American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) reported second-quarter 2017 earnings of 62 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents by 37.8%.
The outperformance came on the back of higher contribution from its Water and Contracted Services segments.
Revenue
American States Water’s operating revenues in the quarter were $113.2 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $107 million by 5.8%. Revenues also increased 1.1% year over year.
Operational Update
In the quarter under review, American States Water’s total operating expenses were $71.4 million, down 12.3% year over year.
American States Water’s interest expenses were $5.9 million, up 5.4% year over year.
Segment Details
Water segment earnings during the quarter were 48 cents, up 33.3% year over year. The upside was due the recognition of a pretax gain of $8.3 million. This gain was partially offset by a decrease in the water gross margin of $1.8 million.
Electric segment earnings were 2 cents, rising 100% year over year. This was primarily due to lower consulting and outside service costs, further supported by lower-effective income tax rate for the electric segment.
Contracted Services segment earnings increased 71.4% to 12 cents as a result of the U.S. government’s approval of the third price redetermination for Fort Bragg in North Carolina, retroactive to Mar 2016. This helped the company gain excess of $1.6 million, in additional management fee revenue.
American States Water Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
American States Water Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | American States Water Company Quote
Financial Update
As of Jun 30, American States Water’s cash and cash equivalents were $2.1 million compared with $0.4 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
The company’s long-term debts amounted to $321 million, in line with the figure of Dec 31, 2016.
Net cash from operating activities in the first half of 2017 was $75.4 million, up from $48.5 million in the year-ago period.
Zacks Rank
American States Water currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Upcoming Peer Releases
Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTWS) is expected to release second-quarter earnings on Aug 8. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 68 cents.
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ:CWCO) is expected to release second-quarter earnings on Aug 9. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 16 cents.
Global Water Resource Inc. (NASDAQ:GWRS) is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings on Aug 8. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 4 cents.
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