How did YORW's Q1 2024 EPS outperform forecasts?

The York Water Company (YORW) reported an EPS of $0.3 for Q1 2024, which outperformed forecasts. This indicates that the company's performance for the period exceeded market expectations. Here are some key points to consider regarding YORW's performance:

|code|Ticker|Name|Date|Diluted EPS YoY|Diluted EPS|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|YORW|YORW.O|The York Water|2023 Q2|25.000000000000007|0.45|185|
|YORW|YORW.O|The York Water|2023 Q3|32.5|0.53|185|
|YORW|YORW.O|The York Water|2024 Q1|15.384615384615378|0.3|185|

1. **Revenue and Net Income Context**: YORW's Q1 2024 EPS of $0.3, while slightly below the previous quarter's EPS of $0.41, is still positive and suggests that the company remained profitable. However, net income decreased to $5.863 million from $7.568 million in the same quarter last year, which could be a concern for investors.
2. **Revenue Analysis**: The company's revenue for the quarter was $19.715 million, which missed estimates of $20.00 million. This slight shortfall, however, does not necessarily negate the positive impact of the EPS outperformance.
3. **Comparative Analysis**: When compared to other utilities, YORW's EPS of $0.3 for Q1 2024 is relatively modest. Middlesex Water (MSEX) reported an EPS of $0.45 for the same quarter, while Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported an EPS of $0.79. These figures underscore the variability in earnings performance within the utility sector.
4. **Investment and Growth Prospects**: YORW plans to invest approximately $42.2 million in 2024 and $46.1 million in 2025, which could be a positive sign for future growth and profitability.

In conclusion, while YORW's Q1 2024 EPS outperformance is notable, it is important to consider the broader context of revenue, net income, and industry comparisons to fully appreciate the company's financial health and prospects.