California Water Service Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) reported strong financial results for Q4 and full year 2024. The company achieved operating revenue of $1.037 billion in 2024, up from $794.6 million in 2023, and diluted earnings per share of $3.25, compared to $0.91 in 2023.

Key highlights include a record capital investment of $471.0 million in water system infrastructure and authorization from CPUC to maintain the current 10.27% return on equity through December 2026. The company's 2024 General Rate Case proposes investing over $1.6 billion in infrastructure from 2025-2027, with proposed rate adjustments to increase revenue by 17.1% in 2026, 7.7% in 2027, and 8.1% in 2028.

Q4 2024 net income was $19.7 million ($0.33 per share), compared to $30.1 million ($0.52 per share) in Q4 2023. The company declared its 320th consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, plus a special dividend of $0.04 per share.

Positive

• Record revenue growth to $1.037B (+30.5% YoY)
• EPS increased significantly to $3.25 from $0.91
• Record capital investment of $471M (+23% YoY)
• Maintained strong 10.27% ROE through 2026
• 320th consecutive quarterly dividend plus special dividend

Negative

• Q4 2024 net income declined 34.6% YoY
• Operating expenses increased by $94.3M (+13.1%) in 2024
• Water production costs rose by $22.2M
• Proposed significant rate increases may face customer resistance

Insights

Financial Analyst

California Water Service Group's Q4 and full-year 2024 results reveal significant financial improvements, though investors should carefully distinguish between recurring and non-recurring elements. The headline $3.25 EPS (versus $0.91 in 2023) and $1.037 billion in revenue (up 30.5%) were substantially boosted by a one-time regulatory adjustment from the 2021 California GRC decision. Specifically, $87.5 million of revenue and $64 million of net income included in 2024 figures actually relate to 2023 operations – creating a non-comparable year-over-year picture.

The regulatory environment remains exceptionally favorable for CWT, with the CPUC authorizing maintenance of their 10.27% return on equity through 2026. This ROE level stands notably higher than many water utility peers and provides remarkable earnings visibility during a period when many utilities face ROE pressures. The Water Cost of Capital Mechanism provides additional protection, only triggering ROE adjustments based on significant movements in the Moody's Utilities Bond Index.

CWT's record $471 million capital investment (up 23% year-over-year) underscores their infrastructure-focused growth strategy. Their 2024 GRC filing proposes $1.6 billion in investments for 2025-2027, requesting substantial rate increases: 17.1% in 2026, 7.7% in 2027, and 8.1% in 2028. While these investments are critical for system reliability and sustainability, the magnitude of proposed rate increases could face regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding customer affordability.

The company's proactive emergency preparedness investments ($55 million over five years) represent a strategic approach to climate-related risks in their service territories. These investments not only protect infrastructure but potentially qualify for favorable regulatory treatment as safety-related capital expenditures.

With $95.7 million in cash and $395 million in available credit, CWT maintains solid liquidity to support their capital program. The declaration of their 320th consecutive quarterly dividend ($0.30 plus $0.04 special dividend) demonstrates confidence in sustainable cash flows despite their capital-intensive growth strategy.

Utility Regulatory Expert

The regulatory outcomes driving CWT's 2024 performance reveal both short-term benefits and long-term strategic advantages. The $123.9 million revenue boost from the 2021 California GRC decision represents a classic case of regulatory lag working in shareholders' favor – creating a substantial one-time earnings benefit that normalizes the company's revenue trajectory going forward.

CWT's secured 10.27% ROE through 2026 represents an extraordinary regulatory achievement in today's utility landscape. For context, this ROE stands approximately 75-100 basis points higher than recent water utility authorizations nationwide, which typically range from 9.0% to 9.5%. This premium return creates significant shareholder value – each 10 basis point advantage in ROE translates to approximately $0.02-0.03 in annual EPS based on the company's equity ratio and rate base.

The 2024 GRC proceeding appears to be advancing favorably, though investors should watch for potential modifications to their ambitious rate increase requests. The initial 17.1% increase proposed for 2026 significantly exceeds typical water utility rate increases and may face scrutiny from the CalPA, which historically recommends substantial reductions to initial utility requests. However, the CPUC's recent track record shows general support for water infrastructure investment, suggesting the final outcome may be closer to the company's request than in previous cycles.

CWT's proposed Low-Use Water Equity Program represents a pioneering regulatory approach that could transform California water utility rate design. This decoupling mechanism would reduce the impact of declining usage on revenues while addressing affordability concerns – potentially creating a more stable revenue model that better aligns conservation goals with financial stability.

The Water Cost of Capital Mechanism provides asymmetric protection in the current environment – with interest rates generally expected to decline, the mechanism is more likely to protect against ROE reductions than trigger adjustments. This regulatory feature essentially locks in CWT's premium ROE through 2026, barring dramatic interest rate movements.

The recently received CalPA report will provide the first significant regulatory response to their infrastructure proposals. Historically, CalPA recommends 15-30% reductions to requested capital spending, but CWT's focus on sustainability and emergency preparedness investments may receive more favorable treatment given California's climate challenges.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  California Water Service Group (Group or Company, NYSE: CWT), a leading publicly traded water utility serving California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.

Highlights included:

• 2024 operating revenue of $1.037 billion, compared to $794.6 million in 2023
• Diluted earnings per share of $3.25 in 2024, compared to $0.91 in 2023
• Record capital investment of $471.0 million in water system infrastructure
• Authorization from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to postpone the 2025 Cost of Capital Application to May 1, 2026, maintaining the current 10.27% return on equity plus or minus any changes from the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (WCCM)
• Timely progress on California 2024 General Rate Case and Infrastructure Improvement Plan (GRC) filing
  • Scoping Memo and Ruling issued in November 2024
  • Subsequent to year end, public participation hearings conducted and California Public Advocate’s (CalPA) report received
• Declaration of the 320^th consecutive quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.30 per share, plus special dividend of $0.04 per share

“Our strong operational and financial performance in 2024 demonstrates our team’s exceptional execution of our business strategy. A key milestone was filing our 2024 California GRC, which includes investments to provide a safe and sustainable water supply to our customers. As we enter 2025, we’re focused on working together with the CPUC to advance this rate case to a timely decision,” said Chairman and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki.

Q4 2024 Financial Results

• Net income attributable to Group was $19.7 million, or $0.33 diluted earnings per share, in Q4 2024, compared to net income of $30.1 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per share, in Q4 2023.
• Operating revenue was $222.2 million, compared to $214.5 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $7.7 million.
  • Increased rates added $24.2 million in revenue.
  • Monterey-style Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (MWRAM) revenue increased $5.5 million due to lower higher-tier water sales.
  • Revenue increases were partially offset by lower unbilled revenue totaling $8.1 million due to reduced December water usage.
  • Deferred Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism balances totaling $19.4 million recognized in Q4 2023 did not recur in 2024.

• Operating expenses were $189.9 million in Q4 2024, compared to $179.3 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $10.6 million.
  • Water production costs increased by $3.4 million to $73.7 million, primarily due to an increase in wholesale rates and higher consumption.
  • Income tax benefit decreased $10.1 million to $3.8 million, primarily due to timing of annual Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax benefit recognition.
• Net interest expense increased by $2.6 million to $14.9 million in Q4 2024 due to higher borrowings, partially offset by lower interest rates.

Full Year 2024 Financial Results

• Net income attributable to Group was $190.8 million, or $3.25 diluted earnings per share, in 2024, compared to $51.9 million, or $0.91 diluted earnings per share, in 2023.
• Operating revenue was $1.037 billion in 2024, compared to $794.6 million in 2023, an increase of $242.4 million.
  • A cumulative adjustment for the impacts of the 2021 California GRC decision, including 2023 and 2024 interim rate relief and the MWRAM, added $123.9 million in revenue.
  • An additional net increase of $122.1 million was due primarily to higher rates and increased consumption.
• Operating expenses were $811.8 million in 2024, compared to $717.5 million in 2023.
  • Water production costs increased by $22.2 million, mostly due to an increase in wholesale water rates and higher consumption.
  • Depreciation and amortization increased $10.7 million due to new utility plant placed in service.
  • Income taxes increased $51.1 million, primarily due to the increase in pre-tax income.

Impact of 2023 Interim Rates on 2024 Results

As a result of the Q1 2024 adoption of the 2021 California GRC decision, interim rate relief related to 2023 totaling $87.5 million of revenue and $64.0 million of net income was included in 2024 operating results. This included $20.2 million of revenue and $13.6 million of net income that was attributable to the three months ending Dec. 31, 2023.

Liquidity, Financing, and Capital Investment

In 2024, Group increased its cash position to $95.7 million from $85.0 million in 2023, of which $45.6 million was restricted, and had additional short-term borrowing capacity of $395 million, subject to meeting the borrowing conditions on its Group and Group subsidiary California Water Service (Cal Water) lines of credit.

On Aug. 2, 2024, the CPUC approved an application for Cal Water to issue up to $1.3 billion in new debt and equity securities.

On Oct. 22, 2024, Cal Water issued $125.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.22% First Mortgage Bonds (Bonds) due Oct. 22, 2054. The Bonds include terms and conditions similar to Cal Water’s existing First Mortgage Bond indebtedness.

Group capital investments during the 12-month period ended Dec. 31, 2024, increased to a record total of $471.0 million, up 23% over the same period last year.

California Regulatory Activity

2024 General Rate Case and Infrastructure Improvement Plan

On July 8, 2024, Cal Water submitted a GRC that included infrastructure improvement plans for 2025-2027. Cal Water proposes to invest more than $1.6 billion in its districts from 2025-2027 in order to support its ability to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water and enhance sustainability. In its application, Cal Water proposes to adjust rates to increase total revenue by $140.6 million, or 17.1%, in 2026; $74.2 million, or 7.7%, in 2027; and $83.6 million, or 8.1%, in 2028. Importantly, the application also proposes a Low-Use Water Equity Program that would decouple revenue from water sales to assist low-water-using, lower-income customers.

The triennial filing, which began in July 2024, is an approximately 18-month review process leading to a final CPUC decision.

The GRC is progressing on time, with the assigned commissioner issuing a Scoping Memo and Ruling in Nov. 2024 and subsequently completing public participation hearings for customers. In addition, in Jan. 2025, Cal Water received a report from CalPA providing comments on our filing. Cal Water has 60 days to provide a response to the CalPA report. Given the progress made in the proceeding and recent decisions issued by the CPUC for other water utilities, the Company is optimistic a final decision can be reached as scheduled.

Cost of Capital

The CPUC has authorized Cal Water to maintain its current cost of capital structure through Dec. 31, 2026. Cal Water’s current cost of capital includes:

• 10.27% return on equity (ROE)
• 4.23% average cost of debt
• 53.40% common equity and 46.60% long-term debt capital structure
• 7.46% overall authorized rate of return

The CPUC’s decision postpones Cal Water’s next Cost of Capital application from May 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026. Additionally, the CPUC reauthorized the WCCM, which may trigger an ROE adjustment based on changes in the Moody’s Utilities Bond Index. The next WCCM calculation will be performed as of Sept. 30, 2025, and the adjustment that results from the calculation, if any, would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Emergency Response Actions

Group maintained its emergency response leadership throughout 2024, regularly conducting Community Emergency Operations Response training for its employees, first responders, and organizations across its service areas.

Notable exercises included subsidiary Hawaii Water Service’s July 2024 drills in Maui and on the Big Island, which brought together employees, emergency responders, regulatory agencies, state officials, utilities, contractors, and community partners.

None of Cal Water’s service areas were directly impacted by the Southern California wildfires in early 2025; however, in response, the Company has made contributions to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation, Pasadena Humane, and SPCA LA. Group remains committed to supporting both its affected employees and the impacted communities during this challenging time.

Group’s proactive emergency preparedness focuses on wildfire risk mitigation through strategic vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades, crew positioning, and backup power systems. It has invested nearly $55 million over the past five years in pumps, pipelines and emergency generators to mitigate wildfire risk, and has made contributions of nearly $1 million to support local fire agencies across its service areas.

For additional details, please see Form 10-K which will be available at https://www.calwatergroup.com/investors/financials-filings-reports/sec-filings 

Quarterly Earnings Teleconference

All stockholders and interested investors are invited to attend the conference call on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET) by dialing 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963 and keying in ID# 5777452. Alternatively, the live audio webcast may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/cbxzkhb6/. Please join at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure a timely connection to the call. A replay of the call will be available from 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, through Monday, Mar. 31, 2025, at 1-800-770-2030 or 1-609-800-9909 using ID# 5777452, or at the webcast above. The call will be hosted by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki; Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer James P. Lynch; and Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, Greg A. Milleman. Prior to the call, the Company will furnish a slide presentation on its website.

About California Water Service Group

California Water Service Group is the parent company of regulated utilities California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service, as well as Texas Water Service, a utility holding company. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater service to more than 2.1 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas. California Water Service Group’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT.” Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for “safe harbor” treatment established by the PSLRA. Forward-looking statements in this news release are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and our management’s beliefs, assumptions, judgments and expectations about us, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. These statements are not statements of historical fact. When used in our documents, statements that are not historical in nature, including words like will, would, expects, intends, plans, believes, may, could, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, progress, predicts, hopes, targets, forecasts, should, seeks or variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements describing Group’s expected financial performance, Group’s plans and proposals pursuant to and timing of the 2024 California GRC; and authorized cost of capital and potential adjustments to same. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause actual results to be different than those expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to: our ability to invest or apply the proceeds from the issuance of common stock in an accretive manner; governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property; consequences of eminent domain actions relating to our water systems; changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures, including with respect to our ability to proposed fully decoupled WRAMs; the outcome and timeliness of the CPUC’s 2024 California GRC; increased risk of inverse condemnation losses as a result of climate change and drought; our ability to renew leases to operate water systems owned by others on beneficial terms; changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; electric power interruptions, especially as a result of public safety power shutoff programs; housing and customer growth; the impact of opposition to rate increases; our ability to recover costs; availability of water supplies; issues with the implementation, maintenance or security of our information technology systems; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts; the adequacy of our efforts to mitigate physical and cyber security risks and threats; the ability of our enterprise risk management processes to identify or address risks adequately; labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions; changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation, including as a result of drought conditions; our ability to complete, in a timely manner or at all, successfully integrate and achieve anticipated benefits from announced acquisitions; the impact of weather, climate change, natural disasters, and actual or threatened public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, on our operations, water quality, water availability, water sales and operating results and the adequacy of our emergency preparedness; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; risks associated with expanding our business and operations geographically; the impact of stagnating or worsening business and economic conditions, including inflationary pressures, general economic slowdown or a recession, increasing interest rates, instability of certain financial institutions, changes in monetary policy, adverse capital markets activity or macroeconomic conditions as a result of geopolitical conflicts, and the prospect of a shutdown of the U.S. federal government; the impact of market conditions and volatility on unrealized gains or losses on our non-qualified benefit plan investments and our operating results; the impact of weather and timing of meter reads on our accrued unbilled revenue; the impact of evolving legal and regulatory requirements, including emerging environmental, social and governance requirements and our ability to comply with PFAS regulations; and other risks and unforeseen events described in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph, as well as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly 10-Q, and other reports filed from time-to-time with the SEC. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact

James P. Lynch (408) 367-8200 (analysts) Shannon Dean (408) 367-8243 (media)

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Unaudited
(In thousands, except per share data)	December 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	5,400,489			$	4,925,483
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,241,785	)			(1,152,228	)
Net utility plant		4,158,704				3,773,255
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		50,121				39,591
Restricted cash		45,566				45,375
Receivables:
Customers, net		58,585				59,349
Regulatory balancing accounts		55,917				64,240
Other, net		33,976				16,431
Accrued and unbilled revenue, net		39,718				36,999
Materials and supplies		20,511				16,170
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets		19,742				18,130
Total current assets		324,136				296,285
Other assets:
Regulatory assets		357,406				257,621
Goodwill		37,063				37,039
Other assets		302,974				231,333
Total other assets		697,443				525,993
TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,180,283			$	4,595,533
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 136,000 shares authorized, 59,484 and 57,724 outstanding in 2024 and 2023, respectively	$	595			$	577
Additional paid-in capital		966,975				876,583
Retained earnings		674,918				549,573
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7,217	)			—
Noncontrolling interests		3,015				3,579
Total equity		1,638,286				1,430,312
Long-term debt, net		1,104,571				1,052,768
Total capitalization		2,742,857				2,483,080
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt, net		72,422				672
Short-term borrowings		205,000				180,000
Accounts payable		167,533				157,305
Regulatory balancing accounts		22,648				21,540
Accrued other taxes		6,084				4,591
Accrued interest		8,406				6,625
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		56,271				59,606
Total current liabilities		538,364				430,339
Deferred income taxes		411,083				352,762
Regulatory liabilities		814,551				683,717
Pension		81,665				82,920
Advances for construction		202,614				199,448
Contributions in aid of construction		294,970				286,491
Other		94,179				76,776
Commitments and contingencies
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	5,180,283			$	4,595,533

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating revenue	$	222,195			$	214,512			$	1,036,806			$	794,632
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs		73,728				70,290				310,648				288,512
Administrative and general		36,424				37,058				139,515				142,235
Other operations		32,288				37,723				118,457				112,481
Maintenance		8,689				7,912				34,753				31,975
Depreciation and amortization		33,014				31,576				131,901				121,212
Income tax (benefit) expense		(3,772	)			(13,823	)			35,938				(15,189	)
Property and other taxes		9,578				8,540				40,540				36,271
Total operating expenses		189,949				179,276				811,752				717,497
Net operating income		32,246				35,236				225,054				77,135
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue		5,884				4,866				20,628				18,509
Non-regulated expenses		(7,188	)			(583	)			(14,201	)			(11,807	)
Other components of net periodic benefit credit		3,741				5,462				15,803				20,215
Allowance for equity funds used during construction		1,650				1,405				6,902				5,551
Income tax expense on other income and expenses		(1,985	)			(4,106	)			(6,551	)			(8,408	)
Net other income		2,102				7,044				22,581				24,060
Interest expense:
Interest expense		15,674				13,018				60,698				52,809
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction		(790	)			(676	)			(3,148	)			(2,990	)
Net interest expense		14,884				12,342				57,550				49,819
Net income		19,464				29,938				190,085				51,376
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(195	)			(190	)			(722	)			(535	)
Net income attributable to California Water Service Group	$	19,659			$	30,128			$	190,807			$	51,911
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic	$	0.33			$	0.52			$	3.26			$	0.91
Diluted	$	0.33			$	0.52			$	3.25			$	0.91
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		59,477				57,715				58,612				56,952
Diluted		59,535				57,756				58,647				56,983
Dividends per share of common stock	$	0.28			$	0.26			$	1.12			$	1.04

FAQ

What was California Water Service Group's (CWT) revenue and EPS for full year 2024?

CWT reported operating revenue of $1.037 billion and diluted earnings per share of $3.25 for full year 2024.

How much capital investment did CWT make in 2024?

CWT made a record capital investment of $471.0 million in water system infrastructure during 2024, up 23% from the previous year.

What rate increases has CWT proposed in its 2024 General Rate Case?

CWT proposed revenue increases of 17.1% in 2026, 7.7% in 2027, and 8.1% in 2028.

What is CWT's current authorized return on equity and how long will it remain in effect?

CWT's current authorized return on equity is 10.27% and will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.

How much did CWT's Q4 2024 earnings decrease compared to Q4 2023?

Q4 2024 net income decreased to $19.7 million ($0.33 per share) from $30.1 million ($0.52 per share) in Q4 2023.