AMERICAN STATES WATER CO - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014 |
or |
¨ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
for the transition period from to |
Commission file number 001-14431
American States Water Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
California | 95-4676679 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |
630 E. Foothill Blvd, San Dimas, CA | 91773-1212 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |
(909) 394-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
Commission file number 001-12008
Golden State Water Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
California | 95-1243678 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |
630 E. Foothill Blvd, San Dimas, CA | 91773-1212 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |
(909) 394-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
American States Water Company | Yes x No ¨ | |
Golden State Water Company | Yes x No ¨ | |
Indicate by check mark whether Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
American States Water Company | Yes x No ¨ | |
Golden State Water Company | Yes x No ¨ | |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
American States Water Company
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ | |||
Golden State Water Company
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer x | Smaller reporting company ¨ | |||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
American States Water Company | Yes ¨ Nox | |
Golden State Water Company | Yes ¨ Nox | |
As of October 31, 2014, the number of Common Shares outstanding, of American States Water Company was 38,400,038 shares. As of October 31, 2014, all of the 146 outstanding Common Shares of Golden State Water Company were owned by American States Water Company.
Golden State Water Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form, in part, with the reduced disclosure format for Golden State Water Company.
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
and
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
PART I
Item 1. Financial Statements
General
The basic financial statements included herein have been prepared by Registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim period have been made.
It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K of American States Water Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Golden State Water Company.
Filing Format
American States Water Company (hereinafter “AWR”) is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (hereinafter “GSWC”) and American States Utility Services, Inc. (hereinafter “ASUS”) and its subsidiaries.
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by two separate Registrants: AWR and GSWC. For more information, please see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the heading entitled General in Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. References in this report to “Registrant” are to AWR and GSWC collectively, unless otherwise specified. GSWC makes no representations as to the information contained in this report relating to AWR and its subsidiaries, other than GSWC.
Forward-Looking Information
This Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated herein contain forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, expectations and projections about future events and assumptions regarding these events and include statements regarding management’s goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations, taking into account the information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts. For example, when we use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may” and other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes, we are making forward-looking statements. We are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results. We caution you that any forward-looking statements made by us are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements or from historical results include, but are not limited to:
• | The outcome of pending and future regulatory, legislative or other proceedings, investigations or audits, including decisions in our general rate cases and the results of independent audits of our construction contracting procurement practices or other independent audits of our costs |
• | Changes in the policies and procedures of the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC") |
• | Timeliness of CPUC action on rates |
• | Availability of water supplies, which may be adversely affected by the California drought, changes in weather patterns in the West, contamination and court decisions or other governmental actions restricting the use of water from the Colorado River, the California State Water Project, and/or pumping of groundwater |
• | Our ability to efficiently manage GSWC capital expenditures and operating and maintenance expenses within CPUC authorized levels and timely recovery of our costs through rates |
• | The impact of increasing opposition to GSWC rate increases on our ability to recover our costs through rates and the threat of condemnation of our service territories on the size of our customer base |
1
• | Our ability to forecast the costs of maintaining GSWC’s aging water and electric infrastructure |
• | Our ability to recover increases in permitting costs and in costs associated with negotiating and complying with the terms of our franchise agreements with cities and counties and other demands made upon us by the cities and counties in which GSWC operates |
• | Changes in accounting valuations and estimates, including changes resulting from changes in our assessment of anticipated recovery of regulatory assets, liabilities and revenues subject to refund or regulatory disallowances |
• | Changes in environmental laws and water and wastewater quality requirements and increases in costs associated with complying with these laws and requirements |
• | Our ability to obtain adequate, reliable and cost-effective supplies of chemicals, electricity, fuel, water and other raw materials that are needed for our water and wastewater operations |
• | Our ability to recover the costs associated with the contamination of GSWC’s groundwater supplies from parties responsible for the contamination or through the ratemaking process, and the time and expense incurred by us in obtaining recovery of such costs |
• | Adequacy of our electric division's power supplies and the extent to which we can manage and respond to the volatility of electric and natural gas prices |
• | Our electric operation's ability to comply with the CPUC’s renewable energy procurement requirements |
• | Changes in GSWC long-term customer demand due to changes in customer usage patterns as a result of conservation efforts, regulatory changes affecting demand such as new landscaping or irrigation requirements, recycling of water by the customer or purchase of recycled water supplied by other parties, unanticipated population growth or decline, changes in climate conditions, general economic and financial market conditions and cost increases |
• | Changes in accounting treatment for regulated utilities |
• | Changes in estimates used in ASUS’s revenue recognition under the percentage of completion method of accounting for construction activities at our contracted services business |
• | Termination, in whole or in part, of one or more of our Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries' contracts to provide water and/or wastewater services at military bases for the convenience of the U.S. government or for default |
• | Termination of contracts and suspension or debarment for a period of time from contracting with the government due to violations of federal law or regulations in connection with military utility privatization activities |
• | Failure of the U.S. government to make timely payments to ASUS for water and/or wastewater services at military bases as a result of fiscal uncertainties over the funding of the U.S. government |
• | Delays in obtaining redetermination of prices or equitable adjustments to our prices on one or more of our contracts to provide water and/or wastewater services at military bases |
• | Disallowance of costs on any of our contracts to provide water and/or wastewater services at military bases as a result of audits, cost reviews or investigations by contracting agencies |
• | Inaccurate assumptions used in preparing bids in our contracted services business |
• | Failure of the wastewater systems that we operate on military bases resulting in untreated wastewater or contaminants spilling into nearby properties, streams or rivers |
• | Failure to comply with the terms of our military privatization contracts |
• | Failure of any of our subcontractors to perform services for us in accordance with the terms of our military privatization contracts |
• | Issues with the implementation, maintenance and/or upgrading of our information technology systems |
2
• | General economic conditions which may impact our ability to recover infrastructure investments and operating costs from customers |
• | Explosions, fires, accidents, mechanical breakdowns, the disruption of information technology and telecommunication systems, human error and similar events that may occur while operating and maintaining water and electric systems in California or operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems on military bases under varying geographic conditions |
• | The impact of storms, earthquakes, floods, mudslides, drought, wildfires, disease and similar natural disasters, or acts of terrorism or vandalism, that affect customer demand or that damage or disrupt facilities, operations or information technology systems owned by us, our customers or third parties on whom we rely |
• | Potential costs, lost revenues, or other consequences resulting from misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data, or operational disruption in connection with a cyber-attack or other cyber incident |
• | Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments or changes to our credit ratings on current or future debt that may increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow or make payments on our debt |
• | Our ability to access capital markets and other sources of credit in a timely manner on acceptable terms |
Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of these risks (which are more fully disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K) as you read this Form 10-Q. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
3
(in thousands) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||
Regulated utility plant, at cost | $ | 1,480,087 | $ | 1,443,623 | ||||
Non-utility property, at cost | 10,900 | 9,519 | ||||||
Total | 1,490,987 | 1,453,142 | ||||||
Less - Accumulated depreciation | (495,544 | ) | (471,665 | ) | ||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 995,443 | 981,477 | ||||||
Other Property and Investments | ||||||||
Goodwill | 1,116 | 1,116 | ||||||
Other property and investments | 17,509 | 15,806 | ||||||
Total other property and investments | 18,625 | 16,922 | ||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 57,862 | 38,226 | ||||||
Accounts receivable — customers (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $839 in 2014 and $755 in 2013) | 26,348 | 23,829 | ||||||
Unbilled receivable | 32,629 | 18,552 | ||||||
Receivable from the U.S. government | 3,542 | 7,106 | ||||||
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $102 in 2014 and $432 in 2013) | 3,313 | 4,914 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | 136 | 9,214 | ||||||
Materials and supplies, at average cost | 3,923 | 4,558 | ||||||
Regulatory assets — current | 6,228 | 27,676 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 4,261 | 2,481 | ||||||
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | 37,755 | 45,508 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes — current | 10,558 | 9,553 | ||||||
Total current assets | 186,555 | 191,617 | ||||||
Regulatory and Other Assets | ||||||||
Regulatory assets | 100,815 | 95,005 | ||||||
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | 8,620 | 7,823 | ||||||
Unbilled receivable | 4,024 | 3,104 | ||||||
Other | 12,033 | 14,235 | ||||||
Total regulatory and other assets | 125,492 | 120,167 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,326,115 | $ | 1,310,183 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
4
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(Unaudited)
(in thousands) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Capitalization | ||||||||
Common shares, no par value | $ | 253,957 | $ | 253,961 | ||||
Earnings reinvested in the business | 256,355 | 238,443 | ||||||
Total common shareholders’ equity | 510,312 | 492,404 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 310,807 | 326,079 | ||||||
Total capitalization | 821,119 | 818,483 | ||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Long-term debt — current | 6,292 | 6,298 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 49,740 | 49,787 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 5,642 | 507 | ||||||
Accrued other taxes | 8,711 | 9,802 | ||||||
Accrued employee expenses | 11,204 | 10,801 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 6,143 | 3,897 | ||||||
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | 15,699 | 6,852 | ||||||
Other | 17,162 | 12,962 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 120,593 | 100,906 | ||||||
Other Credits | ||||||||
Advances for construction | 68,327 | 69,332 | ||||||
Contributions in aid of construction - net | 115,329 | 114,916 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 157,355 | 159,506 | ||||||
Unamortized investment tax credits | 1,722 | 1,790 | ||||||
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits | 34,873 | 38,726 | ||||||
Other | 6,797 | 6,524 | ||||||
Total other credits | 384,403 | 390,794 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7) | ||||||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ | 1,326,115 | $ | 1,310,183 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
5
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||
Water | $ | 96,700 | $ | 93,932 | ||||
Electric | 8,614 | 8,849 | ||||||
Contracted services | 33,013 | 28,133 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 138,327 | 130,914 | ||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||
Water purchased | 17,837 | 19,246 | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 3,914 | 3,414 | ||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 4,291 | 4,656 | ||||||
Power purchased for resale | 2,383 | 3,386 | ||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,179 | (1,003 | ) | |||||
Other operation | 6,958 | 7,185 | ||||||
Administrative and general | 20,178 | 20,083 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,549 | 9,753 | ||||||
Maintenance | 4,390 | 4,666 | ||||||
Property and other taxes | 4,359 | 4,108 | ||||||
ASUS construction | 20,430 | 19,256 | ||||||
Net gain on sale of property | (36 | ) | — | |||||
Total operating expenses | 98,432 | 94,750 | ||||||
Operating Income | 39,895 | 36,164 | ||||||
Other Income and Expenses | ||||||||
Interest expense | (5,519 | ) | (5,852 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 224 | 185 | ||||||
Other, net | 47 | 247 | ||||||
Total other income and expenses | (5,248 | ) | (5,420 | ) | ||||
Income from operations before income tax expense | 34,647 | 30,744 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 13,476 | 9,905 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 21,171 | $ | 20,839 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding | 38,704 | 38,696 | ||||||
Basic Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.54 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares | 38,930 | 38,923 | ||||||
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.53 | ||||
Dividends Paid Per Common Share | $ | 0.2130 | $ | 0.2025 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
6
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||
Water | $ | 253,689 | $ | 247,234 | ||||
Electric | 27,398 | 27,980 | ||||||
Contracted services | 74,826 | 86,947 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 355,913 | 362,161 | ||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||
Water purchased | 45,324 | 46,648 | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 8,448 | 7,385 | ||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 12,684 | 11,666 | ||||||
Power purchased for resale | 7,070 | 9,894 | ||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,891 | (9 | ) | |||||
Other operation | 20,990 | 19,158 | ||||||
Administrative and general | 59,769 | 56,103 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 31,604 | 29,337 | ||||||
Maintenance | 12,206 | 13,513 | ||||||
Property and other taxes | 12,649 | 12,004 | ||||||
ASUS construction | 47,651 | 59,053 | ||||||
Net gain on sale of property | (36 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||
Total operating expenses | 262,250 | 264,740 | ||||||
Operating Income | 93,663 | 97,421 | ||||||
Other Income and Expenses | ||||||||
Interest expense | (16,924 | ) | (17,398 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 459 | 512 | ||||||
Other, net | 443 | 673 | ||||||
Total other income and expenses | (16,022 | ) | (16,213 | ) | ||||
Income from operations before income tax expense | 77,641 | 81,208 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 30,095 | 30,302 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 47,546 | $ | 50,906 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding | 38,744 | 38,613 | ||||||
Basic Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares | 38,963 | 38,835 | ||||||
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | ||||
Dividends Paid Per Common Share | $ | 0.6180 | $ | 0.5575 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
7
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 47,546 | $ | 50,906 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 32,302 | 30,019 | ||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 781 | 776 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | (3,236 | ) | 10,616 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 1,961 | 1,711 | ||||||
Other — net | 288 | (31 | ) | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable — customers | (3,345 | ) | (11,498 | ) | ||||
Unbilled receivable | (14,997 | ) | (3,265 | ) | ||||
Other accounts receivable | 2,559 | (504 | ) | |||||
Receivable from the U.S. government | 3,564 | (6,964 | ) | |||||
Materials and supplies | 635 | 162 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | (1,780 | ) | 712 | |||||
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | 6,956 | (9,387 | ) | |||||
Other assets (including other regulatory assets) | 19,344 | (2,899 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable | 5,450 | 9,370 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable/payable | 14,213 | 13,984 | ||||||
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | 8,847 | (4,757 | ) | |||||
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits | (3,623 | ) | 2,114 | |||||
Other liabilities | 2,604 | 6,214 | ||||||
Net cash provided | 120,069 | 87,279 | ||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (53,714 | ) | (69,059 | ) | ||||
Other investments | (1,739 | ) | (1,423 | ) | ||||
Proceed from sale of property | 43 | 12 | ||||||
Net cash used | (55,410 | ) | (70,470 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common shares and stock option exercises | 370 | 1,948 | ||||||
Repurchase of common shares | (7,101 | ) | — | |||||
Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction | 5,157 | 10,051 | ||||||
Refunds on advances for construction | (3,062 | ) | (3,328 | ) | ||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (15,278 | ) | (365 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | — | 60 | ||||||
Dividends paid | (23,931 | ) | (21,520 | ) | ||||
Other | (1,178 | ) | (979 | ) | ||||
Net cash used | (45,023 | ) | (14,133 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 19,636 | 2,676 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 38,226 | 23,486 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 57,862 | $ | 26,162 | ||||
Non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
Accrued payables for investment in utility plant | $ | 14,018 | $ | 25,072 | ||||
Property installed by developers and conveyed | $ | 388 | $ | 1,598 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
8
(in thousands) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Utility Plant | ||||||||
Utility plant, at cost | $ | 1,480,087 | $ | 1,443,623 | ||||
Less - Accumulated depreciation | (489,498 | ) | (466,329 | ) | ||||
Net utility plant | 990,589 | 977,294 | ||||||
Other Property and Investments | 15,365 | 13,653 | ||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 27,727 | 37,875 | ||||||
Accounts receivable-customers (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $839 in 2014 and $755 in 2013) | 26,348 | 23,829 | ||||||
Unbilled receivable | 20,821 | 18,552 | ||||||
Inter-company receivable | 177 | 718 | ||||||
Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $93 in 2014 and $359 in 2013) | 2,027 | 3,570 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable from Parent | — | 9,704 | ||||||
Note receivable from Parent | — | 500 | ||||||
Materials and supplies, at average cost | 2,465 | 1,859 | ||||||
Regulatory assets — current | 6,228 | 27,676 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 3,630 | 2,218 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes — current | 9,722 | 8,573 | ||||||
Total current assets | 99,145 | 135,074 | ||||||
Regulatory and Other Assets | ||||||||
Regulatory assets | 100,815 | 95,005 | ||||||
Other accounts receivable | — | 913 | ||||||
Other | 10,575 | 11,442 | ||||||
Total regulatory and other assets | 111,390 | 107,360 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,216,489 | $ | 1,233,381 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
9
(in thousands) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Capitalization | ||||||||
Common shares, no par value | $ | 234,607 | $ | 233,721 | ||||
Earnings reinvested in the business | 203,648 | 203,892 | ||||||
Total common shareholder’s equity | 438,255 | 437,613 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 310,807 | 326,079 | ||||||
Total capitalization | 749,062 | 763,692 | ||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Long-term debt — current | 6,292 | 6,298 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 35,054 | 37,611 | ||||||
Income taxes payable to Parent | 650 | — | ||||||
Accrued other taxes | 8,376 | 9,299 | ||||||
Accrued employee expenses | 9,834 | 9,536 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 6,143 | 3,897 | ||||||
Other | 17,051 | 12,880 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 83,400 | 79,521 | ||||||
Other Credits | ||||||||
Advances for construction | 68,327 | 69,332 | ||||||
Contributions in aid of construction — net | 115,329 | 114,916 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 157,115 | 158,994 | ||||||
Unamortized investment tax credits | 1,722 | 1,790 | ||||||
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits | 34,873 | 38,726 | ||||||
Other | 6,661 | 6,410 | ||||||
Total other credits | 384,027 | 390,168 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7) | ||||||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ | 1,216,489 | $ | 1,233,381 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
10
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||
Water | $ | 96,700 | $ | 93,932 | ||||
Electric | 8,614 | 8,849 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 105,314 | 102,781 | ||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||
Water purchased | 17,837 | 19,246 | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 3,914 | 3,414 | ||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 4,291 | 4,656 | ||||||
Power purchased for resale | 2,383 | 3,386 | ||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,179 | (1,003 | ) | |||||
Other operation | 6,223 | 6,506 | ||||||
Administrative and general | 17,261 | 17,007 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,236 | 9,474 | ||||||
Maintenance | 3,765 | 4,239 | ||||||
Property and other taxes | 3,879 | 3,572 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 72,968 | 70,497 | ||||||
Operating Income | 32,346 | 32,284 | ||||||
Other Income and Expenses | ||||||||
Interest expense | (5,509 | ) | (5,815 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 214 | 148 | ||||||
Other, net | 47 | 247 | ||||||
Total other income and expenses | (5,248 | ) | (5,420 | ) | ||||
Income from operations before income tax expense | 27,098 | 26,864 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 11,019 | 10,251 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 16,079 | $ | 16,613 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
11
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||
Water | $ | 253,689 | $ | 247,234 | ||||
Electric | 27,398 | 27,980 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 281,087 | 275,214 | ||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||
Water purchased | 45,324 | 46,648 | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 8,448 | 7,385 | ||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 12,684 | 11,666 | ||||||
Power purchased for resale | 7,070 | 9,894 | ||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,891 | (9 | ) | |||||
Other operation | 19,027 | 17,145 | ||||||
Administrative and general | 50,670 | 46,407 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 30,708 | 28,480 | ||||||
Maintenance | 10,609 | 12,097 | ||||||
Property and other taxes | 11,305 | 10,663 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 199,736 | 190,376 | ||||||
Operating Income | 81,351 | 84,838 | ||||||
Other Income and Expenses | ||||||||
Interest expense | (16,841 | ) | (17,289 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 436 | 466 | ||||||
Other, net | 443 | 674 | ||||||
Total other income and expenses | (15,962 | ) | (16,149 | ) | ||||
Income from operations before income tax expense | 65,389 | 68,689 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 26,507 | 27,557 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 38,882 | $ | 41,132 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
12
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 38,882 | $ | 41,132 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 31,406 | 29,162 | ||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 844 | 687 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | (3,110 | ) | 10,556 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 1,513 | 1,384 | ||||||
Other — net | 273 | 103 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable — customers | (3,345 | ) | (11,498 | ) | ||||
Unbilled receivable | (2,269 | ) | (4,936 | ) | ||||
Other accounts receivable | 2,438 | 1,483 | ||||||
Materials and supplies | (606 | ) | 188 | |||||
Prepayments and other current assets | (1,412 | ) | 928 | |||||
Other assets (including other regulatory assets) | 18,976 | (1,597 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable | 2,941 | 7,015 | ||||||
Inter-company receivable/payable | 541 | (2,720 | ) | |||||
Income taxes receivable/payable from/to Parent | 10,354 | 12,892 | ||||||
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits | (3,623 | ) | 2,114 | |||||
Other liabilities | 2,616 | 6,130 | ||||||
Net cash provided | 96,419 | 93,023 | ||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (52,150 | ) | (68,823 | ) | ||||
Note receivable from AWR parent | (8,300 | ) | (9,200 | ) | ||||
Receipt of payment of note receivable from AWR parent | 8,800 | 5,364 | ||||||
Other investments | (1,739 | ) | (1,423 | ) | ||||
Net cash used | (53,389 | ) | (74,082 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction | 5,157 | 10,051 | ||||||
Refunds on advances for construction | (3,062 | ) | (3,328 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | — | 60 | ||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (15,278 | ) | (365 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid | (39,000 | ) | (21,400 | ) | ||||
Other | (995 | ) | (811 | ) | ||||
Net cash used | (53,178 | ) | (15,793 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (10,148 | ) | 3,148 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 37,875 | 22,578 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 27,727 | $ | 25,726 | ||||
Non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
Accrued payables for investment in utility plant | $ | 14,017 | $ | 25,072 | ||||
Property installed by developers and conveyed | $ | 388 | $ | 1,598 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
13
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
AND
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Nature of Operations: American States Water Company (“AWR”) is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”) and American States Utility Services, Inc. (“ASUS”) (and its subsidiaries, Fort Bliss Water Services Company (“FBWS”), Terrapin Utility Services, Inc. (“TUS”), Old Dominion Utility Services, Inc. (“ODUS”), Palmetto State Utility Services, Inc. (“PSUS”) and Old North Utility Services, Inc. (“ONUS”)). The subsidiaries of ASUS may be collectively referred to herein as the “Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries.”
GSWC is a public utility engaged principally in the purchase, production, distribution and sale of water in California serving approximately 257,000 customers. GSWC also distributes electricity in several San Bernardino County mountain communities in California serving approximately 24,000 customers through its Bear Valley Electric Service (“BVES”) division. Although Registrant has a diversified base of residential, industrial and other customers, revenues derived from commercial and residential water customers accounted for approximately 90% of total water revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) regulates GSWC’s water and electric businesses, in matters including properties, rates, services, facilities and other matters, and transactions by GSWC with its affiliates. AWR’s assets and operating income are primarily those of GSWC.
ASUS, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, operates, maintains and performs construction activities (including renewal and replacement capital work) on water and/or wastewater systems at various United States military bases pursuant to 50-year firm fixed-price contracts. These contracts are subject to periodic price redeterminations and modifications for changes in circumstances and changes in laws and regulations.
There is no direct regulatory oversight by the CPUC over AWR or the operation, rates or services provided by ASUS or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are being presented in a combined report being filed by two separate Registrants: AWR and GSWC. References in this report to “Registrant” are to AWR and GSWC, collectively, unless otherwise specified. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 financial statement presentation.
The consolidated financial statements of AWR include the accounts of AWR and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in the AWR consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal, recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been made. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC.
GSWC's Related Party Transactions: In May 2013, AWR issued an interest bearing promissory note (the "Note") to GSWC for $20.0 million which expires on May 23, 2018. Under the terms of the Note, AWR may borrow from GSWC amounts up to $20.0 million for working capital purposes. AWR agreed to pay any unpaid principal amounts outstanding under the Note, plus accrued interest. As of September 30, 2014, AWR had no amounts outstanding to GSWC under this Note.
14
GSWC and ASUS provide and receive various support services to and from their parent, AWR, and among themselves. GSWC also allocates certain corporate office administrative and general costs to its affiliate, ASUS, using allocation factors approved by the CPUC. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, GSWC allocated to ASUS approximately $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of corporate office administrative and general costs. In addition, AWR has a $100.0 million syndicated credit facility. AWR borrows under this facility and provides funds to its subsidiaries, including GSWC, in support of their operations. The interest rate charged to GSWC and ASUS is sufficient to cover AWR’s interest cost under the credit facility. Amounts owed to GSWC by its parent, AWR, or for allocated expenses are included in inter-company receivables as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Notes Payable to Banks: On May 23, 2013, AWR entered into a fourth amendment to its revolving credit agreement to, among other things, extend the expiration date of the syndicated credit facility to May 23, 2018, reduce the amount of interest and fees paid by AWR, and update certain representations and covenants in the credit agreement. The aggregate amount that may be borrowed under this facility is unchanged at $100.0 million. AWR may, under the terms of the fourth amendment, elect to increase the aggregate commitment by up to an additional $50.0 million. As of September 30, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.
Long-term debt: On July 15, 2014, GSWC redeemed its $5,000,000, 6.87% Medium-Term Notes Series A due 2023, and $10,000,000, 7.00% Medium-Term Notes Series A also due 2023. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes, plus interest.
Sales and Use Taxes: GSWC bills certain sales and use taxes levied by state or local governments to its customers. Included in these sales and use taxes are franchise fees, which GSWC pays to various municipalities (based on ordinances adopted by these municipalities) in order to use public right of way for utility purposes. GSWC bills these franchise fees to its customers based on a CPUC-authorized rate for each rate-making area as applicable. These franchise fees, which are required to be paid regardless of GSWC’s ability to collect from the customer, are accounted for on a gross basis. GSWC’s franchise fees billed to customers and recorded as operating revenue were approximately $1.1 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. When GSWC acts as an agent, and the tax is not required to be remitted if it is not collected from the customer, the taxes are accounted for on a net basis.
Depending on the state in which the operations are conducted, ASUS and its subsidiaries are also subject to certain state non-income tax assessments generally computed on a “gross receipts” or “gross revenues” basis. These non-income tax assessments are required to be paid regardless of whether the subsidiary is reimbursed by the U.S. government for these assessments under its 50-year contracts. The non-income tax assessments are accounted for on a gross basis and totaled $248,000 and $305,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $554,000 and $636,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The updated guidance includes specific steps required to recognize revenue on contracts with customers. For Registrant, the updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Registrant is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
In June 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on share-based compensation. The update includes explicit guidance on how to account for share-based payment awards whereby a performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. For Registrant, the updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Registrant is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 — Regulatory Matters:
In accordance with accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises, Registrant records regulatory assets, which represent probable future recovery of costs from customers through the ratemaking process, and regulatory liabilities, which represent probable future refunds that are to be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. At September 30, 2014, Registrant had approximately $35.5 million of regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities, not accruing carrying costs. Of this amount, $14.9 million relates to the underfunding of pension and other post-retirement obligations and $16.2 million relates to deferred income taxes representing accelerated tax benefits flowed through to customers, which will be included in rates concurrently with recognition of the associated future tax expense. The remainder relates to other items that do not provide for or incur carrying costs.
15
Regulatory assets represent costs incurred by GSWC for which it has received or expects to receive rate recovery in the future. In determining the probability of costs being recognized in other periods, GSWC considers regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts or circumstances that would indicate if recovery is probable. If the CPUC determines that a portion of GSWC’s assets are not recoverable in customer rates, GSWC must determine if it has suffered an asset impairment that would require a write-down in the assets’ valuation. Regulatory assets, less regulatory liabilities, included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
GSWC | ||||||||
Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism, net of Modified Cost Balancing Account | $ | 13,987 | $ | 16,345 | ||||
Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism | 10,121 | 8,725 | ||||||
Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case | 13,906 | 14,763 | ||||||
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations (Note 6) | 18,142 | 20,241 | ||||||
Flow-through taxes, net (Note 5) | 16,203 | 16,189 | ||||||
Low income rate assistance balancing accounts | 9,218 | 9,979 | ||||||
General rate case memorandum accounts | 6,171 | 15,645 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets | 18,216 | 25,086 | ||||||
Various refunds to customers | (2,348 | ) | (4,292 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | 103,616 | $ | 122,681 | ||||
Regulatory matters are discussed in detail in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC. The discussion below focuses on significant matters and developments since December 31, 2013.
Alternative-Revenue Programs:
GSWC records the difference between what it bills its water customers and that which is authorized by the CPUC using the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (“WRAM”) and Modified Cost Balancing Account (“MCBA”) accounts approved by the CPUC. GSWC has implemented surcharges to recover all of its WRAM, net of the MCBA balances, as of December 31, 2013. The recovery or refund of the WRAM is netted against the MCBA over- or under-collection for the corresponding rate-making area and is interest bearing at the current 90-day commercial paper rate. Based on CPUC guidelines, recovery periods relating to the majority of GSWC’s WRAM/MCBA balances range between 18 and 24 months. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, surcharges of approximately $5.8 million and $9.1 million, respectively, were billed to customers to recover previously incurred under-collections in the WRAM, net of MCBA accounts, and surcharges (net of surcredits) of approximately $12.2 million and $19.8 million were billed to customers during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, GSWC has a net aggregated regulatory asset of $14.0 million which is comprised of a $13.6 million under-collection in the WRAM accounts and $375,000 under-collection in the MCBA accounts.
For BVES, the CPUC approved the Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism (“BRRAM”) which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels. Pending a final decision on the BVES general rate case, the 2013 and 2014 BRRAM balances have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC. As of September 30, 2014, GSWC had a regulatory asset of $10.1 million under-collection in the BRRAM.
General Rate Case Memorandum Accounts:
The balance in the general rate case memorandum accounts represents the revenue differences between interim rates and final rates authorized by the CPUC due to delays in receiving decisions on various general rate case applications. As of September 30, 2014, there is an aggregate $6.2 million in the general rate case memorandum accounts, $2.1 million of which is for retroactive rate increases effective January 1, 2013 as a result of the final decision issued by the CPUC in May 2013 on GSWC’s water general rate case. Surcharges ranging from 12 to 24 months, with the majority being 12 months, were implemented during the third quarter of 2013 to recover the retroactive adopted revenues related to the May 2013 CPUC decision. Upon expiration of these surcharges, any unrecovered amounts will be addressed in a future rate case or other filing.
16
Other Regulatory Matters:
CPUC Approval to Serve New Area:
On June 26, 2014, the CPUC approved a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application granting GSWC approval to provide water utility services to an area to be developed near Sacramento, in Sutter County, California, called Sutter Pointe. The CPUC's decision approved a settlement that was jointly filed by GSWC, Sutter County, the Sutter Pointe Developers, and a coalition of Sutter County residents. With the CPUC's approval, GSWC will create a water service district to supply the Sutter Pointe development with groundwater and surface water from the Sacramento River. The project will involve the construction of underground infrastructure, groundwater wells, a water treatment plant and storage facilities to serve retail, industrial and approximately 17,000 residential customers at final build out. As part of the agreement, GSWC will also request approval from the CPUC to acquire the water system that currently serves the community of Robbins in Sutter County. In August 2014, the CPUC's Office of Ratepayer Advocates ("ORA") filed an application for rehearing on this application. At this time, management cannot predict if a rehearing will be granted or the outcome of any rehearing if granted.
CPUC Rehearing Matter:
In July 2011, the CPUC issued an order granting the rehearing of certain issues from the Region II, Region III and general office rate case approved in November 2010. Among the issues in the rehearing was the La Serena plant improvement project included in rate base totaling approximately $3.5 million. As a result of the CPUC's November 2010 decision and subsequent settlement discussions held with ORA, GSWC recorded a $2.2 million pretax charge during 2010, and an additional $416,000 during 2012, representing the disallowance of a portion of the La Serena capital costs and the related revenues earned on those capital costs to be refunded to customers. In March 2013, GSWC and ORA reached a settlement agreement, which was approved by the CPUC in September 2014, resolving all issues arising from the rehearing. As a result of the CPUC approval of the settlement agreement, GSWC does not believe any further disallowances of the La Serena plant improvement project will be required.
Procurement Audits:
In December 2011, the CPUC issued a final decision on its investigation of certain work orders and charges paid to a specific contractor used previously for numerous construction projects. As part of the CPUC decision, GSWC agreed to be subject to three separate independent audits of its procurement practices over a period of ten years from the date the settlement was approved by the CPUC. The audits will cover GSWC’s procurement practices related to contracts with other contractors from 1994 forward and could result in disallowances of costs. The cost of the audits will be borne by shareholders and may not be recovered by GSWC in rates to customers. The first audit is currently underway and an audit report has not been issued. GSWC anticipates that a draft audit report will be issued during the first quarter of 2015. At this time, management cannot predict the outcome of these audits or estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, resulting from these audits.
BVES General Rate Case:
In February 2012, BVES filed its general rate case (“GRC”) for new rates in years 2013 through 2016. On May 7, 2014, GSWC filed a settlement agreement with the CPUC covering all matters in the pending electric rate case which has been approved by all parties. In September 2014, the CPUC issued a proposed decision, adopting the settlement agreement. A final decision from the CPUC is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014. Management does not expect that this settlement, once approved by the CPUC, will have a significant impact on GSWC's financial statements. Pending a final decision on the BVES rate case, electric revenues have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC.
17
Note 3 — Earnings per Share/Capital Stock:
In accordance with the accounting guidance for participating securities and earnings per share (“EPS”), Registrant uses the “two-class” method of computing EPS. The “two-class” method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. AWR has participating securities related to its stock-based awards that earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with AWR’s Common Shares (the “Common Shares”). In applying the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.
The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding used for calculating basic net income per share:
Basic: | For The Three Months Ended September 30, | For The Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 21,171 | $ | 20,839 | $ | 47,546 | $ | 50,906 | ||||||||
Less: (a) Distributed earnings to common shareholders | 8,244 | 7,836 | 23,944 | 21,527 | ||||||||||||
Distributed earnings to participating securities | 48 | 48 | 133 | 123 | ||||||||||||
Undistributed earnings | 12,879 | 12,955 | 23,469 | 29,256 | ||||||||||||
(b) Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders | 12,805 | 12,877 | 23,340 | 29,089 | ||||||||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | 74 | 78 | 129 | 167 | ||||||||||||
Total income available to common shareholders, basic (a)+(b) | $ | 21,049 | $ | 20,713 | $ | 47,284 | $ | 50,616 | ||||||||
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic | 38,704 | 38,696 | 38,744 | 38,613 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | ||||||||
Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of Common Shares, including both outstanding shares and shares potentially issuable in connection with stock options and restricted stock units granted under Registrant’s 2000 and 2008 Stock Incentive Plans and the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Plan, and net income. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were 235,584 and 273,740 options outstanding, respectively, under these Plans. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were also 224,543 and 236,891 restricted stock units outstanding, respectively, under these plans and the 2013 Non-Employee Directors Plan.
18
The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating diluted net income per share:
Diluted: | For The Three Months Ended September 30, | For The Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Common shareholders earnings, basic | $ | 21,049 | $ | 20,713 | $ | 47,284 | $ | 50,616 | ||||||||
Undistributed earnings for dilutive stock options | 74 | 78 | 129 | 167 | ||||||||||||
Total common shareholders earnings, diluted | $ | 21,123 | $ | 20,791 | $ | 47,413 | $ | 50,783 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic | 38,704 | 38,696 | 38,744 | 38,613 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation (1) | 226 | 227 | 219 | 222 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted | 38,930 | 38,923 | 38,963 | 38,835 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | ||||||||
(1) In applying the treasury stock method of reflecting the dilutive effect of outstanding stock-based compensation in the calculation of diluted EPS, 235,584 and 273,740 stock options at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were deemed to be outstanding in accordance with accounting guidance on earnings per share. All of the 224,543 and 236,891 restricted stock units at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
No stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014 had an exercise price greater than the average market price of AWR’s Common Shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. There were no stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014 or 2013 that were anti-dilutive.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Registrant issued 95,331 and 236,528 common shares, for approximately $370,000 and $1,948,000, respectively, under Registrant’s Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”), the 401(k) Plan, the 2000 and 2008 Stock Incentive Plans, and the 2003 and 2013 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plans. In addition, Registrant purchased 566,258 and 553,067 Common Shares on the open market during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, under Registrant’s 401(k) Plan and the DRP.
On March 27, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, authorizing AWR to repurchase up to 1.25 million shares of its Common Shares from time to time through June 30, 2016. Pursuant to this program, Registrant repurchased 231,298 Common Shares on the open market during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, AWR paid quarterly dividends of approximately $8.2 million, or $0.213 per share, and $7.8 million, or $0.2025 per share, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 AWR paid quarterly dividends to shareholders of approximately $23.9 million, or $0.6180 per share, and $21.5 million, or $0.5575 per share, respectively.
On October 28, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a fourth quarter dividend of $0.2130 per share on the Common Shares of AWR. Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on December 1, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 14, 2014.
19
Note 4 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, the carrying amount is assumed to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the amounts. Investments held in a Rabbi Trust for the supplemental executive retirement plan are measured at fair value and totaled $8.7 million as of September 30, 2014. All equity investments in the Rabbi Trust are Level 1 investments in mutual funds. The investments held in the Rabbi Trust are included in Other Property and Investments on Registrant's balance sheets.
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements applies to all financial assets and financial liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. Under the accounting guidance, GSWC makes fair value measurements that are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
The table below estimates the fair value of long-term debt held by GSWC. The fair values as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 have been determined using rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing level 2 methods and assumptions. The interest rates used for the September 30, 2014 valuation decreased as compared to December 31, 2013, increasing the fair value of long-term debt as of September 30, 2014. Changes in the assumptions will produce differing results.
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt—GSWC | $ | 317,099 | $ | 419,881 | $ | 332,377 | $ | 412,590 | ||||||||
Note 5 — Income Taxes:
As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as flow-through adjustments in computing its income tax provision consistent with the income tax approach approved by the CPUC for ratemaking purposes. Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting decrease or increase occurring in another period. Giving effect to these temporary differences as flow-through adjustments typically results in a greater variance between the effective tax rate (“ETR”) and the statutory federal income tax rate in any given period than would otherwise exist if GSWC were not required to account for its income taxes as a regulated enterprise. The GSWC ETR was 40.7% and 38.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 40.5% and 40.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The GSWC ETRs deviated from the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements (primarily related to plant, rate-case and compensation items), as well as permanent items.
Changes in Tax Law:
In September 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations related to the tax treatment of tangible property, including guidance on expensing certain repair and maintenance expenditures. The regulations are effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Registrant’s current tax treatment of tangible property continues to be permitted; however, Registrant is evaluating its water-pipeline tax repair-cost method, as well as other tax-method changes pursuant to these regulations. If Registrant adopts new methods, the impact to total income tax expense and the effective tax rate is not expected to be significant.
In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property through 2013. Although this change in law reduced AWR’s current taxes payable, it did not reduce its total income tax expense or ETR.
20
Note 6 — Employee Benefit Plans:
The components of net periodic benefit costs, before allocation to the overhead pool, for Registrant’s pension plan, postretirement plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
For The Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | SERP | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 1,411 | $ | 1,742 | $ | 63 | $ | 106 | $ | 192 | $ | 201 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | 1,880 | 1,727 | 111 | 113 | 154 | 129 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (2,225 | ) | (1,894 | ) | (114 | ) | (95 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of transition | — | — | 105 | 105 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | 30 | 30 | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | 40 | 40 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss | — | 720 | (115 | ) | — | 35 | 85 | |||||||||||||||||
Net periodic pension cost under accounting standards | 1,096 | 2,325 | — | 179 | 421 | 455 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory adjustment — deferred | 374 | (521 | ) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool | $ | 1,470 | $ | 1,804 | $ | — | $ | 179 | $ | 421 | $ | 455 | ||||||||||||
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | SERP | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 4,233 | $ | 5,226 | $ | 261 | $ | 318 | $ | 576 | $ | 603 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | 5,640 | 5,181 | 371 | 339 | 462 | 387 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (6,675 | ) | (5,682 | ) | (340 | ) | (285 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of transition | — | — | 313 | 315 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | 89 | 90 | (150 | ) | (150 | ) | 120 | 120 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss | — | 2,160 | (247 | ) | — | 105 | 255 | |||||||||||||||||
Net periodic pension cost under accounting standards | 3,287 | 6,975 | 208 | 537 | 1,263 | 1,365 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory adjustment — deferred | 1,123 | (1,440 | ) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool | $ | 4,410 | $ | 5,535 | $ | 208 | $ | 537 | $ | 1,263 | $ | 1,365 | ||||||||||||
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Registrant contributed $8.2 million to the pension plan.
Regulatory Adjustment:
In May 2013, the CPUC issued a final decision that authorized GSWC to utilize a two-way balancing account for its water regions and the general office to track differences between the forecasted annual pension expenses adopted in rates and the actual annual expense recorded by GSWC in accordance with the accounting guidance for pension costs. As of September 30, 2014, GSWC has a $3.2 million under-collection in the two-way pension balancing account included as part of the pension regulatory asset (Note 2).
21
Affordable Care Act:
In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Affordable Care Act") was passed and was to become effective in 2014. In July 2013, compliance with the employer mandate and certain reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act were delayed until 2015. Registrant’s health care plan meets the current requirements of the Affordable Care Act for the majority of its employees. Registrant continues to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act on its health care benefit costs, but does not expect it to have a material impact in the near future on Registrant's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 7 — Contingencies:
Condemnation of Properties:
The laws of the State of California provide for the acquisition of public utility property by governmental agencies through their power of eminent domain, also known as condemnation, where doing so is necessary and in the public interest. In addition, these laws provide: (i) that the owner of utility property may contest whether the condemnation is actually necessary and in the public interest, and (ii) that the owner is entitled to receive the fair market value of its property if the property is ultimately taken.
Claremont System:
The City of Claremont ("Claremont" or "the City") located in GSWC’s Region III, has expressed various concerns to GSWC about rates charged by GSWC and the effectiveness of the CPUC’s rate-setting procedures. In November 2012 and again in September 2013, Claremont made offers to acquire GSWC’s water system servicing Claremont. GSWC rejected both offers and informed the City that the system is not for sale. Claremont continues to express a desire to potentially take the system by eminent domain.
On July 31, 2014, the City passed a resolution calling for a special election to be held November 4, 2014 for the purpose of authorizing the issuance of $135.0 million in water revenue bonds by the City to finance the acquisition of the system. GSWC serves approximately 11,000 customers in Claremont.
Ojai System:
In April 2011, an organization called Ojai FLOW ("Friends of Locally Owned Water") started a local campaign for the Casitas Municipal Water District ("CMWD") to purchase GSWC’s Ojai water system. In March 2013, CMWD passed resolutions authorizing the establishment of a Community Facilities District, an entity authorized pursuant to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities District Act of 1982 ("Mello-Roos Act") and the issuance of bonds to finance the potential acquisition of GSWC’s Ojai system by eminent domain. In August 2013, Ojai residents approved the levying of a special tax to satisfy the planned bond obligations. GSWC filed a petition in the Superior Court, Ventura County, which, among other things, challenged the legality of CMWD’s effort to utilize the Mello-Roos Act to acquire property by eminent domain and to fund legal and expert costs of the planned condemnation. Ojai FLOW members filed a motion with the Superior Court asking that all residents of GSWC’s Ojai service area be certified as class defendants in GSWC's pending action. They contend that the class would later be entitled to sue GSWC for damages if GSWC's challenge is denied. Without deciding whether such a lawsuit would be permitted, the Court granted the motion for class certification. On March 13, 2014, the Court denied GSWC's petition. On April 9, 2014, GSWC filed a Notice of Appeal. GSWC is unable to predict the outcome of the appeal at this time. GSWC serves approximately 3,000 customers in Ojai.
Apple Valley System:
In recent years the Town of Apple Valley has considered a potential condemnation of the water systems serving its area, including GSWC's Apple Valley system. In August 2014, Apple Valley's Town Council issued a request for proposal for an updated feasibility study on the potential acquisition of the water systems. GSWC serves approximately 2,900 customers in the Town of Apple Valley.
Artesia System:
On October 13, 2014, the City of Artesia's City Council approved a request for a feasibility study on the potential acquisition of GSWC's water system in Artesia. GSWC serves approximately 3,300 customers in Artesia.
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Environmental Clean-Up and Remediation:
GSWC has been involved in environmental remediation and clean-up at a plant site ("Chadron Plant") that contained an underground storage tank which was used to store gasoline for its vehicles. This tank was removed from the ground in July 1990 along with the dispenser and ancillary piping. Since then, GSWC has been involved in various remediation activities at this site. Recent analysis indicates that offsite monitoring wells may also be necessary to document effectiveness of remediation.
As of September 30, 2014, the total spent to clean-up and remediate GSWC’s plant facility was approximately $4.3 million, of which $1.5 million has been paid by the State of California Underground Storage Tank Fund. Amounts paid by GSWC have been included in rate base and approved by the CPUC for recovery. As of September 30, 2014, GSWC has a regulatory asset and an accrued liability for the estimated additional cost of $1.4 million to complete the clean-up at the site. The estimate includes costs for two years of continued activities of groundwater cleanup and monitoring, future soil treatment and site closure related activities. The ultimate cost may vary as there are many unknowns in remediation of underground gasoline spills and this is an estimate based on currently available information. Management also believes it is probable that the estimated additional costs will be approved in rate base by the CPUC.
Other Litigation:
Registrant is also subject to other ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Management believes that rate recovery, proper insurance coverage and reserves are in place to insure against property, general liability and workers’ compensation claims incurred in the ordinary course of business. Registrant is unable to predict an estimate of the loss, if any, resulting from any pending suits or administrative proceedings.
23
Note 8 — Business Segments:
AWR has three reportable segments, water, electric and contracted services, whereas GSWC has two segments, water and electric. AWR has no material assets other than cash and its investments in its subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis. All activities of GSWC are geographically located within California.
Activities of ASUS and its subsidiaries are conducted in California, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Each of ASUS’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is regulated by the state in which the subsidiary primarily conducts water and/or wastewater operations. Fees charged for operations and maintenance and renewal and replacement services are based upon the terms of the contracts with the U.S. government which have been filed with the regulatory commissions in the states in which ASUS’s subsidiaries are incorporated.
The tables below set forth information relating to GSWC’s operating segments, ASUS and its subsidiaries and other matters. Total assets by segment are not presented below, as certain of Registrant’s assets are not tracked by segment. The utility plant amounts are net of respective accumulated provisions for depreciation. Capital additions reflect capital expenditures paid in cash and exclude property installed by developers and conveyed to GSWC.
As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
GSWC | ASUS | AWR | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Water | Electric | Contracts | Parent | AWR | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 96,700 | $ | 8,614 | $ | 33,013 | $ | — | $ | 138,327 | ||||||||||
Operating income | 31,185 | 1,161 | 7,549 | — | 39,895 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 4,976 | 319 | 10 | (10 | ) | 5,295 | ||||||||||||||
Utility plant | 950,256 | 40,333 | 4,854 | — | 995,443 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) | 9,643 | 593 | 313 | — | 10,549 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 10,749 | 270 | 2,857 | (400 | ) | 13,476 | ||||||||||||||
Capital additions | 17,093 | 726 | 275 | — | 18,094 | |||||||||||||||
As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
GSWC | ASUS | AWR | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Water | Electric | Contracts | Parent | AWR | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 93,932 | $ | 8,849 | $ | 28,133 | $ | — | $ | 130,914 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 31,022 | 1,262 | 3,882 | (2 | ) | 36,164 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 5,297 | 370 | 71 | (71 | ) | 5,667 | ||||||||||||||
Utility plant | 923,521 | 40,904 | 4,034 | — | 968,459 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) | 8,900 | 574 | 279 | — | 9,753 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 9,812 | 439 | 1,343 | (1,689 | ) | 9,905 | ||||||||||||||
Capital additions | 27,256 | 546 | 68 | — | 27,870 | |||||||||||||||
As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
GSWC | ASUS | AWR | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Water | Electric | Contracts | Parent | AWR | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 253,689 | $ | 27,398 | $ | 74,826 | $ | — | $ | 355,913 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 76,762 | 4,589 | 12,358 | (46 | ) | 93,663 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 15,415 | 990 | 132 | (72 | ) | 16,465 | ||||||||||||||
Utility plant | 950,256 | 40,333 | 4,854 | — | 995,443 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) | 28,840 | 1,868 | 896 | — | 31,604 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 25,081 | 1,426 | 4,603 | (1,015 | ) | 30,095 | ||||||||||||||
Capital additions | 50,744 | 1,406 | 1,564 | — | 53,714 | |||||||||||||||
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As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
GSWC | ASUS | AWR | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Water | Electric | Contracts | Parent | AWR | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 247,234 | $ | 27,980 | $ | 86,947 | $ | — | $ | 362,161 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 79,557 | 5,281 | 12,592 | (9 | ) | 97,421 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 15,699 | 1,124 | 224 | (161 | ) | 16,886 | ||||||||||||||
Utility plant | 923,521 | 40,904 | 4,034 | — | 968,459 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) | 26,739 | 1,741 | 857 | — | 29,337 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 25,574 | 1,983 | 4,637 | (1,892 | ) | 30,302 | ||||||||||||||
Capital additions | 67,397 | 1,426 | 236 | 69,059 | ||||||||||||||||
(1) Depreciation expense computed on GSWC’s transportation equipment of $201,000 and $214,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $698,000 and $682,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is recorded in administrative and general expenses.
The following table reconciles total utility plant (a key figure for rate-making) to total consolidated assets (in thousands):
September 30, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Total utility plant | $ | 995,443 | $ | 968,459 | ||||
Other assets | 330,672 | 382,594 | ||||||
Total consolidated assets | $ | 1,326,115 | $ | 1,351,053 | ||||
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Note 9 — Military Privatization:
The 50-year contracts with the U.S. government to operate, maintain and perform construction activities on the water and/or wastewater systems at various military bases are subject to periodic price redeterminations and modifications for changes in circumstances. ASUS has experienced delays in redetermining prices as required by the terms of these contracts. As a result, price redeterminations, when finally approved, can be retrospective and prospective.
In September 2014, the U.S. government approved price redeterminations related to the operations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base. ASUS received contract modifications from the U.S. government for these price redeterminations, which included retroactive operation and maintenance management fees and retroactive renewal and replacement fees for prior periods. Revenues from operation and maintenance management fees are recognized when services are rendered. Accordingly, ASUS recorded approximately $2.6 million of retroactive revenues and pretax operating income in connection with these contract modifications during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. In addition, approximately $6.0 million related to renewal and replacement funds was also recorded in "billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts", which will be recognized in construction revenues (along with the related construction costs) when the work is performed.
Unbilled receivables for ASUS represent completed construction revenues and operation and maintenance management fees earned but not yet billed, and also renewal and replacement fees due from the U.S. government but not yet billed.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The following discussion and analysis provides information on AWR’s consolidated operations and assets and where necessary, includes specific references to AWR’s individual segments and/or other subsidiaries: GSWC and ASUS and its subsidiaries. Included in the following analysis is a discussion of water and electric gross margins. Water and electric gross margins are computed by taking total revenues, less total supply costs. Registrant uses these gross margins and related percentages as an important measure in evaluating its operating results. Registrant believes these measures are useful internal benchmarks in evaluating the performance of GSWC.
The discussions and tables included in the following analysis also present Registrant’s operations in terms of earnings per share by business segment. Registrant believes that the disclosure of earnings per share by business segment provides investors with clarity surrounding the performance of our differing services. Registrant reviews these measurements regularly and compares them to historical periods and to our operating budget. However, these measures, which are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or earnings per share, which are determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of water and electric gross margins to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the table under the sections titled “Operating Expenses: Supply Costs.” Reconciliations to AWR’s diluted earnings per share are included in the discussions under the sections titled “Summary of Third Quarter Results by Segment” and “Summary of Year-to-Date Results by Segment.”
Overview
GSWC's revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned primarily through delivering potable water to homes and businesses in California and the delivery of electricity in the Big Bear area of San Bernardino County, California. Rates charged to GSWC customers are determined by the CPUC. These rates are intended to allow recovery of operating costs and a reasonable rate of return on capital. Factors affecting the financial performance of GSWC are described under Forward-Looking Information and include: the process and timing of setting rates charged to customers; the ability to recover, and the process for recovering in rates, the costs of distributing water and electricity and overhead costs; pressures on water supply caused by the drought in California, changing weather patterns in the West, population growth, more stringent water quality standards and deterioration in water quality and water supply from a variety of causes; fines, penalties and disallowances by the CPUC arising from failures to comply with regulatory requirements; the impact of increased water quality standards and environmental regulations on the cost of operations and capital expenditures; changes in long-term customer demand due to changes in usage patterns as a result of conservation efforts, mandatory regulatory changes impacting the use of water, such as new landscaping or irrigation requirements, recycling of water by the customer and purchases of recycled water by customers from other third parties; and capital expenditures needed to upgrade water systems and increased costs and risks associated with litigation relating to water quality and water supply, including suits initiated by GSWC to protect its water supply. GSWC plans to continue to seek additional rate increases in future years from the CPUC to recover operating and supply costs and receive reasonable returns on invested capital. Capital expenditures in future years at GSWC are expected to remain at higher levels than depreciation expense.
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When necessary, GSWC obtains funds from external sources in the capital markets and from its parent. Funds obtained by GSWC from its parent may be obtained by its parent from external sources in the capital markets, dividends or loans from its subsidiaries and through bank borrowings.
ASUS's revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned by providing water and/or wastewater services, including the operation, maintenance, and construction (including renewal and replacement) of water and/or wastewater systems, at various military installations pursuant to 50-year firm, fixed-price contracts. The contract price for each of these contracts is subject to prospective price redeterminations. Additional revenues generated by contract operations are primarily dependent on new construction activities under contract modifications with the U.S. government or agreements with other third-party prime contractors. As a result, ASUS is subject to risks that are different than those of GSWC. Factors affecting the financial performance of our Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries are described under Forward-Looking Information and include delays in receiving payments from the U.S. government; the redetermination and equitable adjustment of prices under contracts with the U.S. government; fines, penalties or disallowance of costs by the U.S. government; and termination of contracts and suspension or debarment for a period of time from contracting with the government due to violations of federal law or regulations in connection with military utility privatization activities. ASUS's financial performance is also dependent upon its ability to accurately estimate costs in bidding on firm fixed-price construction contracts and the costs of seeking new contracts for the operation and maintenance and renewal and replacement of water and/or wastewater services at additional military bases and for additional construction work at existing bases. ASUS is actively pursuing utility privatization contracts of other military bases to expand the contracted services segment.
In September 2014, ASUS received retroactive contract modifications from the U.S. government for price redeterminations and other matters related to the operations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base. As a result, included in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $2.6 million in retroactive revenues, or $0.04 per share, related to these contract modifications.
Summary of Third Quarter Results by Segment
The table below sets forth the third quarter diluted earnings per share by business segment:
Diluted Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
9/30/2014 | 9/30/2013 | CHANGE | ||||||||||
Water | $ | 0.40 | $ | 0.42 | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||||
Electric | 0.01 | 0.01 | — | |||||||||
Contracted services | 0.12 | 0.06 | 0.06 | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 0.01 | 0.04 | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
Consolidated diluted earnings per share, as reported | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, diluted earnings from the water segment decreased by $0.02 to $0.40 per share as compared to the same period in 2013. Impacting the comparability of the two periods were the following items:
• | An increase in the water gross margin of approximately $1.6 million, or $0.02 per share, due primarily to second-year rate increases approved by the CPUC. This was partially offset by a decrease of $746,000 in revenues with a corresponding decrease in operating expenses, representing a decrease in surcharges billed to customers during the three months ended September 30, 2014 to recover previously incurred costs. These surcharges had no impact on net earnings. |
• | Excluding supply costs and the impact of the $746,000 of surcharges discussed above, there was an increase in operating expenses of approximately $1.4 million, or $0.02 per share, primarily due to increases in legal and outside services costs and depreciation expense. These increases were partially offset by lower planned maintenance expense. |
• | An increase in the effective income tax rate, decreasing water earnings by $0.02 per share. The change in the tax rate is primarily due to changes between book and taxable income from items that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements. |
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, diluted earnings from the electric segment were $0.01 per share. In February 2012, GSWC filed its electric general rate case for rates in years 2013 through 2016. In May 2014, GSWC along with all of the parties involved in this rate case filed a settlement agreement with the CPUC on the revenue requirement. In September 2014, the CPUC issued a proposed decision on the rate case, adopting the settlement agreement. A final decision from the CPUC is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014. Pending a final decision on this general rate case, electric revenues have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC.
27
Diluted earnings from contracted services increased by $0.06 per share during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was due to: (i) the recording of retroactive revenues of $0.04 per share based on the resolution of price redeterminations received during the third quarter of 2014 for the military subsidiaries serving Andrews Air Force Base, Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson, and (ii) an increase in construction activity at these same bases, which added approximately $0.02 per share as compared to the same period in 2013.
Diluted earnings from AWR (parent) decreased $0.03 per share as compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to a cumulative tax benefit recorded during the third quarter of 2013 for deductions taken related to an employee benefit program, with no similar cumulative benefit recorded in 2014.
Summary of Year-to-Date Results by Segment
The table below sets forth the year-to-date diluted earnings per share by business segment:
Diluted Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||
9/30/2014 | 9/30/2013 | CHANGE | ||||||||||
Water | $ | 0.94 | $ | 1.00 | $ | (0.06 | ) | |||||
Electric | 0.06 | 0.06 | — | |||||||||
Contracted services | 0.20 | 0.20 | — | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 0.02 | 0.05 | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
Consolidated diluted earnings per share, as reported | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, diluted earnings from the water segment were $0.94 per share, as compared to $1.00 per share for the same period of 2013. In May 2013, the CPUC issued a final decision on GSWC's water rate case which approved, among other things, recovery of $3.1 million of previously incurred costs. The approval of these items increased earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 by $0.05 per share, with no similar item in 2014. Excluding this $0.05 per share impact, diluted earnings from the water segment decreased by $0.01 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. Impacting the comparability of the two periods were the following items:
• | An increase in the water gross margin, increasing earnings by $0.04 per share, due primarily to second-year rate increases approved by the CPUC. There was also an increase of approximately $1.7 million in revenues with a corresponding increase in operating expenses, representing surcharges billed to customers during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to recover previously incurred costs. These surcharges had no impact on net earnings. |
• | Excluding supply costs, the one-time recovery of previously incurred costs and the impact of the $1.7 million of surcharges discussed above, there was an increase in operating expenses of approximately $2.6 million, or $0.04 per share, primarily due to increases in outside services costs, chemical and water treatment costs, labor costs, bad debt expense and depreciation expense. These increases were partially offset by lower planned maintenance expense. |
• | An increase in the effective income tax rate, decreasing water earnings by $0.01 per share. The change in the tax rate is primarily due to changes between book and taxable income from items that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements. |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, diluted earnings from the electric segment were $0.06 per share. In May 2013, the CPUC approved the recovery of legal and outside service costs in connection with the CPUC's renewables portfolio standard. As a result, in the second quarter of 2013, GSWC recorded an $834,000 reduction in legal and outside services costs, increasing earnings by $0.01 per share. There was no similar reduction in 2014. This was offset by a decrease in the electric effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increasing earnings by $0.01 per share.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, diluted earnings from contracted services were $0.20 per share. Price redeterminations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base were resolved during the third quarter of 2014 resulting in retroactive revenues which increased diluted earnings by $0.04 per share as compared to the same period in 2013. There was also a decrease in outside services costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These increases to earnings were offset by a decrease in construction activity as a result of significant work on several projects being substantially completed during 2013, with less work performed during 2014.
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Diluted earnings from AWR (parent) decreased $0.03 per share as compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to a cumulative tax benefit recorded during the third quarter of 2013 for deductions taken related to an employee benefit program, with no similar cumulative benefit recorded in 2014.
The following discussion and analysis provides information on AWR’s consolidated operations and, where necessary, includes specific references to AWR’s individual segments and/or other subsidiaries: GSWC and ASUS and its subsidiaries.
29
Consolidated Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | |||||||||||||||
Water | $ | 96,700 | $ | 93,932 | $ | 2,768 | 2.9 | % | |||||||
Electric | 8,614 | 8,849 | (235 | ) | (2.7 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted services | 33,013 | 28,133 | 4,880 | 17.3 | % | ||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 138,327 | 130,914 | 7,413 | 5.7 | % | ||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Water purchased | 17,837 | 19,246 | (1,409 | ) | (7.3 | )% | |||||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 3,914 | 3,414 | 500 | 14.6 | % | ||||||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 4,291 | 4,656 | (365 | ) | (7.8 | )% | |||||||||
Power purchased for resale | 2,383 | 3,386 | (1,003 | ) | (29.6 | )% | |||||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,179 | (1,003 | ) | 4,182 | (416.9 | )% | |||||||||
Other operation | 6,958 | 7,185 | (227 | ) | (3.2 | )% | |||||||||
Administrative and general | 20,178 | 20,083 | 95 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,549 | 9,753 | 796 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||
Maintenance | 4,390 | 4,666 | (276 | ) | (5.9 | )% | |||||||||
Property and other taxes | 4,359 | 4,108 | 251 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||
ASUS construction | 20,430 | 19,256 | 1,174 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||
Net gain on sale of property | (36 | ) | — | (36 | ) | (100 | )% | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | 98,432 | 94,750 | 3,682 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 39,895 | 36,164 | 3,731 | 10.3 | % | ||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (5,519 | ) | (5,852 | ) | 333 | (5.7 | )% | ||||||||
Interest income | 224 | 185 | 39 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||
Other, net | 47 | 247 | (200 | ) | (81.0 | )% | |||||||||
(5,248 | ) | (5,420 | ) | 172 | (3.2 | )% | |||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 34,647 | 30,744 | 3,903 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 13,476 | 9,905 | 3,571 | 36.1 | % | ||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 21,171 | $ | 20,839 | $ | 332 | 1.6 | % | |||||||
Basic earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.54 | $ | — | — | % | |||||||
Fully diluted earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.01 | 1.9 | % | |||||||
30
Operating Revenues:
General
Registrant relies upon approvals by the CPUC of rate increases to recover operating expenses and to provide for a return on invested and borrowed capital used to fund utility plant for GSWC. Registrant relies on price redeterminations and equitable adjustments by the U.S. government in order to recover operating expenses and provide a profit margin for ASUS. If adequate rate relief or price redeterminations are not granted in a timely manner, current operating revenues and earnings can be negatively impacted. ASUS’s earnings are also impacted by the level of additional construction projects at the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries, which may or may not continue at current levels in future periods.
Water
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from water operations increased $2.8 million to $96.7 million. During 2014, the CPUC approved an increase in rates to specifically cover increases in supply costs experienced in certain rate-making areas. This $2.0 million revenue increase is offset by a corresponding $2.0 million increase in supply cost, resulting in no impact to the water gross margin. There was also an increase in water revenues due to second-year rate increases approved by the CPUC effective January 1, 2014 for certain rate-making areas. These increases were partially offset by a $746,000 decrease in surcharges during the three months ended September 30, 2014 to recover previously incurred costs approved by the CPUC. Certain surcharges implemented in 2013 were twelve months in duration and expired during 2014. The decrease in revenues from these surcharges is offset by a corresponding decrease in operating expenses (primarily administrative and general) resulting in no impact to pretax operating income.
Billed water consumption for the third quarter of 2014 decreased by approximately 6.0% as compared to the same period in 2013 due to conservation efforts. A change in consumption does not have a significant impact on revenues due to the CPUC-approved WRAM account in place in all three water regions. GSWC records the difference between what it bills its water customers and that which is authorized by the CPUC in the WRAM accounts as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Electric
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from electric operations were $8.6 million as compared to $8.8 million for the same period in 2013. As previously discussed, pending a final decision on the BVES rate case, electric revenues have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC.
Billed electric usage decreased by approximately 1.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. Due to the CPUC approved BRRAM, which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels authorized by the CPUC, this change in usage did not have a significant impact on earnings.
Contracted Services
Revenues from contracted services are composed of construction revenues (including renewals and replacements) and management fees for operating and maintaining the water and/or wastewater systems at military bases. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from contracted services were $33.0 million as compared to $28.1 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was partially due to the resolution of price redeterminations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base during the third quarter of 2014, which resulted in the recording of approximately $2.6 million in retroactive revenues. There was also an increase in construction activity at these bases as compared to the same period in 2013.
ASUS subsidiaries continue to enter into U.S. government awarded contract modifications and agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries. During the third quarter of 2014, the U.S. government awarded ASUS approximately $27.0 million in new construction projects, the majority of which are expected to be completed during the next twelve months. Earnings and cash flows from modifications to the original 50-year contracts with the U.S. government and agreements with third-party prime contractors for additional construction projects may or may not continue in future periods.
31
Operating Expenses:
Supply Costs
Supply costs for the water segment consist of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and water supply cost balancing accounts. Supply costs for the electric segment consist of purchased power for resale, the cost of natural gas used by BVES’s generating unit, the cost of renewable energy credits and the electric supply cost balancing account. Water and electric gross margins are computed by taking total revenues, less total supply costs. Registrant uses these gross margins and related percentages as an important measure in evaluating its operating results. Registrant believes this measure is a useful internal benchmark in evaluating the utility business performance within its water and electric segments. Registrant reviews these measurements regularly and compares them to historical periods and to its operating budget. However, this measure, which is not presented in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, which is determined in accordance with GAAP.
Total supply costs comprise the largest segment of total operating expenses. Supply costs accounted for approximately 32.1% and 31.3% of total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The table below provides the amount of increases (decreases) and percent changes in water and electric revenues, supply costs and gross margin during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
WATER OPERATING REVENUES (1) | $ | 96,700 | $ | 93,932 | $ | 2,768 | 2.9 | % | |||||||
WATER SUPPLY COSTS: | |||||||||||||||
Water purchased (1) | $ | 17,837 | $ | 19,246 | $ | (1,409 | ) | (7.3 | )% | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping (1) | 3,914 | 3,414 | 500 | 14.6 | % | ||||||||||
Groundwater production assessment (1) | 4,291 | 4,656 | (365 | ) | (7.8 | )% | |||||||||
Water supply cost balancing accounts (1) | 1,994 | (1,226 | ) | 3,220 | (262.6 | )% | |||||||||
TOTAL WATER SUPPLY COSTS | $ | 28,036 | $ | 26,090 | $ | 1,946 | 7.5 | % | |||||||
WATER GROSS MARGIN (2) | $ | 68,664 | $ | 67,842 | $ | 822 | 1.2 | % | |||||||
PERCENT MARGIN - WATER | 71.0 | % | 72.2 | % | |||||||||||
ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES (1) | $ | 8,614 | $ | 8,849 | $ | (235 | ) | (2.7 | )% | ||||||
ELECTRIC SUPPLY COSTS: | |||||||||||||||
Power purchased for resale (1) | $ | 2,383 | $ | 3,386 | $ | (1,003 | ) | (29.6 | )% | ||||||
Electric supply cost balancing accounts (1) | 1,185 | 223 | 962 | 431.4 | % | ||||||||||
TOTAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY COSTS | $ | 3,568 | $ | 3,609 | $ | (41 | ) | (1.1 | )% | ||||||
ELECTRIC GROSS MARGIN (2) | $ | 5,046 | $ | 5,240 | $ | (194 | ) | (3.7 | )% | ||||||
PERCENT MARGIN - ELECTRIC | 58.6 | % | 59.2 | % | |||||||||||
(1) As reported on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income, except for supply cost balancing accounts. The sum of water and electric supply cost balancing accounts in the table above are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $3,179,000 and $(1,003,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Revenues include surcharges, which increase both revenues and operating expenses by corresponding amounts, thus having no net earnings impact.
(2) Water and electric gross margins do not include any depreciation and amortization, maintenance, administrative and general, property or other taxes or other operation expenses.
32
Two of the principal factors affecting water supply costs are the amount of water produced and the source of the water. Generally, the variable cost of producing water from wells is less than the cost of water purchased from wholesale suppliers. Under the MCBA, GSWC tracks adopted and actual expense levels for purchased water, power purchased for pumping and pump taxes, as established by the CPUC. GSWC records the variances (which include the effects of changes in both rate and volume) between adopted and actual purchased water, purchased power and pump tax expenses. GSWC recovers from or refunds to customers the amount of such variances. GSWC tracks these variances individually for each water ratemaking area.
The overall actual percentages of purchased water for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 36.7% and 36.9%, respectively, as compared to the adopted percentages of approximately 37.8% and 37.6%, respectively. The overall water gross margin percent was 71.0% in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 72.2% for the same period of 2013. The decrease in the overall water gross margin as a percentage of total water revenue was primarily due to CPUC-approved increases in rates to specifically cover increases in supply costs experienced in certain rate-making areas. This $2.0 million increase in revenues is offset by a corresponding $2.0 million increase in supply cost, resulting in no impact to the water gross dollar margin but lowering the gross margin as a percentage of total water revenues.
Purchased water costs for the three months ended September 30, 2014 decreased to $17.8 million as compared to $19.2 million for the same period in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in customer water usage, partially offset by increases in wholesale water costs.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the cost of power purchased for pumping was approximately $3.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, primarily due to increases in pumped water and average electric costs. Groundwater production assessments decreased $365,000 due to the timing of assessments levied by government agencies, whereby, assessments were levied during the second quarter of 2014 as compared to being levied during the third quarter of 2013.
The water supply cost balancing account increased $3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 due to an increase in rates specifically to cover increases in supply cost for certain rate-making areas. This increase in revenues is offset by a corresponding increase in the water supply cost balancing account, resulting in no impact to the water gross margin. There were also lower than adopted supply costs and a decrease in customer water usage.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the cost of power purchased for resale to customers in GSWC’s BVES division decreased to $2.4 million, as compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, due to a decrease in the average price per megawatt-hour (“MWh”) and a decrease in customer usage during the third quarter of 2014. The average price per MWh decreased from $66.62 per MWh for the three months ended September 30, 2013 to $51.20 for the same period in 2014. Customer usage also decreased 1.1% as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The electric supply cost balancing account included in total supply costs increased by $962,000 due to the decrease in the average price per MWh.
Other Operation
The primary components of other operation expenses for GSWC include payroll, materials and supplies, chemicals and water treatment costs and outside service costs of operating the regulated water systems, including the costs associated with water transmission and distribution, pumping, water quality, meter reading, billing and operations of district offices. Registrant’s contracted services operations incur many of the same types of expenses as well. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, other operation expenses by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 5,535 | $ | 5,938 | $ | (403 | ) | (6.8 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 688 | 568 | 120 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 735 | 679 | 56 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||
Total other operation | $ | 6,958 | $ | 7,185 | $ | (227 | ) | (3.2 | )% | ||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, other operation expenses for water services decreased by $403,000 due primarily to a decrease of $203,000 in billed surcharges (with a corresponding decrease in revenues). As discussed previously, these surcharges had no impact on net earnings. There was also a decrease in bad debt expense and other miscellaneous operation-related costs.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, other operation expenses for electric services increased by $120,000 due to higher outside service costs related to the operation of BVES's generating unit.
33
Administrative and General
Administrative and general expenses include payroll related to administrative and general functions, the related employee benefits, insurance expenses, outside legal and consulting fees, regulatory utility commission expenses, expenses associated with being a public company and general corporate expenses charged to expense accounts. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, administrative and general expenses by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 15,116 | $ | 14,595 | $ | 521 | 3.6 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 2,145 | 2,412 | (267 | ) | (11.1 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted Services | 2,916 | 3,072 | (156 | ) | (5.1 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 1 | 4 | (3 | ) | (75.0 | )% | |||||||||
Total administrative and general | $ | 20,178 | $ | 20,083 | $ | 95 | 0.5 | % | |||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, administrative and general expenses for water services was $15.1 million as compared to $14.6 million for the same period in 2013. There was an $820,000 reduction in billed surcharges related to pension and outside services costs, which reduced administrative and general expenses by a corresponding amount of $820,000. Excluding this decrease in surcharges, which have no impact on earnings, administrative and general expenses for water services increased by approximately $1.3 million due to an increase in legal and outside services costs.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, administrative and general expenses for electric services decreased by $267,000 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to decreases in pension, insurance and general office allocation expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, depreciation and amortization by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 9,643 | $ | 8,900 | $ | 743 | 8.3 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 593 | 574 | 19 | 3.3 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 313 | 279 | 34 | 12.2 | % | ||||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 10,549 | $ | 9,753 | $ | 796 | 8.2 | % | |||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, depreciation and amortization expense for water and electric services increased overall by $762,000 to $10.2 million compared to $9.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to approximately $93.0 million of additions to utility plant during 2013.
34
Maintenance
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, maintenance expense by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 3,533 | $ | 4,031 | $ | (498 | ) | (12.4 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 232 | 208 | 24 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 625 | 427 | 198 | 46.4 | % | ||||||||||
Total maintenance | $ | 4,390 | $ | 4,666 | $ | (276 | ) | (5.9 | )% | ||||||
Maintenance expense for water services decreased by $498,000 due to a higher level of planned maintenance performed in 2013. Planned maintenance expense for water services is expected to be lower in 2014 than in 2013.
Maintenance expense for contracted services increased $198,000 due to increased planned maintenance performed at various military bases during the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.
Property and Other Taxes
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, property and other taxes by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 3,652 | $ | 3,358 | $ | 294 | 8.8 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 227 | 214 | 13 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 480 | 536 | (56 | ) | (10.4 | )% | |||||||||
Total property and other taxes | $ | 4,359 | $ | 4,108 | $ | 251 | 6.1 | % | |||||||
Overall property and other taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $251,000 due primarily to an increase in property taxes for the water services segments.
ASUS Construction
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, construction expenses for contracted services were $20.4 million, increasing $1.2 million compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to an increase in construction activity at Fort Bragg.
Interest Expense
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, interest expense by business segment, including AWR (parent) consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 5,187 | $ | 5,442 | $ | (255 | ) | (4.7 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 322 | 373 | (51 | ) | (13.7 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted Services | 12 | 77 | (65 | ) | (84.4 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | (2 | ) | (40 | ) | 38 | (95.0 | )% | ||||||||
Total interest expense | $ | 5,519 | $ | 5,852 | $ | (333 | ) | (5.7 | )% | ||||||
35
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense decreased $333,000 due largely to the redemption of $15.0 million of certain long-term notes in July 2014 as well as certain debt maturing during the fourth quarter of 2013.
Interest Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, interest income by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 211 | $ | 145 | $ | 66 | 45.5 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 3 | 3 | — | — | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 2 | 6 | (4 | ) | (66.7 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 8 | 31 | (23 | ) | (74.2 | )% | |||||||||
Total interest income | $ | 224 | $ | 185 | $ | 39 | 21.1 | % | |||||||
Other, net
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, other income decreased by approximately $200,000 due primarily to lower gains from investments held in a Rabbi Trust for the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as compared to the same period in 2013.
Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, income tax expense by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 10,749 | $ | 9,812 | $ | 937 | 9.5 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 270 | 439 | (169 | ) | (38.5 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted Services | 2,857 | 1,343 | 1,514 | 112.7 | % | ||||||||||
AWR (parent) | (400 | ) | (1,689 | ) | 1,289 | (76.3 | )% | ||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 13,476 | $ | 9,905 | $ | 3,571 | 36.1 | % | |||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense for water and electric services increased to $11.0 million compared to $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to an increase in the effective income tax rate ("ETR") and in pretax income. The ETR for GSWC was 40.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 38.2% applicable to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The ETR deviates from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements (primarily related to plant, rate-case and compensation items). Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting decrease or increase occurring in another period.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense for contracted services increased to $2.9 million as compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to an increase in pretax income and in the ETR. The ETR was 37.9% and 35.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense at AWR (parent) increased by $1.3 million due primarily to a cumulative tax benefit recorded during the third quarter of 2013 for deductions taken related to an employee benefit program, with no similar cumulative benefit recorded in 2014. AWR's consolidated ETR was 38.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 32.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
36
Consolidated Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | |||||||||||||||
Water | $ | 253,689 | $ | 247,234 | $ | 6,455 | 2.6 | % | |||||||
Electric | 27,398 | 27,980 | (582 | ) | (2.1 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted services | 74,826 | 86,947 | (12,121 | ) | (13.9 | )% | |||||||||
Total operating revenues | 355,913 | 362,161 | (6,248 | ) | (1.7 | )% | |||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Water purchased | 45,324 | 46,648 | (1,324 | ) | (2.8 | )% | |||||||||
Power purchased for pumping | 8,448 | 7,385 | 1,063 | 14.4 | % | ||||||||||
Groundwater production assessment | 12,684 | 11,666 | 1,018 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||
Power purchased for resale | 7,070 | 9,894 | (2,824 | ) | (28.5 | )% | |||||||||
Supply cost balancing accounts | 3,891 | (9 | ) | 3,900 | * | ||||||||||
Other operation | 20,990 | 19,158 | 1,832 | 9.6 | % | ||||||||||
Administrative and general | 59,769 | 56,103 | 3,666 | 6.5 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 31,604 | 29,337 | 2,267 | 7.7 | % | ||||||||||
Maintenance | 12,206 | 13,513 | (1,307 | ) | (9.7 | )% | |||||||||
Property and other taxes | 12,649 | 12,004 | 645 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||
ASUS construction | 47,651 | 59,053 | (11,402 | ) | (19.3 | )% | |||||||||
Net gain on sale of property | (36 | ) | (12 | ) | (24 | ) | 200.0 | % | |||||||
Total operating expenses | 262,250 | 264,740 | (2,490 | ) | (0.9 | )% | |||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 93,663 | 97,421 | (3,758 | ) | (3.9 | )% | |||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (16,924 | ) | (17,398 | ) | 474 | (2.7 | )% | ||||||||
Interest income | 459 | 512 | (53 | ) | (10.4 | )% | |||||||||
Other, net | 443 | 673 | (230 | ) | (34.2 | )% | |||||||||
(16,022 | ) | (16,213 | ) | 191 | (1.2 | )% | |||||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 77,641 | 81,208 | (3,567 | ) | (4.4 | )% | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 30,095 | 30,302 | (207 | ) | (0.7 | )% | |||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 47,546 | $ | 50,906 | $ | (3,360 | ) | (6.6 | )% | ||||||
Basic earnings per Common Share | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | $ | (0.09 | ) | (6.9 | )% | ||||||
Fully diluted earnings per Common Share | $ | 1.22 | $ | 1.31 | $ | (0.09 | ) | (6.9 | )% | ||||||
* - not meaningful
37
Operating Revenues:
Water
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from water operations increased $6.5 million to $253.7 million. During 2014, the CPUC approved an increase in rates to specifically cover increases in supply costs experienced in certain rate-making areas. This $2.3 million increase in revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is offset by a corresponding increase in supply cost, resulting in no impact to the water gross margin. There was also an increase in water revenues due to an increase of approximately $1.7 million in surcharges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to recover previously incurred costs approved by the CPUC. The increase in revenues from these surcharges is offset by a corresponding increase in operating expenses (primarily administrative and general) resulting in no impact to pretax operating income. Finally, there were also second-year rate increases approved by the CPUC effective January 1, 2014 for certain rate-making areas.
Billed water consumption for the first nine months of 2014 decreased by approximately 1.0% as compared to the same period in 2013. A change in consumption does not have a significant impact on revenues due to the CPUC-approved WRAM account in place in all three water regions. GSWC records the difference between what it bills its water customers and that which is authorized by the CPUC in the WRAM accounts as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Electric
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from electric operations were $27.4 million as compared to $28.0 million for the same period in 2013. Pending a final decision on the BVES rate case, electric revenues have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC.
Billed electric usage decreased by approximately 4.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The winter experienced in the Big Bear area during the first quarter of 2014 was too warm for snowmaking, resulting in less electric usage than in the prior year. Due to the CPUC approved BRRAM, which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels authorized by the CPUC, this change in usage did not have a significant impact on earnings.
Contracted Services
Revenues from contracted services are composed of construction revenues (including renewals and replacements) and management fees for operating and maintaining the water and/or wastewater systems at military bases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from contracted services were $74.8 million as compared to $86.9 million for the same period in 2013. This was due to a reduction in construction activity, including a reduction in initial capital upgrade work at Fort Bragg and the military bases in Virginia. In addition, ASUS subsidiaries completed or are nearing completion of significant work on major capital projects at Fort Bliss, Fort Jackson and Fort Bragg, resulting in less revenue during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease in construction activity was partially offset by the resolution of price redeterminations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base resulting in increased revenues during the third quarter of 2014.
ASUS subsidiaries continue to enter into U.S. government awarded contract modifications and agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries. During the third quarter of 2014, the U.S. government awarded ASUS approximately $27.0 million in new construction projects, the majority of which are expected to be completed during the next twelve months. Earnings and cash flows from modifications to the original 50-year contracts with the U.S. government and agreements with third-party prime contractors for additional construction projects may or may not continue in future periods.
Operating Expenses:
Supply Costs
Total supply costs comprise the largest segment of total operating expenses. Supply costs accounted for approximately 29.5% and 28.6% of total operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
38
The table below provides the amount of increases (decreases) and percent changes in water and electric revenues, supply costs and gross margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
WATER OPERATING REVENUES (1) | $ | 253,689 | $ | 247,234 | $ | 6,455 | 2.6 | % | |||||||
WATER SUPPLY COSTS: | |||||||||||||||
Water purchased (1) | $ | 45,324 | $ | 46,648 | $ | (1,324 | ) | (2.8 | )% | ||||||
Power purchased for pumping (1) | 8,448 | 7,385 | 1,063 | 14.4 | % | ||||||||||
Groundwater production assessment (1) | 12,684 | 11,666 | 1,018 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||
Water supply cost balancing accounts (1) | (180 | ) | (1,787 | ) | 1,607 | (89.9 | )% | ||||||||
TOTAL WATER SUPPLY COSTS | $ | 66,276 | $ | 63,912 | $ | 2,364 | 3.7 | % | |||||||
WATER GROSS MARGIN (2) | $ | 187,413 | $ | 183,322 | $ | 4,091 | 2.2 | % | |||||||
PERCENT MARGIN - WATER | 73.9 | % | 74.1 | % | |||||||||||
ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES (1) | $ | 27,398 | $ | 27,980 | $ | (582 | ) | (2.1 | )% | ||||||
ELECTRIC SUPPLY COSTS: | |||||||||||||||
Power purchased for resale (1) | $ | 7,070 | $ | 9,894 | $ | (2,824 | ) | (28.5 | )% | ||||||
Electric supply cost balancing accounts (1) | 4,071 | 1,778 | 2,293 | 129.0 | % | ||||||||||
TOTAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY COSTS | $ | 11,141 | $ | 11,672 | $ | (531 | ) | (4.5 | )% | ||||||
ELECTRIC GROSS MARGIN (2) | $ | 16,257 | $ | 16,308 | $ | (51 | ) | (0.3 | )% | ||||||
PERCENT MARGIN - ELECTRIC | 59.3 | % | 58.3 | % | |||||||||||
(1) As reported on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income, except for supply cost balancing accounts. The sum of water and electric supply cost balancing accounts in the table above are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $3.9 million and $(9,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Revenues include surcharges, which increase both revenues and operating expenses by corresponding amounts, thus having no net earnings impact.
(2) Water and electric gross margins do not include any depreciation and amortization, maintenance, administrative and general, property or other taxes or other operation expenses.
The overall actual percentage of purchased water for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 35.8%, as compared to the adopted percentages of approximately 35.9% and 35.7%, respectively. The overall water gross margin percent was 73.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 74.1% for the same period of 2013. The decrease in the overall water gross margin as a percentage of total water revenues was primarily due to CPUC-approved increases in rates to specifically cover increases in supply costs experienced in certain rate-making areas, as previously discussed. This $2.3 million increase in revenues is offset by a corresponding $2.3 million increase in supply cost, resulting in no impact to the water gross dollar margin but lowering the gross margin as a percentage of total water revenues.
Purchased water costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased to $45.3 million as compared to $46.6 million for the same period in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in customer water usage, partially offset by increases in wholesale water costs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the cost of power purchased for pumping was approximately $8.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively, primarily due to an increase in average electric costs. Groundwater production assessments increased $1.0 million due to additional assessments levied by government agencies as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
The water supply cost balancing account increased $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 due to an increase in rates specifically to cover increases in supply cost for certain rate-making areas, as previously discussed. This increase in revenues is offset by a corresponding increase in the water supply cost balancing account, resulting in no impact to the water gross margin.
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For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the cost of power purchased for resale to customers in GSWC’s BVES division decreased to $7.1 million, as compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, due to a decrease in the average price per MWh and a decrease in customer usage during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The average price per MWh decreased from $64.72 per MWh for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to $49.25 for the same period in 2014. Customer usage decreased 4.0% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The electric supply cost balancing account included in total supply costs increased by $2.3 million due to the decrease in the average price per MWh.
Other Operation
The primary components of other operation expenses for GSWC include payroll, materials and supplies, chemicals and water treatment costs and outside service costs of operating the regulated water systems, including the costs associated with water transmission and distribution, pumping, water quality, meter reading, billing and operations of district offices. Registrant’s contracted services operations incur many of the same types of expenses as well. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, other operation expenses by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 17,020 | $ | 15,431 | $ | 1,589 | 10.3 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 2,007 | 1,714 | 293 | 17.1 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 1,963 | 2,013 | (50 | ) | (2.5 | )% | |||||||||
Total other operation | $ | 20,990 | $ | 19,158 | $ | 1,832 | 9.6 | % | |||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, other operation expenses for water services increased by $1.6 million. As part of the CPUC's final decision on the water rate case approved in May 2013, during the first quarter of 2013 GSWC recorded a $1.0 million reduction in other operation expense as a result of the CPUC approval for recovery of certain previously expensed costs. There was no similar reduction in 2014. Furthermore, there was an increase of $185,000 related to surcharges billed to customers for the recovery of previously incurred costs. As these costs are recovered in revenue through surcharges, a corresponding dollar amount is recorded to other operation expense, having no impact on pretax operating income. Excluding the impact of these items, other operation expense for water services increased by approximately $382,000 due primarily to increases in chemical and water treatment costs and bad debt expense as compared to the same period in 2013.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, other operation expenses for electric services increased by $293,000 due to higher outside services related to the operation of BVES's generating unit.
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Administrative and General
Administrative and general expenses include payroll related to administrative and general functions, the related employee benefits, insurance expenses, outside legal and consulting fees, regulatory utility commission expenses, expenses associated with being a public company and general corporate expenses charged to expense accounts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, administrative and general expenses by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 44,270 | $ | 40,175 | $ | 4,095 | 10.2 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 6,400 | 6,232 | 168 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 9,052 | 9,685 | (633 | ) | (6.5 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 47 | 11 | 36 | 327.3 | % | ||||||||||
Total administrative and general | $ | 59,769 | $ | 56,103 | $ | 3,666 | 6.5 | % | |||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, administrative and general expenses for water services was $44.3 million as compared to $40.2 million for the same period in 2013. The $4.1 million increase is due, in large part, to the result of two items. First, during the first quarter of 2013, as part of the CPUC's final decision on the water rate case, GSWC recorded a $1.7 million reduction in administrative and general expenses as a result of the CPUC approval of recovery of certain previously expensed costs. There was no similar reduction in 2014. Secondly, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there was an increase of $726,000 in surcharges billed for the recovery of various administrative and general costs previously incurred, as compared to the same period in 2013. As previously discussed, surcharges are recorded in revenue with a corresponding dollar amount recorded to administrative and general expenses, having no impact on pretax operating income. Excluding the effect of these two items, administrative and general expenses for water services increased by approximately $1.6 million due primarily to an increase in legal and outside service costs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, administrative and general expenses for electric services increased by $168,000 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. In May 2013 the CPUC approved recovery of $834,000 in legal and outside service costs related to compliance with the CPUC's renewables portfolio standard. There was no similar reduction during 2014. Excluding this item, administrative and general expenses for electric services decreased by $666,000 due primarily to decreases in outside service costs, pension expense and allocation of general office expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, administrative and general expenses for contracted services decreased by $633,000 primarily due to a decrease in legal and outside service costs, partially offset by an increase in labor costs.
Depreciation and Amortization
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, depreciation and amortization by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 28,840 | $ | 26,739 | $ | 2,101 | 7.9 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 1,868 | 1,741 | 127 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 896 | 857 | 39 | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 31,604 | $ | 29,337 | $ | 2,267 | 7.7 | % | |||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, depreciation and amortization expense for water and electric services increased overall by $2.2 million to $30.7 million as compared to $28.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to approximately $93.0 million of additions to utility plant during 2013.
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Maintenance
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, maintenance expense by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 9,931 | $ | 11,465 | $ | (1,534 | ) | (13.4 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 678 | 632 | 46 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 1,597 | 1,416 | 181 | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||
Total maintenance | $ | 12,206 | $ | 13,513 | $ | (1,307 | ) | (9.7 | )% | ||||||
Maintenance expense for water services decreased by $1.5 million due to a higher level of planned maintenance performed in 2013. Planned maintenance expense for water services is expected to be lower in 2014 than in 2013.
Maintenance expense for contracted services increased $181,000 due to increased planned maintenance performed at various military bases during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.
Property and Other Taxes
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, property and other taxes by business segment consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 10,593 | $ | 9,956 | $ | 637 | 6.4 | % | |||||||
Electric Services | 712 | 707 | 5 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 1,344 | 1,341 | 3 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||
Total property and other taxes | $ | 12,649 | $ | 12,004 | $ | 645 | 5.4 | % | |||||||
Property and other taxes for water services for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $637,000 due primarily to increases in property taxes and franchise fees.
ASUS Construction
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, construction expenses for contracted services were $47.7 million, decreasing $11.4 million compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to lower construction activity.
Interest Expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, interest expense by business segment, including AWR (parent) consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 15,842 | $ | 16,166 | $ | (324 | ) | (2.0 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 999 | 1,123 | (124 | ) | (11.0 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted Services | 138 | 232 | (94 | ) | (40.5 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | (55 | ) | (123 | ) | 68 | (55.3 | )% | ||||||||
Total interest expense | $ | 16,924 | $ | 17,398 | $ | (474 | ) | (2.7 | )% | ||||||
Overall, interest expense decreased by 2.7% due primarily to the redemption of $15.0 million of certain long-term notes in July 2014 as well as certain debt maturing during the fourth quarter of 2013.
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Interest Income
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, interest income by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 427 | $ | 467 | $ | (40 | ) | (8.6 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 9 | (1 | ) | 10 | * | ||||||||||
Contracted Services | 6 | 8 | (2 | ) | (25.0 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | 17 | 38 | (21 | ) | (55.3 | )% | |||||||||
Total interest income | $ | 459 | $ | 512 | $ | (53 | ) | (10.4 | )% | ||||||
* - not meaningful
Other, net
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, other income decreased by $230,000 primarily due to lower accrued interest related to GSWC's allowance for funds used during construction as compared to the same period in 2013.
Income Tax Expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, income tax expense by business segment, including AWR (parent), consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | $ CHANGE | % CHANGE | ||||||||||||
Water Services | $ | 25,081 | $ | 25,574 | $ | (493 | ) | (1.9 | )% | ||||||
Electric Services | 1,426 | 1,983 | (557 | ) | (28.1 | )% | |||||||||
Contracted Services | 4,603 | 4,637 | (34 | ) | (0.7 | )% | |||||||||
AWR (parent) | (1,015 | ) | (1,892 | ) | 877 | (46.4 | )% | ||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 30,095 | $ | 30,302 | $ | (207 | ) | (0.7 | )% | ||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense for water and electric services decreased to $26.5 million compared to $27.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to a decrease in pretax income. The ETR for GSWC was 40.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 40.1% applicable to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The ETR deviates from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements (primarily related to plant, rate-case and compensation items). Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting decrease or increase occurring in another period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, income tax expense for contracted services was $4.6 million. The ETR was 37.7% and 37.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense at AWR (parent) increased by $877,000 due primarily to a cumulative tax benefit recorded during the third quarter of 2013 for deductions taken related to an employee benefit program, with no similar cumulative benefit recorded in 2014. AWR's consolidated ETR was 38.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 37.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that are important to the portrayal of AWR’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments of AWR’s management. The need to make estimates about the effect of items that are uncertain is what makes these judgments difficult, subjective and/or complex. Management makes subjective judgments about the accounting and regulatory treatment of many items. These judgments are based on AWR’s historical experience, terms of existing contracts, AWR’s observance of trends in the industry, and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the Registrant’s financial statements that it believes affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements presented in this report are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no material changes to Registrant’s critical accounting policies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
AWR
Registrant’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. A portion of these capital resources are provided by internally generated cash flows from operations. AWR anticipates that interest expense will increase in future periods due to the need for additional external capital to fund its construction program, and as market interest rates increase. AWR believes that costs associated with capital used to fund construction at GSWC will continue to be recovered through water and electric rates charged to customers.
AWR funds its operating expenses and pays dividends on its outstanding common shares primarily through dividends from GSWC. The ability of GSWC to pay dividends to AWR is restricted by California law. Under these restrictions, approximately $203.6 million was available on September 30, 2014 to pay dividends to AWR.
When necessary, Registrant obtains funds from external sources in the capital markets and through bank borrowings. Access to external financing on reasonable terms depends on the credit ratings of AWR and GSWC and current business conditions, including that of the water utility industry in general as well as conditions in the debt or equity capital markets. AWR also has access to a $100.0 million revolving credit facility which expires in May 2018. AWR may elect to increase the aggregate commitment by up to an additional $50.0 million. AWR borrows under this facility and provides funds to its subsidiaries, including GSWC, in support of their operations. Any amounts owed to AWR for borrowings under this facility are included in inter-company payables on GSWC’s balance sheet. The interest rate charged to GSWC and other affiliates is sufficient to cover AWR’s interest cost under the credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under this facility and $17.5 million of letters of credit outstanding. As of September 30, 2014, AWR had $82.5 million available to borrow under the credit facility.
On July 15, 2014, GSWC redeemed its $5,000,000, 6.87% Medium-Term Notes Series A due 2023, and $10,000,000, 7.00% Medium-Term Notes Series A, also due 2023. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the notes, plus interest. GSWC plans to replace this $15 million with lower interest rate debt during the fourth quarter of 2014.
In July 2014, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) revised its rating outlook on AWR and GSWC from stable to positive. S&P also affirmed the ‘A+’ corporate credit rating on both AWR and GSWC. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default). In December 2013, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) affirmed its ‘A2’ rating with a stable outlook for GSWC. Securities ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold a security and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. Registrant believes that AWR’s sound capital structure and “A+ positive” credit rating, combined with its financial discipline, will enable AWR to access the debt and/or equity markets. However, unpredictable financial market conditions in the future may limit its access or impact the timing of when to access the market, in which case, Registrant may choose to temporarily reduce its capital spending. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, GSWC incurred $43.9 million in company-funded capital expenditures. GSWC's 2014 company-funded capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $70 - $75 million, and $85 - $90 million for 2015.
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AWR filed a Registration Statement in August 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the sale from time to time of debt and equity securities. As of September 30, 2014, $115.0 million was available for issuance under this Registration Statement. The Registration Statement expires in August 2015.
AWR’s ability to pay cash dividends on its common shares outstanding depends primarily upon cash flows from GSWC. AWR intends to continue paying quarterly cash dividends in the future, on or about March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, subject to earnings and financial condition, regulatory requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. Registrant has paid common dividends for over 75 consecutive years. On October 28, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a fourth quarter dividend of $0.2130 per share on the AWR Common Shares of the Company. Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on December 1, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 14, 2014.
On March 27, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, authorizing AWR to repurchase up to 1.25 million shares of AWR's Common Shares from time to time through June 30, 2016. The repurchase program is intended to enable AWR to achieve a consolidated shareholders’ equity ratio that is more reflective of appropriate equity ratios for GSWC and ASUS. The current ratios are partly the result of the sale of AWR's Arizona subsidiary, Chaparral City Water Company, which generated approximately $30 million in cash proceeds in 2011. Based upon current expectations, including the projected infrastructure needs for GSWC and the expected growth of ASUS, which is currently not capital intensive, management does not anticipate AWR will conduct a secondary offering of its Common Shares in the near term.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Cash flows from operating activities have generally been sufficient to meet operating requirements and a portion of capital expenditure requirements. Management expects Registrant’s future cash flows from operating activities to be affected by a number of factors, including utility regulation; infrastructure investment; maintenance expenses; inflation; compliance with environmental, health and safety standards; production costs; customer growth; per customer usage of water and electricity; weather and seasonality; conservation efforts; compliance with local governmental requirements; and required cash contributions to pension and post-retirement plans. In addition, future cash flows from ASUS and its subsidiaries will depend on new business activities, existing operations, the construction of new and/or replacement infrastructure at military bases, timely redetermination and equitable adjustment of prices and timely collection of payments from the U.S. government and/or other prime contractors operating at the military bases.
Cash flows from operating activities are primarily generated by net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, and deferred income taxes. Net cash provided by operating activities of Registrant was $120.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $87.3 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to cash generated by contracted services due to the billing of and cash receipts for construction work at military bases during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The billings (and cash receipts) for this construction work generally occur at completion of the work or in accordance with a billing schedule contractually agreed to with the U.S. government and/or other prime contractors. Thus, cash flow from construction-related activities may fluctuate from period to period with such fluctuations representing timing differences of when the work is being performed and when the cash is received for payment of the work. In addition, there was also an increase in cash from operating activities at GSWC due to CPUC-approved water rate increases implemented in May 2013 and January 2014, and GSWC's collection of various surcharges implemented in mid-2013 in connection with the CPUC's final decision on the water general rate case ("GRC"). The CPUC approved recovery of previously incurred costs in this GRC. These increases in cash flows from operating activities were partially offset by tax refunds received during the first quarter of 2013 for which no similar refund amounts were received during 2014. The timing of cash receipts and disbursements related to other working capital items also affected the changes in net cash provided by operating activities.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net cash used in investing activities was $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $70.5 million for the same period in 2013. Registrant invests capital to provide essential services to its regulated customer base, while working with its regulators to have the opportunity to earn a fair rate of return on investment. Registrant’s infrastructure investment plan consists of both infrastructure renewal programs, where infrastructure is replaced, as needed, and major capital investment projects, where new water treatment and delivery facilities are constructed. GSWC may also be required from time to time to relocate existing infrastructure in order to accommodate local infrastructure improvement projects. Projected capital expenditures and other investments are subject to periodic review and revision to reflect changes in economic conditions and other factors.
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Registrant’s financing activities include primarily: (i) the sale proceeds from, and repurchase of, Common Shares and stock option exercises and short-term and long-term debt; (ii) the repayment of long-term debt and notes payable to banks; and (iii) the payment of dividends on Common Shares. In order to finance new infrastructure, Registrant also receives customer advances (net of refunds) for and contributions in aid of construction. Short-term borrowings are used to fund capital expenditures until long-term financing is arranged.
Net cash used in financing activities was $45.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $14.1 million used for the same period in 2013. This increase in cash used was primarily due to the redemption of $15 million of certain long-term notes and the repurchase of approximately $7.1 million in AWR Common Shares as part of the stock repurchase program during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. There was also a decrease in cash receipts from advances and contributions in aid of construction. During the first nine months of 2013, funding was received in relation to fluoridation projects being completed by GSWC. GSWC did not receive any similar large funding during the same period of 2014. AWR also increased the dividend payment as compared to the first nine months of 2013.
GSWC
GSWC funds the majority of its operating expenses, payments on its debt, and dividends on its outstanding common shares and a portion of its construction expenditures through internal sources. Internal sources of cash flow are provided primarily by retention of a portion of earnings from operating activities. Internal cash generation is influenced by factors such as weather patterns, conservation efforts, environmental regulation, litigation, changes in supply costs and regulatory decisions affecting GSWC’s ability to recover these supply costs, timing of rate relief, increases in maintenance expenses and capital expenditures, surcharges authorized by the CPUC to enable GSWC to recover expenses previously incurred from customers and CPUC requirements to refund amounts previously charged to customers. As of September 30, 2014, GSWC had $100.0 million available for issuance of debt securities under a Registration Statement filed with the SEC. This Registration Statement expires in November 2014, at which time it is expected to be renewed.
On July 15, 2014, GSWC redeemed its $5,000,000, 6.87% Medium-Term Notes Series A due 2023, and $10,000,000, 7.00% Medium-Term Notes Series A also due 2023. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the notes, plus interest. GSWC plans to replace this $15 million of debt with lower interest rate debt during the fourth quarter of 2014.
GSWC may, at times, utilize external sources, including equity investments and short-term borrowings from AWR, and long-term debt to help fund a portion of its construction expenditures. In addition, GSWC receives advances and contributions from customers, home builders and real estate developers to fund construction necessary to extend service to new areas. Advances for construction are generally refundable at a rate of 2.5% in equal annual installments over 40 years. Amounts which are no longer refundable are reclassified to contributions in aid of construction. Utility plant funded by advances and contributions is excluded from rate base. Generally, GSWC amortizes contributions in aid of construction at the same composite rate of depreciation for the related property.
As is often the case with public utilities, GSWC’s current liabilities may at times exceed its current assets. Management believes that internally-generated funds along with the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, borrowings from AWR and common shares issuances to AWR will be adequate to provide sufficient capital to enable GSWC to maintain normal operations and to meet its capital and financing requirements pending recovery of costs in rates.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities was $96.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $93.0 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was mainly due to CPUC-approved water rate increases implemented in May 2013 and January 2014, and the collection of various surcharges implemented during mid-2013 in connection with the May 2013 CPUC decision on the water general rate case. These increases in cash flows from operating activities were partially offset by tax refunds received during the first quarter of 2013 for which no similar refunds were received during 2014. The timing of cash receipts and disbursements related to working capital items affected the changes in net cash provided by operating activities.
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net cash used in investing activities was $53.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $74.1 million for the same period in 2013. Cash used for capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $52.2 million is consistent with GSWC's capital improvement plan. During 2014, GSWC's company-funded capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $70 - $75 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, GSWC made $43.9 million in Company-funded capital expenditures.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net cash used in financing activities was $53.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $15.8 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in cash used in financing activities was due to an increase in dividends paid by GSWC to AWR during the first nine months of 2014, and the redemption of $15.0 million in notes as previously discussed. There was also a decrease in cash receipts from advances and contributions in aid of construction.
ASUS
ASUS funds its operating expenses primarily through internal operating sources and investments by, or loans from, AWR. ASUS, in turn, provides funding to its subsidiaries.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Registrant has various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and operating leases, are not recognized as liabilities in the consolidated financial statements, but are required to be disclosed. In addition to contractual maturities, Registrant has certain debt instruments that contain an annual sinking fund or other principal payments. Registrant believes that it will be able to refinance debt instruments at their maturity through public issuance, or private placement, of debt or equity. Annual principal and interest payments are generally made from cash flow from operations.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements” section of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a detailed discussion of contractual obligations and other commitments.
Contracted Services
Under the terms of the current utility privatization contracts with the U.S. government, each contract's price is subject to price redetermination every three years after the initial two years of the contract, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. In the event that ASUS (i) is managing more assets at specific military bases than were included in the U.S. government’s request for proposal; (ii) is managing assets that are in substandard condition as compared to what was disclosed in the request for proposal; or (iii) becomes subject to new regulatory requirements such as more stringent water quality standards, ASUS is permitted to file, and has filed, requests for equitable adjustment. The timely filing for and receipt of price redeterminations continues to be critical in order for ASUS to recover increasing costs of operating and maintaining, and renewing and replacing the water and/or wastewater systems at the military bases it serves.
In August 2011, Congress enacted the Budget Control Act (the “Act”) which committed the U.S. government to significantly reduce the federal deficit over ten years. The Act called for very substantial automatic spending cuts, known as "sequestration," that have impacted the expected levels of Department of Defense budgeting. ASUS has not seen any earnings impact to its existing operations and maintenance and renewal and replacement services, as utility privatization contracts are an "excepted service" within the Act. While the on-going effects of sequestration have been mitigated through the passage of a fiscal year 2014-15 Department of Defense budget, similar issues may arise as part of fiscal uncertainty and/or future debt ceiling limit debates in Congress. However, any future impact on ASUS and its operations will likely be limited to the timing of funding to pay for services rendered, delays in the processing of price redeterminations and issuance of contract modifications for new construction work not already funded by the U.S. government, and/or delays in the solicitation and/or awarding of new utility privatization opportunities under the Department of Defense utility privatization program.
The timing of future filings of price redeterminations may be impacted by government actions, including audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”). The DCAA conducts audits of contractors for compliance with government guidance and regulations. At times, our filing of price redeterminations and requests for equitable adjustment may be postponed pending the outcome of such audits or upon mutual agreement with the U.S. government.
Below is a summary of significant projects and price redetermination filings by subsidiaries of ASUS.
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• | FBWS - A filing to operate and maintain the East Bliss area at Fort Bliss was finalized in the third quarter of 2014 with an annual increase in operations and maintenance fees of approximately $575,000, $2.7 million in annual renewal & replacement fees and $2.9 million of funding for capital upgrade modifications. |
• | TUS - The second and third price redeterminations for the contract to serve Andrews Air Force Base were filed with the U.S. government in November 2013. These price redeterminations cover the period February 2011 to January 2017. The second price redetermination was approved in September 2014. This agreement includes a retroactive amount for operations and maintenance and renewal and replacement fees combined of $1.4 million to reconcile the difference in billing prices between February 2011 and September 2014. The third price redetermination is expected to be resolved by the fourth quarter of 2014. |
• | ODUS - The second price redetermination for the Fort Lee privatization contract in Virginia, for the three-year period beginning February 2011, was filed in May 2012. The second price redetermination for the other bases that ODUS operates in Virginia, for the three-year period beginning April 2011, was filed in July 2012. Both of these filings were revised and resubmitted to the U.S. government in January 2014. These price redeterminations are expected to be resolved in the fourth quarter of 2014. |
• | PSUS - In February 2012, PSUS filed the first price redetermination for Fort Jackson, to be effective beginning February 16, 2010. Pending resolution of this filing, the U.S. government approved an interim increase of 3.4%, retroactive to February 2010. Based on negotiations, this redetermination filing was subsequently modified and re-submitted to the U.S. government in the first quarter of 2014. The revised first price redetermination was approved in September 2014. The approved agreement included an annual increase of $148,000 in operations and maintenance fees and $16,000 in renewal and replacement fees. Additionally, the agreement included a retroactive amount for operations and maintenance and renewal and replacement fees combined of $328,000 to reconcile the difference in billing prices between February 2010 and October 2014. The second redetermination for Fort Jackson, covering the period February 2010 through February 2013, was filed in the third quarter of 2014 and is expected to be resolved in the first quarter of 2015. |
• | ONUS - In November 2013, ONUS filed the second price redetermination for the contract to serve Fort Bragg for the period covering March 2013 through February 2016. The second price redetermination was approved in September 30, 2014, resulting in an annual increase in operations and maintenance fees of $615,000 and renewal and replacement fees of $3.7 million. Additionally, the agreement included a retroactive amount of $974,000 in operations and maintenance fees and $5.8 million in renewal and replacement fees. |
In September 2012, ONUS received a contract modification for approximately $17.6 million for construction of water and sewer infrastructure at a new area in Fort Bragg. A second modification received in January 2014 reduced the contract amount to approximately $16.5 million. Construction progress during 2013 was less than anticipated due to permitting delays outside of ONUS’s control which have now been resolved. The construction portion of this project is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of the fourth quarter of 2014.
In March 2012, ONUS received a contract modification based on a request for equitable adjustment regarding installation of new water meters at Fort Bragg. The contract modification provided for a reduction in the number of water meters to be installed and reduced the price associated with this revised scope. This $11.0 million project commenced during the second quarter of 2012 and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014. A $12 million companion project to install backflow preventers was completed in December 2013.
In 2010, ONUS began work on a $58 million pipeline replacement capital project at Fort Bragg, which has been substantially completed during the third quarter of 2014.
Regulatory Matters
Recent Changes in Rates
The CPUC has approved second-year rate increases effective January 1, 2014. These increases are expected to generate an additional $1.4 million in gross margin for 2014 as compared to the adopted gross margin in 2013. Second year rate increases are based on an earnings test and inflation factors.
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The CPUC also approved rate increases in Region II and Region III related to supply cost increases experienced in those rate-making areas, which on an annual basis is expected to increase revenue by approximately $6 million. These increases in revenues are offset by a corresponding increase in supply cost, resulting in no impact to earnings.
Pending General Rate Case Requests
In July 2014, GSWC filed a general rate case for all of its water regions and the general office. The application will determine rates for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. GSWC’s requested capital budgets in the application average approximately $90 million a year for the three year period. The 2016 adopted water gross margin is expected to decrease by approximately $700,000 as compared to the currently adopted levels due, in part, to a decrease in annual depreciation expense resulting from an updated depreciation study.
In February 2012, BVES filed its general rate case (“GRC”) for new rates in years 2013 through 2016. On May 7, 2014, GSWC filed a settlement agreement with the CPUC covering all matters in the pending electric rate case for rates in years 2013 through 2016 which has been approved by all parties. In September 2014, the CPUC issued a proposed decision, adopting the settlement agreement. A final decision from the CPUC is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014. Management does not expect that this settlement, once approved by the CPUC, will have a significant impact on GSWC's financial statements. Pending a final decision on the BVES rate case, electric revenues have been recorded using 2012 adopted levels authorized by the CPUC.
Cost of Capital Proceeding for Water Regions
In July 2012, the CPUC issued a final decision on GSWC’s water cost of capital proceeding filed in May 2011. The decision authorized, among other things, GSWC to continue the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (“WCCM”). The WCCM adjusts Return on Equity ("ROE") and rate of return on rate base between the three-year cost of capital proceedings only if there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points in the average of the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate as measured over the period October 1 through September 30.
GSWC was scheduled to file its next cost of capital application in 2014. However, in January 2014, GSWC, along with other investor-owned California water companies, requested that the CPUC permit them to postpone their applications until March 31, 2015. The CPUC approved the request in February 2014, allowing each to continue using the rates of return most recently approved. As part of the CPUC's approval, the water companies agreed to forgo filing a cost of capital adjustment mechanism this year in the event that the WCCM mechanism is triggered. Based upon the interest rates through September 30, 2014, the WCCM would not have been triggered.
Procurement Audits
In December 2011, the CPUC issued a final decision on its investigation of certain work orders and charges paid to a specific contractor used previously for numerous construction projects. As part of the CPUC decision, GSWC agreed to be subject to three separate independent audits of its procurement practices over a period of ten years from the date the settlement was approved by the CPUC. The audits will cover GSWC’s procurement practices related to contracts with other contractors from 1994 forward and could result in disallowances of costs. The cost of the audits will be borne by shareholders and may not be recovered by GSWC in rates to customers. The first audit is currently underway and an audit report has not been issued. GSWC anticipates that a draft audit report will be issued during the first quarter of 2015. At this time, management cannot predict the outcome of these audits or estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, resulting from these audits.
CPUC Approval to Serve New Area:
On June 26, 2014, the CPUC approved a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application granting GSWC the authority to provide water utility services to an area to be developed near Sacramento, in Sutter County, California, called Sutter Pointe. The CPUC's decision approved a settlement that was jointly filed by GSWC, Sutter County, the Sutter Pointe Developers, and a coalition of Sutter County residents. With the CPUC's approval, GSWC will create a water service district to supply the Sutter Pointe development with groundwater and surface water from the Sacramento River. The project will involve the construction of underground infrastructure and groundwater wells with a treatment plant and storage facility to serve retail, industrial and approximately 17,000 residential customers at final build out. The decision also sets a cap on the revenue requirement per Sutter Pointe customer during the first two rate cycles. As part of the agreement, GSWC will also request approval from the CPUC to acquire the water system that currently serves the community of Robbins in Sutter County. In August 2014, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates filed an application for rehearing on the application. At this time, management cannot predict if a rehearing will be granted or the outcome of any rehearing if granted.
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Rural Water Company Acquisition
In October 2013, GSWC filed an Application to acquire the assets of Rural Water Company used to provide water service in Rural’s service territory, to expand GSWC’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to incorporate the Rural service territory into GSWC’s existing Santa Maria district, and to authorize GSWC to provide service in Rural’s service territory. On July 18, 2014, GSWC filed a Motion to Adopt a Settlement resolving all issues in GSWC’s application. Under the terms of the settlement, if approved by the CPUC, the purchase price for the acquisition of Rural Water will be included in GSWC's rate base. GSWC should be able to recover the associated revenue requirement from customers in rates. Rural serves approximately 900 customers in the county of San Luis Obispo, California.
Other Regulatory Matters
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters” section of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2013 for a detailed discussion of other regulatory matters.
Environmental Matters
AWR’s subsidiaries are subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including the 1996 amendments to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; interim enhanced surface water treatment rules; regulation of disinfectant/disinfection by-products; the long-term enhanced surface water treatment rules; the ground water treatment rule; contaminant regulation of arsenic; and unregulated contaminants monitoring rule.
In January 2014, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. made an executive decision to transfer the Drinking Water Program currently within the Department of Public Health to the State Water Resources Control Board. The transfer officially took effect on July 1, 2014. The new Division of Drinking Water ("DDW"), headed by a Deputy Director, reports directly to the Executive Director of the State Water Resources Control Board. At this time, the Registrant cannot predict the future impact of this government reorganization.
In August 2013, the DDW under the State Water Resources Control Board ("SWRCB"), formerly the California Department of Public Health, proposed a maximum contaminant level ("MCL") for hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) of 0.010 milligram per liter. The 45-day public comment period for this proposed MCL closed on October 11, 2013. On April 15, 2014, after reviewing and addressing all the comments, DDW determined to maintain the proposed chromium-6 MCL at 0.010 mg/L. At the proposed level of 0.010 milligram per liter, management does not believe that the impact on GSWC will be significant based on historical data. The MCL took effect on July 1, 2014. All water systems are required by the new regulation to conduct initial monitoring to determine compliance before January 1, 2015. At this time, Registrant is unable to predict the outcome of future monitoring results.
In May 2014, SWRCB proposed a state-wide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit for Drinking Water System Discharges. The SWRCB will consider adoption of this draft permit on November 4, 2014. The permit, if adopted, will increase compliance costs in some systems operated by the GSWC where current discharge requirements are more relaxed than the proposed state-wide permit.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Environmental Matters” section of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2013 for a detailed discussion of environmental matters.
Water Supply
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Water Supply” section of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2013 for a detailed discussion of water supply issues. The discussion below focuses on significant matters and changes since December 31, 2013.
Metropolitan Water District/ State Water Project
Water supplies available to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“MWD”) through the State Water Project vary from year to year based on several factors. Historically, weather was the primary factor in determining annual deliveries. However, biological opinions issued in late 2007 have limited water diversions through the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta (“Delta”) resulting in pumping restrictions on the State Water Project. Even with variable State Water Project deliveries, MWD has generally been able to provide sufficient quantities of water to satisfy the needs of its member agencies and their customers. Under its Integrated Resources Plan, MWD estimates that it can meet its member agencies’ demands over at least the next 20 years.
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Every year, the California Department of Water Resources (“DWR”) establishes the State Water Project allocation for water deliveries to the state water contractors. DWR generally establishes a percentage allocation of delivery requests based on a number of factors, including weather patterns, snow pack levels, reservoir levels and biological diversion restrictions. In April 2014, DWR increased the water allocation from zero to 5% of state contractor requests.
MWD has stated that it intends to recommend to its board that MWD adopt a water allocation plan in June or July 2015 if allocations from the State Water Project are below 40% in April or May 2015. At this time, GSWC cannot predict what impact, if any, a water allocation plan will have on GSWC's water supplies. Lower water allocations from the State Water Project has resulted in more reliance on water from the Colorado River and other sources to meet MWD members’ needs.
Climate Outlook and Impacts of Low Precipitation on Water Supplies
In January 2014, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. declared a drought state of emergency for California after the state experienced the driest year in recorded state history and the third consecutive year of below average precipitation and snowfall throughout the state. In response, GSWC has asked its customers to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20%. In May 2014, GSWC revised its water conservation and rationing plan approved by the CPUC that prohibits wasteful water use.
In July 2014, the SWRCB approved emergency regulations that implement mandatory restrictions on certain outdoor urban water uses. Any violation of these uses is considered a criminal offense with possible fines of up to $500 per day. In addition, urban water suppliers are required to implement their Water Shortage Contingency Plans at a level that triggers mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in potential fines of $10,000 per day issued by the SWRCB. The CPUC issued Resolution W-5000 requiring regulated utilities to comply with the SWRCB regulations and work with local enforcement agencies on water waste reporting. In response to the CPUC Resolution and the SWRCB emergency regulations, GSWC implemented Stage II of its Water Shortage Contingency Plans (WSCP) for all systems in August 2014 and informed all customers of the SWRCB regulations via direct bill messaging. Water waste reporting features were added to GSWC's website to facilitate water waste reporting by its customers. GSWC’s water conservation and rationing plan approved by the CPUC is aligned with the emergency regulations. However, GSWC may implement further response plans that include additional water use restrictions and possible penalties pending direction from the CPUC.
As of October 7, 2014, the U.S. Drought Monitor lists 95 percent of California in the rank of “Severe Drought” or “Exceptional Drought”. If dry conditions continue, GSWC may implement mandatory water rationing to its customers. Also, in the event of water supply shortages, GSWC would need to transport additional water from other areas, increasing the cost of water supply. These additional costs would result in higher costs to customers which, taken together with mandatory water rationing, may lead to customer criticism and harm to GSWC's reputation.
Reduced rainfall results in reduced recharge to the State’s groundwater basins. Water levels in several of these basins, especially smaller basins, are dropping. GSWC utilizes groundwater from seventeen groundwater basins throughout the State. Several GSWC service areas rely on groundwater as their only source of supply. Should dry conditions persist through the remainder of 2014, areas served by these smaller basins may experience future mandatory conservation measures.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Registrant is subject to newly issued requirements as well as changes in existing requirements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Differences in financial reporting between periods for GSWC could occur unless and until the CPUC approves such changes for conformity through regulatory proceedings. See Note 1 of Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Registrant is exposed to certain market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity for BVES and economic conditions. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in prevailing market rates and prices.
The quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are discussed in Item 7A-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, contained in Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness, as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report, of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, were adequate and effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Registrant is subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Other than those disclosed in this Form 10-Q and in Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, no other legal proceedings are pending, which are believed to be material. Management believes that rate recovery, proper insurance coverage and reserves are in place to insure against property, general liability and workers’ compensation claims incurred in the ordinary course of business.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no significant changes in the risk factors disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The shareholders of AWR have approved the material features of all equity compensation plans under which AWR directly issues equity securities. The following table provides information about repurchases of Common Shares by AWR during the third quarter of 2014:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs | ||||||||||
July 1 – 31, 2014 | 74,740 | $ | 30.91 | 22,400 | 1,218,300 | |||||||||
August 1 – 31, 2014 | 165,212 | $ | 30.81 | 115,390 | 1,102,910 | |||||||||
September 1 – 30, 2014 | 134,118 | $ | 30.83 | 84,208 | 1,018,702 | |||||||||
Total | 374,070 | (2) | $ | 30.84 | 221,998 | 1,018,702 | (3) | |||||||
(1) On March 27, 2014, AWR announced that it may repurchase up to 1.25 million of its Common Shares through June 30, 2016 pursuant to a stock repurchase program. AWR also from time to time repurchases its Common Shares for employees pursuant to AWR’s 401(k) plan and for participants in its Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
(2) Of this amount, 141,700 Common Shares were acquired on the open market for employees pursuant to AWR’s 401(k) Plan and 10,372 Common Shares were acquired on the open market for participants in the Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
(3) Neither the 401(k) plan nor the Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan contain a maximum number of common shares that may be purchased in the open market.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable
Item 5. Other Information
(a) On October 28, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a fourth quarter dividend of $0.2130 per share on AWR's Common Shares. Dividends on the Common Shares will be payable on December 1, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 14, 2014.
(b) There have been no material changes during the third quarter of 2014 to the procedures by which shareholders may nominate persons to the Board of Directors of AWR.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this report:
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3.1 | By-Laws of American States Water Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's Form 8-K, filed May 13, 2011 | |
3.2 | By-laws of Golden State Water Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed May 13, 2011 | |
3.3 | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of American States Water Company, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed June 19, 2013 | |
3.4 | Restated Articles of Incorporation of Golden State Water Company, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 | |
4.1 | Indenture, dated September 1, 1993 between Golden State Water Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, as supplemented, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Golden State Water Company Form S-3 filed December 12, 2008 | |
4.2 | Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 11, 2005 between Golden State Water Company and Co-Bank, ACB incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 13, 2005 | |
4.3 | Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 10, 2009 between Golden State Water Company and Co-Bank, ACB, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Registrant's Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2009 | |
4.4 | Indenture dated as of December 1, 1998 between American States Water Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 31, 2009 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of American States Water Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 | |
10.1 | Second Sublease dated October 5, 1984 between Golden State Water Company and Three Valleys Municipal Water District incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-2, Registration No. 33-5151 | |
10.2 | Note Agreement dated as of May 15, 1991 between Golden State Water Company and Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Form 10-Q with respect to the quarter ended June 30, 1991 | |
10.3 | Schedule of omitted Note Agreements, dated May 15, 1991, between Golden State Water Company and Transamerica Annuity Life Insurance Company, and Golden State Water Company and First Colony Life Insurance Company incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Form 10-Q with respect to the quarter ended June 30, 1991 | |
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10.4 | Loan Agreement between California Pollution Control Financing Authority and Golden State Water Company, dated as of December 1, 1996 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 | |
10.5 | Agreement for Financing Capital Improvement dated as of June 2, 1992 between Golden State Water Company and Three Valleys Municipal Water District incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Form 10-K with respect to the year ended December 31, 1992 | |
10.6 | Water Supply Agreement dated as of June 1, 1994 between Golden State Water Company and Central Coast Water Authority incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Registrant's Form 10-K with respect to the year ended December 31, 1994 | |
10.7 | 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2009 (2) | |
10.8 | Dividend Reinvestment and Common Share Purchase Plan incorporated herein by reference to American States Water Company Registrant's Form S-3D filed November 12, 2008 | |
10.9 | Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between American States Water Company or a subsidiary and certain executives incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2008(2) | |
10.10 | Golden State Water Company Pension Restoration Plan, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2009(2) | |
10.11 | American States Water Company 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed May 23, 2008 (2) | |
10.12 | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between American States Water Company dated June 3, 2005 with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 27, 2014 | |
10.13 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for executive officers incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (2) | |
10.14 | Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan Agreement for officers and key employees for the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2005 (2) | |
10.15 | Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan Agreement for officers and key employees for the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2006 (2) | |
10.16 | Form of Directors Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006 (2) | |
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10.17 | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for officers and key employees under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 5, 2008 (2) | |
10.18 | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for officers and key employees under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for restricted stock unit awards prior to January 1, 2011 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2008 (2) | |
10.19 | Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement between American States Water Company or a subsidiary and certain executives incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 5, 2008 (2) | |
10.20 | 2008 Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 21, 2014 (2) | |
10.21 | Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for officers and key employees for the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2011 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed May 23, 2008 (2) | |
10.22 | 2012 Short-Term Incentive Program incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2012 (2) | |
10.23 | Form of Award Agreement for Awards under the 2012 Short-Term Incentive Program incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2012 (2) | |
10.24 | Policy Regarding the Recoupment of Certain Performance-Based Compensation Payments incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2014 (2) | |
10.25 | Performance Incentive Plan incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2009(2) | |
10.26 | Officer Relocation Policy incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2009(2) | |
10.27 | Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement for officers and key employees under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for stock options granted after December 31, 2010 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2011 (2) | |
10.28 | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for officers and key employees under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for restricted stock unit awards granted after December 31, 2010 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2011 (2) | |
10.29 | 2013 Short-Term Incentive Program incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2013 (2) | |
10.30 | Form of 2013 Short-Term Incentive Award Agreement incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2013 (2) | |
10.31 | Performance Award Agreement between Registrant and Robert J. Sprowls dated May 29, 2012 incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2012 (2) | |
10.32 | Form of 2013 Performance Award Agreement incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2013 (2) | |
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10.33 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2013 (2) | |
10.34 | 2013 Non-Employee Directors Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2014 (2) | |
10.35 | Form of 2014 Performance Award Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2014 (2) | |
10.36 | 2014 Short-Term Incentive Program incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 2, 2014 (2) | |
10.37 | Form of 2014 Short-Term Incentive Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 2, 2014 (2) | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for AWR (1) | |
31.1.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for GSWC (1) | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for AWR (1) | |
31.2.1 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for GSWC (1) | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (3) | |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (3) | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document (3) | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema (3) | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase (3) | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (3) | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase (3) | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase (3) | |
(1) Filed concurrently herewith
(2) Management contract or compensatory arrangement
(3) Furnished concurrently herewith
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized and as its principal financial officer.
AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY (“AWR”): | |||
By: | /s/ EVA G. TANG | ||
Eva G. Tang | |||
Senior Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial | |||
Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer | |||
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY (“GSWC”): | |||
By: | /s/ EVA G. TANG | ||
Eva G. Tang | |||
Senior Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial | |||
Officer and Secretary | |||
Date: | November 5, 2014 | ||
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