California Water Service Group Reports Second Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) reported Q2 2024 earnings with diluted EPS of $0.70, up from $0.17 in Q2 2023. Key highlights include:

- Operating revenue increased to $244.3 million, up $50.3 million from Q2 2023
- Net income rose to $40.6 million, compared to $9.6 million in Q2 2023
- $214.4 million invested in water system infrastructure in H1 2024
- Filed 2024 General Rate Case with California Public Utilities Commission
- Proposed Low-Use Water Equity Program to assist low-income customers
- S&P Global affirmed A+ Stable credit rating for California Water Service Company

The company benefited from the 2021 California General Rate Case decision and plans to invest $1.6 billion in California water systems from 2025-2027.

Positive

• Diluted EPS increased significantly from $0.17 in Q2 2023 to $0.70 in Q2 2024
• Operating revenue grew by $50.3 million to $244.3 million in Q2 2024
• Net income rose from $9.6 million in Q2 2023 to $40.6 million in Q2 2024
• $214.4 million invested in water system infrastructure in first half of 2024
• S&P Global affirmed A+ Stable credit rating for California Water Service Company
• Proposed $1.6 billion investment in California water systems from 2025-2027

Negative

• Operating expenses increased by $18.0 million to $196.1 million in Q2 2024
• Water production costs rose by $6.8 million due to increased wholesale rates and usage
• Income tax expenses increased by $8.4 million to $8.7 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

California Water Service Group's Q2 2024 results demonstrate significant improvement over the previous year, with several key metrics worth noting:

• Diluted EPS increased from $0.17 in Q2 2023 to $0.70 in Q2 2024, a substantial 311.8% jump.
• Net income rose from $9.6 million to $40.6 million, a 322.9% increase.
• Operating revenue grew by 25.9%, from $194.0 million to $244.3 million.

These improvements are largely attributed to the 2021 California General Rate Case decision, which was implemented in March 2024. The decision's impact is evident in the $16.7 million revenue increase from new rate mechanisms.

The company's capital investment of $214.4 million in the first half of 2024 demonstrates a commitment to infrastructure improvement. This represents 56% of their $385 million target for the year, indicating they're on track to meet or exceed their investment goals.

The proposed $1.6 billion investment plan for 2025-2027 in California, including $1.3 billion in new capital investments, signals a long-term focus on system reliability and quality. However, investors should note that this plan is subject to regulatory approval and may impact future rate increases.

The company's strong liquidity position, with $82.7 million in cash and $355 million in short-term borrowing capacity, provides financial flexibility for these ambitious investment plans.

Overall, the financial results and investment plans paint a picture of a utility focused on growth and infrastructure improvement, which could bode well for long-term stability and potential returns for investors.

Utility Regulation Expert

The regulatory landscape for California Water Service Group is evolving in ways that could significantly impact the company's future operations and financial performance:

• The 2024 General Rate Case (GRC) filing is a important development. If approved, it would allow for a 17.1% revenue increase in 2026, followed by 7.7% and 8.1% increases in 2027 and 2028, respectively. These rate hikes are substantial and could face scrutiny from regulators and consumers.
• The proposed Low-Use Water Equity Program is an innovative approach to decoupling revenue from water sales. This could help stabilize the company's revenue stream, particularly in drought-prone California, while addressing affordability concerns for low-income customers.
• The four-tier rate design proposal aims to balance conservation goals with revenue stability. This structure could incentivize water conservation while potentially reducing revenue volatility.

The EPA's new regulations on PFAS in drinking water present both a challenge and an opportunity. While compliance by 2029 will require investment, the company's proactive stance and pursuit of cost recovery from responsible parties could mitigate financial impacts.

The affirmation of California Water Service Company's A+ Stable credit rating by S&P Global is a positive sign, indicating financial stability and potentially favorable terms for future financing needs.

The regulatory environment appears supportive of necessary infrastructure investments, but the company will need to navigate carefully to balance rate increases with customer affordability concerns. The outcome of the 2024 GRC will be a critical factor to watch in the coming months.

Environmental Sustainability Analyst

California Water Service Group's recent actions and plans demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience:

• The $1.6 billion proposed investment in California water systems over the next three years shows a proactive approach to infrastructure improvement. This could enhance water delivery efficiency and reduce water loss, contributing to conservation efforts.
• The company's response to the PFAS regulation is noteworthy. By pursuing cost recovery from responsible parties, they're adhering to the "polluter pays" principle, which is important for environmental justice.
• The Low-Use Water Equity Program proposal is an innovative approach to water conservation. By decoupling revenue from water sales, it removes the financial disincentive for promoting water conservation, aligning the company's financial interests with environmental goals.
• The emergency response exercises in Hawaii demonstrate preparedness for climate-related disasters, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
• The company's response to the Butte County Thompson Fire showcases their ability to maintain water system integrity during extreme events, a critical aspect of climate resilience.

The release of their 2023 ESG Report, aligned with recognized reporting frameworks, indicates a commitment to transparency in their sustainability efforts. However, without specific metrics, it's challenging to assess the depth of their progress.

While these initiatives are commendable, investors should look for concrete targets and metrics in future reports to better evaluate the company's environmental performance and risk management strategies, particularly in areas like greenhouse gas emissions reduction and water conservation goals.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 01, 2024 (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 second quarter of 2024.

Highlights included:

• Diluted earnings per share of $0.70 in Q2 2024, compared to $0.17 in Q2 2023.
• $214.4 million of capital invested in water system infrastructure for the first six months of 2024.
• Declaration of the 318^th consecutive quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.28 per share.
• Filing of the 2024 General Rate Case (GRC) and Infrastructure Improvement Plans for 2025-2027 with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The application also proposes a Low-Use Water Equity Program, which would decouple revenue from water sales, to assist low-water-using, lower-income customers.
• Affirmation of our S&P Global credit rating of A+ Stable for California Water Service Company.
  

According to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki, financial results continued to benefit from the effects of the 2021 California General Rate Case decision received on March 7, 2024.

“I’m pleased to see the effects of the 2021 decision on our results. I’m equally pleased with our team’s effort to put together a 2024 California General Rate Case that reflects our dedication to investing diligently in infrastructure, managing expenses responsibly, and structuring rates to keep bills affordable for customers. It reflects our continuing commitment to providing a reliable, sustainable water supply for generations to come,” he said.

Q2 2024 Financial Results

• Net income attributable to Group was $40.6 million in Q2 2024, compared to net income of $9.6 million in Q2 2023.
• Operating revenue was $244.3 million, compared to $194.0 million in Q2 2023, an increase of $50.3 million.
  • Increased rates added $19.3 million in revenue.
  • Increased accrued unbilled revenue as a result of an increase in customer rates and unbilled days added $10.4 million.
  • Rate mechanisms approved in the 2021 California GRC added $16.7 million. Reported revenues from the same quarter in the prior year did not reflect these mechanisms.
• Operating expenses were $196.1 million in Q2 2024, compared to $178.1 million in Q2 2023, an increase of $18.0 million.
  • Water production costs increased by $6.8 million to $77.6 million, primarily due to an increase in wholesale rates and water usage.
  • Income tax expenses increased $8.4 million to $8.7 million, primarily due to the increase in pre-tax income.

Year-to-Date 2024 Financial Results

• Net income attributable to Group was $110.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, or $1.90 diluted earnings per share, compared to a net loss of $12.7 million, or ($0.23) per diluted earnings per share, in the same period last year.
• Operating revenue was $515.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $325.1 million in the same period in 2023, an increase of $189.9 million.
  • A cumulative adjustment for the impacts of the 2021 California GRC decision added $131.5 million.
  • Increased rates added $31.6 million in revenue.
  • Recognition of $16.0 million of previously deferred WRAM revenue as a result of securing California Extended Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program funds for the payment of eligible customer balances.
• Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $389.0 million, compared to $326.7 million in the same period in 2023.
  • Water production costs increased by $16.0 million, mostly due to recording a cumulative adjustment of $9.2 million for the impacts of the 2021 California GRC in 2024 and increases in rates and water production.
  • Other operations expense increased $10.1 million, primarily due to the recognition of $13.6 million of costs associated with the revenue deferral decrease.
  • Income taxes increased $29.5 million, due mostly to an increase in pre-tax net operating income due to the recognition of the 2021 California GRC.
    

As a result of the Q1 2024 adoption of the 2021 California GRC, interim rate relief attributable to 2023 totaling $64.0 million was recognized in 2024 operating revenue, including $18.7 million and $35.4 million that were attributable to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.

Liquidity, Financing, and Capital Investment

As of June 30, 2024, Group maintained $82.7 million of cash, of which $45.4 million was classified as restricted, and had additional short-term borrowing capacity of $355 million, subject to meeting the borrowing conditions on the Group and Cal Water lines of credit.

Group capital investments during the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, totaled $214.4 million, represents 56% of Group’s estimated $385 million capital investment target for 2024.

Cal Water Files Infrastructure Improvement Plan for 2024 California General Rate Case; Plans to Invest $1.6 Billion in its California Water Systems in Upcoming Three Years

On July 8, 2024, Group’s largest subsidiary, California Water Service (Cal Water), submitted Infrastructure Improvement Plans for 2025-2027 as part of its triennial GRC filing. The application to the CPUC also proposes a Low-Use Water Equity Program, which would decouple revenue from water sales, to assist low-water-using, lower-income customers.

Cal Water proposes to invest more than $1.6 billion in its districts from 2025-2027, including approximately $1.3 billion of newly proposed capital investments, to support its ability to continue to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water.

To enhance affordability—particularly for low-use and low-income customers, Cal Water’s application proposes a Low-Use Water Equity Program that would decouple revenue from water sales across its regulated service areas. The program is designed to work in conjunction with Cal Water’s proposed progressive, four-tier rate design and sales forecast proposals to keep rates affordable, reinforce conservation goals, and provide the utility an opportunity to recover its authorized revenue requirement in a timely manner.

In its application, Cal Water has proposed to change 2024 rates to increase 2026 total revenue by $140.6 million, or 17.1%. Cal Water also proposes rate increases of $74.2 million, or 7.7%, in 2027; and $83.6 million, or 8.1%, in 2028.

The triennial filing begins an approximately 18-month review process by the CPUC.

Company Hosts Emergency Response Exercises in Hawaii and Responds to the Butte County Thompson Fire

To enhance coordination during emergencies, the Company’s Hawaii subsidiary, Hawaii Water Service (Hawaii Water), hosted representatives from emergency response and regulatory agencies, elected and State offices, utilities, contractors, and other community partners for Community Emergency Operations Center (EOC) exercises in early July on both Maui and the Big Island.

Attendees of the Maui exercise, which included both an emergency response course using the Incident Command System and a hands-on disaster simulation, were Hawaii local and state representatives and representatives from the Maui Police Department, Maui Department of Water Supply, Hawaiian Electric, and the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Attendees of the Hawaii island exercise included representatives from Hawaii County Fire, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (Firewise), Hawaii County Civil Defense, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Waikoloa, and Hawaii Rural Water Association.

Emergency response training is regularly conducted throughout the Company. In July, when the Butte County Thompson Fire threatened Oroville, Calif., Cal Water activated emergency operations, brought in additional resources to help manage the water system and communicate with customers, and embedded with the Butte County emergency operations center. None of the utility’s assets were impacted during the fire, which burned 3,789 acres over a six-day period.

Company Continues to Pursue Recovery for PFAS Contamination Costs

In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted a new National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to limit certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Under the new regulation, public water systems across the country are required to monitor for these PFAS by 2027 and to comply with applicable maximum contaminant levels by 2029.

Although this regulation faces legal challenges, the Company is proceeding with compliance efforts and believes it is well positioned to comply within the designated timeline. At the same time, it is vigorously pursuing financial recovery from responsible parties. Group has submitted its initial claims in the 3M and DuPont class action settlements and will continue to seek cost recovery wherever it is appropriate to do so.

Separately, the EPA recently designated two of the most common PFAS, specifically PFOA and PFOS, as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

ESG Progress is Highlighted in the Company’s New ESG Report

In May, the Company released its 2023 ESG Report and ESG Analyst Download. The ESG Report—which is aligned with recognized reporting frameworks and standards, including the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Water Utilities & Services Industry Standards, the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, and the Global Reporting Initiative Standards—details progress made by Group's subsidiaries on the Company's ESG focus areas last year, while the supplemental ESG Analyst Download provides key ESG data and metrics.

This year's ESG Report highlights both ongoing efforts to support Group's ESG strategy and objectives along with significant achievements in 2023, such as how the Company is working to protect the planet, serve customers, and engage the Company’s workforce.

For additional details, please see Form 10-Q 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 August 1, 2024 at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET)  by dialing 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963 and keying in ID# 5681819, or you may access the live audio webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/nfn5956c. 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 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 1, 2024, through Monday, September 30, 2024, at 1-800-770-2030 or 1-609-800-9909 and key in ID# 5681819, or by accessing the webcast above. The call will be hosted by Chairman, President 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, Cal Water 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 plans and proposal pursuant to Cal Water’s general rate case filed on July 8, 2024, and Group’s expectations regarding compliance with PFAS regulations and pursuit of cost recovery in relation to PFAS contamination. 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: the outcome and timeliness of regulations commissions’ actions concerning rate relief and other matters, including with respect to the 20224 California GRC; changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures, such as the CPUC’s decision in 2020 to preclude companies from proposing fully decoupled WRAMs, which impacted the 2021 California GRC Filing; governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property; consequences of eminent domain actions related to our water systems; 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 the 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)		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant		$	5,141,580			$	4,925,483
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(1,199,399	)			(1,152,228	)
Net utility plant			3,942,181				3,773,255
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			37,272				39,591
Restricted cash			45,403				45,375
Receivables:
Customers, net			71,125				59,349
Regulatory balancing accounts			5,495				64,240
Other, net			17,110				16,431
Accrued unbilled revenue, net			48,812				36,999
Materials and supplies			17,645				16,170
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets			23,948				18,130
Total current assets			266,810				296,285
Other assets:
Regulatory assets			397,498				257,621
Goodwill			37,039				37,039
Other assets			227,714				231,333
Total other assets			662,251				525,993
TOTAL ASSETS		$	4,871,242			$	4,595,533
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 136,000 shares authorized, 58,825 and 57,724 outstanding on June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		$	588			$	577
Additional paid-in capital			929,376				876,583
Retained earnings			627,705				549,573
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(13,068	)			—
Noncontrolling interests			3,090				3,579
Total equity			1,547,691				1,430,312
Long-term debt, net			1,051,792				1,052,768
Total capitalization			2,599,483				2,483,080
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt, net			1,183				672
Short-term borrowings			245,000				180,000
Accounts payable			143,533				157,305
Regulatory balancing accounts			12,754				21,540
Accrued interest			6,666				6,625
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			103,364				64,197
Total current liabilities			512,500				430,339
Deferred income taxes			363,597				352,762
Regulatory liabilities			742,842				683,717
Pension			83,266				82,920
Advances for construction			199,640				199,448
Contributions in aid of construction			289,820				286,491
Other			80,094				76,776
Commitments and contingencies
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES		$	4,871,242			$	4,595,533

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Unaudited
(In thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating revenue		$	244,299			$	194,044			$	515,048			$	325,144
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs			77,644				70,867				141,829				125,875
Administrative and general			32,042				34,975				67,638				70,961
Other operations			25,626				25,823				52,551				42,427
Maintenance			8,790				7,155				16,800				15,133
Depreciation and amortization			32,978				29,824				65,822				59,739
Income tax expense (benefit)			8,689				329				24,227				(5,315	)
Property and other taxes			10,364				9,122				20,121				17,899
Total operating expenses			196,133				178,095				388,988				326,719
Net operating income (loss)			48,166				15,949				126,060				(1,575	)
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue			5,513				4,485				10,611				9,108
Non-regulated expenses			(4,125	)			(2,957	)			(6,079	)			(5,232	)
Other components of net periodic benefit credit			4,338				4,756				7,611				9,977
Allowance for equity funds used during construction			1,819				1,355				3,561				2,759
Income tax expense on other income and expenses			(1,306	)			(1,445	)			(2,627	)			(3,239	)
Net other income			6,239				6,194				13,077				13,373
Interest expense:
Interest expense			14,840				13,491				30,640				26,309
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction			(812	)			(795	)			(1,570	)			(1,624	)
Net interest expense			14,028				12,696				29,070				24,685
Net income (loss)			40,377				9,447				110,067				(12,887	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			(174	)			(109	)			(401	)			(232	)
Net income (loss) attributable to California Water Service Group		$	40,551			$	9,556			$	110,468			$	(12,655	)
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
Basic		$	0.70			$	0.17			$	1.90			$	(0.23	)
Diluted		$	0.70			$	0.17			$	1.90			$	(0.23	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			58,292				56,692				58,013				56,182
Diluted			58,325				56,730				58,046				56,182
Dividends per share of common stock		$	0.28			$	0.26			$	0.56			$	0.52

FAQ

What was California Water Service Group's (CWT) earnings per share in Q2 2024?

California Water Service Group reported diluted earnings per share of $0.70 in Q2 2024, compared to $0.17 in Q2 2023.

How much did CWT invest in water system infrastructure in the first half of 2024?

California Water Service Group invested $214.4 million in water system infrastructure during the first six months of 2024.

What is the proposed investment for California water systems from 2025-2027?

California Water Service plans to invest more than $1.6 billion in its California water systems from 2025-2027.

What new program did CWT propose in its 2024 General Rate Case filing?

CWT proposed a Low-Use Water Equity Program, which would decouple revenue from water sales to assist low-water-using, lower-income customers.