American States Water Company Announces First Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

American States Water Company reported a decrease in earnings per share for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The company announced diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for Q1 2024, down from $0.93 in Q1 2023. The decrease was attributed to various factors, including the impact of the water general rate case and estimated revenues subject to refund. AWR's water segment experienced a decrease in diluted earnings, while the electric and contracted services segments also saw declines. The company's parent entity, AWR, reported an increase in losses for Q1 2024. AWR's quarterly dividend rate has been growing steadily, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% over the last five years.

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• American States Water Company's earnings per share for the first quarter of 2024 decreased by $0.31 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting challenges in the water, electric, and contracted services segments. The company's parent entity, AWR, reported an increase in losses for Q1 2024. The impact of the water general rate case and lower revenues affected the financial performance. The contracted services segment experienced a decrease in earnings due to lower construction activity and increased operating expenses. Electric segment earnings declined due to pending rate adjustments and rising operating costs.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The report indicates a decrease in total earnings per share (EPS) from $0.93 to $0.62 year-over-year, which can signal a potential concern for profitability and might influence an investor's assessment of the company's near-term financial health. However, the adjusted increase of $0.02 per share, when comparing non-GAAP measures, shows a more stable performance excluding one-off effects. The divergence between GAAP and non-GAAP results underscores the importance of understanding these adjustments for a more accurate evaluation. The detailed segment analysis reveals that the Water Segment experienced an adjusted earnings increase of 17.1%, primarily due to rate increases and higher water usage, which is a positive development. However, the Electric Segment saw a slight decrease in earnings due to pending rate case decisions and the Contracted Services Segment earnings decreased due to lower construction activity and higher operating expenses. The expansion in operating the water and wastewater utility systems at two new military bases could contribute to future earnings growth, showcasing the company's ability to secure long-term contracts. Furthermore, the dividend growth is a positive sign of the company's commitment to shareholder returns, boasting an impressive track record and a targeted compound annual growth rate. An investor might consider the long-term dividend growth and the recent operational expansions as positive aspects, despite the short-term earnings decline.

Utilities Industry Expert

The earnings report from American States Water Company provides insights into the regulatory influence on utility companies. The adjustments due to retroactive rates from a water general rate case are a reminder of the regulatory risks and timing impacts inherent in the utilities sector. For investors, understanding the context of these rate cases and the timing of revenue recognition is crucial. The company's reliance on rate increases approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to drive earnings growth indicates a heavy dependency on regulatory outcomes. This can be both a stabilizing factor, ensuring consistent revenue streams, but also a risk if rate increases are not granted as anticipated. The Contracted Services Segment showcases diversification within the company's revenue streams, which could be perceived positively by investors looking for reduced risk exposure. The broadened base with new military contracts may provide a steady income over the extended period, aligning with the company's historical dividend growth. The company's strategy and consistent dividend increase reflect a focus on long-term financial stability rather than short-term earnings volatility, which could be seen as a favorable position for risk-averse investors.

• 2024 first quarter recorded (and adjusted) earnings were $0.62 per share, compared to 2023 first quarter recorded earnings of $0.93 per share. Adjusted earnings for 2023 first quarter were $0.60 per share excluding:
  • $0.38 per share related to the full year of 2022 because of receiving a proposed decision in the water utility general rate case, and
  • $0.05 per share recorded as revenues subject to refund that were subsequently reversed in June 2023 upon receiving the final decision in the cost of capital proceeding.

• AWR’s contracted services subsidiary began operating the water and wastewater utility systems at two new military bases during April 2024

SAN DIMAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) today reported basic and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, as compared to basic and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.93 for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of $0.31 per share that reflects the recording in the first quarter of 2023: (i) the impact of the water general rate case at AWR’s regulated water utility segment, Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”), including retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022 of $0.38, and (ii) approximately a $0.05 per share loss resulting from the impact of estimated revenues subject to refund as a result of GSWC’s pending cost of capital proceeding at that time. The $0.05 per share was subsequently reversed in June 2023 upon receiving the final decision in the cost of capital proceeding that made all adjustments to rates prospective. Excluding these items from the three months ended March 31, 2023 results, adjusted consolidated diluted earnings were $0.60 per share, compared to recorded consolidated diluted earnings of $0.62 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an adjusted increase of $0.02 per share for 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Results

The table below sets forth a comparison of the first quarter 2024 diluted earnings per share contribution recorded by business segment and for the parent company with amounts recorded during the same period in 2023.

		Diluted Earnings per Share
		Three Months Ended
		3/31/2024				3/31/2023				CHANGE
Water		$	0.48			$	0.74			$	(0.26	)
Electric			0.05				0.06				(0.01	)
Contracted services			0.13				0.15				(0.02	)
AWR (parent)			(0.03	)			(0.02	)			(0.01	)
Consolidated fully diluted earnings per share, as recorded (GAAP)			0.62				0.93				(0.31	)
Adjustments to GAAP measure:
Impact of retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022 from the proposed decision in the water general rate case*			—				(0.38	)			0.38
Impact of estimated revenues subject to refund recorded in 2023*			—				0.05				(0.05	)
Consolidated diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (Non-GAAP)*		$	0.62			$	0.60			$	0.02
Water diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (Non-GAAP)*		$	0.48			$	0.41			$	0.07

Note: Certain amounts in the table above may not foot or crossfoot due to rounding.

* All adjustments to 2023's recorded diluted earnings per share relate to the water segment. The water segment’s adjusted earnings for 2023 exclude both the impact of the water general rate case proposed decision that included retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022, and the impact of lower revenues due to the recording of estimates related to revenues subject to refund shown separately in the table above. Lower revenues were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023 related to an estimate of revenues subject to refund recorded at that time from the pending cost of capital proceeding that were subsequently reversed in June 2023 upon receiving the final decision in this proceeding that made all adjustments to rates prospective.

Water Segment:

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, recorded diluted earnings from the water utility segment were $0.48 per share, as compared to $0.74 per share for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.26 per share. Excluding the impact of the water general rate case including retroactive rates related to the full 2022 year of $0.38 per share and the impact of approximately $0.05 per share resulting from revenues subject to refund related to the pending cost of capital proceeding at the time, adjusted diluted earnings for the first quarter of 2023 at the water segment were $0.41 per share, as compared to adjusted and recorded earnings of $0.48 per share for the first quarter of 2024, an adjusted increase at the water segment of $0.07 per share, or a 17.1% increase, due largely to the following items:

• An increase in water operating revenues of approximately $5.2 million was largely as a result of the third-year rate increases related to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in water revenues during the first quarter of 2024 represents the difference from the third-year rate increases compared to the estimated second-year rate increases recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as a result of receiving a proposed decision in the water general rate case at that time.

• An increase in water supply costs of $511,000, which consist of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and changes in the water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs is primarily related to an increase in customer water usage and an increase in overall actual supply costs in 2024. Actual water supply costs are tracked and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no net impact on the water segment’s profitability.

• An overall increase in operating expenses of $862,000 (excluding supply costs) due primarily to increases in (i) overall labor costs and other employee-related benefits, (ii) administrative and general expenses resulting largely from higher outside-services costs and insurance costs, and (iii) property taxes; partially offset by decreases in the timing of other operation and maintenance expenses.

• An increase in interest expenses (net of interest income) of $1.6 million resulting primarily from an overall increase in interest rates, as well as an overall increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure programs at GSWC, partially offset by higher interest income earned on regulatory assets bearing interest at the current 90-day commercial-paper rate, which increased compared to 2023’s rates, as well as an increase in the level of regulatory assets recorded.

• An overall increase in other income (net of other expenses) of $704,000 due primarily to an increase of $440,000 in the gains generated on investments held to fund one of the Company’s retirement plans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to financial market conditions.

• Changes in certain flowed-through income taxes and permanent items included in GSWC’s income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 that favorably impacted the water segment’s earnings. As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as being flowed-through in computing its income tax expense consistent with the income tax method used in its CPUC-jurisdiction rate making. Changes in the magnitude of flowed-through items either increase or decrease tax expense, thereby affecting diluted earnings per share.

Electric Segment:

Diluted earnings from the electric utility segment decreased $0.01 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely resulting from not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026, while also experiencing continued increases in overall operating expenses and interest costs. When a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, new rates are expected to be retroactive to January 1, 2023 and cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time.

Contracted Services Segment:

Diluted earnings from the contracted services segment decreased $0.02 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, due to a decrease in construction activity largely resulting from the timing difference of when construction work was performed in 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 and an overall increase in operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in management fee revenue resulting from the resolution of various economic price adjustments.

After completing successful transitions, in April 2024 the contracted services segment began operating the water and wastewater utility systems at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland under a 50-year privatization contract with the U.S. government, and at Joint Base Cape Cod in Massachusetts under a 15-year contract with the U.S. government. The contracted services segment is expected to contribute $0.50 to $0.54 per share for the full 2024 year.

AWR (Parent):

For the first quarter of 2024, diluted losses from AWR (parent) increased by $0.01 per share compared to the same period in 2023 due primarily to an increase in interest expense resulting from higher short-term interest rates and higher borrowings under AWR’s revolving credit facility.

Dividends

On May 6, 2024, AWR’s Board of Directors approved a second quarter dividend of $0.43 per share on AWR’s Common Shares. Dividends on the Common Shares will be paid on June 3, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 20, 2024. AWR has paid common dividends every year since 1931, and has increased the dividends received by shareholders each calendar year for 69 consecutive years, which places it in an exclusive group of companies on the New York Stock Exchange that have achieved that result. The company’s quarterly dividend rate has grown at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 9.4% over the last five calendar years. AWR's current policy is to achieve a CAGR in the dividend of more than 7% over the long-term.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes a discussion on AWR’s operations in terms of diluted earnings per share by business segment, which is each business segment’s earnings divided by the company’s weighted average number of diluted common shares. The impact of the water general rate case proposed decision and the retroactive rates related to the full year 2022 recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the impact from the estimates of revenues subject to refund recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023 have been excluded in this analysis when communicating AWR’s consolidated and the water segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 to help facilitate comparisons of AWR’s performance from period to period. All of these measures are derived from consolidated financial information but are not presented in our financial statements that are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States. These items constitute “non-GAAP financial measures” under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, which supplement our GAAP disclosures but should not be considered as an alternative to the respective GAAP measures. Furthermore, the non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other registrants.

The company uses earnings per share by business segment as an important measure in evaluating its operating results and believes this measure is a useful internal benchmark in evaluating the performance of its operating segments. The company reviews this measurement regularly and compares it to historical periods and to the operating budget. The company has provided the computations and reconciliations of diluted earnings per share from the measure of operating income by business segment to AWR’s consolidated fully diluted earnings per share in this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release with regard to the company’s expectations may be forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The assumptions and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include those described in the company’s most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call

Robert Sprowls, president and chief executive officer, and Eva Tang, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call to discuss these results at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. Pacific Time) on Wednesday, May 8. There will be a question and answer session as part of the call. Interested parties can listen to the live conference call and view accompanying slides on the internet at www.aswater.com. The call will be archived on the website and available for replay beginning May 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) through May 15, 2024.

About American States Water Company

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. and American States Utility Services, Inc., serving over one million people in ten states. Through its water utility subsidiary, Golden State Water Company, the company provides water service to approximately 264,200 customer connections located within more than 80 communities in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its electric utility subsidiary, Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc., the company distributes electricity to approximately 24,800 customer connections in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California. Through its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment facilities located on twelve military bases throughout the country under 50-year privatization contracts with the U.S. government and one military base under a 15-year contract.

The company has achieved an 8.1% compound annual growth rate in its calendar year dividend payments from 2013 – 2023.

American States Water Company
Consolidated
	Comparative Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands)	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$	1,933,694		$	1,892,280
Goodwill		1,116			1,116
Other Property and Investments		44,896			42,932
Current Assets		205,091			205,978
Other Assets		108,099			103,816
Total Assets	$	2,292,896		$	2,246,122
Capitalization and Liabilities
Capitalization	$	1,376,023		$	1,351,664
Current Liabilities		178,577			166,623
Other Credits		738,296			727,835
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$	2,292,896		$	2,246,122

	Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2024				2023
Operating Revenues
Water	$	90,265			$	112,712
Electric		12,205				12,904
Contracted services		32,781				35,807
Total operating revenues		135,251				161,423
Operating Expenses
Water purchased		13,761				14,304
Power purchased for pumping		2,832				2,354
Groundwater production assessment		4,854				3,833
Power purchased for resale		4,332				4,986
Supply cost balancing accounts		(608	)			11,566
Other operation		9,623				10,116
Administrative and general		25,347				23,547
Depreciation and amortization		10,722				11,203
Maintenance		3,225				3,150
Property and other taxes		6,487				6,295
ASUS construction		15,702				18,904
Total operating expenses		96,277				110,258
Operating income		38,974				51,165
Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense		(12,855	)			(9,481	)
Interest income		2,070				1,864
Other, net		2,342				1,611
Total other income and (expenses), net		(8,443	)			(6,006	)
Income Before Income Tax Expense		30,531				45,159
Income tax expense		7,396				10,752
Net Income	$	23,135			$	34,407
Weighted average shares outstanding		37,030				36,968
Basic earnings per Common Share	$	0.62			$	0.93
Weighted average diluted shares		37,107				37,047
Fully diluted earnings per Common Share	$	0.62			$	0.93
Dividends paid per Common Share	$	0.4300			$	0.3975

Computation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure (Unaudited)

Below are the computation and reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from the measure of operating income by business segment to AWR’s consolidated fully diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

	Water						Electric						Contracted Services						AWR (Parent)								Consolidated (GAAP)
In 000's except per share amounts	Q1 2024			Q1 2023			Q1 2024			Q1 2023			Q1 2024			Q1 2023			Q1 2024				Q1 2023				Q1 2024			Q1 2023
Operating income (loss)	$	29,167		$	40,239		$	3,141		$	3,631		$	6,667		$	7,296		$	(1	)		$	(1	)		$	38,974		$	51,165
Other (income) and expenses, net		5,549			3,866			839			560			333			257			1,722				1,323				8,443			6,006
Income tax expense (benefit)		5,824			8,910			560			701			1,560			1,685			(548	)			(544	)			7,396			10,752
Net income (loss)	$	17,794		$	27,463		$	1,742		$	2,370		$	4,774		$	5,354		$	(1,175	)		$	(780	)		$	23,135		$	34,407
Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares		37,107			37,047			37,107			37,047			37,107			37,047			37,107				37,047				37,107			37,047
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.48		$	0.74		$	0.05		$	0.06		$	0.13		$	0.15		$	(0.03	)		$	(0.02	)		$	0.62		$	0.93
Note: Certain amounts in the table above may not foot or crossfoot due to rounding.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240506372384/en/

Eva G. Tang

Senior Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer,

Corporate Secretary and Treasurer

Telephone: (909) 394-3600, ext. 707

Source: American States Water Company

FAQ

What were American States Water Company's earnings per share for the first quarter of 2024?

American States Water Company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the percentage decrease in earnings per share compared to the first quarter of 2023?

Earnings per share decreased by $0.31 from $0.93 in Q1 2023 to $0.62 in Q1 2024.

What caused the decrease in earnings per share for American States Water Company?

The decrease was attributed to factors such as the impact of the water general rate case and estimated revenues subject to refund.

Did the water segment of American States Water Company experience a decline in diluted earnings?

Yes, the water segment saw a decrease in diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

What was the change in earnings for the contracted services segment of American States Water Company?

The contracted services segment experienced a decrease in earnings of $0.02 per share for the first quarter of 2024.

What is American States Water Company's current dividend rate and growth rate?

AWR's Board of Directors approved a second quarter dividend of $0.43 per share. The company has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% in its dividend rate over the last five years.