California Water Service(US:CWT) Globenewswireยท2025-05-01 13:00Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group reported its financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting a strong start to the year despite challenges from prior rate relief decisions and ongoing regulatory processes [1][4]. Financial Highlights - Q1 2025 net income attributable to the Group was $13.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, a decrease of $56.6 million and $0.99 per share compared to Q1 2024 [6][25]. - Operating revenue for Q1 2025 was $204.0 million, down $66.7 million from $270.7 million in Q1 2024, but up $23.5 million compared to non-GAAP revenue of $180.5 million for Q1 2024 [6][8]. - Operating expenses decreased to $181.6 million in Q1 2025 from $192.9 million in Q1 2024, with water production costs down by $1.2 million [8][25]. Regulatory Activity - The 2024 California General Rate Case (GRC) is progressing on schedule, with ongoing discussions and evidentiary hearings expected in May 2025 [11][13]. - Cal Water proposed to invest over $1.6 billion in infrastructure improvements from 2025-2027, with planned rate increases of 17.1% in 2026, 7.7% in 2027, and 8.1% in 2028 [11][12]. Dividend Information - The Group declared its 321st consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, contributing to an expected annual dividend yield of $1.24 per share [18]. - The company has increased its dividend for 58 consecutive years, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.7% [18]. Liquidity and Capital Investment - As of March 31, 2025, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of $90.1 million, with $45.7 million restricted, and a short-term borrowing capacity of $315 million [10]. - Capital investments during Q1 2025 were $110.1 million, slightly ahead of the same period last year [10].