YORK, Pa., Aug. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The York Water Company (NASDAQ: YORW) President JT Hand announced the Company's financial results for the second quarter and the first six months of 2026.

Founded in 1816, York Water is one of the oldest investor-owned water utilities in the United States, serving customers across York and Adams Counties in south-central Pennsylvania through both water and wastewater systems.

Second Quarter Results

For the second quarter of 2026, operating revenues totaled $23,515,000, an increase of $4,316,000 compared to the second quarter of 2025. Net income rose to $7,615,000, up $2,563,000 year over year. Basic and diluted earnings per share reached $0.49 for the three-month period, representing a $0.14 increase over the same period in 2025.

The revenue growth was primarily driven by rate increases that took effect March 1, 2026, along with expansion of the customer base. These gains were partially offset by a reset to zero of the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC), a charge permitted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission that allows water utilities to collect funds from customers for the replacement of aging infrastructure. Under Pennsylvania's regulatory framework, DSIC balances are typically reset to zero when a new base rate case concludes, as the infrastructure costs previously collected through the surcharge are incorporated into the approved rate structure. Higher operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and income taxes also offset some of the revenue increase.

First Six Months Results

For the first six months of 2026, operating revenues reached $43,589,000, up $5,934,000 from the same period in 2025. Net income climbed to $12,429,000, an increase of $3,739,000. The revenue growth was again attributed primarily to the rate increase effective March 1, 2026, partially offset by the DSIC reset to zero. Income taxes decreased due to higher deductions under the IRS tangible property regulations. However, higher operation and maintenance expenses and depreciation partially offset the gains from increased revenue and lower income taxes. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six-month period stood at $0.82, an increase of $0.22 compared to the same period last year.

Capital Investments

During the first six months of 2026, the Company invested $21.1 million in capital projects, including main extensions, wastewater treatment plant construction, an upgrade to the enterprise software system, and various infrastructure replacements, improvements, and routine items. This level of spending reflects a broader challenge across the U.S. water utility sector, where aging pipes, treatment facilities, and related infrastructure require sustained capital investment to maintain service reliability and meet regulatory standards.

The Company also invested $470,000 in the acquisition of two wastewater systems: the CMV Sewage Co. in York County and the Pine Run Retirement Community in Adams County. These acquisitions are consistent with an ongoing trend of consolidation in the water industry, where smaller systems are frequently absorbed by larger, better-capitalized operators.

Looking ahead, the Company estimates it will invest an additional $26.8 million in 2026, excluding acquisitions. These funds are earmarked for further main extensions, a continuing upgrade to the enterprise software system, and routine improvements to pipes, service lines, and other facilities. The Company stated that these investments are intended to ensure a safe, adequate, and reliable supply of drinking water and to maintain proper handling and disposal of wastewater for its growing customer base. As a Pennsylvania-regulated utility, York Water's ability to earn a return on these capital investments depends on rate-case proceedings before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's operational and financial expectations. These statements are based on currently available information and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other events that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those described. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement.