total Electric and Gas Operating Revenue.

In the following tables the Company has reconciled Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin to GAAP Gross Margin, which we believe to be the most comparable GAAP financial measure. GAAP Gross Margin is calculated as Revenue less Cost of Sales, and Depreciation and Amortization. The Company calculates Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin as Revenue less Cost of Sales. The Company believes excluding Depreciation and Amortization, which are period costs and not related to volumetric sales, is a meaningful measure to inform investors of the Company’s profitability from electric and gas sales in the period.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	56.4		$	39.3		$	---		$	95.7
Less: Cost of Sales		(31.5	)		(8.0	)		---			(39.5	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(7.1	)		(10.8	)		(0.2	)		(18.1	)
GAAP Gross Margin		17.8			20.5			(0.2	)		38.1
Depreciation and Amortization		7.1			10.8			0.2			18.1
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	24.9		$	31.3		$	---		$	56.2

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	64.5		$	38.9		$	---		$	103.4
Less: Cost of Sales		(40.3	)		(9.6	)		---			(49.9	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(6.4	)		(9.9	)		(0.3	)		(16.6	)
GAAP Gross Margin		17.8			19.4			(0.3	)		36.9
Depreciation and Amortization		6.4			9.9			0.3			16.6
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	24.2		$	29.3		$	---		$	53.5

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	130.0		$	144.4		$	---		$	274.4
Less: Cost of Sales		(78.0	)		(52.1	)		---			(130.1	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(14.1	)		(21.7	)		(0.3	)		(36.1	)
GAAP Gross Margin		37.9			70.6			(0.3	)		108.2
Depreciation and Amortization		14.1			21.7			0.3			36.1
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	52.0		$	92.3		$	---		$	144.3

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	172.7		$	150.9		$	---		$	323.6
Less: Cost of Sales		(121.8	)		(66.7	)		---			(188.5	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(12.9	)		(19.9	)		(0.5	)		(33.3	)
GAAP Gross Margin		38.0			64.3			(0.5	)		101.8
Depreciation and Amortization		12.9			19.9			0.5			33.3
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	50.9		$	84.2		$	---		$	135.1

Selected financial data for 2024 and 2023 is presented in the following table:

Unitil Corporation – Condensed Consolidated Financial Data
(Millions, except Per Share data)(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				Change				2024				2023				Change
Electric kWh Sales:
Residential			140.8				133.4				5.5	%			320.7				314.7				1.9	%
Commercial/Industrial			221.8				214.3				3.5	%			451.8				442.8				2.0	%
Total Electric kWh Sales			362.6				347.7				4.3	%			772.5				757.5				2.0	%
Gas Therm Sales:
Residential			8.6				8.2				4.9	%			29.8				30.1				(1.0	%)
Commercial/Industrial			37.9				37.4				1.3	%			106.4				106.8				(0.4	%)
Total Gas Therm Sales			46.5				45.6				2.0	%			136.2				136.9				(0.5	%)
Electric Revenues		$	56.4			$	64.5			$	(8.1	)		$	130.0			$	172.7			$	(42.7	)
Cost of Electric Sales			31.5				40.3				(8.8	)			78.0				121.8				(43.8	)
Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			24.9				24.2				0.7				52.0				50.9				1.1
Gas Revenues			39.3				38.9				0.4				144.4				150.9				(6.5	)
Cost of Gas Sales			8.0				9.6				(1.6	)			52.1				66.7				(14.6	)
Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			31.3				29.3				2.0				92.3				84.2				8.1
Total Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			56.2				53.5				2.7				144.3				135.1				9.2
Operation & Maintenance Expenses			18.6				18.3				0.3				36.8				36.4				0.4
Depreciation & Amortization			18.1				16.6				1.5				36.1				33.3				2.8
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes			7.1				6.8				0.3				14.8				14.1				0.7
Other (Income) Expense, Net			0.1				(0.1	)			0.2				0.4				(0.1	)			0.5
Interest Expense, Net			7.4				7.0				0.4				14.7				14.1				0.6
Income Before Income Taxes			4.9				4.9				---				41.5				37.3				4.2
Provision for Income Taxes			0.6				0.7				(0.1	)			10.0				9.0				1.0
Net Income		$	4.3			$	4.2			$	0.1			$	31.5			$	28.3			$	3.2
Earnings Per Share		$	0.27			$	0.25			$	0.02			$	1.96			$	1.76			$	0.20

FAQ

What was Unitil's (UTL) earnings per share for Q2 2024?

Unitil (UTL) reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.27 for the second quarter of 2024.

How did Unitil's (UTL) net income change in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023?

Unitil's net income for the first half of 2024 increased by $3.2 million, from $28.3 million in H1 2023 to $31.5 million in H1 2024.

What was Unitil's (UTL) Gas GAAP Gross Margin for Q2 2024?

Unitil's Gas GAAP Gross Margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $20.5 million, an increase of $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2023.

How many customers does Unitil (UTL) serve as of Q2 2024?

As of Q2 2024, Unitil serves approximately 108,500 electric customers and 88,400 natural gas customers in New England.

What acquisition did Unitil (UTL) announce in Q2 2024?

Unitil announced the planned acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company in the second quarter of 2024.