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The York Water Company

yorw · NASDAQ Utilities
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FY2018 Annual Report · The York Water Company
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2018 Annual Report

Sustaining Our Community’s Future

for

203

Years 

Above: Lake Williams spillway under construction in 1911.
Below: A foreman poses at the 48” diameter outlet valve during construction in 1911.

In 1912, York Water Built Its First Reservoir, Lake Williams.
This first large dam in York County increased our community’s water supply 
from 8 million gallons per day to 14 million gallons per day to serve a growing 
manufacturing town. The construction of this Crucial Infrastructure helped 
to make this a “drought-proof” community. Over the past 106 years, the dam has 

been well-maintained and inspected, and is now in  
the process of getting some additions for its 
Second Century of Service!

Jeffrey R. Hines, P.E.

President and 
Chief Executive Officer

Dear Shareholders,

Welcome to the Annual Report for
America’s Oldest Public Company!

I  am  pleased  to  report  that  2018  continued  our  unsurpassed  record  of  203
years of service to our community.

Dividends and Shareholder Value: An American Record!
Our net income increased by 3.1% to $13.4 million in 2018. Earnings per share
increased 3.0% to $1.04.  

• Net income and earnings per share (EPS) were $13.4 million, and 
$1.04, respectively, compared to $13.0 million and $1.01 in 2017;

• In 2018, the Board of Directors approved a 4% increase in the 
quarterly dividend to an annualized rate of $0.69 per share;

• The Company’s long-term performance is strong with three-year 

average  annual  total  shareholder  return  at  14.2%  and  three-year
average annual return on equity of 10.6%.

The  Company  is  making  significant  investments  to  build  and  improve  its
communities’  infrastructure.  Over  the  past  three  years,  the  Company  has
invested  nearly  $55  million  in  infrastructure  improvements,  including
system  improvements  and  infrastructure  to  ensure  a  safe,  adequate,  and
reliable  supply  of  drinking  water  and  to  maintain  proper  handling  and
disposal of wastewater for all customers.

In  line  with  our  objective  to  maintain  regular  dividend  increases,  we  raised
the  quarterly  dividend  rate  by  4.0%  during  the  year.  This  is  the  22nd
consecutive year we have raised our dividend and the 203rd consecutive year
of dividend payments. We believe this to be the longest consecutive dividend
record in America. 

In  2013,  we  initiated  a  share  repurchase  program  to  add  value  to  our
shareholders.    The  Board  of  Directors  authorized  us  to  repurchase  up  to
1,200,000  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  from  time  to  time.    No
shares  were  repurchased  this  year. As  of  December  31,  2018,  618,004  shares
remain available for repurchase. 

Water & Wastewater Customers

We  are  only  including  a  summary  of  our  financial  results  in  this  annual  report.
Please refer to our annual SEC 10K Report, which was delivered with this report, or
can  be  downloaded  from  the  investor  relations  section  of  our  website  at
www.yorkwater.com for a more detailed review of our financial performance.

Continued Growth, Acquisitions, and Expansion
The number of customers we served at the end of 2018 grew to 70,263 water and
wastewater  customers.  This  was  an  increase  of  659  new  customers  or  about  1%
customer  growth  in  2018.  The  Company  is  now  authorized  to  serve  in  48
municipalities in Adams and York Counties and our population served grew in 2018
to approximately 199,000 people.

Rate Case Increases and Tax Act Reductions
On May 30, 2018, York Water sought an annual increase in water rates of $6.4 million
and  an  annual  increase  in  wastewater  rates  of  $289,000.    This  was  the  first  rate
increase  for  our  customers  in  5  years.  Effective  March  1,  2019,  the  Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission (PPUC) authorized an increase in water rates designed to
produce approximately $3.4 million in additional annual revenues and an increase in
wastewater rates designed to produce approximately $289,000 in additional annual
revenues. It is expected that the approved rates will add about $1.00 per month, or a
2.5%  increase,  for  the  average  residential  water  customer.  However,  due  to  the
reduction  in  taxes  from  the  2017  Tax  Act  the  water  customers  will,  on  average,
actually see an $0.80 decrease in the water bills for the next year. 

Water  Still  Costs  About  One  Cent  per  Gallon:  Delivered  right  where  you  need  it,
when you need it!
Even  after  our  latest  rates  go  into  effect  on  March  1,  2019,  our  typical  customer
will receive 1,000 gallons of “that good York water” for about $6.56. Our customer
complaint  rate  and  water  rates  remain  among  the  lowest  in  the  state  while  still
providing  world-class  service  to  our  customers.  In  addition  to  great  customer 
service, these measurements help us to maintain a productive relationship with our
regulators, which is paramount to running a successful company.

Increasing Efficiency While Maintaining Personal Contact
Although  we  are  a  203-year-old company,  we  continue  to  make  technological 
advances to assist our customers while still providing that personal touch. When you
call our office, one of our locally-based and friendly customer service representatives 
will  answer  the  phone  and  assist  you.  We  continue  to  expand  our  initiatives  in
online applications and scheduling, paperless billing, and electronic bill pay. We also
continue  to  deploy  a  state-of-the-art  radio  frequency  drive-by  and  fixed  meter
reading system. Of course, our historic office in downtown York remains open for
walk-in or phone-in customer support. 

System Improvements for a Sustainable Future
We continue to replace almost 1% of our existing water pipe each year. This equates
to  over  50,000  feet  of  pipe  replacement  per  year,  or  almost  10  miles!  This  reduces
main  breaks,  water  leakage,  potential  property  damage,  and  reduces  costs. 
York  Water  continues  to  work  with  local  governments  and  other  utilities  to
coordinate water main replacements prior to road resurfacing projects. This saves our
customers money and provides the motoring public with a new road and equally
new utilities below. 

In  2016,  the  American  Water  Works  Association  recommended  that  all  water
systems should have a goal of eliminating lead service lines. In 2017-2018, York
Water  replaced  all  1,660  known  company-owned  lead  service  lines  and
continues  to  inventory  and  replace  all  company  and  customer-owned  service
lines  as  they  are  discovered.  Through  a  unique  partnership  with  the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Company continues to replace all
customer-owned lead service lines, at little or no cost to the customer, over the
following years with a goal of the complete elimination of all lead service lines
from our community.

Lake  Redman  Pumping  Station
Complete
We have completed construction
of an additional 20-million-gallon-
per-day  pumping  station  at  our
Lake  Redman  reservoir.  This
station and a 3.5 mile transmission
main  to  our  Filter  Plant  will
provide  redundant  capacity  in
the  event  of  a  contamination
event, power outage, or flooding. 

Dedicated and Experienced Employees
York Water’s talented employees have an average of 13 years at the Company,
which is indicative of the rewarding environment and collaborative corporate
culture of The York Water Company. A Company that continues to thrive, grow,
and improve service to its customers for 203 years can only be possible due to
the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of its employees. We thank all of the York
Water  family  for  their  commitment  to  make  this  Company  the  most  efficient
water utility in the nation. 

John Strine, VP of Operations Retires after 43 years
John  Strine  has  worked  for  York  Water  for  43  years 
and  worked  his  way  up  through  the  ranks  to  Vice
President of Operations. In a utility, experience matters,
and John has been instrumental in carrying forward the
culture  and  competence  of  our  community-based
company to newer employees. We thank him for a job
well done!

90th Anniversary of our Downtown Headquarters!
In 1929, the Company moved a block west on Market Street and constructed a
beautiful, water-themed headquarters building. Ninety years later, the building
still serves its original purpose and provides a welcome respite to thousands of
customers and visitors each year as they pass through to pay their water bills or
just stop in to see the magnificent ceiling. We invite all of our shareholders to
stop in during business hours; we’d love to give you a tour!

In 1929, York Water’s new headquarters was completed.

In 2019, the building has been superbly maintained and is still open to the public 
during normal business hours.

Highlights of Our 203rd Year 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

Summary of Operations

For the Year

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $

48,437

$

48,589

$

47,584

$

47,089

$

45,900

Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

25,920

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

22,517

Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

5,280

Gain on sale of land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

-

Other income (expenses), net . . . . . . . . . . . . 

(1,370)

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

15,867

Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2,491

24,896

23,693

4,484

-

(1,692)

17,517

4,543

23,414

24,170

5,037

36

(1,914)

17,255

5,409

23,294

23,795

4,976

-

22,593

23,307

4,996

316

(1,590)

(2,266)

17,229

4,740

16,361

4,877

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $

13,376

$

12,974

$

11,846

$

12,489

$

11,484

Per Share of Common Stock

Book value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $

9.75

$

9.28

$

8.87 

$

8.51

$

8.15

Earnings per share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.04

1.04

1.01

1.01

0.92 

0.92 

0.97

0.97

0.89

0.89

Weighted average number of shares

outstanding during the year:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

12,903,568

12,849,123

12,845,955

12,831,687 

12,879,912

Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

12,903,836

12,849,171

12,845,973

12,831,687 

12,879,912

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . 

0.6731

0.6472

0.6267 

0.6040

0.5788

Utility Plant

Original cost,

net of acquisition adjustments . . . . . . . . .  $

377,676

$

362,533

$

339,745

$

325,691

$

313,003

Construction expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

16,882

24,602

13,158

13,844

14,139

Other

Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $

345,140

$

332,030

$

320,494

$

310,533

$

300,708

Long-term debt including current 

portion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

93,358

90,142

84,653

84,562

82,312

For Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, please refer to Item 7 in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Shareholder Information 

Market Information

The common stock of The York Water Company is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol YORW.

Shareholders of record (excluding individual participants in securities positions listings) as of December 31, 2018 numbered

approximately 1,999.

Financial Reports and Investor Relations

The Company makes available free of charge, on or through its website (www.yorkwater.com), its annual report on Form

10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished

pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files

such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The SEC also maintains a website at

www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information about SEC registrants, including the Company.

Shareholders may request, without charge, copies of the Company’s financial reports.  Such requests, as well as other investor

relations inquiries, should be addressed to:

Molly E. Norton
Investor Relations and
Communications Administrator

The York Water Company
130 East Market Street
York, PA 17401

(717) 718-2942
(800) 750-5561
mollyn@yorkwater.com

Stock Exchange 
Listing
The Company’s common 
shares trade on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market. 

The trading symbol is YORW.

Independent
Auditors
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP
Suite 200 
221 West Philadelphia Street 
York, PA 17401

Transfer Agent 
& Registrar
Broadridge Corporate Issuer
Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717 
(844) 317-3311 (toll free) 
Internet:
http://shareholder.broadridge.com/YORW

Annual Meeting
Information
Monday, May 6, 2019
1:00 p.m. – Lunch 12:00 p.m. 
(reservation required)

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 North George Street
York, PA 17401

Supplemental Information (Unaudited) 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31

Selected Financial Data

Income

2018

2017

2016

Operating Revenues..............................................................................................

Operating Expenses ..............................................................................................

Operating Income..................................................................................................

Interest Expense.....................................................................................................

Net Income .............................................................................................................

Percent Change in Net Income Compared to Prior Year ................................

Common Stock Dividends ...................................................................................

Dividend Payout Ratio .........................................................................................

$48,437

$25,920

$22,517

$5,280

$13,376

3.1%

$8,690

65.0%

$48,589

$24,896

$23,693

$4,484

$12,974

9.5%

$8,318

64.1%

$47,584  

$23,414

$24,170

$5,037

$11,846

-5.1%

$8,051

68.0%

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic ................................

12,903,568

12,849,123

12,845,955

Basic & Diluted Earnings Per Weighted Average Common Share................

$1.04

$1.01

$0.92

Number of Common Shares Outstanding.........................................................

12,943,536

12,872,742

12,852,295

ROE on Year End Common Equity ....................................................................

Common Stock Dividends Per Share .................................................................

Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities ......................................................

10.6%

$0.6731

$18,372

Balance Sheet

Common Stockholders’ Equity ...........................................................................

$126,195

Long-Term Debt Including Current Maturities ................................................

$93,358

Total Capitalization ...............................................................................................

$219,553

Percent Common Stockholders’ Equity .............................................................

Percent Long-Term Debt ......................................................................................

57%

43%

10.9%

$0.6472

$20,111

$119,405

$90,142

$209,547

57%

43%

10.4% 

$0.6267

$19,365

$114,061

$84,653

$198,714

57% 

43% 

Net Utility Plant ....................................................................................................

$299,157

$288,787

$270,907

Operating Data

Revenue Class

Residential ..............................................................................................................

Commercial and Industrial..................................................................................

Other........................................................................................................................

Total Operating Revenues....................................................................................

$31,281

$13,578

$3,578

$48,437

$31,257

$13,729

$3,603

$48,589

$30,218  

$13,760  

$3,606  

$47,584 

Construction Expenditures ..........................................................................

$16,882

$24,602

$13,158  

Other Operating Data

Number of Customers ..........................................................................................

70,263

Number of Employees..........................................................................................

Common Shareholders .........................................................................................

Book Value Per Common Share ..........................................................................

Market Value at Year End ....................................................................................

Market Value to Book Value ................................................................................

P/E Ratio ................................................................................................................

109

1,999

$9.75

$32.06

329%

30.8

69,604

102

2,011

$9.28

$33.90

365%

33.6

67,052  

103

2,052 

$8.87 

$38.20

431% 

41.5 

Supplemental Information (Unaudited) 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

$47,089

$23,294

$23,795

$4,976

$12,489

8.8%

$7,743

62.0%

$45,900 

$22,593

$23,307

$4,996

$11,484

19.0%

$7,443

64.8%

$42,383

$21,217

$21,166

$5,267

$9,654

3.8%

$7,214

74.7%

$41,447

$20,331

$21,116

$5,249

$9,303

2.4% 

$6,929

74.5% 

$40,629

$20,091

$20,538

$5,260

$9,084

1.7%

$6,708

73.8% 

$39,005

$18,735

$20,270

$4,894

$8,929

18.9% 

$6,506

72.9% 

$37,043

$19,065

$17,978

$4,896

$7,512

16.8% 

$6,050

80.5% 

$32,838

$17,879

$14,959

$4,219

$6,431

0.3% 

$5,526

85.9% 

12,831,687

12,879,912

12,928,040

12,847,160

12,734,420

12,626,660

11,695,155

11,298,215

$0.97

$0.89

$0.75

$0.72

$0.71

$0.71

$0.64

$0.57  

12,812,377

12,830,521

12,979,281

12,918,633

12,791,671

12,692,054

12,558,724

11,367,248

11.5%

$0.6040

$20,710

$109,070

$84,562

$193,632

56%

44%

11.0%

$0.5788

$18,766

$104,563

$82,312

$186,875

56% 

44%

9.3%

$0.5580

$18,438

$103,511

$82,741

$186,252

56%

44%

9.3% 

$0.5391

$16,422

9.5% 

$0.5266

$17,474

9.8% 

$0.5150

$14,755

8.6% 

$0.5060

$15,801

9.2% 

$0.4890

$11,527

$99,825

$82,684

$182,509

55%

45%

$95,265

$82,621

$177,886

54%

46%

$91,257

$82,672

$173,929

52%

48%

$86,922

$75,662

$162,584

53%

47%

$69,766

$84,340

$154,106

45%

55%

$261,420

$253,194

$244,237

$239,539

$232,277

$227,677

$221,475

$210,820

$29,761

$13,822

$3,506

$47,089

$29,165

$13,267

$3,468

$45,900

$26,873

$12,299

$3,211

$42,383

$26,192  

$12,114  

$3,141 

$41,447  

$25,750  

$11,820 

$3,059  

$40,629  

$24,550  

$11,440 

$3,015 

$39,005 

$23,368  

$10,734  

$2,941  

$37,043 

$20,634  

$9,671  

$2,533  

$32,838

$13,844

$14,139 

$9,852

$11,543

$9,472

$10,541

$12,535

$24,438

66,087

107

2,007

$8.51

$24.94

293%

25.7

65,102

107

2,002 

$8.15

$23.21

285% 

26.1 

64,118

104

2,023

$7.98

$20.93

262%

27.9

63,779

105

1,786

$7.73

$17.57

227%

24.4

62,738 

106

1,658

$7.45

$17.64

237%

24.8

62,505 

111

1,649

$7.19

$17.29

240%

24.4

62,186 

111

1,516

$6.92

$14.51

210%

22.7

61,527 

110

1,485

$6.14

$12.10

197%

21.2

Directors, Officers, & Key Employees

Board of Directors 

James H. Cawley (1) (3)
Age 73
Director Since 2016

Cynthia A. Dotzel
Age 64
Director Since 2019

Michael W. Gang, Esq. (1)
Age 68
Director Since 1996

Jeffrey R. Hines, P.E. (1)
Age 57
Director Since 2008

George W. Hodges (1) 
Age 68
Chairman
Director Since 2000

George Hay Kain, III (4)
Age 70
Director Since 1986

Jody L. Keller (4)
Age 65
Director Since 2015

Erin C. McGlaughlin (2) (3)
Age 45
Director Since 2016

Robert P. Newcomer (1) (2) (4)
Age 70
Director Since 2013

Steven R. Rasmussen,
CPA (2) (3)
Age 46
Director Since 2011

Ernest J. Waters (1) (2) (4)
Age 69
Director Since 2007

Directors Emeriti
Josephine S. Appell
Chloé R. Eichelberger
John L. Finlayson
William T. Morris
Irvin S. Naylor
Thomas C. Norris
Jeffrey S. Osman

Key
(1)  Executive Committee     
(2)  Audit Committee     
(3)  Nomination and Corporate
Governance Committee
(4)  Compensation Committee

In 2018, construction began on several projects at Lake Williams. The first project is the installation of a valve on the 

48” outlet pipe passing through the dam (shown in these pictures). Lake Williams was drained down for this portion 

of the work.  When this work is completed in 2019, the lake will be allowed to refill and then the spillway will be replaced

with new concrete, and then a roller compacted concrete armoring project will take place on the downstream face of the dam.

These projects will allow the reservoir and dam to continue to provide valuable service to the community 
and our growing customer base for the next 100 years. 

Directors, Officers, & Key Employees

Officers & Key Employees 

Vernon L. Bracey
Age 57
Vice President-
Customer Service

Natalee Colón, SHRM-CP
Age 31
Vice President-
Human Resources

Joseph T. Hand
Age 56
Chief Operating Officer 

Mark J. Hardman
Age 46
Vice President-Technology

Jeffrey R. Hines, P.E.
Age 57
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Matthew E. Poff, CPA
Age 47
Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer

Mark S. Snyder, P.E.
Age 48
Vice President-Engineering

Martin L. Strine 
Age 58
Operations Manager

Molly E. Norton
Investor Relations and
Communications Administrator

Chartered Territory Distribution and Supply System

In 2018, a community-wide iniative occurred to assist with transportation of fish and other aquatic life from Lake Williams 
prior to lowering the lake for construction at the dam.

The York Water Company

130 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
717-845-3601
www.yorkwater.com