Aqua America, Inc. (WTR) has reported an 8.51 percent rise in profit for the quarter ended Sep. 30, 2016. The company has earned $73.17 million, or $0.41 a share in the quarter, compared with $67.43 million, or $0.38 a share for the same period last year. Revenue during the quarter went up marginally by 2.51 percent to $226.59 million from $221.05 million in the previous year period. Total expenses were 56.84 percent of quarterly revenues, down from 56.99 percent for the same period last year. This has led to an improvement of 15 basis points in operating margin to 43.16 percent.
Operating income for the quarter was $97.80 million, compared with $95.07 million in the previous year period.
"Aqua's third quarter and year-to-date strong financial results are a testament to our cost-conscious culture and the continued use of our core capabilities to produce positive results," said Aqua America president and chief executive officer Christopher Franklin. "Our employees demonstrated their dedication to our important mission as they worked tirelessly to restore water and wastewater service to thousands of customers affected by Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina. This was another situation that reminded me how proud I am to lead such a strong, customer-centric team."
For fiscal year 2016, Aqua America, Inc. expects diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.30 to $1.35.
Working capital remains negative
Working capital of Aqua America, Inc. was negative $110.60 million on Sep. 30, 2016 compared with negative $47.72 million on Sep. 30, 2015. Current ratio was at 0.56 as on Sep. 30, 2016, down from 0.78 on Sep. 30, 2015. Days sales outstanding went down to 22 days for the quarter compared with 46 days for the same period last year.
Debt moves up
Aqua America, Inc. has witnessed an increase in total debt over the last one year. It stood at $1,858.26 million as on Sep. 30, 2016, up 5.78 percent or $101.52 million from $1,756.74 million on Sep. 30, 2015. Total debt was 30.79 percent of total assets as on Sep. 30, 2016, compared with 30.81 percent on Sep. 30, 2015. Debt to equity ratio was almost stable at 1.01 as on Sep. 30, 2016, when compared with the last year.
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