The Bottom Line: Sprague, White Mountains Insurance Group and generative AI
A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide
Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) recently announced net income of $4 million, or $0.25 in Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of $0.3 million in net income, or $0.02 in EPS, compared to the second quarter of 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the company reported net income of $31.5 million, or $1.94 in EPS. Net income is unchanged and EPS decreased $0.02 when compared to the first six months of 2024. The company’s adjusted net income — which excluded transaction-related costs from its acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas Company, Maine Natural Gas Company and Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts, Inc., Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, Inc., and Abenaki Water Co., Inc. — was $4.7 million, or $0.29 in EPS, for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of $0.4 million, or $0.02 in EPS, compared to the second quarter of 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the company’s adjusted net income, which excluded transaction-related costs in connection with the acquisition of Bangor, Maine Natural and the Aquarion Companies, was $33.1 million, or $2.03 in EPS, an increase of $1.6 million, or $0.07 in EPS compared to the first six months of 2024.
Unitil’s chairman and CEO Thomas Meissner commented that the company’s strong financial results reflect its focus on operational excellence and strong customer service. He emphasized that the company will continue to capitalize on opportunistic acquisitions to drive long-term sustainable value for stakeholders.
Sprague Operating Resources LLC, an energy and material handling provider in the Northeast, has announced key leadership changes aimed at accelerating growth and supporting future expansion. Dave Glendon, formerly president and CEO, has transitioned to chairman, where he will focus on maximizing the value of Sprague’s asset base.
To lead the company’s commercial strategy, Sprague has appointed two co-presidents: Brian Weego and Karl Schmidt. These appointments are part of a broader, multi-year strategic plan to advance the company’s long-term vision.
Brian Weego, a 20-year veteran at Sprague, has successfully grown the Natural Gas division into a major business serving nearly 30,000 customers across commercial, government and industrial sectors in the Northeast. He expressed enthusiasm about expanding Sprague’s reach and continuing to deliver value through innovation and expertise.
Karl Schmidt joins Sprague from its parent company, Hartree Partners, LP. He brings experience in building successful operations in fuel oil, metals and international bunker fuels, and has supported Sprague’s Canadian subsidiary, Kildair Service ULC.
Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL), a workforce learning and development software provider, has announced that its AI-powered learning platform is now available on AWS Marketplace. This move simplifies procurement and integration for organizations using Amazon Web Services, allowing them to more easily access and deploy Skillsoft’s solutions to accelerate upskilling and talent development.
According to Apratim Purakayastha, GM of talent development solutions at Skillsoft, the company aims to meet customers where they are by streamlining the purchasing process and helping them leverage the financial and operational advantages of AWS. This integration supports companies in addressing skill gaps, adapting to rapid tech changes and building future-ready teams.
Skillsoft’s platform offers a comprehensive suite of learning tools, including AI-driven coaching for conversational skills, personalized learning paths, skill assessments, on-demand content, and live instructor-led training. Key benefits include: role-specific learning across tech, leadership and compliance topics; performance measurement insights; customers receive a boost in skill proficiency; and workforce development aligns with business goals.