Global Water Resources Reports Second Quarter 2019 Results


PHOENIX, Aug. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Water Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: GWRS), (TSX: GWR), a pure-play water resource management company, reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. Quarter and first-half comparisons are to the same year-ago period unless otherwise noted.

Q2 2019 Financial Highlights

  • Regulated revenues increased 8.0%, to $9.1 million.

  • Net income was $0.8 million, or $0.04 per share.

  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.7%, to $4.5 million.

  • Extended $8.0 million revolving line of credit two years (through April 30, 2022).

  • Declared three monthly cash dividends of $0.023861 per common share (or $0.286332 per share on an annualized basis).

Q2 2019 Operational Highlights

  • Total active connections increased 8.9% to 44,715 at June 30, 2019 from 41,078 at June 30, 2018, with organic connections up 4.6%.

  • Director of Water Resources, Jake Lenderking, was appointed to the board of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority.

Management Commentary

“Excluding the Federal Tax Cuts and the Jobs Act (TCJA) true-up and the ICFA revenue recognition that occurred in 2018, our top line and connection growth rates continued to strengthen in the second quarter of 2019,” commented Global Water Resources president and CEO, Ron Fleming.

“As the year progresses, we plan to continue to advance strategic growth initiatives that drive the regional expansion of our platform,” added Fleming. “As we execute, we will continue to focus on industry leadership in water resource planning and customer service, as we expect to see the application of our expertise and environmental stewardship benefiting all stakeholders.”

2019 Financial Summary

Revenues

Regulated revenues in the second quarter of 2019 increased $0.7 million, or  8.0%, to $9.1 million compared to $8.4 million for the second quarter of 2018. The increase was primarily driven by growth in connections combined with the Red Rock acquisition.

Total revenues in the second quarter of 2019 decreased $1.7 million, or 15.8%, to $9.1 million compared to $10.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily due to the $2.4 million in infrastructure coordination and financing agreements (ICFA) revenue recognized in the second quarter of 2018 that did not reoccur in 2019. Excluding the ICFA revenue recognized and the 2018 TCJA full year true-up, total revenues increased $0.5 million, or 5.6%, in the second quarter of 2019. The increase in total revenues was driven by growth in connections, partially offset by lower consumption.

Regulated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $1.0 million, or 6.1%, to  $16.8 million compared to $15.8 million in the same period in 2018. This increase was primarily driven by growth in connections combined with the Red Rock acquisition.

Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 decreased $1.4 million, or 7.8%, to $16.8 million, compared to $18.3 million in the same period in 2018. The decrease in revenues was primarily driven by the $2.4 million of ICFA revenue recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2018 that did not reoccur in the six months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding the ICFA revenue, total revenues increased $1.0 million, or 6.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in total revenues was driven by growth in connections, partially offset by lower consumption.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $0.1 million, or 2.1%, in the second quarter of 2019. The increase was due primarily to increased operations and maintenance expense associated with the Turner and Red Rock acquisitions coupled with increased contract expenses. The increase in operating expenses was also due to increased depreciation expense, partially offset by a decrease in deferred compensation.

Operating expenses increased $0.6 million, or 4.7%, to $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $12.8 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was due primarily to increased operations and maintenance expense associated with the Turner and Red Rock acquisitions, contract services and repairs and maintenance, coupled with increased depreciation expense. The increase in operating expenses was partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative expense. The decrease in general and administrative expense was driven by decreased professional fees and contract services, that was partially offset by increases in salary and wages, regulatory expenses and miscellaneous public company costs.

Other Income (Expense)

Total other expense decreased $29,000, or 2.7% to, $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Total other expense decreased by $0.7 million, or 33.6%, to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributed to the receipt of $1.0 million in March 2019 relating to the 2013 Loop 303 sale of water management agreements relating to the 7,000-acre territory within a portion of the western planning area of the City of Glendale, Arizona, known as the "Loop 303 Corridor." The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in the Valencia earnout of $0.3 million. The Valencia earnout consists of $3,000 for each new water meter installed within Valencia Water Company’s prior service areas. The decrease in the Valencia earnout was driven by slowed growth in the company's former service territory.

Net Income

Net income decreased $1.5 million, or 65.5%, to $0.8 million, or $0.04 per share, in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $2.3 million, or $0.11 per share, in the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributed to the decrease in operating income, which was primarily driven by the $2.4 million in ICFA revenue recognized in the second quarter of 2018 that did not reoccur in the second quarter of 2019. Excluding ICFA revenue, net income increased $0.9 million. This increase was driven by increases in water and wastewater and recycled water services revenue, as well as decreased general and administrative expenses.

Net income decreased $1.1 million, or 44.6%, to $1.4 million, or $0.07 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $2.6 million, or $0.13 per share, for the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributed to the decrease in operating income, which was primarily driven by the $2.4 million in ICFA recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2018 that did not reoccur in the same period of 2019. Excluding ICFA revenue, net income increased $1.2 million. The increase was driven by increases in water and wastewater and recycled water services revenue, as well as decreased general and administrative expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.5 million, or 13.7%, to $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $4.0 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was driven by an increase in organic connection growth, the addition of Red Rock customers and higher rates. The improvement was partially offset by a decrease in the Valencia earn out. (See definition of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP term, and its reconciliation to GAAP, below).

Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.3 million, or 3.8%, to $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $7.7 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was driven by an increase in organic connection growth, the addition of Red Rock customers and higher rates. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the Valencia earn out. (See definition of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP term, and its reconciliation to GAAP, below).

Dividend Policy
The company declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.023861 per common share (or $0.286332 per share on an annualized basis), which will be payable on August 29, 2019 to holders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2019.

Business Outlook
Global Water's near-term growth strategy for its regulated water, wastewater, and recycled water business is driven by increased service connections, continued operating efficiencies, and utility rate increases approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The company will also focus more on its original mission of aggregating water and wastewater utilities, allowing the company and its customers to realize the benefits of consolidation, regionalization, and environmental stewardship.

Connection Rates
As of June 30, 2019, active service connections increased by 3,637, or 8.9%, to 44,715, compared to 41,078 at June 30, 2018. The increase in active service connections was primarily due to organic growth in the company's current service areas (1,875 connections, or 4.6%), coupled with the acquisition of Red Rock (1,762 connections, or 4.3%). As of June 30, 2019, the vacancy rate was at 1.1%, down from the peak of 11.9% in February 2009.

Arizona’s Growth Corridor: Positive Population Trends
The Metropolitan Phoenix area is steadily growing due to low-cost housing, excellent weather, large and growing universities, a diverse employment base, and low taxes. The area's population has increased throughout 2017 and 2018, and it continues to grow. The Employment and Population Statistics Department of the State of Arizona predicts that Phoenix Metro will have a population of 4.9 million by 2020, up 15% from 2016 census estimates, and reach 6.5 million by 2040.

According to the W.P. Carey School of Business Greater Phoenix Blue Chip Real Estate Consensus Panel ("Greater Phoenix Blue Chip"), most sectors of real estate are expected to experience improved occupancy and growth. For Maricopa County and Pinal County combined, the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona, reported that single family housing permits grew 13% to 22,437 units in 2018. Permits are forecasted by the Greater Phoenix Blue Chip to increase to nearly 24,000 and 25,000 permits in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The company believes this growth outlook, combined with three additional years of rate increase phase-ins, creates an opportunity to significantly increase active connections and grow revenues.

Conference Call
Global Water Resources will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2019 results tomorrow, followed by a question and answer period.

Date: Thursday, August 8, 2019
Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (10:00 a.m. Pacific time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-855-327-6837
International dial-in number: 1-631-891-4304
Conference ID: 10007295

The conference call will be webcast live and available for replay here as well as via a link in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.gwresources.com.

Please call the conference telephone number five minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact CMA at 1-949-432-7566.

A replay of the call will be available after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through August 22, 2019.

Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921
International replay number: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 10007295

About Global Water Resources

Global Water Resources, Inc. is a leading water resource management company that owns and operates 12 utilities which provide water, wastewater, and recycled water services. The company’s service areas are located primarily in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix. Global Water recycles nearly 1 billion gallons of water annually.

The company has been recognized for its highly-effective implementation of Total Water Management (TWM), an integrated approach to managing the entire water cycle by owning and operating water, wastewater and recycled water utilities within the same geographic area to maximize the beneficial use of recycled water. TWM conserves water by using the right water for the right use and helps protect water supplies in water-scarce areas experiencing population growth. To learn more, visit www.gwresources.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

This press release contains references to "EBITDA" and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA is defined for the purposes of this press release as net income or loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding the gain or loss related to (i) nonrecurring events; (ii) option expense related to awards made to the board of directors and management; and (iii) equity method investment. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental measures of our operating performance and provide our investors meaningful measures of overall corporate performance exclusive of our capital structure and the method and timing of expenditures associated with building and placing our systems. EBITDA is also presented because management believes that it is frequently used by investment analysts, investors, and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also presented because management believes that it provides our investors measures of our recurring core business. However, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized measures under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-GAAP measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss or other income statement data (which are determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our performance or as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. Management's method of calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ materially from the method used by other companies and accordingly, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP measure, is included in the schedules attached to this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements which reflect the company's expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future net income growth, our strategy, acquisition plans, our dividend policy, trends relating to population growth, active connections, regulated revenue, housing permit projections, and other statements that are not historical facts as well as statements identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", or the negative of these terms, or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in political, economic, business, market, regulatory, and other factors. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views as of the date hereof. Factors that may affect future results are disclosed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This includes, but is not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Company Contact:
Michael J. Liebman
SVP and CFO
Tel (480) 999-5104
mike.liebman@gwresources.com

Investor Relations:
Ron Both, CMA
Tel (949) 432-7566
GWRS@cma.team

GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
ASSETS   
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:   
Property, plant and equipment$317,635  $312,148 
Less accumulated depreciation(88,677) (85,093)
Net property, plant and equipment228,958  227,055 
CURRENT ASSETS:   
Cash and cash equivalents11,285  12,756 
Accounts receivable — net1,624  1,488 
Due from affiliates510  406 
Unbilled revenue2,333  1,998 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets762  686 
Total current assets16,514  17,334 
OTHER ASSETS:   
Goodwill3,559  2,639 
Intangible assets — net12,968  12,972 
Regulatory asset1,754  1,793 
Deposits128  128 
Restricted cash482  441 
Equity method investment  79 
Other noncurrent assets23  20 
Total other assets18,914  18,072 
TOTAL ASSETS264,386  262,461 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   
CURRENT LIABILITIES:   
Accounts payable715  604 
Accrued expenses7,300  7,465 
Customer and meter deposits1,434  1,460 
Long-term debt and capital leases — current portion78  47 
Total current liabilities9,527  9,576 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:   
Long-term debt and capital leases114,582  114,507 
Deferred revenue - ICFA17,365  17,358 
Regulatory liability8,974  8,851 
Advances in aid of construction68,712  67,684 
Contributions in aid of construction — net11,863  10,670 
Deferred income tax liabilities — net4,857  4,350 
Acquisition liability934  934 
Other noncurrent liabilities809  660 
Total noncurrent liabilities228,096  225,014 
Total liabilities237,623  234,590 
Commitments and contingencies   
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:   
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 21,634,470 and
21,530,470 shares issued as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
216  215 
Treasury stock, 97,636 and 59,174 shares at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018,
respectively.
(1) (1)
Paid in capital26,548  24,178 
Retained earnings  3,479 
Total shareholders' equity26,763  27,871 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$264,386  $262,461 

GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
REVENUES:       
Water services$4,243  $3,916  $7,381  $7,031 
Wastewater and recycled water services4,862  4,518  9,431  8,815 
Unregulated revenues16  2,404  32  2,417 
Total revenues9,121  10,838  16,844  18,263 
        
OPERATING EXPENSES:       
Operations and maintenance1,780  1,621  3,503  3,130 
Operations and maintenance - related party437  404  852  760 
General and administrative2,650  2,820  5,025  5,217 
Depreciation2,009  1,889  4,020  3,688 
Total operating expenses6,876  6,734  13,400  12,795 
OPERATING INCOME2,245  4,104  3,444  5,468 
        
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):       
Interest income61  8  118  15 
Interest expense(1,343) (1,304) (2,703) (2,535)
Other82  154  1,150  477 
Other - related party89  60  116  58 
Total other expense(1,111) (1,082) (1,319) (1,985)
        
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES1,134  3,022  2,125  3,483 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE(356) (766) (698) (907)
NET INCOME$778  $2,256  $1,427  $2,576 
        
Basic earnings per common share$0.04  $0.11  $0.07  $0.13 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.04  $0.11  $0.07  $0.13 
Dividends declared per common share$0.07  $0.07  $0.14  $0.14 
        
Weighted average number of common shares used in the determination of:       
Basic21,520,461  19,640,295  21,496,014  19,635,805 
Diluted21,526,043  19,683,072  21,510,122  19,676,827 

 GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$1,427  $2,576 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Deferred compensation602  595 
Depreciation4,020  3,688 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discounts59  22 
Loss on equity investment79  160 
Other gains(2) (28)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable18  (3)
Deferred income tax expense507  852 
Changes in assets and liabilities   
Accounts receivable(154) (53)
Other current assets(515) (420)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities(558) (148)
Other noncurrent assets37   
Other noncurrent liabilities194  (1,942)
Net cash provided by operating activities5,714  5,299 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Capital expenditures(4,858) (2,458)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (2,620)
Other cash flows from investing activities2  64 
Net cash used in investing activities(4,856) (5,014)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Dividends paid(3,078) (2,786)
Advances in aid of construction465  382 
Proceeds from stock option exercise413  750 
Principal payments under capital lease(29) (8)
Refunds of advances for construction(11)  
Loan borrowings31   
Loan repayments(39) (7)
Debt issuance costs paid(40) (39)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,288) (1,708)
DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH(1,430) (1,423)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — Beginning of period13,197  5,685 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH – End of period$11,767  $4,262 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents$11,285  $3,778 
Restricted Cash482  484 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$11,767  $4,262 

A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in thousands):

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net Income $778  $2,256  $1,427  $2,576 
Income tax expense 356  766  698  907 
Interest income (61) (8) (118) (15)
Interest expense 1,343  1,304  2,703  2,535 
Depreciation 2,009  1,889  4,020  3,688 
EBITDA 4,425  6,207  8,730  9,691 
ICFA Revenue Recognition   (2,388)   (2,388)
Board option expense   24    68 
Management option expense 66  67  131  121 
Loop 303 Income     (1,000)  
Equity investment loss 9  49  79  159 
EBITDA Adjustments 75  (2,248) (790) (2,040)
Adjusted EBITDA $4,500  $3,959  $7,940  $7,651