Annual Statements Open main menu

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
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 1-13883
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 77-0448994
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)  
1720 North First Street
San Jose, California 95112
(Address of principal executive offices)
408-367-8200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class:Trading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per shareCWTNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the 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 the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit). Yes ý  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
 Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes   No 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2021 — 50,835,000
1

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Page
2

Table of Contents
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this filing on Form 10-Q have been prepared by management and are unaudited.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
 March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant$3,952,681 $3,890,423 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,267,745)(1,239,865)
Net utility plant2,684,936 2,650,558 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents84,387 44,555 
Receivables:
Customers, net39,652 44,025 
Regulatory balancing accounts97,820 96,241 
Other, net19,470 20,331 
Unbilled revenue, net33,945 34,069 
Materials and supplies at weighted average cost9,201 8,831 
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets17,925 17,964 
Total current assets302,400 266,016 
Other assets:
Regulatory assets328,336 325,376 
Goodwill31,390 31,842 
Other assets124,405 120,456 
Total other assets484,131 477,674 
TOTAL ASSETS$3,471,467 $3,394,248 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 50,835 and 50,334 outstanding in 2021 and 2020, respectively
$508 $503 
Additional paid-in capital471,698 448,632 
Retained earnings457,596 472,209 
Total common stockholders’ equity929,802 921,344 
Long-term debt, net780,951 781,100 
Total capitalization1,710,753 1,702,444 
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt, net5,136 5,127 
Short-term borrowings435,000 370,000 
Accounts payable120,549 131,725 
Regulatory balancing accounts34,215 34,636 
Accrued interest14,728 6,178 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities45,838 41,040 
Total current liabilities655,466 588,706 
Deferred income taxes275,987 276,032 
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions111,926 115,581 
Regulatory liabilities and other251,851 247,810 
Advances for construction197,715 195,625 
Contributions in aid of construction267,769 268,050 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES$3,471,467 $3,394,248 
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3

Table of Contents
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
For the three months endedMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Operating revenue$147,737 $125,563 
Operating expenses:  
Operations:  
Water production costs54,826 53,976 
Administrative and general30,369 29,680 
Other operations17,912 13,974 
Maintenance6,769 7,073 
Depreciation and amortization27,047 24,492 
Income tax benefit(101)(3,937)
Property and other taxes7,996 7,228 
Total operating expenses144,818 132,486 
Net operating income (loss)2,919 (6,923)
Other income and expenses:  
Non-regulated revenue5,572 3,827 
Non-regulated expenses(4,760)(8,454)
Other components of net periodic benefit credit (cost)2,979 (1,430)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction544 1,614 
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses(358)913 
Net other income (loss)3,977 (3,530)
Interest expense:  
Interest expense10,222 10,798 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction(294)(944)
Net interest expense9,928 9,854 
Net loss$(3,032)$(20,307)
Loss per share:  
Basic$(0.06)$(0.42)
Diluted(0.06)(0.42)
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
Basic50,440 48,583 
Diluted50,440 48,583 
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Table of Contents
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited (In thousands)
For the three months endedMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Operating activities:  
Net loss$(3,032)$(20,307)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization27,669 25,093 
Change in value of life insurance contracts(349)4,717 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(544)(1,614)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
Receivables and unbilled revenue6,265 7,261 
Accounts payable(10,222)(7,379)
Other current assets(152)(3,768)
Other current liabilities12,367 3,316 
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities(2,023)(3,252)
Net cash provided by operating activities29,979 4,067 
Investing activities:  
Utility plant expenditures(66,817)(65,270)
Payment for investment(2,900)— 
Refund of investment1,000 — 
Net cash used in investing activities(68,717)(65,270)
Financing activities:  
Short-term borrowings105,000 170,000 
Repayment of short-term borrowings(40,000)(10,000)
Repayment of long-term debt(176)(197)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction6,469 6,432 
Refunds of advances for construction(2,711)(2,157)
Repurchase of common stock(1,415)(1,373)
Issuance of common stock23,175 6,511 
Dividends paid(11,581)(10,315)
Net cash provided by financing activities78,761 158,901 
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash40,023 97,698 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period45,129 43,298 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$85,152 $140,996 
Supplemental information:  
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)$1,225 $909 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:  
Accrued payables for investments in utility plant$48,552 $38,018 
Utility plant contribution by developers$5,899 $8,007 
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Table of Contents
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2021
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated
Note 1. Organization and Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
California Water Service Group (the Company) is a holding company that provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. California Water Service Company (Cal Water), Washington Water Service Company (Washington Water), New Mexico Water Service Company (New Mexico Water), and Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc. (Hawaii Water) provide regulated utility services under the rules and regulations of their respective state’s regulatory commissions (jointly referred to herein as the Commissions). CWS Utility Services and HWS Utility Services LLC provide non-regulated water utility and utility-related services.
 
The Company operates in one reportable segment, providing water and related utility services.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and therefore do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021.
 
The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP 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 balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. These include, but are not limited to, estimates and assumptions used in determining the Company’s regulatory asset and liability balances based upon probability assessments of regulatory recovery, revenues earned but not yet billed, asset retirement obligations, allowance for credit losses, pension and other employee benefit plan liabilities, and income tax-related assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring transactions that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the results for the periods covered.
Due to the seasonal nature of the water business, the results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for a 12-month period. Revenue and income are generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater. Revenue and income are generally lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and rainfall curtail water usage and sales.
6

Table of Contents
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operating revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s operating revenue by source for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31
20212020
Revenue from contracts with customers$146,528 $134,833 
Regulatory balancing account revenue (a)1,209 (9,270)
Total operating revenue$147,737 $125,563 
(a) As further discussed below, no amounts were recorded for the Company’s Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM), Modified Cost Balancing Account (MCBA), Pension Cost Balancing Account (PCBA), and Health Cost Balancing Account (HCBA) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 General Rate Case (GRC).
Revenue from contracts with customers
The Company principally generates operating revenue from contracts with customers by providing regulated water and wastewater services at tariff-rates authorized by the Commissions in the states in which they operate and non-regulated water and wastewater services at rates authorized by contracts with government agencies. Revenue from contracts with customers reflects amounts billed for the volume of consumption at authorized per unit rates, for a service charge, and for other authorized charges.
The Company satisfies its performance obligation to provide water and wastewater services over time as services are rendered. The Company applies the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue from contracts with customers in the amount for which the Company has a right to invoice. The Company has a right to invoice for the volume of consumption, for the service charge, and for other authorized charges.
The measurement of sales to customers is generally based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, the Company estimates consumption since the date of the last meter reading and a corresponding unbilled revenue is recognized. The estimate is based upon the number of unbilled days that month and the average daily customer billing rate from the previous month (which fluctuates based upon customer usage).
Contract terms are generally short-term and at will by customers and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for the Company's collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing. The Company applies judgment, based principally on historical payment experience, in estimating its customers’ ability to pay.
Certain customers are not billed for volumetric consumption, but are instead billed a flat rate at the beginning of each monthly service period. The amount billed is initially deferred and subsequently recognized over the monthly service period, as the performance obligation is satisfied. The deferred revenue balance or contract liability, which is included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, is inconsequential.








7

Table of Contents
In the following table, revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by class of customers for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31
20212020
Residential$101,371 $92,544 
Business27,721 27,693 
Industrial6,043 7,878 
Public authorities6,403 5,897 
Other (a)4,990 821 
Total revenue from contracts with customers$146,528 $134,833 
(a) Other includes accrued unbilled revenue.
Regulatory balancing account revenue
The Company’s ability to recover revenue requirements authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in its triennial GRC is decoupled from the volume of the sales. Regulatory balancing account revenue is revenue related to rate mechanisms authorized in California by the CPUC, which allow the Company to recover the authorized revenue and are not considered contracts with customers. These mechanisms include the following:
The WRAM allows the Company to recognize the adopted level of volumetric revenues. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.
Cost-recovery rates, such as the MCBA, Conservation Expense Balancing Account (CEBA), PCBA, and HCBA, generally provide for recovery of the adopted levels of expenses for purchased water, purchased power, pump taxes, water conservation program costs, pension, and health care. Variances between adopted and actual costs are recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.
For 2021, the WRAM, MCBA, PCBA, and HCBA have all been authorized by the CPUC with the approval of the 2018 GRC in the fourth quarter of 2020. For 2020, the WRAM, MCBA, PCBA, and HCBA were being litigated in the 2018 GRC. As a result, the Company determined that the regulatory asset and liability recognition criteria under accounting standards for regulated entities was not met and the Company did not record regulatory assets or liabilities with respect to these mechanisms for the first quarter of 2020. As the CEBA was not being litigated in the then-pending 2018 GRC, the Company recorded a regulatory liability for the CEBA for the first three months of 2020. The Company determined that the CEBA met the regulatory liability recognition criteria under accounting standards for regulated utilities.
Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, the CPUC authorized Cal Water to track the effect of the delay on customer billings in an interim rates memorandum account (IRMA) effective January 1, 2020. Variances between actual customer billings and those that would have been billed assuming the GRC had been effective January 1, 2020 are recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue. Rates for the 2018 GRC were implemented on February 1, 2021; as a result, Cal Water recorded an IRMA regulatory asset for January of 2021. For the first quarter of 2020, the Company did not record a regulatory asset for the IRMA because the regulatory asset recognition criteria under accounting standards for regulated entities was not met as the 2018 GRC was still pending resolution as of the end of the quarter.
Each district's WRAM and MCBA regulatory assets and liabilities are allowed to be netted against one another. The Company recognizes regulatory balancing account revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected within 24 months. To the extent that regulatory balancing account revenue is estimated to be collectible beyond 24 months, recognition is deferred.




8

Table of Contents
Non-regulated Revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s non-regulated revenue by source for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31
20212020
Operating and maintenance revenue$4,087 $2,499 
Other non-regulated revenue860 765 
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers$4,947 $3,264 
Lease revenue$625 $563 
Total non-regulated revenue$5,572 $3,827 
Operating and maintenance services are provided for non-regulated water and wastewater systems owned by private companies and municipalities. The Company negotiates formal agreements with the customers, under which they provide operating, maintenance and customer billing services related to the customers’ water system. The formal agreements outline the fee schedule for the services provided. The agreements typically call for a fee-per-service or a flat-rate amount per month. The Company satisfies its performance obligation of providing operating and maintenance services over time as services are rendered; as a result, the Company employs the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue in the amount that it has the right to invoice. Contract terms are generally short-term and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for its collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing.
Other non-regulated revenue primarily relates to services for the design and installation of water mains and other water infrastructure for customers outside the regulated service areas and insurance program administration.
Lease revenue is not considered revenue from contracts with customers and is recognized following operating lease standards. The Company is the lessor in operating lease agreements with telecommunications companies under which cellular phone antennas are placed on the Company's property.
Allowance for credit losses
The Company measures expected credit losses for Customer Receivables, Other Receivables, and Unbilled Revenue on an aggregated level. These receivables are generally trade receivables due in one year or less or expected to be billed and collected in one year or less. The expected credit losses for Other Receivables and Unbilled Revenue are inconsequential. Customer receivables include receivables for water and wastewater services provided to residential customers, business, industrial, public authorities, and other customers. The expected credit losses for business, industrial, public authorities, and other customers are inconsequential. The overall risks related to the Company’s receivables are low as water and wastewater services are seen as essential services. The estimate for the allowance for credit losses is based on a historical loss ratio, in conjunction with a qualitative assessment of elements that impact the collectability of receivables to determine if the allowance for credit losses should be further adjusted in accordance with the accounting guidance for credit losses. Management contemplates available current information such as changes in economic factors, regulatory matters, industry trends, payment options and programs available to customers, and the methods that the Company is able to utilize to ensure payment.
The Company reviewed its allowance for credit losses utilizing a quantitative assessment, which included trend analysis of customer billing and collection, aging by customer class, and unemployment rates since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the first quarter of 2020. The Company also utilized a qualitative assessment, which considered the future collectability on customer outstanding balances, management's estimate of the cash recovery, and a general assessment of the economic conditions of the locations the Company serves due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The Company is complying with the CPUC requirements to suspend customer disconnections for non-payment and ceased agency collection activities, and anticipates this situation will continue until further notice. Based on the above assessments, the Company expects an increase in customer receivable write-offs as compared to historical experiences and adjusted its allowance for credit losses, accordingly.


9

Table of Contents
The following table presents the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period ended March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Allowance for credit lossesMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Beginning balance5,246 771 
Provision for credit loss expense893 5,716 
Write-offs(579)(1,730)
Recoveries98 489 
Total ending allowance balance$5,658 $5,246 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents84,387 44,555 
Restricted cash (included in "taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets")765 574 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows$85,152 $45,129 
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions for performing intraperiod tax allocations, recognizing deferred taxes for investments, and calculating income taxes in interim periods. The guidance also simplifies the accounting for franchise taxes, transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, and the effect of enacted changes in tax laws or rates in interim periods. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 in the first quarter of 2021 and the adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
10

Table of Contents
Note 3. Stock-based Compensation
The Company's equity incentive plan was approved and amended by stockholders on April 27, 2005 and May 20, 2014. The Company is authorized to issue awards up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company granted Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) to Officers and to members of the Board of Directors. An RSA share represents a restricted share of the Company's common stock and is valued based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. RSAs granted to Officers vest over 36 months with the first year cliff vesting. In general, RSAs granted to Board members vest at the end of 12 months. The RSAs are recognized as expense evenly over 36 months for the shares granted to Officers and 12 months for the shares granted to Board members. As of March 31, 2021, there was approximately $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
A summary of the status of the outstanding RSAs as of March 31, 2021 is presented below:
Number of RSA SharesWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
RSAs at January 1, 202151,561 $50.92 
Granted49,960 53.84 
Vested(28,402)50.16 
Forfeited— — 
RSAs at March 31, 202173,119 $53.22 
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company granted performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to Officers. An RSU represents the right to receive a share of the Company's common stock. Each award reflects a target number shares of common stock that may be issued to the award recipient. The 2021 awards may be earned upon the completion of a 3-year performance period. Whether RSUs are earned at the end of the performance period will be determined based on the achievement of certain performance objectives set by the Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in connection with the issuance of the RSUs. The performance objectives are based on the Company's business plan covering the performance period. The performance objectives include achieving the budgeted return on equity, budgeted investment in utility plant, customer service standards, employee safety standards and water quality standards. Depending on the results achieved during the 3-year performance period, the actual number of shares that a grant recipient receives at the end of the performance period may range from 0% to 200% of the target shares granted, provided that the grantee is continuously employed by the Company through the vesting date. If prior to the vesting date employment is terminated by reason of death, disability or normal retirement, then a pro rata portion of this award will vest. RSUs are not included in diluted shares until earned. The RSUs are recognized as expense ratably over the 3-year performance period using a fair market value of the Company's common share at the date of grant and an estimated number of RSUs earned during the performance period. As of March 31, 2021, there was approximately $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
A summary of the status of the outstanding RSUs as of March 31, 2021 is presented below:
Number of RSU SharesWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
RSUs at January 1, 202187,787 $46.62 
Granted31,749  53.96
Performance criteria adjustment12,257  52.96
Vested(38,897) 52.96
Forfeited(1,954) 35.40
RSUs at March 31, 202190,942 $52.71 
The Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and RSUs that are included in administrative and general operating expenses in the amount of $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2021 and $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2020.
11

Table of Contents
Note 4. Equity
The Company sold 429,061 shares of common stock through its at-the-market equity program and raised proceeds of $22.7 million net of $0.2 million in commissions paid under the equity distribution agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company sold 115,834 shares of common stock through its at-the-market equity program and raised proceeds of $6.0 million net of $0.1 million in commissions paid under the equity distribution agreement.
The Company’s changes in total common stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 SharesAmount
 (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 202150,334 $503 $448,632 $472,209 $921,344 
Net loss(3,032)(3,032)
Issuance of common stock528 24,481 24,486 
Repurchase of common stock(27)— (1,415)(1,415)
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2300 per share)
(11,581)(11,581)
Balance at March 31, 202150,835 508 471,698 457,596 929,802 
Three months ended March 31, 2020
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 SharesAmount
 (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 202048,532 $485 $362,275 $417,146 $779,906 
Net loss(20,307)(20,307)
Issuance of common stock210 7,227 7,229 
Repurchase of common stock(28)— (1,373)(1,373)
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2125 per share)
(10,315)(10,315)
Balance at March 31, 202048,714 487 368,129 386,524 755,140 
12

Table of Contents
Note 5. Loss Per Share
The computations of basic and diluted loss per share are noted in the table below. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. RSAs are included in the weighted average common shares outstanding because the shares have all the same voting and dividend rights as issued and unrestricted common stock. RSUs are not included in diluted shares for financial reporting until authorized by the Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
 Three Months Ended March 31
 20212020
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net loss available to common stockholders$(3,032)$(20,307)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic50,440 48,583 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive50,440 48,583 
Loss per share - basic$(0.06)$(0.42)
Loss per share - diluted$(0.06)$(0.42)
Note 6. Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides a qualified, defined-benefit, non-contributory pension plan for substantially all employees. The Company makes annual contributions to fund the amounts accrued for in the qualified pension plan. The Company also maintains an unfunded, non-qualified, supplemental executive retirement plan. The costs of the plans are charged to expense or are capitalized in utility plant as appropriate.
 
The Company offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for retirees and their spouses and dependents. Participants are required to pay a premium, which offsets a portion of the cost.
 
Cash contributions made by the Company to the pension plans were $9.4 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash contributions made by the Company to the other postretirement benefit plans were $1.2 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The total 2021 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans are expected to be approximately $23.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively.























13

Table of Contents
The following table lists components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension plans and other postretirement benefits. The data listed under “pension plan” includes the qualified pension plan and the non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan. The data listed under “other benefits” is for all other postretirement benefits.
 
 Three Months Ended March 31
 Pension PlanOther Benefits
 2021202020212020
Service cost$9,010 $8,811 $1,611 $2,106 
Interest cost5,319 6,433 805 1,210 
Expected return on plan assets(9,866)(8,265)(2,192)(1,811)
Amortization of prior service cost253 1,057 49 49 
Recognized net actuarial loss1,924 3,196 (110)14 
Net periodic benefit cost$6,640 $11,232 $163 $1,568 
Service cost portion of the pension plan and other postretirement benefits is recognized in "administrative and general" expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Other components of net periodic benefit costs include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and recognized net actuarial loss and are reported together as "other components of net periodic benefit cost" within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 7. Short-term and Long-term Borrowings
On March 29, 2019, the Company and Cal Water entered into certain syndicated credit agreements, which provide for unsecured revolving credit facilities of up to an initial aggregate amount of $550.0 million for a term of five years. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150.0 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $400.0 million under its revolving credit facility. Additionally, the credit facilities may be increased by up to an incremental $150.0 million under the Cal Water facility and $50.0 million under the Company facility, subject in each case to certain conditions.
The revolving credit facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries' consolidated total capitalization ratio and interest coverage ratio.
The outstanding borrowings on the Company line of credit were $95.0 million and $100 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were $340.0 million and $270.0 million of borrowings on the Cal Water line of credit as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The average borrowing rate for borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 0.98% compared to 2.59% for the same period last year.
14

Table of Contents
Note 8. Income Taxes
The Company adjusts its effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company also records the tax effect of unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items.
The provision for income taxes is shown in the table below:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 20212020
Income tax expense (benefit)$257 $(4,850)
The income tax expense increased $5.2 million to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $4.9 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2020. The increase was mainly due to an increase in operating income, partially offset by amortization of excess deferred income tax as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (TCJA) in the 2018 GRC decision.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 6.02% before discrete items in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 19.3% in the first quarter of 2020. The difference in effective income tax rate was primary due to the amortization of the excess deferred taxes as a result of the TCJA in the 2018 GRC decision.
The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $14.1 million and $11.7 million as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, is $3.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in an adjustment to the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next 12 months.
15

Table of Contents
Note 9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 Recovery PeriodMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Regulatory Assets  
Pension and retiree group healthIndefinitely$59,424 $59,588 
Property-related temporary differences (tax benefits flowed through to customers)Indefinitely120,590 120,365 
Other accrued benefitsIndefinitely22,192 21,692 
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term accounts receivable
1 - 2 years
38,676 33,136 
Asset retirement obligations, netIndefinitely21,624 21,110 
IRMA long-term accounts receivable1 year10,962 14,705 
Tank coating10 years13,777 14,018 
Recoverable property losses9 years4,361 4,531 
PCBA1 year21,210 19,647 
Other components of net periodic benefit costIndefinitely5,988 6,736 
General district balancing account receivable1 year724 1,830 
Low-income rate assistance (LIRA) and Rate support fund (RSF) accounts receivable1 year6,202 5,310 
Other regulatory assetsVarious2,606 2,708 
Total Regulatory Assets$328,336 $325,376 
Regulatory Liabilities  
Future tax benefits due to customers$151,088 $151,011 
Retiree group health18,472 18,472 
HCBA7,165 5,320 
CEBA4,313 3,837 
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term payable1,397 479 
Other regulatory liabilities1,162 1,599 
Total Regulatory Liabilities$183,597 $180,718 
Short-term regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from the above table.
The short-term regulatory assets were $97.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and $96.2 million as of December 31, 2020. These short-term regulatory assets primarily consist of net WRAM and MCBA, IRMA, and PCBA receivables
The short-term portions of regulatory liabilities were $34.2 million as of March 31, 2021 and $34.6 million as of December 31, 2020. The short-term regulatory liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 primarily consist of TCJA and HCBA refunds and TCP settlement proceeds
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has significant commitments to purchase water from water wholesalers. The Company also has operating and finance leases for water systems, offices, land easements, licenses, equipment, and other facilities. These commitments and leases are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

As of March 31, 2021, there were no significant changes in these commitments from December 31, 2020.


16

Table of Contents
Contingencies
Groundwater Contamination
The Company has undertaken litigation against third parties to recover past and anticipated costs related to groundwater contamination in our service areas. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. The CPUC’s general policy requires all proceeds from groundwater contamination litigation to be used first to pay transactional expenses, then to make customers whole for water treatment costs to comply with the CPUC’s water quality standards. The CPUC allows for a risk-based consideration of contamination proceeds which exceed the costs of the remediation described above and may result in some sharing of proceeds with the shareholder, determined on a case by case basis. The CPUC has authorized various memorandum accounts that allow the Company to track significant litigation costs and to request recovery of these costs in future filings.
Other Legal Matters
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a liability of $4.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for known legal matters. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. Any settlement in excess of the cost to litigate is accounted for on a case by case basis, dependent on the nature of the settlement.
Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
 
Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
 
Specific valuation methods include the following:
 
Accounts receivable and accounts payable carrying amounts approximated the fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.
 
Long-term debt fair values were estimated using the published quoted market price of similar securities, if available, or the discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates available using a risk-free rate (a U.S. Treasury securities yield curve) plus a risk premium of 1.83%.
17

Table of Contents
 March 31, 2021
  Fair Value
 CostLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net$786,087 — $860,403 — $860,403 
 
 December 31, 2020
  Fair Value
 CostLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net$786,227 $— $944,447 $— $944,447 
Item 2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This quarterly report, including all documents incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this quarterly report are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and our management’s beliefs, assumptions, judgments and expectations about us, the water utility industry and general economic conditions, including statements regarding the anticipated impact on our business of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures. These statements are not statements of historical fact. When used in our documents, statements that are not historical in nature, including words like “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “should,” “seeks,” or variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement.
Factors which may cause actual results to be different than those expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to:
the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures;
our ability to invest or apply the proceeds from the issuance of common stock in an accretive manner;
governmental and regulatory commissions' decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;
consequences of eminent domain actions relating to our water systems;
changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures, such as the CPUC’s decision in 2020 to preclude companies from proposing fully decoupled WRAMs in their next GRC filing (which impacts our planned 2021 GRC filing related to our operations commencing in 2023);
the outcome and timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief and other actions;
increased risk of inverse condemnation losses as a result of climate conditions;
our ability to renew leases to operate water systems owned by others on beneficial terms;
changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards;
changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements;
electric power interruptions, especially as a result of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) programs;
housing and customer growth;
the impact of opposition to rate increases;
our ability to recover costs;
18

Table of Contents
availability of water supplies;
issues with the implementation, maintenance or security of our information technology systems;
civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts;
the adequacy of our efforts to mitigate physical and cyber security risks and threats;
the ability of our enterprise risk management processes to identify or address risks adequately;
labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions;
changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;
our ability to complete, successfully integrate and achieve anticipated benefits from announced acquisitions;
the impact of weather, climate, natural disasters, and actual or threatened public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, on our operations, water quality, water availability, water sales and operating results and the adequacy of our emergency preparedness;
restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends;
risks associated with expanding our business and operations geographically; and
the risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
 
In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this quarterly report or as of the date of any document incorporated by reference in this report, as applicable. When considering forward-looking statements, investors should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this quarterly report and the documents incorporated by reference. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We maintain our accounting records in accordance with GAAP and as directed by the Commissions to which our operations are subject. The process of preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates on the part of management. The estimates used by management are based on historic experience and an understanding of current facts and circumstances. Management believes that the following accounting policies are critical because they involve a higher degree of complexity and judgment, and can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of the business. These policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. They include:
revenue recognition;
regulated utility accounting;
income taxes;
pension and postretirement health care benefits;
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in the methodology for computing critical accounting estimates, no additional accounting estimates met the standards for critical accounting policies, and there were no material changes to the important assumptions underlying the critical accounting estimates.
COVID-19
During the course of 2020 and continuing into the first quarter of 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, shelter-in-place and social distancing ordinances of varying durations and scope were implemented in all of the states in which we operate. Such governmental orders resulted in temporary closures of non-essential businesses and self-quarantining on non-essential workers. As an “essential business” during times of emergencies pursuant to the U.S. Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001, we are working to continue to provide high quality water and wastewater services to our two million customers. During 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and through April 29, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a significant impact on our business or operations. We have, however, increased our
19

Table of Contents
allowance for credit losses as we have ceased all shutoffs for non-payment during the pandemic and anticipate this situation will continue until further notice. We are expecting segments of our customer base to continue to experience employment layoffs and business closures that negatively impact their ability to pay utility bills. We have also incurred costs to promote the health and safety of our employees and facilities.
If we need to close any of our facilities due to outbreaks of COVID-19 or if a critical number of our employees become too ill to work, our business operations could be materially adversely affected in a rapid manner. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve, and therefore, we cannot predict the extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity will ultimately be impacted.
RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER 2021 OPERATIONS
COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER 2020 OPERATIONS
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated 
Overview
Net Loss
Net loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $3.0 million or $0.06 net loss per diluted common share, compared to net loss of $20.3 million or $0.42 net loss per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2020.
The $17.3 million decrease in net loss was primarily due to the December 2020 decision by the CPUC for Cal Water’s 2018 GRC. The decision authorized rate increases and the continuation of regulatory mechanisms which Cal Water had not recorded in the first quarter of 2020. First quarter 2021 results included cumulative 2018 GRC and other rate relief of $6.4 million, representing 2020 and 2021 rate changes, and regulatory mechanism net revenue increases of $7.6 million. The decrease in net loss resulting from the adoption of the 2018 GRC was partially offset by increases in other operating expenses of $3.9 million, depreciation expense of $2.5 million and uninsured loss costs of $2.1 million.
Additional factors outside the Company’s immediate control contributed to the decrease in net loss, including a $5.1 million decrease in unrealized loss on certain benefit plan investments and $3.6 million increase in accrued unbilled revenue. Seasonal weather patterns and the number of unbilled days are the primary drivers of accrued unbilled revenue.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue increased $22.2 million, or 17.7%, to $147.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the first quarter of 2020, with such change attributed to the following:
Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)$11,900 
WRAM Revenue (2)2,182 
MCBA Revenue (3)4,056 
IRMA Revenue (4)2,475 
Other balancing account revenue (5)(1,453)
Deferral of revenue (6)3,014 
Net operating revenue increase$22,174 
1.The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by rate increases, the components of which are set forth in the table below. In addition, there was a $3.6 million increase in accrued unbilled revenue.
General rate case$1,814 
Escalation rate increases1,569 
Purchased water and pump tax offsets1,267 
Rate base offsets1,745 
Total increase in rates$6,395 
20

Table of Contents
2.WRAM revenue is the variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts. For the first quarter of 2021, we recognized $2.2 million of WRAM revenue. Actual volumetric revenue was lower than adopted volumetric billings due to a shift in customer usage from nonresidential to residential usage. Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, WRAM revenue was not recorded in the first quarter of 2020.
3.MCBA revenue is the variance between adopted water production costs and actual water production costs. For the first quarter of 2021, we recognized $4.1 million of MCBA revenue. Actual water production costs were higher than adopted production costs in the first quarter of 2021 due to a shift in water production mix from well water to purchased water in certain of our service territories. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the increase in actual water production costs relative to adopted water production costs in California also increased operating revenue for the same amount. Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, MCBA revenue was not recorded in the first quarter of 2020.
4.Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, the CPUC authorized Cal Water to track the effect of the delay on customer billings in an IRMA effective January 1, 2020. Variances between actual customer billings and those that would have been billed assuming the GRC had been effective January 1, 2020 are recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue. The 2018 GRC was approved in December of 2020 and final rates for the 2018 GRC were implemented as of February 1, 2021; as a result, Cal Water recorded IRMA revenue for January 2021. Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, IRMA revenue was not recorded in the first quarter of 2020.
5.The other balancing account revenue consists of the pension, conservation and health care balancing account revenues. Pension and conservation balancing account revenues are the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery. Health care balancing account revenue is 85% of the difference between actual health care expenses and adopted rate recovery. For the first quarter of 2021, we recognized a decrease to revenue of $1.5 million for these balancing accounts. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to a decrease in actual health care expenses relative to adopted in the first quarter of 2021. Due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 GRC, PCBA and HCBA revenue were not recorded in the first quarter of 2020.
6.The deferral of revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were recorded. The deferral decreased in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the first quarter of 2020 due to a decrease in the balancing account revenue expected to be collected beyond 24 months.
Total Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $12.3 million, or 9.3%, to $144.8 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $132.5 million in the first quarter of 2020.
Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 37.9% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 40.7% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2020. Water production costs increased 1.6% in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period last year mainly due to an increase in customer usage, changes in water production mix in certain of our service territories, and an increase in rates from our purchased water wholesalers.
Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 20212020
Well production48 %43 %
Purchased47 %52 %
Surface%%
Total100 %100 %




21

Table of Contents
The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 20212020Change
Purchased water$44,765 $45,349 $(584)
Purchased power6,504 5,776 728 
Pump taxes3,557 2,851 706 
Total$54,826 $53,976 $850 
Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $4.6 million, or 10.6%, to $48.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $43.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in costs associated with deferred WRAM revenue, $2.1 million increase in uninsured loss costs, $0.5 million increase in retirement benefits, $0.4 million increase in water treatment costs, and $0.4 million increase in bad debt expense. The cost increases were partially offset by decreases in employee and retiree health care costs of $0.9 million, travel costs of $0.5 million, and employee wages of $0.4 million. Changes in employee pension benefits and water conservation program costs for regulated California operations generally do not affect earnings, as the Company is allowed by the CPUC to record these costs in balancing accounts for future recovery, creating a corresponding change to revenue. Employee and retiree medical expenses are recovered up to 85% of the variance between adopted and recorded expenses.
Maintenance expense decreased $0.3 million, or 4.3%, to $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2020, mostly due to a reduction in repairs for services and mains.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.5 million, or 10.4%, to $27.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $24.5 million in the first quarter of 2020, mostly due to capital additions in 2020.
Income tax benefit decreased $3.8 million to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $3.9 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in the loss from operations and a reduction in the 2021 estimated effective tax rate due to a $10.0 million increase in refund of excess deferred federal income taxes in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Property and other taxes increased $0.8 million to $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to $7.2 million in the same period of 2020, mostly due to an increase in assessed property values.
Other Income and Expenses
Net other income increased $7.5 million to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to a net other loss of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2020, due primarily to a $5.1 million decrease in unrealized loss on certain benefit plan investments due to favorable market conditions and a $4.4 million decrease in other components of net periodic benefit costs. The increase was partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in allowance for equity funds used during construction.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense stayed the same at $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 and in the first quarter of 2020.
REGULATORY MATTERS
2021 California Regulatory Activity
California GRC Filing
On October 14, 2020, an ALJ with the CPUC issued a proposed decision for Cal Water's 2018 GRC filing, which was approved by the CPUC on December 4, 2020. The new rates were implemented on February 1, 2021.
The CPUC follows a rate case plan, which requires Cal Water to file a GRC for each of its regulated operating districts (except Grand Oaks) every three years. In a GRC proceeding, the CPUC not only considers the utility's rate setting requests, but may also consider other issues that affect the utility's rates and operations. The CPUC is generally required to issue its GRC decision prior to the first day of the test year or authorize interim rates. In accordance with the rate case plan, Cal Water expects to file its next GRC application in the second quarter of 2021.


22

Table of Contents
IRMA
The 2018 GRC was approved in December of 2020 and final rates for the 2018 GRC were implemented as of February 1, 2021; as a result, Cal Water calculated and recorded a regulatory asset of $55.6 million and a corresponding increase to revenue for the difference between final rates and interim rates for the 13-month period January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Cal Water also recorded a regulatory liability of $1.6 million and a corresponding decrease to regulatory assets for LIRA and RSF program credits that would have been given to customers had the rate case been approved on time.
In April of 2021, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to request amortization of the IRMA. The new rates were implemented on April 15, 2021.
Escalation Increase Requests
As a part of the decision on the 2018 GRC, Cal Water was authorized to request annual escalation rate increases for 2021 for those districts that passed the earnings test. In December of 2020, Cal Water requested escalation rate increases for 2021 in 13 of its regulated districts. The annual adopted gross revenue associated with the December 2020 filing was $8.2 million. The new rates were implemented on February 1, 2021.
Expense Offset Requests
Expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses, and therefore do not affect net operating income. In December of 2020, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to request offsets for increases in purchased water costs and pump taxes in seven of its regulated districts totaling $5.5 million. The new rates were implemented on February 1, 2021.
Rate Base Offset Requests
For construction projects authorized in GRCs as advice letter projects, Cal Water is allowed to request rate base offsets to increase revenues after the project goes into service. In July of 2020, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to recover $9.0 million of annual revenue increase for a rate base offset in one of its regulated districts. The new rates were implemented on February 1, 2021.
WRAM/MCBA Filings
In April of 2021, Cal Water submitted advice letters to true up the revenue under-collections for the 2020 annual WRAMs/MCBAs of its regulated districts. A net under-collection of $39.6 million is being recovered/refunded from/to customers in the form of 12, 18, and greather-than-18-month surcharges and 6 and 12 month surcredits. The new rates incorporate net WRAM/MCBA balances that were previously approved for recovery, and were implemented on April 15, 2021.
Regulatory Activity - Other States
Kapalua Water Company and Kapalua Waste Treatment (Hawaii Water)
In the first quarter of 2021, Hawaii Water Service received approval from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to acquire the assets of Kapalua Water Company and Kapalua Waste Treatment Company from Maui Land and Pineapple Company. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions
LIQUIDITY
Cash flow from Operations
Cash flow from operations for the first three months of 2021 was $30.0 million compared to $4.1 million for the same period in 2020. Cash generated by operations varies during the year due to customer billings, and timing of collections and contributions to our benefit plans.
During the first three months of 2021, we made contributions of $9.4 million to our employee pension plan compared to contributions of $7.9 million during the first three months of 2020. During the first three months of 2021, we made contributions of $1.2 million to the other postretirement benefit plans compared to contributions of $2.2 million during the first three months of 2020. The full-year 2021 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans are expected to be approximately $23.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively.


23

Table of Contents
The water business is seasonal. Billed revenue is lower in the cool, wet winter months when less water is used compared to the warm, dry summer months when water use is highest. This seasonality results in the possible need for short-term borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facilities in the event cash is not available to cover operating and utility plant costs during the winter period. The increase in cash flows during the summer allows short-term borrowings to be paid down. Customer water usage can be lower than normal in drought years and when greater-than-normal precipitation falls in our service areas or temperatures are lower than normal, especially in the summer months.
Investing Activities
During the first three months of 2021 and 2020, we used $66.8 million and $65.3 million, respectively, of cash for Company-funded and developer-funded utility plant expenditures. Annual expenditures fluctuate each year due to the availability of construction resources and our ability to obtain construction permits in a timely manner. For 2021, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be between $270.0 million and $300.0 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $78.8 million during the first three months of 2021 compared to $158.9 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2020. For 2021, this includes our issuance of $22.7 million of Company common stock through our at-the-market equity program, and $0.5 million through our employee stock purchase plan.
During the first three months of 2021 and 2020, we borrowed $105.0 million and $170.0 million, respectively, on our unsecured revolving credit facilities. We made a repayment on our unsecured revolving credit facilities of $40.0 million and $10.0 million during the first three months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The undercollected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances were $69.7 million and $58.4 million as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The undercollected balances were primarily financed by Cal Water using short-term and long-term financing arrangements to meet operational cash requirements. Interest on the undercollected balances, which represents the interest recoverable from customers, is limited to the then-current 90-day commercial paper rates which typically are significantly lower than Cal Water’s short and long-term financing rates.
Short-Term and Long-Term Financing
During the first three months of 2021, we utilized cash generated from operations, borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facilities, and cash received from the sale of Company common stock through our at-the-market equity program to fund operations and capital investments.
In future periods, management anticipates funding our utility plant needs through a relatively balanced approach between debt and equity.
Short-term liquidity is provided by our unsecured revolving credit facilities and internally generated funds. Long-term financing is accomplished through the use of both debt and equity. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150.0 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $400.0 million under its revolving credit facility; however, all borrowings must be repaid within 24 months unless a different period is required or authorized by the CPUC. The proceeds from the unsecured revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of utility plant projects. 
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were short-term borrowings of $435.0 million and $370.0 million, respectively, outstanding on the unsecured revolving credit facilities.
Given our ability to access our lines of credit on a daily basis, cash balances are managed to levels required for daily cash needs and excess cash is invested in short-term or cash equivalent instruments. Minimal operating levels of cash are maintained for Washington Water, New Mexico Water, and Hawaii Water.
Both short-term credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio not to exceed 66.7% and an interest coverage ratio of three or more. As of March 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all of the covenant requirements and are eligible to use the full amount of the undrawn portion of our unsecured revolving credit facilities.


24

Table of Contents
Long-term financing, which includes First Mortgage Bonds, other debt securities, and common stock, has typically been used to replace short-term borrowings and fund utility plant expenditures. Internally generated funds, after making dividend payments, provide positive cash flow, but have not been at a level to meet the needs of our utility plant expenditure requirements. Management expects this trend to continue given our planned utility plant expenditures for the next five years. Some utility plant expenditures are funded by payments received from developers for contributions in aid of construction or advances for construction. Funds received for contributions in aid of construction are non-refundable, whereas funds classified as advances in construction are generally refundable over 40 years. Management believes long-term financing is available to meet our cash flow needs through issuances in both debt and equity instruments.
Summarized Financial Information for Guarantors and the Issuer of Guaranteed Securities.
On April 17, 2009, Cal Water (Issuer) issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% First Mortgage Bonds due 2040, all of which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company (Guarantor). Certain subsidiaries of the Company do not guarantee the security and are referred to as Non-guarantors. The Guarantor fully, absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the due and punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, by notice of prepayment or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the bonds. The bonds rank equally among Cal Water's other first mortgage bonds.
The following tables present summarized financial information of the Issuer subsidiary and the Guarantor. The information presented below excludes eliminations necessary to arrive at the information on a consolidated basis. In presenting the summarized financial statements, the equity method of accounting has been applied to the Guarantor interests in the Issuer. The summarized information excludes financial information of the Non-issuers, including (loss) earnings from and investments in these entities.
Summarized Statement of Operations
(in thousands)Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020
 IssuerGuarantorIssuerGuarantor
Net sales$135,518 $— $745,034 $— 
Gross profit$83,275 $— $477,915 $— 
Income from operations$3,353 $24 $130,761 $331 
Equity in (loss) earnings of guarantor$— $(2,844)$— $92,244 
Net loss (income)$(2,844)$(3,032)$92,244 $92,760 
Summarized Balance Sheet Information
(in thousands)As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
 IssuerGuarantorIssuerGuarantor
Current assets$274,112 $11,019 $227,030 $20,075 
Intercompany receivable from non-issuer and issuer subsidiaries$1,513 $22,351 $4,905 $20,022 
Other assets$438,143 $955,479 $433,837 $943,665 
Long-term intercompany receivable from non-issuer subsidiaries$— $37,595 $— $37,985 
Net utility plant$2,494,040 $94 $2,459,992 $117 
Total assets$3,207,808 $1,026,538 $3,125,764 $1,021,864 
Current liabilities$552,316 $95,045 $481,247 $100,124 
Intercompany payable to guarantor and non-issuer subsidiary$550 $— $402 $— 
Long-term debt$780,641 $— $780,790 $— 
Other liabilities$1,036,267 $1,870 $1,034,098 $1,725 
Total Liabilities$2,369,774 $96,915 $2,296,537 $101,849 
Dividends
During the first three months of 2021, our quarterly common stock dividend payments were $0.2300 per share compared to $0.2125 per share during the first three months of 2020. For the full year 2020, the payout ratio was 43.1% of net income. On a long-term basis, our goal is to achieve a dividend payout ratio of 60% of net income accomplished through future earnings growth.
25

Table of Contents
At the April 28, 2021 meeting, the Company's Board of Directors declared the second quarter dividend of $0.2300 per share payable on May 21, 2021, to stockholders of record on May 10, 2021. This was our 305th consecutive quarterly dividend.
2021 Financing Plan
We intend to fund our utility plant needs in future periods through a relatively balanced approach between long-term debt and equity. The Company and Cal Water have a syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit of $150.0 million and $400.0 million, respectively, for short-term borrowings. As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s and Cal Water’s availability on these unsecured revolving lines of credit was $55.0 million and $60.0 million, respectively.
On February 25, 2021, Cal Water entered into a Bond Purchase Agreement which provides for the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $280.0 million. The bonds will be issued in two series: $130.0 million of 2.87% bonds due 2051, series ZZZ; and $150.0 million of 3.02% bonds due 2061, series 1 (Bonds). The Bonds are expected to be issued on May 11, 2021 pursuant to a Sixty-Third Supplemental Indenture. Interest on the Bonds will accrue semi-annually and be payable in arrears on May 11 and November 11 of each year, commencing November 11, 2021. The Bonds will rank equally with all of Cal Water's other First Mortgage Bonds and will be secured by liens on Cal Water's properties, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. Cal Water plans to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Bonds to refinance California Water Service Group’s existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.
Book Value and Stockholders of Record
Book value per common share was $18.29 at March 31, 2021 compared to $18.30 at December 31, 2020. There were approximately 1,941 stockholders of record for our common stock as of February 8, 2021. 
Utility Plant Expenditures
During the first three months of 2021, utility plant expenditures totaled $66.8 million for Company-funded and developer-funded projects. For 2021, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be between $270.0 million and $300.0 million. We do not control third-party-funded utility plant expenditures and therefore are unable to estimate the amount of such projects for 2021.
As of March 31, 2021, construction work in progress was $198.7 million. Construction work in progress includes projects that are under construction but not yet complete and placed in service.
WATER SUPPLY
Our source of supply varies among our operating districts. Certain districts obtain all of their supply from wells; some districts purchase all of their supply from wholesale suppliers; and other districts obtain supply from a combination of wells and wholesale suppliers. A small portion of supply comes from surface sources and is processed through Company-owned water treatment plants. To the best of management's knowledge, we are meeting water quality, environmental, and other regulatory standards for all Company-owned systems.
Historically, approximately half of our annual water supply is pumped from wells. State groundwater management agencies operate differently in each state. Some of our wells extract ground water from water basins under state ordinances. These are adjudicated groundwater basins, in which a court has settled the dispute between landowners or other parties over how much annual groundwater can be extracted by each party. All of our adjudicated groundwater basins are located in the State of California. Our annual groundwater extraction from adjudicated groundwater basins approximates 5.8 billion gallons or 12.3% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Historically, we have extracted less than 100% of our annual adjudicated groundwater rights and have the right to carry forward up to 20% of the unused amount to the next annual period. All of our remaining wells extract ground water from managed or unmanaged water basins. There are no set limits for the ground water extracted from these water basins. Our annual groundwater extraction from managed groundwater basins approximates 27.5 billion gallons or 58.0% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Our annual groundwater extraction from unmanaged groundwater basins approximates 14.1 billion gallons or 29.7% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Most of the managed groundwater basins we extract water from have groundwater recharge facilities. We are required to pay well pump taxes to financially support these groundwater recharge facilities. Our well pump taxes were $3.6 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In 2014, the State of California enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. The law and its implementing regulations require most basins to select a sustainability agency by 2017, develop a sustainability plan by 2022, and show progress toward sustainability by 2027. We expect that after the act's provisions are fully implemented, substantially all the Company's California groundwater will be produced from sustainably managed and adjudicated basins.
26

Table of Contents
California's normal weather pattern yields little precipitation between mid-spring and mid-fall. The Washington Water service areas receive precipitation in all seasons, with the heaviest amounts during the winter. New Mexico Water's rainfall is heaviest in the summer monsoon season. Hawaii Water receives precipitation throughout the year, with the largest amounts in the winter months. Water usage in all service areas is highest during the warm and dry summers and declines in the cool winter months. Rain and snow during the winter months in California replenish underground water aquifers and fill reservoirs, providing the water supply for subsequent delivery to customers. As of March 31, 2021, the State of California snowpack water content during the 2020-2021 water year is 67% of long-term averages (per the California Department of Water Resources, Northern Sierra Precipitation Accumulation report). The northern Sierra region is the most important for the state’s urban water supplies. The central and southern portions of the Sierras have recorded 64% and 42%, respectively, of long-term averages. Management believes that, notwithstanding lower-than-average snowpack water content, supply pumped from underground aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 2021 and beyond. Long-term water supply plans are developed for each of our districts to help assure an adequate water supply under various operating and supply conditions. Some districts have unique challenges in meeting water quality standards, but management believes that supplies will meet current standards using currently available treatment processes.
On May 31, 2018, California's Governor signed two bills (Assembly Bill 1668 and Senate Bill 606) into law that will establish long-term standards for water use efficiency. The bills revise and expand the existing urban water management plan requirements to include five year drought risk assessments, water shortage contingency plans, and annual water supply/demand assessments. By June 30, 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board, in conjunction with the California Department of Water Resources, is expected to establish long-term water use standards for indoor residential use, outdoor residential use, water losses and other uses. Cal Water will also be required to calculate and report on urban water use target by November 1, 2023 and each November 1 thereafter that compares actual urban water use to the target. Management believes that Cal Water is well-positioned to comply with all such regulations.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no material changes in contractual obligations outside the normal course of business.

Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

We do not hold, trade in or issue derivative financial instruments and therefore are not exposed to risks these instruments present. Our market risk to interest rate exposure is limited because the cost of long-term financing and short-term bank borrowings, including interest costs, is covered in consumer water rates as approved by the Commissions. We do not have foreign operations; therefore, we do not have a foreign currency exchange risk. Our business is sensitive to commodity prices and is most affected by changes in purchased water and purchased power costs.
 
Historically, the CPUC’s balancing account or offsettable expense procedures allowed for increases in purchased water, pump tax, and purchased power costs to be flowed through to consumers. Traditionally, a significant percentage of our net income and cash flows come from California regulated operations; therefore the CPUC’s actions have a significant impact on our business. See Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters.”

Item 4.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
27

Table of Contents
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be reasonably estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the future, we may be involved in disputes and litigation related to a wide range of matters, including employment, construction, environmental issues and operations. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive and could divert management’s time and attention from our business. In addition, if we are subject to additional lawsuits or disputes, we might incur significant legal costs and it is uncertain whether we would be able to recover the legal costs from customers or other third parties. For more information refer to note 10.
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021.
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Description
4.0The Company agrees to furnish upon request to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company
31.1 
31.2 
32 
101The following materials from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q formatted in iXBRL (included as exhibit 101)
28

Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirement 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.
 
 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
 Registrant
  
April 29, 2021By:/s/ Thomas F. Smegal III
  Thomas F. Smegal III
  Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
29