York Water Company Reports 3rd Quarter And Nine Months Earnings

YORK, Pa., Nov. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The York Water Company's (NASDAQ:YORW) President, JT Hand, announced the Company's financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2023.

President Hand reported that third quarter operating revenues of $18,767,000 increased $2,956,000 and net income of $7,568,000 increased $1,887,000 compared to the third quarter of 2022. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share of $0.53 for the three-month period increased $0.13 compared to the same period last year.   Increased revenues were primarily due to an increase in rates effective March 1, 2023 partially offset by a reset to zero of the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). The DSIC is a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission allowed charge that water utilities collect from customers for the replacement of aging infrastructure.   Growth in the customer base also added to revenues. The increased revenue was partially offset by higher operation and maintenance expenses and depreciation.

President Hand also reported that the first nine months operating revenues of $52,935,000 increased $7,985,000 and net income of $17,745,000 increased $3,176,000 compared to the first nine months of 2022. Increased revenues were primarily due to an increase in rates effective March 1, 2023 partially offset by a reset to zero of the DSIC. Growth in the customer base also added to revenues. The increased revenue was partially offset by higher operation and maintenance expenses and depreciation. Income taxes increased due to higher taxable income partially offset by higher deductions from the IRS tangible property regulations. Basic and Diluted Earnings per share of $1.24 for the nine-month period increased $0.19 compared to the same period last year.

During the first nine months of 2023, the Company invested $46.3 million in capital projects 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. In October 2023, the Company invested $566,000 in the acquisition of the Conewago Industrial Park Water and Sewer Company water assets and wastewater collection and treatment assets. With this acquisition in Lancaster County, the Company now serves 55 municipalities within four counties in south-central Pennsylvania. The Company estimates it will invest an additional $16 million in 2023, excluding acquisitions, for armoring and replacing the spillway of the Lake Williams dam, additional main extensions, wastewater treatment plant construction, 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.