The Dividend Daily

Before the bell on Monday, water utility company Aqua America Inc (WTR) reported a rise in profit and revenue for the fourth quarter. However, adjusted net income and revenue both missed estimates.

The Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania-based company said its fourth quarter profits were up substantially, coming in at $66.56 million, or 47 cents per share, from $34.01 million, or 24 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Income from continuing operations came in at $65.13 million, or 46 cents per share, from $31.51 million, or 23 cents per share, a year earlier.

Adjusting for one-time items, which includes a 22 cent per share tax benefit, the company earned 25 cents per share in the quarter.

Aqua America’s quarterly revenue rose to $187.48 million, up from $166.79 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

According to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, WTR was expected to earn 28 cents per share on revenue of $197.06 million.

Aqua America shares were down 33 cents, or -1.14%, during pre-market trading on Monday. The stock is up +28.29% over the past year.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Aqua America (WTR) have a dividend yield of 2.42% based on Friday’s closing price of $28.93 and the company’s annualized dividend payout of 70 cents per share.

Aqua America Inc (WTR) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

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