EXHIBIT 99.1
News Release | ||||
The York Water Company | ||||
130 East Market Street | ||||
Contact: | Jeffrey R. Hines, President | York, PA 17401 | ||
or | ||||
Kathleen M. Miller, Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Phone: | 717-845-3601 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | ||
YORK WATER COMPANY ANNOUNCES RECORD EARNINGS
FOR ITS 192ND YEAR OF OPERATION IN 2007
York, Pennsylvania, March 10, 2008: The York Water Company’s (Nasdaq: YORW) President, Jeffrey R. Hines, announced today that the Company posted its highest ever operating revenues, net income, and dividends in 2007. Improved revenues, net income, and dividends are attributed to an increase in the customer base and increased rates, which became effective September 15, 2006. Earnings per share were $0.01 lower in 2007 compared to 2006 due to dilution associated with a December 2006 stock offering. Both net income and earnings per share were impacted by higher operating expenses including depreciation, wages and pension expense.
President Hines reported that the operating revenues of $31,433,000 were up 9.7% and that net income of $6,414,000 increased 5.3% compared to 2006. In 2007 dividends declared were increased to $0.475 per share, a 4.6% increase over 2006 and the 11th consecutive annual dividend increase. This is the 192nd consecutive year that dividends have been distributed.
During the year, the Company incurred over $19.7 million on construction projects and the acquisition of the Abbottstown Borough Water System. The majority of the construction expenditures were for production and distribution system expansion, improvements, and replacements. During 2007 the Company installed, acquired, and replaced approximately 148,000 feet of pipe to extend and improve its distribution system.
Operating revenues for the fourth quarter increased $443,000 or 6.0% over the fourth quarter of 2006. Net income for the fourth quarter increased $43,000 or 2.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. The primary contributing factors to the increase in net income were higher operating revenues due to an increase in the customer base and the rate increase, partially offset by increased operating expenses.
Period Ended December 31 | ||||
In 000's (except per share) | ||||
Quarter | Twelve Months | |||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |
Operating Revenues | $7,806 | $7,363 | $31,433 | $28,658 |
Net Income | $1,670 | $1,627 | $ 6,414 | $ 6,091 |
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding | 11,248 | 10,648 | 11,226 | 10,475 |
Basic Earnings Per Common Share | $ 0.15 | $ 0.15 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.58 |
Dividends Paid Per Common Share | $0.121 | $0.118 | $ 0.475 | $ 0.454 |