NW Natural Water Expands Presence in Arizona and Oregon

Rhea-AI Summary

NW Natural Water, a subsidiary of Northwest Natural Holding Company, has expanded its water utility business through acquisitions in Oregon and Arizona, as well as increased ownership in Avion Water Company. The acquisitions include Hiland Water Corporation in Oregon, Truxton Canyon Water Company, and Cerbat Water Company in Arizona. NW Natural Water now serves nearly 175,000 people through approximately 70,000 connections across five states.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The recent acquisitions by NW Natural Water Company signify a strategic expansion within the water utility sector. This move is indicative of a broader trend where utility companies are seeking growth through geographic and customer base diversification. By acquiring Hiland Water Corporation's utility business and increasing ownership in Avion Water Company, NW Natural Water is not only expanding its regional footprint but also consolidating its market share in Oregon.

From a market research perspective, the expansion into Arizona with Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company presents an opportunity to tap into a new market, potentially increasing revenue streams. The utility sector is often characterized by stable, predictable cash flows due to the essential nature of the services provided, which can be attractive to investors seeking lower-risk profiles.

However, the integration of new acquisitions can pose challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the alignment of operational practices. The success of these acquisitions will depend on NW Natural Water's ability to manage these complexities effectively.

Financial Analyst

From a financial standpoint, the acquisitions by NW Natural Water could have significant implications for Northwest Natural Holding Company's balance sheet and income statement. Acquisitions often involve substantial capital outlay and the impact on the company's debt levels and liquidity should be monitored. Investors will be interested in the company's ability to leverage these acquisitions to generate higher earnings and improved cash flow in the long term.

It is also important to consider the valuation at which these acquisitions were made. Overpaying for assets can lead to write-downs in the future, which can adversely affect earnings. Conversely, strategic acquisitions at favorable valuations can enhance shareholder value. The details of the transactions were not disclosed, which limits the ability to fully assess the financial impact.

The increase in ownership of Avion Water Company to approximately 45% could potentially lead to increased influence over operations and financial decisions, which might translate to more efficient management and cost synergies.

Environmental Policy Expert

Utility companies like NW Natural Water are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental stewardship. The expansion of NW Natural Water's operations brings to the forefront the company's commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance. As water scarcity becomes a more pressing issue, particularly in regions like Arizona, the company's ability to manage resources sustainably will be critical.

Environmental policies and water management practices will play a significant role in the company's reputation and operational efficiency. Investors are increasingly considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions and companies that excel in these areas can benefit from a more favorable perception and potentially higher valuations. The emphasis on safety, reliability and environmental stewardship mentioned by NW Natural Water's president aligns with these investor expectations.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NW Natural Water), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE:NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), has expanded further in two states with the acquisitions of Hiland Water Corporation’s water utility business in Newberg, Oregon and Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company near Kingman, Arizona. In addition, NW Natural Water increased its ownership in Avion Water Company, which serves communities in and around Bend, Oregon and is the largest privately owned utility in Oregon.

“We are excited to see NW Natural Water continue to expand across our existing regions,” said Justin Palfreyman, NW Natural Water’s president. “We continue to execute on our strategy to build a strong water and wastewater utility business that is focused on safety, reliability, customer service, and environmental stewardship.”

NW Natural Water acquired Hiland Water’s services company that serves over 5,000 customers in October 2023. In December 2023, NW Natural Water acquired Hiland Water which serves an additional 2,100 regulated utility connections across western Oregon. Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company closed in December 2023 and collectively serve approximately 1,400 water customers in northwest Arizona. Finally, NW Natural Water increased its ownership interest in Avion Water in January 2024 and currently owns approximately 45% of Avion, which serves over 15,000 customers in central Oregon.

With these transactions, NW Natural Water serves nearly 175,000 people through approximately 70,000 connections across five states.

ABOUT NW NATURAL HOLDINGS

Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for more than 165 years in the Pacific Northwest. It owns NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests.

We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and the energy transition, and taking care of our employees and communities. NW Natural Holdings was recognized by Ethisphere® in 2022 and 2023 as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies®. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. Learn more in our latest ESG Report at nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/sustainability.

NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 795,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon.

NW Natural Water provides water distribution and wastewater services to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, Texas and Arizona. NW Natural Water serves nearly 175,000 people through approximately 70,000 meters and provides operation and maintenance services to an additional 20,000 connections. Learn more about our water business at nwnaturalwater.com.

NW Natural Renewables is committed to leading in the energy transition by providing renewable fuels to support decarbonization in the utility, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. Learn more at nwnaturalrenewables.com.

Additional information is available at nwnaturalholdings.com.

“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and other presentations made by NW Holdings from time to time, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "assumes," “continues,” “could,” "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following: plans, objectives, assumptions, estimates, expectations, timing, goals, strategies, commitments, future events, investments, timing and amount of capital expenditures, targeted capital structure, risks, risk profile, stability, acquisitions and timing, approval, completion and integration thereof, the likelihood and success associated with any transaction, utility system and infrastructure investments, system modernization, reliability and resiliency, global, national and local economies, customer and business growth, continued expansion of service territories, customer satisfaction ratings, weather, performance and service during weather events, customer rates or rate recovery and the timing and magnitude of potential rate changes and the potential outcome of rate cases, environmental remediation cost recoveries, environmental initiatives, decarbonization and the role of natural gas and the gas delivery system, including decarbonization goals and timelines, energy efficiency measures, use of renewable sources, renewable natural gas purchases, projects, investments and other renewable initiatives, including the construction of RNG facilities, and timing, magnitude and completion thereof, unregulated renewable natural gas strategy and initiatives, renewable hydrogen projects or investments and timing, magnitude, approvals and completion thereof, procurement of renewable natural gas or hydrogen for customers, technology and policy innovations, strategic goals and visions, water and wastewater acquisitions, partnerships, and investment strategy and financial effects of water and wastewater acquisitions, expected growth and safety benefits of facility upgrade investments, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, operating plans of third parties, financial results, including estimated income, availability and sources of liquidity, expenses, positions, revenues, returns, cost of capital, timing, and earnings, earnings guidance and estimated future growth rates, future dividends, commodity costs and sourcing asset management activities, performance, timing, outcome, or effects of regulatory proceedings or mechanisms or approvals, regulatory prudence reviews, anticipated regulatory actions or filings, accounting treatment of future events, effects of legislation or changes in laws or regulations, effects, extent, severity and duration of epidemics and pandemics, and any resulting economic disruption therefrom, geopolitical uncertainty and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions regarding its business, the economy, geopolitical factors, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. You are therefore cautioned against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future operational, economic or financial performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed by reference to the factors described in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors", and Part II, Item 7 and Item 7A "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part I, Items 2 and 3 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors", in the quarterly reports filed thereafter, which, among others, outline legal, regulatory and legislative risks, epidemics and pandemics risks, macroeconomic and geopolitical risks, growth and strategic risks, operational risks, and environmental risks.

All forward-looking statements made in this report and all subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of NW Holdings or NW Natural, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and NW Holdings and NW Natural undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206960716/en/

Investor Contact:

Nikki Sparley

Phone: 503-721-2530

Email: nikki.sparley@nwnatural.com

Media Contact:

David Roy

Phone: 503-610-7157

Email: david.roy@nwnatural.com

Source: NW Natural

FAQ

What is the latest acquisition made by NW Natural Water?

NW Natural Water recently acquired Hiland Water Corporation’s water utility business in Newberg, Oregon and Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company near Kingman, Arizona.

How many customers does Avion Water Company serve?

Avion Water Company serves over 15,000 customers in central Oregon.

How many states does NW Natural Water operate in?

NW Natural Water operates in five states.

What is the ticker symbol for Northwest Natural Holding Company?

The ticker symbol for Northwest Natural Holding Company is NWN.

What is the ownership interest of NW Natural Water in Avion Water Company?

NW Natural Water currently owns approximately 45% of Avion Water Company.