American Water Works Company (NYSE:AWK) posted third-quarter 2018 earnings per share of $1.20, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.16 by 3.5%. The figure also improved 11.1% year over year. The uptick was supported by solid growth in Regulated and Market-Based businesses during the third quarter.
The company reported GAAP earnings of $1.04 compared with $1.13 in the year-ago quarter.
Total Revenues
Total revenues of $976 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $956 million and the year-ago figure of $936 million by 2.1% and 4.3%, respectively.
Highlights of the Release
Total operating expenses in the quarter were $641 million, up 27.2% from the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily led by higher general taxes, along with greater operation and maintenance expenses compared with the year-ago levels.
Operating income was $335 million, down 22.4% year over year.
Segment Details
Regulated businesses’ net income was $213 million, up 7% from $199 million in the year-ago quarter. Regulated businesses added 16,500 customers on a year-to-date basis through acquisitions and organic growth. The company is looking forward to add another 56,000 customers through pending acquisitions.
Market-Based businesses’ net income was $23 million compared with $14 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase can be attributed to growth in Homeowner Services Group, along with lower-than-expected Pivotal Home Solutions integration expenses during the quarter
Financial Highlights
Cash and cash equivalents were $86 million as of Sep 30, 2018, up 56.4% from Dec 31, 2017 level.
Long-term debt was $7,570 million as of Sep 30, 2018, higher than $6,490 million on Dec 31, 2017.
In the first nine months of 2018, the company made capital investments of $1.5 billion.
Guidance
American Water Works narrowed the high end of 2018 earnings per share guided range to $3.27-$3.32 per share from $3.22-$3.32 projected earlier.
American Water plans to invest $2.0-$2.1 billion, including the acquisition of Pivotal Home Solutions in 2018.
Zacks Rank
American Water Works currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Upcoming Releases
Aqua America Inc. (NYSE:WTR) is expected to report third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 43 cents.
American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) is scheduled to report third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 60 cents.
Consolidated Water Company Ltd (NASDAQ:CWCO) is likely to report third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 8. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 15 cents.
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Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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