The York Water Company Reports 2024 Annual and Fourth Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

York Water Company (NASDAQ:YORW) reported mixed financial results for 2024. Operating revenues increased by $3,928,000 to $74,959,000, while net income decreased by $3,432,000 to $20,325,000 compared to 2023. Earnings per share declined by $0.24 to $1.42, though dividends per share increased by 4%.

Revenue growth was driven by rate increases effective March 1, 2023, Distribution System Improvement charge (DSIC), and customer base expansion. However, higher operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, interest on debt, and lower AFUDC offset these gains.

The company invested $48.2 million in infrastructure improvements, including Lake Williams dam upgrades and wastewater treatment plant construction. Additionally, $783,000 was spent acquiring four water and two wastewater systems. York Water plans to invest approximately $46.0 million in 2025 and $48.5 million in 2026 for further infrastructure improvements.

Positive

• Operating revenues increased $3.93M to $74.96M
• Dividends per share increased 4%
• Customer base expanded
• Significant infrastructure investment of $48.2M
• Acquired 6 new water/wastewater systems

Negative

• Net income decreased $3.43M to $20.33M
• EPS declined $0.24 to $1.42
• Higher operation and maintenance expenses
• Increased depreciation and interest costs
• Lower AFUDC (funds for construction)

Insights

Financial Analyst

York Water's 2024 results reveal a mixed financial picture. While $74,959,000 in operating revenues represents a 5.5% year-over-year increase, net income declined by 14.4% to $20,325,000. The EPS contraction from $1.66 to $1.42 is concerning despite the company maintaining its impressive dividend growth record with a 4% increase.

Revenue growth drivers included the rate increase from March 2023, DSIC charges for infrastructure replacement, and customer base expansion. However, these positives were overwhelmed by rising operational costs, higher depreciation, increased interest expenses, and reduced AFUDC (which represents the accounting benefit of construction investments).

The company's significant capital investment of $48.2 million in 2024 demonstrates a commitment to infrastructure modernization, with 50,200 feet of pipe replacement showing proactive maintenance. The continued acquisition activity, though modest at $783,000, indicates their ongoing consolidation strategy in a fragmented industry.

Forward-looking investments of $46.0 million and $48.5 million planned for 2025 and 2026 respectively maintain the capital-intensive trajectory typical of water utilities. The increased spending on infrastructure should eventually translate to an expanded rate base, which determines future revenue potential in the regulated utility model.

Utility Sector Specialist

York Water's results exemplify the classic regulated utility growth model - investing heavily in infrastructure to expand the rate base while facing typical margin pressures. The DSIC mechanism provides a critical regulatory tool allowing for timely recovery of infrastructure investments between full rate cases, helping to minimize regulatory lag.

The company's continued ability to acquire small water and wastewater systems (four water and two wastewater systems in 2024) demonstrates its roll-up strategy in a highly fragmented industry. These tuck-in acquisitions typically come with regulatory approval for rate base additions, creating long-term value despite modest near-term financial impact.

The dam spillway work at Lake Williams represents essential infrastructure hardening, while the wastewater treatment plant construction signals the company's ongoing diversification into complementary utility services. These investments address aging infrastructure concerns while creating new revenue streams.

The 14.4% net income decline warrants attention but isn't uncommon in utility investment cycles. The lower AFUDC contribution indicates projects moving from construction to in-service status, which should eventually generate revenue once incorporated into the rate base. The enterprise software system upgrade planned for 2025-2026 suggests management is pursuing operational efficiencies to help offset rising costs.

York Water's continued dividend growth (4%) despite earnings pressure demonstrates management's confidence in the long-term financial model and commitment to shareholder returns, a vital consideration for utility investors seeking reliable income.

YORK, Pa., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The York Water Company's (NASDAQ:YORW) President and CEO, JT Hand, announced the Company's 2024 financial results.

President Hand reported that 2024 operating revenues of $74,959,000 increased $3,928,000, but net income of $20,325,000 decreased $3,432,000 compared to 2023. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share of $1.42 for 2024 decreased $0.24 compared to 2023. Dividends per share rose 4% compared to 2023. Increased revenues were primarily due to an increase in rates effective March 1, 2023, revenues from Distribution System Improvement charge (DSIC), and growth in the customer base. The DSIC is a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission allowed charge that water utilities collect from customers for the replacement of aging infrastructure. The Company incurred lower pension costs. The increased revenue and lower pension costs were more than offset by higher operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, interest on debt, and a lower allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC is the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance plant construction.

During the year, the Company invested $48.2 million in construction expenditures for armoring and replacing the spillway of the Lake Williams dam, wastewater treatment plant construction, and routine items, as well as various replacements and improvements to infrastructure. During 2024, the Company replaced approximately 50,200 feet of pipe to improve its distribution system, reduce ongoing expenses, and improve customer service. In addition, the Company invested a combined $783,000 in the acquisition of four water and two wastewater systems.

President Hand also reported that for the fourth quarter of 2024 operating revenues increased $770,000, but net income decreased $870,000 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share of $0.36 for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased $0.06 compared to the same period last year. Increased revenues were primarily due to revenues from DSIC and growth in the customer base. The increased revenue was more than offset by higher operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and a lower AFUDC.

President Hand reported that York Water plans to invest approximately $46.0 million in 2025 and $48.5 million in 2026, excluding acquisitions, for additional main extensions, water tank replacement, wastewater treatment plant construction, an upgrade to the enterprise software system, and routine improvements to its pipes, service lines, and other facilities to ensure a safe, adequate, and reliable supply of drinking water and to maintain proper handling and disposal of wastewater for the Company’s growing customer base.

	Period Ended December 31
	In 000's (except per share)
	Quarter				Twelve Months
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Operating Revenues	$	18,866	$	18,096	$	74,959	$	71,031
Net Income	$	5,142	$	6,012	$	20,325	$	23,757
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding		14,366		14,314		14,347		14,295
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	0.36	$	0.42	$	1.42	$	1.66
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$	0.2192	$	0.2108	$	0.8516	$	0.8189

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s operational and financial expectations. These statements are based on currently available information and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other events which could cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from the results described in this statement. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement.

FAQ

What were York Water's (YORW) key financial metrics for 2024?

YORW reported revenues of $74.96M (+$3.93M YoY), net income of $20.33M (-$3.43M YoY), and EPS of $1.42 (-$0.24 YoY).

How much did York Water (YORW) increase its dividend in 2024?

York Water increased its dividend per share by 4% compared to 2023.

What major infrastructure investments did YORW make in 2024?

YORW invested $48.2M in infrastructure, including Lake Williams dam upgrades, wastewater treatment plant construction, and replacing 50,200 feet of pipe.

What are York Water's (YORW) planned investments for 2025-2026?

YORW plans to invest $46.0M in 2025 and $48.5M in 2026 for infrastructure improvements and system upgrades.

How many water and wastewater systems did YORW acquire in 2024?

YORW acquired four water systems and two wastewater systems for a combined investment of $783,000.