Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

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 June 30, 2011

 

OR

 

 

o

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, CA.

 

95112

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

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)

 

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 x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x  No o

 

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o  No x

 

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 July 31, 2011 — 41,752,032

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

PART I Financial Information

 

3

Item 1 Financial Statements

 

3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

 

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

 

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

 

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

 

6

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

21

Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

31

Item 4 Controls and Procedures

 

32

PART II Other Information

 

 

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

 

32

Item 1A Risk Factors

 

32

Item 6 Exhibits

 

33

Signatures

 

34

Index to Exhibits

 

35

 

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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)

 

 

 

June 30,
 2011

 

December 31,
 2010

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant:

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant

 

$

1,895,384

 

$

1,843,766

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(567,788

)

(549,469

)

Net utility plant

 

1,327,596

 

1,294,297

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

32,882

 

42,277

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

Customers

 

30,620

 

25,813

 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

13,085

 

14,784

 

Other

 

6,148

 

5,386

 

Unbilled revenue

 

21,545

 

13,925

 

Materials and supplies at average cost

 

6,064

 

6,058

 

Taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets

 

21,267

 

17,967

 

Total current assets

 

131,611

 

126,210

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

245,956

 

229,577

 

Goodwill

 

2,615

 

2,615

 

Other assets

 

37,375

 

39,367

 

Total other assets

 

285,946

 

271,559

 

 

 

$

1,745,153

 

$

1,692,066

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value— 68,000 shares authorized, 41,752 and 41,667 outstanding in 2011 and 2010, respectively

 

$

418

 

$

417

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

217,937

 

217,308

 

Retained earnings

 

219,885

 

217,801

 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

438,240

 

435,526

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

477,968

 

479,181

 

Total capitalization

 

916,208

 

914,707

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

2,377

 

2,380

 

Short-term borrowings

 

32,760

 

23,750

 

Accounts payable

 

51,647

 

39,505

 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

2,297

 

3,025

 

Accrued interest

 

4,689

 

4,651

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

37,856

 

34,037

 

Total current liabilities

 

131,626

 

107,348

 

Unamortized investment tax credits

 

2,244

 

2,244

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

120,046

 

107,084

 

Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

162,439

 

155,224

 

Regulatory and other liabilities

 

70,726

 

82,204

 

Advances for construction

 

187,277

 

186,899

 

Contributions in aid of construction

 

154,587

 

136,356

 

 

 

$

1,745,153

 

$

1,692,066

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

Unaudited

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

For the three months ended

 

June 30,
 2011

 

June 30,
 2010

 

Operating revenue

 

$

131,397

 

$

118,321

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

44,745

 

41,834

 

Administrative and general

 

20,554

 

18,480

 

Other operations

 

15,738

 

14,749

 

Maintenance

 

5,288

 

5,158

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,373

 

10,638

 

Income taxes

 

8,638

 

7,091

 

Property and other taxes

 

4,506

 

4,087

 

Total operating expenses

 

111,842

 

102,037

 

Net operating income

 

19,555

 

16,284

 

Other income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

3,739

 

3,692

 

Non-regulated expenses, net

 

(3,509

)

(3,691

)

Gain on sale of non-utility property

 

62

 

 

Income tax (expense) on other income and expenses

 

(112

)

 

Net other income

 

180

 

1

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

8,061

 

6,939

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

(516

)

(1,035

)

Net interest expense

 

7,545

 

5,904

 

Net income

 

$

12,190

 

$

10,381

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

Diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

41,752

 

41,606

 

Diluted

 

41,768

 

41,636

 

Dividends declared per share of common stock

 

$

0.15375

 

$

0.14875

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

Unaudited

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

For the six months ended

 

June 30,
 2011

 

June 30,
 2010

 

Operating revenue

 

$

229,546

 

$

208,593

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

76,703

 

72,289

 

Administrative and general

 

41,056

 

35,924

 

Other operations

 

30,373

 

28,315

 

Maintenance

 

10,487

 

10,109

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,961

 

21,430

 

Income taxes

 

7,397

 

8,499

 

Property and other taxes

 

9,066

 

7,990

 

Total operating expenses

 

200,043

 

184,556

 

Net operating income

 

29,503

 

24,037

 

Other income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

8,072

 

7,113

 

Non-regulated expenses, net

 

(6,933

)

(7,237

)

Gain on sale of non-utility property

 

62

 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses

 

(478

)

60

 

Net other income (expense)

 

723

 

(64

)

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

16,549

 

13,428

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

(1,232

)

(1,854

)

Net interest expense

 

15,317

 

11,574

 

Net income

 

$

14,909

 

$

12,399

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.30

 

Diluted

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.30

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

41,724

 

41,582

 

Diluted

 

41,740

 

41,612

 

Dividends declared per share of common stock

 

$

0.30750

 

$

0.29750

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Unaudited

(In thousands)

 

For the six months ended:

 

June 30,
 2011

 

June 30,
 2010

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

14,909

 

$

12,399

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

25,837

 

22,857

 

Gain on sale of non-utility property

 

(62

)

 

Change in value of life insurance contracts

 

(40

)

83

 

Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

8,625

 

(1,008

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(11,489

)

(2,095

)

Accounts payable

 

10,254

 

5,327

 

Other current assets

 

(3,088

)

(1,509

)

Other current liabilities

 

3,735

 

(1,347

)

Other changes, net

 

(1,014

)

(1,851

)

Net adjustments

 

32,758

 

20,457

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

47,667

 

32,856

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant expenditures

 

(52,268

)

(60,458

)

Purchase of life insurance

 

(1,658

)

(1,706

)

Proceeds on sale of non-utility property

 

63

 

 

Restricted cash (increase)

 

(220

)

(13

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(54,083

)

(62,177

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings, net

 

9,010

 

43,150

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

110

 

7,903

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(1,326

)

(12,187

)

Advances and contributions in aid of construction

 

5,061

 

1,620

 

Refunds of advances for construction

 

(3,008

)

(3,018

)

Dividends paid

 

(12,826

)

(12,367

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(2,979

)

25,101

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(9,395

)

(4,220

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

42,277

 

9,866

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

32,882

 

$

5,646

 

Supplemental information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)

 

$

12,983

 

$

11,316

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

26

 

$

45

 

Refund for income taxes

 

$

4,000

 

$

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued payables for investments in utility plant

 

$

6,614

 

$

8,755

 

Utility plant contribution by developers

 

$

7,746

 

$

23,239

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2011

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

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.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited 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 condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in its annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2011.

 

The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated 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. Actual results could differ from these estimates.  Due to the 2 for 1 stock split effective on June 10, 2011, all common stock shares and per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect shares on a post-split basis.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the results for the periods covered. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the water business, the results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for a twelve-month period. Revenue and income are generally higher in the warm, summer months and lower in the cooler winter months.

 

The Company operates in one reportable segment providing water and related utility services.

 

The Company evaluated its operations through the time these financial statements were issued and determined there were no subsequent events requiring adjustments or disclosures as of the time these financial statements were issued.

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Revenue

 

Revenue includes monthly cycle customer billings for regulated water and wastewater services at rates authorized by regulatory commissions and billings to certain non-regulated customers. Revenue from metered customers includes billings to customers based on monthly meter readings plus an estimate for water used between the customer’s last meter reading and the end of the accounting period. Flat rate customers are billed in advance at the beginning of the service period. The revenue is prorated so that the portion of revenue applicable to the current accounting period is included in that period’s revenue, with the balance recorded as unearned revenue on the balance sheet and recognized as revenue when earned in the subsequent accounting period  With the adoption of the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM) and the Modified Cost Balancing Account (MCBA), Cal Water records the difference between what is billed to its regulated customers and that which is authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

 

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Under the WRAM, Cal Water records the adopted level of volumetric revenues as authorized by the CPUC for metered accounts (adopted volumetric revenues). In addition to volumetric-based revenues, the revenue requirements approved by the CPUC include service charges, flat rate charges, and other items that are not subject to the WRAM. The adopted volumetric revenue considers the seasonality of consumption of water based upon historical averages. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as a component of revenue with an offsetting entry to a current or long-term asset or liability balancing account (tracked individually for each Cal Water district). The variance amount may be positive or negative and represents amounts that will be billed or refunded to customers in the future.

 

Under the MCBA, Cal Water tracks adopted expense levels for water production costs (purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes), as established by the CPUC. Variances (which include the effects of changes in both rate and volume) between adopted and actual purchased water, purchased power, and pump tax expenses are recorded as a component of revenue, as the amount of such variances will be recovered from or refunded to Cal Water’s customers at a later date. This is reflected with an offsetting entry to a current or long-term asset or liability regulatory balancing account (tracked individually for each Cal Water district).

 

The balances in the WRAM and MCBA assets and liabilities accounts fluctuate on a monthly basis depending upon the variance between adopted and actual results. The recovery or refund of the WRAM is netted against the MCBA over- or under-recovery for the corresponding district and is interest bearing at the current ninety day commercial paper rate when the net amount for any district achieves a pre-determined level at the end of any calendar year (i.e., at least 2.5 percent over- or under-recovery of the approved revenue requirement). Account balances less than those levels may be refunded or collected in Cal Water’s general rate case proceedings or aggregated with future calendar year balances for comparison with the recovery level.  As of June 30, 2011 included in the net regulatory balancing accounts, current and long-term assets were $13.0 million and $28.1 million, respectively, and current and long-term liabilities were $2.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, included in the net regulatory balancing accounts, current and long-term assets were $14.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, and the net regulatory balancing accounts current and long-term liabilities were $3.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

 

Note 3. Stock-based Compensation

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, which was approved by shareholders on April 27, 2005.  The 2 for 1 stock split effective June 10, 2011, increased the plan’s authorized shares to 2,000,000 shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company granted annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) of 85,426 and 77,956 shares, respectively, of common stock to officers and directors of the Company. Employee options vest over forty-eight months, while director options vest at the end of twelve months. During the first six months of 2011 and 2010, the shares granted were valued at $17.44 and $17.74 per share, respectively, based upon the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

The Company did not grant Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) to officers during 2010 and 2011.

 

The Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and SARs in Operating Expense in the amount of $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively.

 

Note 4. Common Stockholders’ Equity

 

Effective on June 8, 2011, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 25 million shares to 68 million shares.  The equity incentive plan authorized shares also increased as described in Note 3 above.  The common stock par value of $0.01 was not changed.  The increased number of authorized shares and 2 for 1 stock split effective June 10, 2011, are retroactively applied to these financial statements resulting in an increase in the number of shares outstanding.

 

Note 5. Earnings Per Share Calculations

 

The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share are noted below. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts were exercised or converted

 

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into common stock. RSAs are included in the common shares outstanding because the shares have all the same voting and dividend rights as issued and unrestricted common stock.  At the close of business on June 10th, the Company’s 2 for 1 stock split has been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented.

 

The SARs outstanding of 361,356 shares are anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. All options are dilutive and the dilutive effect is shown in the table below.

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

12,190

 

$

10,381

 

Weighted average common shares, basic

 

41,752

 

41,606

 

Dilutive common stock options (treasury method)

 

16

 

30

 

Shares used for dilutive computation

 

41,768

 

41,636

 

Net income per share — basic

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

Net income per share — diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

14,909

 

$

12,399

 

Weighted average common shares, basic

 

41,724

 

41,582

 

Dilutive common stock options (treasury method)

 

16

 

30

 

Shares used for dilutive computation

 

41,740

 

41,612

 

Net income per share — basic

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.30

 

Net income per share — diluted

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.30

 

 

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 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 payments by the Company related to pension plans and other postretirement benefits were $8.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $6.6 million for the same period last year. The estimated cash contribution to the pension plans for 2011 is $24.6 million. The estimated contribution to the other benefit plans for 2011 is $7.0 million.

 

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The following table lists components of 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 June 30

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Other Benefits

 

Pension Plan

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Service cost

 

$

2,716

 

$

2,451

 

$

1,002

 

$

793

 

$

5,857

 

$

4,902

 

$

1,981

 

$

1,586

 

Interest cost

 

3,600

 

3,332

 

955

 

783

 

7,342

 

6,664

 

1,788

 

1,566

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(2,231

)

(2,051

)

(347

)

(279

)

(4,475

)

(4,102

)

(688

)

(558

)

Recognized net initial APBO (1)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

69

 

69

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

138

 

138

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

1,579

 

1,649

 

29

 

29

 

3,159

 

3,298

 

58

 

58

 

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

955

 

524

 

583

 

392

 

2,034

 

1,048

 

1,008

 

784

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

6,619

 

$

5,905

 

$

2,291

 

$

1,787

 

$

13,917

 

$

11,810

 

$

4,285

 

$

3,574

 

 


(1)      APBO — Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

 

Note 7. Short-term and Long-term Borrowings

 

On June 29, 2011, the Company and Cal Water entered into Syndicated Credit Agreements, which provide for unsecured revolving credit facilities of up to an initial aggregate amount of $400 million.  The Syndicated Credit Facilities amend, expand, and replace the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities originally entered into on October 27, 2009.  The new credit facilities extended the terms until June 29, 2016, increased the Company’s and Cal Water’s unsecured revolving lines of credit, and lowered interest rates and fees.  The Company and subsidiaries which it designates may borrow up to $100 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $300 million under its revolving credit facility; however, all borrowings need to be repaid within twelve months unless otherwise authorized by the CPUC.  The proceeds from the revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of capital projects.  The base loan rate may vary from LIBOR plus 72.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 95 basis points, depending on the Company’s total capitalization ratio.  Likewise, the unused commitment fee may vary from 8 basis points to 12.5 basis points based on the same ratio.

 

Both short-term unsecured 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 and interest coverage ratio. As of June 30, 2011, the Company and Cal Water have met all borrowing covenants for both credit agreements.

 

As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the outstanding borrowings on the Company lines of credit were $32.8 million and $23.8 million, respectively, and there were no borrowings on the Cal Water lines of credit for both periods.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the average borrowing rate was 2.9% compared to 3.2% for the same period last year.

 

Note 8. Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Measurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities is at enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

During 2010, the Company filed an application for a change in accounting method (Section 481 adjustment) with the State of California to change its plant-in-service state tax depreciation method from the double-declining method to the straight line method at the respective assets mid-life. The Company’s application was approved by the State of California during the first

 

10



Table of Contents

 

quarter of 2011. California uses the flow-through method of accounting for income tax depreciation. As a result, the Company reduced its 2010 income tax obligation by $1.6 million, net of federal income taxes in the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 will provide the Company with additional federal income tax deductions for assets placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before December 31, 2011.  As a result of this change, the Company estimates a net operating loss (NOL) on its consolidated 2011 federal income tax filing. The estimated 2011 federal income tax NOL will not impact the Company’s effective tax rate for calendar year 2011.

 

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is auditing the Company’s 2008 and 2009 California income tax returns. It is uncertain when the FTB will complete its audit. The Company believes that the final resolution of the FTB audit will not have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations. The Company is not under audit by any other jurisdiction.

 

Note 9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

 

During 2011, the CPUC issued a decision regarding the $34.2 million of litigation proceeds previously received by Cal Water during 2008 which is being used to replace infrastructure damaged by the gasoline additive Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). The decision requires use of these proceeds for costs incurred as a result of MTBE contamination with any related benefits to be provided to Cal Water customers. Such usage includes transfer of the amount to contributions in aid of construction for remediation or replacement project costs once complete. Usage of the proceeds is reported to the CPUC through an Advise Letter or General Rate Case filing. As a result, the entire amount of the proceeds was reclassified from other long term liabilities to regulatory liabilities. As of June 30, 2011, a total of $16.7 million of the proceeds have been transferred to contributions in aid of construction.

 

During 2011, Cal Water added balancing accounts for its pension plans and conservation program. Both balancing account effective dates were January 1, 2011. The pension plans balancing account is a two-way balancing account that tracks the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery which will result in either a regulatory asset or liability. The conservation program is a one-way balancing account that tracks the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery which may result in a regulatory liability if actual conservation expenses are less than adopted over the three year period ending December 31, 2013. As of June 30, 2011, there was a regulatory liability of $2.9 million for both balancing accounts.

 

Note 10. Commitment and Contingencies

 

Commitments

 

The Company has significant commitments to lease certain office spaces and water systems and to purchase water from water wholesalers. These commitments are described in footnote 15 of the current report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, there were no significant changes from December 31, 2010.

 

Contingencies

 

Groundwater Contamination

 

The Company has been and is involved in litigation against third parties to recover past and future costs related to ground water contamination in our service areas. 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, depending upon the nature of the settlement.

 

The Company continues to pursue a lawsuit against major oil refineries regarding the contamination of the ground water as a result of the gas additive MTBE. MTBE has been detected in the ground water. The lawsuit seeks to recover treatment costs necessary to remove MTBE. No trial date has yet been set.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

As previously reported, the Company has jointly filed with the City of Bakersfield a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California that names potentially responsible parties that manufactured and distributed products containing 1,2,3 trichloropropane (TCP) in California. TCP has been detected in the ground water. The lawsuit seeks to recover treatment costs necessary to remove TCP. The Court has now coordinated the Company’s action with other water purveyor cases in San Bernardino County. No trial date has yet been set.

 

On May 22, 2008, the Company filed in San Mateo County Superior Court a complaint (California Water Service Company v. The Dow Chemical Company, et al. CIV 473093) against potentially responsible parties that manufactured and distributed products in California containing perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) for recovery of past, present, and future treatment costs. The case has not been consolidated with other PCE cases. Discovery is continuing. No trial date has yet been set.

 

Other Legal Matters

 

From time to time, the Company has been named as a co-defendant in asbestos-related lawsuits. Several of these cases against the Company have been dismissed without prejudice. In other cases the Company’s contractors and insurance policy carriers have settled the cases with no effect on the Company’s financial statements. As such, the Company does not currently believe there is any potential loss that is probable to occur related to these matters and therefore no accrual has been recorded.

 

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, the Company 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.

 

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

For those financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate a fair value, the following methods and assumptions were used. For cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amounts approximated the fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated at $559 million and $537 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, using the published quoted market price, if available, or the discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates available to the Company for debt of similar maturities and credit risk. The carrying value of the long-term debt was $480 million and $482 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The fair value of advances for construction contracts was estimated at $73 million as of June 30, 2011 and $74 million as of December 31, 2010, using broker quotes.  The carrying value of advances for construction contracts was $187 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

Note 12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

 

The following tables present the condensed consolidating statements of income of California Water Service Group (Guarantor and Parent), Cal Water (issuer and wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of California Water Service Group) and other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 and the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The information is presented utilizing the equity method of accounting for investments in consolidating subsidiaries.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of June 30, 2011

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant

 

$

324

 

$

1,757,453

 

$

144,806

 

$

(7,199

)

$

1,895,384

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(23

)

(540,388

)

(28,700

)

1,323

 

(567,788

)

Net utility plant

 

301

 

1,217,065

 

116,106

 

(5,876

)

1,327,596

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

803

 

30,236

 

1,843

 

 

32,882

 

Receivables and unbilled revenue

 

182

 

67,479

 

3,737

 

 

71,398

 

Receivables from affiliates

 

14,676

 

1,433

 

3,524

 

(19,633

)

 

Other current assets

 

123

 

25,992

 

1,216

 

 

27,331

 

Total current assets

 

15,784

 

125,140

 

10,320

 

(19,633

)

131,611

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

243,750

 

2,206

 

 

245,956

 

Investments in affiliates

 

436,185

 

 

 

(436,185

)

 

Long-term affiliate notes receivable

 

31,871

 

7,856

 

1,891

 

(41,618

)

 

Other assets

 

848

 

32,363

 

6,984

 

(205

)

39,990

 

Total other assets

 

468,904

 

283,969

 

11,081

 

(478,008

)

285,946

 

 

 

$

484,989

 

$

1,626,174

 

$

137,507

 

$

(503,517

)

$

1,745,153

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stockholders’ equity

 

$

438,240

 

$

406,183

 

$

35,658

 

$

(441,841

)

$

438,240

 

Affiliate long-term debt

 

9,747

 

 

31,871

 

(41,618

)

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

 

474,023

 

3,945

 

 

477,968

 

Total capitalization

 

447,987

 

880,206

 

71,474

 

(483,459

)

916,208

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

1,709

 

668

 

 

2,377

 

Short-term borrowings

 

32,760

 

 

 

 

32,760

 

Payables to affiliates

 

4,377

 

201

 

15,055

 

(19,633

)

 

Accounts payable

 

 

50,838

 

3,106

 

 

53,944

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

424

 

36,480

 

5,583

 

58

 

42,545

 

Total current liabilities

 

37,561

 

89,228

 

24,412

 

(19,575

)

131,626

 

Unamortized investment tax credits

 

 

2,244

 

 

 

2,244

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

(559

)

118,749

 

2,339

 

(483

)

120,046

 

Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

 

162,439

 

 

 

162,439

 

Regulatory and other liabilities

 

 

62,093

 

8,633

 

 

70,726

 

Advances for construction

 

 

185,834

 

1,443

 

 

187,277

 

Contributions in aid of construction

 

 

125,381

 

29,206

 

 

154,587

 

 

 

$

484,989

 

$

1,626,174

 

$

137,507

 

$

(503,517

)

$

1,745,153

 

 

13



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant

 

$

324

 

$

1,710,213

 

$

140,428

 

$

(7,199

)

$

1,843,766

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(522,486

)

(28,244

)

1,261

 

(549,469

)

Net utility plant

 

324

 

1,187,727

 

112,184

 

(5,938

)

1,294,297

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

188

 

40,446

 

1,643

 

 

42,277

 

Receivables

 

 

56,068

 

3,840

 

 

59,908

 

Receivables from affiliates

 

3,478

 

4,907

 

3,621

 

(12,006

)

 

Other current assets

 

181

 

22,842

 

1,002

 

 

24,025

 

Total current assets

 

3,847

 

124,263

 

10,106

 

(12,006

)

126,210

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

227,440

 

2,137

 

 

229,577

 

Investments in affiliates

 

434,322

 

 

 

(434,322

)

 

Long-term affiliate notes receivable

 

34,517

 

7,880

 

1,928

 

(44,325

)

 

Other assets

 

848

 

34,153

 

7,186

 

(205

)

41,982

 

Total other assets

 

469,687

 

269,473

 

11,251

 

(478,852

)

271,559

 

 

 

$

473,858

 

$

1,581,463

 

$

133,541

 

$

(496,796

)

$

1,692,066

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stockholders’ equity

 

$

435,527

 

$

402,402

 

$

37,611

 

$

(440,014

)

$

435,526

 

Affiliate long-term debt

 

9,808

 

 

34,517

 

(44,325

)

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

 

475,030

 

4,151

 

 

479,181

 

Total capitalization

 

445,335

 

877,432

 

76,279

 

(484,339

)

914,707

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

1,709

 

671

 

 

2,380

 

Short-term borrowings

 

23,750

 

 

 

 

23,750

 

Payables to affiliates

 

5,265

 

56

 

6,685

 

(12,006

)

 

Accounts payable

 

 

38,204

 

4,326

 

 

42,530

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

67

 

34,444

 

4,145

 

32

 

38,688

 

Total current liabilities

 

29,082

 

74,413

 

15,827

 

(11,974

)

107,348

 

Unamortized investment tax credits

 

 

2,244

 

 

 

2,244

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

(559

)

105,786

 

2,340

 

(483

)

107,084

 

Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

 

155,224

 

 

 

155,224

 

Regulatory and other liabilities

 

 

74,057

 

8,147

 

 

82,204

 

Advances for construction

 

 

185,332

 

1,567

 

 

186,899

 

Contributions in aid of construction

 

 

106,975

 

29,381

 

 

136,356

 

 

 

$

473,858

 

$

1,581,463

 

$

133,541

 

$

(496,796

)

$

1,692,066

 

 

14



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the three months ended June 30, 2011

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating revenue

 

$

 

$

123,879

 

$

7,518

 

$

 

$

131,397

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

 

42,203

 

2,542

 

 

44,745

 

Administrative and general

 

 

18,679

 

1,875

 

 

20,554

 

Other operations

 

 

14,011

 

1,853

 

(126

)

15,738

 

Maintenance

 

 

5,110

 

178

 

 

5,288

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(5

)

11,763

 

646

 

(31

)

12,373

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(140

)

8,632

 

(244

)

390

 

8,638

 

Property and other taxes

 

 

3,936

 

570

 

 

4,506

 

Total operating expenses

 

(145

)

104,334

 

7,420

 

233

 

111,842

 

Net operating income

 

145

 

19,545

 

98

 

(233

)

19,555

 

Other Income and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

566

 

2,705

 

1,319

 

(851

)

3,739

 

Non-regulated expense, net

 

 

(2,559

)

(950

)

 

(3,509

)

Gain on sale of properties

 

 

62

 

 

 

62

 

Income tax (expense) on other income and expense

 

(231

)

(85

)

(173

)

377

 

(112

)

Net other income

 

335

 

123

 

196

 

(474

)

180

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

350

 

7,814

 

622

 

(725

)

8,061

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

 

(333

)

(183

)

 

(516

)

Net interest expense

 

350

 

7,481

 

439

 

(725

)

7,545

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

12,060

 

 

 

(12,060

)

 

Net income

 

$

12,190

 

$

12,187

 

$

(145

)

$

(12,042

)

$

12,190

 

 

15



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the six months ended June 30, 2011

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating revenue

 

$

 

$

215,554

 

$

13,992

 

$

 

$

229,546

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

 

72,091

 

4,612

 

 

76,703

 

Administrative and general

 

 

37,223

 

3,833

 

 

41,056

 

Other operations

 

 

26,995

 

3,632

 

(254

)

30,373

 

Maintenance

 

 

10,150

 

337

 

 

10,487

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

23,692

 

1,331

 

(62

)

24,961

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(292

)

7,611

 

(690

)

768

 

7,397

 

Property and other taxes

 

 

7,968

 

1,098

 

 

9,066

 

Total operating expenses

 

(292

)

185,730

 

14,153

 

452

 

200,043

 

Net operating income (loss)

 

292

 

29,824

 

(161

)

(452

)

29,503

 

Other Income and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

1,089

 

5,727

 

2,917

 

(1,661

)

8,072

 

Non-regulated expense, net

 

 

(4,810

)

(2,123

)

 

(6,933

)

Gain on sale on non-utility property

 

 

62

 

 

 

62

 

Income tax (expense) on other income and expense

 

(444

)

(399

)

(377

)

742

 

(478

)

Net other income

 

645

 

580

 

417

 

(919

)

723

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

717

 

16,036

 

1,204

 

(1,408

)

16,549

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

 

(864

)

(368

)

 

(1,232

)

Net interest expense

 

717

 

15,172

 

836

 

(1,408

)

15,317

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

14,689

 

 

 

(14,689

)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

14,909

 

$

15,232

 

$

(580

)

$

(14,652

)

$

14,909

 

 

16



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating revenue

 

$

 

$

111,376

 

$

6,945

 

$

 

$

118,321

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

 

39,556

 

2,278

 

 

41,834

 

Administrative and general

 

 

16,581

 

1,899

 

 

18,480

 

Other operations

 

 

12,954

 

2,049

 

(254

)

14,749

 

Maintenance

 

 

4,951

 

207

 

 

5,158

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

10,113

 

590

 

(65

)

10,638

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(71

)

7,134

 

(381

)

409

 

7,091

 

Property and other taxes

 

 

3,567

 

520

 

 

4,087

 

Total operating expenses

 

(71

)

94,856

 

7,162

 

90

 

102,037

 

Net operating income (loss)

 

71

 

16,520

 

(217

)

(90

)

16,284

 

Other Income and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

290

 

2,313

 

1,560

 

(471

)

3,692

 

Non-regulated expense, net

 

 

(2,593

)

(1,098

)

 

(3,691

)

Income tax benefit (expense) on other income and expense

 

(118

)

109

 

(191

)

200

 

 

Net other income

 

172

 

(171

)

271

 

(271

)

1

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

174

 

6,730

 

379

 

(344

)

6,939

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

 

(706

)

(329

)

 

(1,035

)

Net interest expense

 

174

 

6,024

 

50

 

(344

)

5,904

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

10,312

 

 

 

(10,312

)

 

Net income

 

$

10,381

 

$

10,325

 

$

4

 

$

(10,329

)

$

10,381

 

 

17



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating revenue

 

$

 

$

194,989

 

$

13,604

 

$

 

$

208,593

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water production costs

 

 

68,023

 

4,266

 

 

72,289

 

Administrative and general

 

 

32,021

 

3,903

 

 

35,924

 

Other operations

 

 

24,727

 

3,842

 

(254

)

28,315

 

Maintenance

 

 

9,756

 

353

 

 

10,109

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,280

 

1,215

 

(65

)

21,430

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(95

)

8,622

 

(437

)

409

 

8,499

 

Property and other taxes

 

 

6,948

 

1,042

 

 

7,990

 

Total operating expenses

 

(95

)

170,377

 

14,184

 

90

 

184,556

 

Net operating income (loss)

 

95

 

24,612

 

(580

)

(90

)

24,037

 

Other Income and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated revenue

 

530

 

4,772

 

2,714

 

(903

)

7,113

 

Non-regulated expense, net

 

 

(5,175

)

(2,062

)

 

(7,237

)

Gain on sale of non-utility property

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expense

 

(216

)

164

 

(270

)

382

 

60

 

Net other income (expense)

 

314

 

(239

)

382

 

(521

)

(64

)

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

234

 

13,099

 

745

 

(650

)

13,428

 

Less: capitalized interest

 

 

(1,260

)

(594

)

 

(1,854

)

Net interest expense

 

234

 

11,839

 

151

 

(650

)

11,574

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

12,224

 

 

 

(12,224

)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

12,399

 

$

12,534

 

$

(349

)

$

(12,185

)

$

12,399

 

 

18



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2011

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

14,909

 

$

15,232

 

$

(580

)

$

(14,652

)

$

14,909

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

(14,689

)

 

 

14,689

 

 

Dividends received from affiliates

 

12,826

 

 

 

(12,826

)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23

 

24,475

 

1,401

 

(62

)

25,837

 

Change in value of life insurance contracts

 

 

(40

)

 

 

(40

)

Gain on sale of non-utility assets

 

 

(62

)

 

 

(62

)

Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

 

8,084

 

541

 

 

8,625

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in advances to affiliates

 

(9,959

)

3,620

 

6,339

 

 

 

Other changes, net

 

864

 

(2,477

)

(14

)

25

 

(1,602

)

Net adjustments

 

(10,935

)

33,600

 

8,267

 

1,826

 

32,758

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3,974

 

48,832

 

7,687

 

(12,826

)

47,667

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant expenditures

 

 

(46,233

)

(6,035

)

 

(52,268

)

Purchase of life insurance

 

 

(1,658

)

 

 

(1,658

)

Restricted cash

 

 

(220

)

 

 

(220

)

Proceeds from affiliate long-term debt

 

515

 

22

 

36

 

(573

)

 

Proceeds from sale of non-utility assets

 

 

63

 

 

 

63

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

515

 

(48,026

)

(5,999

)

(573

)

(54,083

)

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

9,010

 

 

 

 

9,010

 

Repayment of short-term borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of affiliate long-term borrowings

 

(58

)

 

(515

)

573

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

110

 

 

110

 

Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

 

(1,007

)

(319

)

 

(1,326

)

Advances and contributions in aid for construction

 

 

4,441

 

620

 

 

5,061

 

Refunds of advances for construction

 

 

(2,999

)

(9

)

 

(3,008

)

Dividends paid to non-affiliates

 

(12,826

)

 

 

 

(12,826

)

Dividends paid to affiliates

 

 

(11,451

)

(1,375

)

12,826

 

 

Net cash (used in) financing activities

 

(3,874

)

(11,016

)

(1,488

)

13,399

 

(2,979

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

615

 

(10,210

)

200

 

 

(9,395

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

188

 

40,446

 

1,643

 

 

42,277

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

803

 

$

30,236

 

$

1,843

 

$

 

$

32,882

 

 

19



Table of Contents

 

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
 Company

 

Cal Water

 

All Other
 Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
 Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

12,399

 

$

12,534

 

$

(349

)

$

(12,185

)

$

12,399

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

 

(12,224

)

 

 

12,224

 

 

Dividends received from affiliates

 

12,367

 

 

 

(12,367

)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

21,619

 

1,303

 

(65

)

22,857

 

Change in value of life insurance contracts

 

 

83

 

 

 

83

 

Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

 

(753

)

(255

)

 

(1,008

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in advances to affiliates

 

(10,159

)

1,761

 

8,398

 

 

 

Other changes, net

 

(229

)

(3,127

)

1,855

 

26

 

(1,475

)

Net adjustments

 

(10,245

)

19,583

 

11,301

 

(182

)

20,457

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

2,154

 

32,117

 

10,952

 

(12,367

)

32,856

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant expenditures

 

 

(50,686

)

(9,772

)

 

(60,458

)

Purchase of life insurance

 

 

(1,706

)

 

 

(1,706

)

Restricted cash

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(13

)

Proceeds from affiliates long-term debt

 

1,531

 

 

 

(1,531

)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

1,531

 

(52,405

)

(9,772

)

(1,531

)

(62,177

)

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

8,150

 

35,000

 

 

 

43,150

 

Repayment of short-term borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of affiliate long-term borrowings

 

 

 

(1,531

)

1,531

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

5,805

 

2,098

 

 

7,903

 

Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

 

(11,083

)

(1,104

)

 

(12,187

)

Advances and contributions in aid for construction

 

 

1,563

 

57

 

 

1,620

 

Refunds of advances for construction

 

 

(2,999

)

(19

)

 

(3,018

)

Dividends paid to non-affiliates

 

(12,367

)

 

 

 

(12,367

)

Dividends paid to affiliates

 

 

(11,329

)

(1,038

)

12,367

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(4,217

)

16,957

 

(1,537

)

13,898

 

25,101

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(532

)

(3,331

)

(357

)

 

(4,220

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

532

 

6,000

 

3,334

 

 

9,866

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

 

$

2,669

 

$

2,977

 

$

 

$

5,646

 

 

20



Table of Contents

 

Item 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except where otherwise noted and per share amounts)

 

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 (Act). 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. 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:

 

·                      governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;

 

·                      changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures;

 

·                      the timeliness of regulatory commissions’ actions concerning rate relief;

 

·                      changes in the capital markets and access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms;

 

·                      new legislation;

 

·                      changes in accounting valuations and estimates;

 

·                      changes in accounting treatment for regulated companies, including adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, if required;

 

·                      electric power interruptions;

 

·                      increases in suppliers’ prices and the availability of supplies including water and power;

 

·                      fluctuations in interest rates;

 

·                      changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements;

 

·                      acquisitions and the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies;

 

·                      the ability to successfully implement business plans;

 

·                      civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type;

 

·                      the involvement of the United States in war or other hostilities;

 

·                      our ability to attract and retain qualified employees;

 

·                      labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions;

 

·                      federal health care law changes could result in increases to Company health care costs and additional income tax expenses in future years;

 

21



Table of Contents

 

·                      changes in federal and state incoming tax regulations and treatment of such by regulatory commissions;

 

·                      implementation of new information technology systems;

 

·                      changes in operations that result in an impairment to acquisition goodwill;

 

·                      restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on current or future debt that could increase financing costs or affect the ability to borrow, make payments on debt, or pay dividends;

 

·                      general economic conditions, including changes in customer growth patterns and our ability to collect billed revenue from customers;

 

·                      changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;

 

·                      the impact of weather on water sales and operating results;

 

·                      the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulations on internal controls; and

 

·                      the risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

 

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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and as directed by the regulatory commissions to which we are subject. The process of preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions on the part of management. The estimates and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and our 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 and financial condition. These policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the 2010 Form 10-K. They include:

 

·                      revenue recognition and the water revenue adjustment mechanism;

 

·                      expense balancing and memorandum accounts;

 

·                      modified cost balancing accounts;

 

·                      regulatory utility accounting;

 

·                      income taxes;

 

·                      pension benefits;

 

·                      workers’ compensation and other claims;

 

·                      goodwill accounting and evaluation for impairment; and

 

·                      contingencies

 

For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011, 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.

 

22



Table of Contents

 

RESULTS OF SECOND QUARTER 2011 OPERATIONS COMPARED TO

SECOND QUARTER 2010 OPERATIONS

Amounts in thousands except share data

 

Overview

 

Second quarter of 2011 net income was $12.2 million equivalent to $0.29 per diluted common share compared to net income of $10.4 million or $0.25 per diluted common share in the second quarter of 2010. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to 2011 rate increases from the General Rate Case (GRC), which was partially offset by higher operating and interest expenses.

 

Operating Revenue

 

Operating revenue increased $13.1 million or 11% to $131.4 million in the second quarter of 2011. As disclosed in the following table, the increase was primarily due to rate increases.

 

The factors that primarily impacted the operating revenue for the second quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 are:

 

Rate increases

 

$

12,019

 

Net change due to actual versus adopted results, usage, and other

 

1,058

 

Net operating revenue increase

 

$

13,077

 

 

The net change due to actual versus adopted results, usage, and other in the above table refers primarily to the revenue impact year over year of the change in revenue recognized by the WRAM and MCBA. The WRAM is impacted by changes in consumption patterns from our historical trends as well as an increase in conservation efforts. The MCBA, which records the differences in production costs from the adopted costs, is recorded as an element of revenue as it represents pass through costs which are billed to customers. The MCBA is impacted by changes in total production quantities, the production mix of the source of water, the price paid for purchased water and power, and the amount of pump taxes paid.

 

The components of the rate increases are listed in the following table:

 

General rate case (GRC) increases

 

$

6,824

 

Purchase water offset increases

 

3,681

 

Step rate increases

 

1,017

 

Other

 

497

 

Total increase in rates

 

$

12,019

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $111.8 million for the second quarter of 2011, versus $102.0 million for the same period in 2010, a 10% increase.

 

Water production expense consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 40% of total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2011. Water production expenses increased $2.9 million, or 7%, during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year due to purchased water and power price increases, and pump taxes were higher due to increased usage of wells subject to pump taxes during the second quarter of 2011.   These cost increases were partially offset by reductions in customer usage. Our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Washington Water, New Mexico Water, and Hawaii Water obtain all of their water supply from wells.

 

23



Table of Contents

 

Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Well production

 

46

%

49

%

Purchased

 

47

%

46

%

Surface

 

7

%

5

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Purchased water

 

$

34,938

 

$

32,407

 

$

2,531

 

Purchased power

 

7,482

 

7,414

 

68

 

Pump taxes

 

2,325

 

2,013

 

312

 

Total

 

$

44,745

 

$

41,834

 

$

2,911

 

 

Purchased water costs increased due to price increases from water wholesalers. Total water production, measured in acre feet, decreased by 1% during the second quarter of 2011 as compared with the second quarter of 2010 due to lower customer usage.

 

Administrative and general expense and other operations expense increased 9% to $36.3 million. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in employee benefits and wage costs, and conservation program expenses during the second quarter of 2011. At June 30, 2011, there were 1,132 employees and at June 30, 2010, there were 1,028 employees.

 

Maintenance expenses increased by 3% to $5.3 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2010, due to an increase in main and service repairs. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.7 million, or 16%, mostly due to depreciation rate changes in Cal Water’s 2009 GRC effective January 1, 2011, and 2010 capital additions.

 

Federal and state income taxes charged to operating expenses and other income and expenses increased $1.7 million, from a provision of $7.1 million in the second quarter of 2010 to $8.8 million in the second quarter of 2011, due to an increase in pretax income. We expect the effective tax rate to be between 38% and 40% for fiscal year 2011.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Other income, net of income taxes, increased $0.2 million during the second quarter of 2011 mostly due to non-regulated service agreement activity.

 

Interest Expense

 

Total interest expense, net of interest capitalized, increased $1.6 million to $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year. This increase was attributable to the issuance of the $100 million First Mortgage Bond, Series PPP, in November 2010, additional borrowings on the short-term lines of credit, and a reduction of capitalized interest charged to construction projects during the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.

 

Company Health Care Benefits

 

In March 2010, both the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (P.L. 111-148) and “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act” (H.R. 4872) were enacted. We have not determined the impact of this legislation on the Company’s health care costs during 2011 and in future years.  However, we anticipate that the Company’s health care and other costs will increase as a result of the new federal health care laws and based on available information.  A new memorandum account was established for Cal Water, effective January 1, 2011, to account for health care cost changes due to federal legislation, as these costs were not included in the 2009 GRC decision.

 

24



Table of Contents

 

RESULTS OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 2011 COMPARED TO

THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 2010 OPERATIONS

Amounts in thousands except per share data

 

Overview

 

Net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, was $14.9 million, or $0.36 per diluted common share compared to net income of $12.4 million or $0.30 per diluted common share for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to rate increases effective January 1, 2011 from Cal Water’s 2009 GRC, which were partially offset by higher operating and interest expenses.

 

Operating Revenue

 

Operating revenue increased $21.0 million, or 10%, to $229.5 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2011. As disclosed in the following table, the increase was primarily due to increases in rates.

 

The factors that affected the operating revenue for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 compared to 2010 are:

 

Rate increases

 

$

19,133

 

Net change due to actual versus adopted results, usage, and other

 

1,820

 

Net changes in operating revenue

 

$

20,953

 

 

The net change due to actual versus adopted results, usage, and other in the above table refers primarily to the revenue impact year over year of the change in revenue recognized by the WRAM and MCBA. The WRAM is impacted by changes in consumption patterns from our historical trends as well as an increase in conservation efforts. The MCBA, which records the differences in production costs from the adopted costs, is recorded as an element of revenue as it represents pass through costs which are billed to customers. The MCBA is impacted by changes in total production quantities, the production mix of the source of water, the price paid for purchased water and power, and the amount of pump taxes paid.

 

The components of the rate increases are listed in the following table:

 

Purchased water offset increase

 

$

8,344

 

General rate case (GRC) increases

 

8,302

 

Step rate increases

 

1,814

 

Other

 

673

 

Total increase in rates

 

$

19,133

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $200.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, versus $184.6 million for the same period in 2010, an 8% increase.

 

Water production expense consists of purchased water, purchased power and pump taxes. Water production expense represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 38% of total operating expenses. Water production expenses increased $4.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011, or 6% compared to the same period last year due to increased cost of purchased water and pump taxes. Our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Washington Water, New Mexico Water, and Hawaii Water obtain all of their water supply from wells.

 

25



Table of Contents

 

Sources of water production as a percent of total water production are listed on the following table:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Well production

 

45

%

47

%

Purchased

 

48

%

48

%

Surface

 

7

%

5

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Change

 

Purchased water

 

$

60,469

 

$

56,272

 

$

4,197

 

Purchased power

 

12,332

 

12,583

 

(251

)

Pump taxes

 

3,902

 

3,434

 

468

 

Total

 

$

76,703

 

$

72,289

 

$

4,414

 

 

Purchased water costs increased due to higher prices from wholesalers. Pump taxes were higher due to increased production from wells subject to pump taxes.  Total water production, measured in acre feet, decreased 1% for the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period last year due to lower customer usage.

 

Administration and general and other operations expenses were $71.4 million, increasing $7.2 million, or 11%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in employee benefits and wage costs, and conservation program expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

Maintenance expense increased $0.4 million, or 4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, to $10.5 million due to repairs of mains, water treatment facilities, and wells. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.5 million, or 16%, mostly due to depreciation rate changes in Cal Water’s 2009 GRC effective January 1, 2011, and 2010 capital additions.

 

Federal and state income taxes decreased $0.6 million, or 7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, due to a first quarter of 2011 nonrecurring state income tax benefit of $1.6 million, net of federal income taxes, which was partially offset by increased taxes on increased pre-tax income. We expect the effective tax rate to be between 38% and 40% for 2011.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Other income, net of income taxes, was income of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to a loss of $0.1 million in the same period last year, which was an increase of $0.8 million. The increase was due to a $0.8 million reduction of costs to evaluate potential acquisitions.

 

Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense increased $3.7 million to $15.3 million for the period ended June 30, 2011 compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. This increase was attributable to the issuance of the $100 million First Mortgage Bond, Series PPP, in November 2010, additional borrowings on the short-term lines of credit, and a reduction of capitalized interest charged to construction projects during the first six months of 2011.

 

Company Health Care Benefits

 

In March 2010, both the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (P.L. 111-148) and “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act” (H.R. 4872) were enacted. We have not determined the impact of this legislation on the Company’s health care costs during 2011 and in future years.  However, we anticipate that the Company’s health care and other costs will increase as a result of the new federal health care laws and based on available information.  A new memorandum account was established for Cal Water, effective January 1, 2011, to account for health care cost changes due to federal legislation, as these costs were not included in the 2009 GRC decision.

 

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Table of Contents

 

REGULATORY MATTERS

 

2009 California General Rate Case Filing

 

On July 2, 2009, Cal Water filed its required application for a general review of rates for all operating districts and general operations. The application, A.09-07-001, requested an annual increase in rates of $70.6 million on January 1, 2011, $24.8 million on January 1, 2012, and $24.8 million on January 1, 2013. On December 9, 2010, the CPUC issued Decision (D.) 10-12-017, which approved a settlement between Cal Water, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates, and several intervenors representing the interests of individual district customers. This decision allows for revenue increases of $25.4 million or 5.6% effective January 1, 2011. The decision also authorized Cal Water to file for increases of $9.6 million or 2.0% for 2012, and $9.0 million or 2.0% for 2013, in each case subject to adjustment for indexed inflation and contingent upon passing a weather normalized earnings test. This decision also allows for offset increases after construction of 77 large capital projects in various operating districts.

 

In addition, Cal Water was authorized to make a deviation from its escalation expense and exclude employee health care, retiree health insurance, and conservation expenses from it escalation filings in 2012 and 2013. For these three significant expense items, the CPUC has enumerated fixed three-year budgets for these expenses. It is anticipated that the budgets for these areas will more closely align with the actual expenses now that this change has been initiated.

 

The CPUC also authorized a Pension Balancing Account to track the difference between authorized pension contributions included in rates and the costs actually incurred. It is anticipated that this account will allow Cal Water to reduce some of the volatility it experiences in regard to these costs.

 

Cal Water was also authorized to combine the rates and tariffs of the South San Francisco and the Mid Peninsula Districts, located on the San Francisco peninsula, into a single ratemaking area in 2011. This new ratemaking area is known as the Bayshore District. Previously, the 2 separate districts had been operated out of a combined location.

 

Due to the transition between a phased rate case and a total company filing, the CPUC delayed the rate cases of 16 Cal Water districts. However, to compensate for this delay, the CPUC authorized interim rates from the authorized effective date under the old rate case plan. The difference between revenue requirements that were effective in the interim period and those calculated based on a final determination in the 2009 general rate case filing are being recovered as customer surcharges over a three-year period. Cal Water anticipates these surcharges will recover $3.3 million in 2011, $2.2 million in 2012, and $1.2 million in 2013.

 

Request for MTBE regulatory treatment

 

The CPUC in its Decision (D.) 10-10-018 issued rules for treating contamination proceeds generally. Subsequently, the CPUC’s D.11-03-043 resolved Cal Water’s separate application for treatment of MTBE proceeds by ordering continued tracking of the proceeds and expenditures until litigation and remediation are both complete. The new rules allow Cal Water to file an advice letter to move proceeds from this tracking account into Contributions in Aid of Construction (“CIAC”) when remediation or replacement projects are complete. Cal Water has completed several such projects totaling $16.7 million. While the advice letters have not been filed for some of these projects, Cal Water believes it is probable the CPUC will treat the invested amounts as CIAC when the advice letters are filed. The Company has reclassified $16.7 million from regulatory and other liabilities to CIAC. Project costs totaling $9.1 million were treated as CIAC in setting rates in the 2009 General Rate Case effective January 1, 2011, so there is no rate impact for this reclassification. For projects not identified in the 2009 General Rate Case, as projects to remediate or replace MTBE-contaminated plant are completed, the Company will book a reclassification from regulatory liabilities to CIAC and adjust rate base during the next GRC.

 

The CPUC’s adopted rules would require all contamination proceeds to be used first to pay transactional expenses, then to make ratepayers whole for costs to ensure the water system complies with the CPUC’s water quality standards. The rules allow for a risk-based consideration of proceeds which exceed the costs of the remediation described above and may result in some sharing of excess, or “net” proceeds. Because treatment or replacement of Cal Water’s MTBE contaminated wells will occur over a number of years, and because litigation continues with remaining defendants, a final disposition of Cal Water’s memorandum account will occur at an unknown future date.  Cal Water will continue to monitor proceeds and remediation and will report to the CPUC in its next GRC. Because of uncertainty surrounding eventual litigation proceeds, remediation capital and operating costs, and the eventual ratemaking treatment of “net proceeds” as defined by the CPUC, Cal Water cannot predict the future disposition of its partial MTBE settlement proceeds at this time.

 

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Table of Contents

 

2011 Regulatory Activity to Date

 

In January 2011, Cal Water filed an advice letter to establish a conservation one-way balancing account in compliance with D.10-12-17. This balancing account tracks the difference between conservation program expenses and adopted rate recovery and would refund any underspending, subject to conditions, after January 1, 2014. This advice letter was approved by the CPUC staff and is effective.

 

In January 2011, Cal Water filed advice letters to establish a memorandum account for health care cost changes due to federal legislation and a balancing account for pension costs. These advice letters had been authorized in D.10-12-017. These advice letters were approved by the CPUC staff and are effective.

 

In February 2011, Cal Water filed advice letters to offset increased purchased water and pump tax rates in five of its regulated districts totaling $7.4 million in annual revenue. Under CPUC advice letter processing rules, Cal Water charges the rates in expense offset advice letters to its customers upon filing. These rates were approved in February 2011. However, expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses and interact with the WRAM and MCBA mechanisms so that net operating income is not affected by an offset increase.

 

In February 2011, Resolution W-4870 authorized Cal Water to recover $1.9 million in rates for water conservation expenses from districts in the 2006 GRC. Funds were spent by Cal Water for conservation programs over a 36 month period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010 and are recoverable through surcharges over a 12 month period. Cal Water expects to file an advice letter in December 2011 to recover these balances. In March 2011, Cal Water filed two advice letters to refund conservation expenses from districts in the 2005 and 2007 GRCs.  Specific funds in these 16 districts were designated to be used for conservation programs and were subject to a one-way balancing account.  This one-way balancing account serves to refund unspent conservation money to ratepayers in these districts.  In accordance with D.10-12-016, these funds are being refunded over a 12 month amortization period.  The remaining refund is $1.1 million as of June 30, 2011.  In summary, Cal Water has a net receivable of $0.8 million as of June 30, 2011, for conservation programs for the 2005, 2006, and 2007 GRCs.

 

In March 2011, Cal Water filed an advice letter for seventeen districts to recoup the net balance of the WRAM and MCBA from 2008 through 2010. The total amount requested was $18.2 million. The recovery period requested was between twelve and thirty-six months, from the April effective date of the advice letter.

 

Prior to July 2008, Cal Water used expense balancing accounts (also referred to as Incremental Cost Balancing Accounts (ICBA)) to track suppliers’ rate changes for purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes, and other costs that are not included in customer water rates. The cost changes are referred to as “offsetable expenses,” because under certain circumstances, they are collectible from customers (or refunded to customers) in future rates designed to offset cost changes from suppliers. In March 2011, Cal Water filed an advice letter to recover or refund the balance in the ICBA for remaining balances in the account deriving from periods prior to July 2008 over a period of 12 months effective April 1, 2011. The cumulative net receivable in the ICBA as of June 30, 2011, is $1.1 million.

 

In May and June 2011, Cal Water filed advice letters to offset increased purchased water and pump tax rates in seven of its regulated districts totaling $17.8 million in annual revenue.  Under CPUC advice letter processing rules, Cal Water charges the rates in expense offset advice letters to its customers upon filing. These rates were approved in May and June 2011. However, expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses and interact with the WRAM and MCBA mechanisms so that net operating income is not affected by an offset increase.

 

During the calendar year, Hawaii Water plans to file general rate increase applications with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) for certain service areas. Hawaii Water expects the HPUC to rule within twelve months on its requests. The Ka’anapali Rate Case was filed in December 2010 and is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter 2011. Hawaii Water had requested an additional $1.5 million in revenues. Hawaii Water anticipates filing a general rate case for the Pukalani wastewater system in the third quarter 2011. At this time, Hawaii Water cannot determine the final amount of rate relief these filings will generate.

 

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Table of Contents

 

During the calendar year, Washington Water plans to file a general rate increase application with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). At this time, Washington Water cannot determine the final amount of rate relief this filing will generate.

 

LIQUIDITY

 

Cash flows from Operations

 

Cash flows from operations were $47.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Cash flows from operations is primarily generated by net income and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Cash generated by operations varies during the year due to the timing of customer billings, contributions to our benefit plans, vendor payments, bond principal payments, other long-term debt payments and tax payments.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we made contributions to our pension and retiree health care plan of $8.1 million compared to $6.6 million paid during the six months ended June 30, 2010. As approved in the 2007 General Rate Case, we increased the funding level of our pension and retiree health care plan from $27.5 million during 2010 to $31.6 million during 2011.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we received an income tax refund of $4 million.   The recent changes to federal income tax regulations due to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, providing additional deductions for assets placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before December 31, 2011, will result in significantly lower federal income tax payments during 2011.

 

The water business is seasonal. Revenue is lower in the cooler winter months and higher in the warm summer months. This seasonality results in the possible need for short-term borrowings under the bank lines of credit in the event cash is not available during the cooler winter months. The increase in cash flows during the summer months allows short-term borrowings to be paid down. Short-term borrowings are used to finance capital expenditures until long-term financing is arranged.

 

Investing Activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we had company and developer funded capital expenditures of $52.3 million. For 2011, our capital budget is approximately $120 to $140 million.

 

Financing Activities

 

During the first six months ended June 30, 2011, there were no equity or significant long-term debt offerings; however, the Company and Cal Water entered into new unsecured revolving credit facilities on June 29, 2011, to increase the credit facilities to $100 million and $300 million, respectively, and extend the term for five years.  The proceeds from the credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of capital projects.  The base loan rate may vary from LIBOR plus 72.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 95 basis points, depending on the Company’s total capitalization ratio.  Likewise, the unused commitment fee may vary from 8 basis points to 12.5 basis points based on the same ratio.  Currently, the Company expects its pricing to be LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points with a 10 basis point unused commitment fee based on its current capitalization.

 

We borrowed $9 million on our bank lines of credit and advances and contributions in aid of construction increased $5.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011, which was offset by refunds to developers of $3.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011. Dividend payments were higher than the prior year due to an increased dividend rate paid in the current year.

 

Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $1.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to $12.2 million during the same period last year.

 

We raised the dividend rate in January 2011 to a post-split annual rate of $0.615 from the 2010 rate of $0.595.  The dividend rate has increased $0.005 each year from 2005 through 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

 

Short-term liquidity is provided by the bank lines of credit described above and by internally generated funds. Long-term financing is accomplished through the use of both debt and equity. As of June 30, 2011, there were short-term borrowings of $32.8 million outstanding on the unsecured revolving line of credit compared to $23.8 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

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.

 

California Water Service Group and subsidiaries which it designates may borrow up to $100 million under its new short-term credit facility. California Water Service Company may borrow up to $300 million under its new credit facility; however, all borrowings need to be repaid within twelve months unless otherwise authorized by the CPUC.

 

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 and interest coverage ratio. As of June 30, 2011, we have met all of the covenant requirements and are eligible to use the full amounts of these credit agreements.

 

There was $0.1 million of new debt added to long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2011, and we made principal payments on Cal Water’s first mortgage bonds and other long-term debt of $1.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

Long-term financing, which includes senior notes, other debt securities, and common stock, has typically been used to replace short-term borrowings and fund capital 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 capital expenditure requirements. Management expects this trend to continue given our capital expenditures plan for the next five years. Some capital 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 refundable. Management believes long-term financing is available to meet our cash flow needs through issuances in both debt and equity instruments.

 

Dividends, Book Value and Shareholders

 

The second quarter common stock dividend of $0.15375 per share was paid on May 21, 2011, compared to a quarterly dividend in the second quarter of 2010 of $0.14875. This was our 265th consecutive quarterly dividend. Annualized, the 2011 dividend rate is $0.615 per common share, compared to $0.595 in 2010. For the full year 2010, the payout ratio was 66% of net income. On a long-term basis, our goal is to achieve a dividend payout ratio of 60% of net income.

 

At its July 27, 2011 meeting, the Board declared the third quarter dividend of $0.15375 per share payable on August 19, 2011, to stockholders of record on August 8, 2011. This will be our 266th consecutive quarterly dividend.

 

2011 Financing Plan

 

Cal Water is currently reviewing its financing needs for the balance of 2011 and 2012. We intend to fund our capital needs in future periods through a relatively balanced approach between long-term debt and equity. The Company and Cal Water have a five-year syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit of $100 million and $300 million, respectively for short-term borrowings. As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s availability on its new unsecured revolving line of credit was $67.2 million and Cal Water’s availability on its new unsecured revolving line of credit was $300 million.

 

Book Value and Stockholders of Record

 

Book value per common share was $10.50 at June 30, 2011 compared to $10.45 at December 31, 2010.

 

30



Table of Contents

 

There are approximately 2,419 (not in thousands) stockholders of record of our common stock, as of July 29, 2011.

 

Utility Plant Expenditures

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, capital expenditures totaled $52.3 million for company-funded and developer-funded projects. The planned 2011 company-funded capital expenditure budget is approximately $120 to $140 million. The actual amount may vary from the budget number due to timing of actual payments related to current year projects and prior year projects. We do not control third-party-funded capital expenditures and therefore are unable to estimate the amount of such projects for 2011.

 

At June 30, 2011, construction work in progress was $114.8 million compared to $124.4 million at June 30, 2010. 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.

 

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 replenish underground water aquifers and fill reservoirs, providing the water supply for subsequent delivery to customers. To date, snowpack water content and rainfall accumulation during the 2010 — 2011 water year is 149% of normal (as of July 1, 2011 per the California Department of Water Resources). Management believes that supply pumped from underground aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 2011 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 current treatment processes.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, 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 offsetable expense procedures allowed for increases in purchased water and purchased power costs to be passed on to consumers. Traditionally, a significant percentage of our net income and cash flows comes 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 — Critical Accounting Policies -Expense Balancing and Memorandum Accounts” and “Regulatory Matters”.

 

31



Table of Contents

 

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(c) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act 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 CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management 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 CEO and our CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2011. 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 control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Information with respect to this item may be found under the subheading “Contingencies” in Note 10 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part 1 hereof, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2011.

 

32



Table of Contents

 

Item 6.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Title

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Filing
Date

 

Provided
Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

3.1

 

6/10/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended & Restated Bylaws

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

3.2

 

6/10/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2011 among California Water Service Group and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, CoBank, ACB, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the other lender parties thereto.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

10.1

 

7/1/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2011 among California Water Service Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner& Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, CoBank, ACB, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the other lender parties thereto.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

10.2

 

7/1/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Chief Executive Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Chief Financial Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

33



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

 

 

August 4, 2011

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Martin A. Kropelnicki

 

 

Martin A. Kropelnicki

 

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

34



Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Title

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Filing
Date

 

Provided
Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

3.1

 

6/10/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended & Restated Bylaws

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

3.2

 

6/10/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2011 among California Water Service Group and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner& Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, CoBank, ACB, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the other lender parties thereto.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

10.1

 

7/1/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2011 among California Water Service Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner& Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, CoBank, ACB, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the other lender parties thereto.

 

8-K

 

001-13883

 

10.2

 

7/1/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Chief Executive Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Chief Financial Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

35