American Water Works Company (NYSE:AWK) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAaron Musgrave - VP of Investor RelationsCheryl Norton - COODavid Bowler - Vice President and TreasurerJohn Griffith - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsGregg Orrill - Executive Director and Equity AnalystJulien Dumoulin-Smith - Research AnalystRui Zhai - Equity AnalystOperatorGood morning, and welcome to American Water's fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call. As a reminder, this ...

American Water Works Company (NYSE:AWK) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 09:00 AM ET Speaker4Good morning, and welcome to American Water's fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call. As a reminder, this call is being recorded and is also being webcast with an accompanying slide presentation through the company's investor relations website. The audio webcast archive will be available for one year on American Water's Investor Relations website. I would now like to introduce your host for today's call ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $15.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 8.4% compared to Q3 2024 [13] - Year-to-date revenue increased by $2.8 million or 7% to $42.2 million [13] - Operating expenses for Q3 2025 were $12.6 million, up $2.3 million or 21.9% from Q3 2024 [13] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $1.7 million or $0.06 per diluted share, down from $2.9 million or $0.12 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $7.8 million, a decrease of $0.4 million or 5% from Q3 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total active service connections increased by 6.6% to 68,130 as of September 30, 2025 [9] - The annualized total active service connection growth rate, excluding the Tucson acquisition, was 3.3% [9] - The single-family dwelling unit market in the Phoenix area saw a 29% decrease in building permits in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The City of Maricopa was ranked sixth among the fastest-growing large municipalities in the U.S., with a population growth of 7.4% in 2024 [8] - The Highway 347 expansion project is expected to begin construction in fiscal year 2026, which will support the growth of the City of Maricopa [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term value creation and strong total returns to shareholders through strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investments [4] - The Tucson acquisition is expected to generate around $1.5 million in annual revenue and is seen as immediately accretive [5] - The company is focused on integrating the newly acquired Tucson water systems and executing capital investment strategies [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges such as high inflation impacting earnings growth but remains optimistic about future growth drivers [11] - The company expects a fair outcome from the ongoing rate case, which is anticipated to conclude in mid-2026 [19] - Management believes the new water legislation will drive growth in service areas and improve aquifer sustainability [5] Other Important Information - Year-to-date capital investments totaled $49.6 million for infrastructure improvements [9] - The company is in the middle of the rate case process, with further steps including formal written testimony and a hearing [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Rate case completion timeline - Management confirmed that the rates are expected to change by mid-2026, potentially around July 1 [24] Question: Ag to Urban program impact - Management explained that the program allows for the conversion of agricultural water rights to municipal water supply without the need to purchase or lease rights, benefiting aquifer sustainability [26][28] Question: Regulatory proposal differences - Management clarified that the significant difference in proposed rates is due to ongoing processes and the inclusion of post-test year plant [32][33] Question: Expected rate base figure - Management confirmed that the expected rate base figure is still valid but not reported in quarterly financials [34][35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 revenue increased by $11.6 million, or 3.9%, to $311.2 million compared to $299.6 million in Q3 2024 [17] - Net income for the quarter was $61.2 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, consistent with the prior year [17] - Year-to-date operating revenue for 2025 was $780.2 million, a decrease of $34.4 million, or 4.2%, compared to $814.6 million for the first nine months of 2024 [20] - Year-to-date net income attributable to the Group was $116.7 million, a decrease of $54.4 million, or 31.8%, compared to $171.1 million in the same period in 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital investments for Q3 2025 were $135 million, up 14.8% year-over-year, and year-to-date investments totaled $364.7 million, representing a 9.8% increase compared to 2024 [11][23] - The company received an additional $24 million in net PFAS settlement proceeds during the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total recovery to about $35 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to expand in Texas, with an all-party settlement in Texas awaiting final Commission approval [12] - The South Austin market is projected to grow significantly, with a current population of 5 million expected to exceed 8 million by 2050 [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining operational excellence and executing capital programs responsibly as it approaches its centennial year in 2026 [50] - The company is pursuing alternative water resources and partnerships to support growth in Texas, including a public-private partnership with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the California general rate case, noting improved communication and transparency from the Commission compared to previous cases [43][45] - The company is well-positioned to absorb inflationary pressures and maintain growth despite economic headwinds [78] Other Important Information - The company declared its 323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.71% increase [30] - The company has a strong liquidity profile with $76 million in unrestricted cash and $255 million available on bank lines of credit [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Rate base growth projections - Management clarified that there is currently no partial settlement in California and they remain committed to their capital expenditure projections [54][56] Question: Impact of recent merger in Texas - Management stated that their growth strategy remains focused on organic growth and infrastructure reinvestment, despite the merger of competitors [72][74] Question: Planning for higher interest rates - Management indicated that they are well-positioned with long-term financing and have mechanisms in place to adjust for changes in the cost of capital [80][82]

Financial Performance - Oncor reported a net income of $259 million for Q2 2025, an increase from $251 million in Q2 2024, driven by higher revenues from updated interim rates and customer growth [1][2] - For the first half of 2025, net income was $440 million, down from $476 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to increased interest and depreciation expenses [2][3] Operational Highlights - Oncor is executing a record $7.1 billion annual capital expenditure plan for 2025, focusing on system resiliency and wildfire risk mitigation [3] - The company upgraded approximately 590 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines in Q2 2025, reflecting ongoing growth in Texas [5] Legislative and Regulatory Developments - Texas House Bill 5247 allows Oncor to record costs related to capital investments and apply for interim rate adjustments, which is expected to benefit both the company and its customers [8][9] - Oncor filed a comprehensive base rate review request with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to adjust electric delivery rates, with a decision expected in Q1 2026 [11] Capital Expenditure and Future Plans - Oncor anticipates that its capital expenditures for the 2025-2029 period could exceed $12 billion, with an updated five-year capital plan to be presented in October 2025 [6][7] - The company is actively involved in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan, with joint filings outlining approximately $10 billion in projects [4] Liquidity and Credit Position - As of August 6, 2025, Oncor's available liquidity was approximately $3.9 billion, sufficient to meet capital expenditures and operational needs for at least the next twelve months [12] - S&P Global Ratings downgraded Oncor's issuer credit rating from "A" to "A-", citing elevated wildfire risks, but revised the outlook to stable [13] Customer and Market Growth - Oncor's active large commercial and industrial interconnection queue increased by approximately 38% year-over-year, indicating strong industrial growth within its service territory [5] - Total electric energy volumes increased by 4.7% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, driven by higher consumption in commercial and industrial sectors [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, revenue increased by $20.7 million or 8.5% to $265 million compared to $244.3 million in Q2 2024 [12] - Non-GAAP EPS rose by 15% year over year, reflecting strong performance despite the ongoing rate case [8][13] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $42.2 million or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $40.6 million or $0.70 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital spending increased approximately 7% quarter over quarter, with capital investments for the quarter at $119.4 million and year-to-date at $229.5 million [16] - The primary drivers of year-to-date diluted EPS growth were tariff rate changes and increased customer usage, contributing $0.75 per diluted share [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to maintain a strong liquidity profile with $50.5 million in unrestricted cash and $240 million in available credit [18] - The Texas utility subsidiary is experiencing growth, with increasing customer connections and paid commitments reflecting sustained demand in the Austin-San Antonio region [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth through acquisitions and capital investments, including a new wastewater treatment facility in California [29] - The ongoing California general rate case is a priority, with the company requesting $398 million over the years 2026-2028 for infrastructure improvements [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the timely completion of the rate case, indicating that the assigned commissioner prioritizes it [48][49] - The company remains committed to investing in water quality and infrastructure, particularly in response to PFAS regulations [25][26] Other Important Information - The company received an A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting a strong balance sheet [19] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.71% increase earlier this year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the GRC decision timeline - Management confirmed that they expect a decision by year-end and indicated that the assigned commissioner is prioritizing the case [46][48] Question: Impact of EPA's PFAS timeline on investments - Management stated that they will continue to move forward with planned investments despite the EPA's extended compliance deadlines [52][56] Question: Rate base outlook and capital expenditure shifts - Management clarified that shifts in capital expenditures were due to timing, with no significant changes to core CapEx investments [67][70] Question: Discussion on California's water decoupling bill - Management highlighted the importance of Senate Bill 473, which would require the CPUC to implement full decoupling for water utilities, and noted strong legislative support [75][78] Question: Coverage of PFAS costs through settlements - Management estimated that settlements could cover approximately $40 to $60 million of the anticipated $226 million in PFAS-related costs [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, revenue increased by $20.7 million or 8.5% to $265 million compared to $244.3 million in Q2 2024 [11] - Net income for the quarter was $42.2 million or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $40.6 million or $0.70 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [12] - Non-GAAP EPS increased by 15% year over year, reflecting strong performance despite regulatory challenges [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital spending was up approximately 7% quarter over quarter, with capital investments for the quarter totaling $119.4 million and year-to-date investments at $229.5 million [15] - The primary drivers of year-to-date diluted EPS growth were tariff rate changes and increased customer usage, contributing $0.75 per diluted share [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a strong liquidity profile with $50.5 million in unrestricted cash and $240 million in available credit [16] - The Texas utility subsidiary is experiencing growth, with increasing customer connections and paid commitments reflecting sustained demand in the Austin-San Antonio region [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth through acquisitions and capital investments, including a new wastewater treatment facility in California [29] - The company is actively pursuing a general rate case in California, requesting $398 million over the years 2026-2028 for infrastructure improvements [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the timely completion of the rate case, indicating it is a top priority for the assigned commissioner [48] - The company remains committed to investing in water quality and infrastructure, with a focus on PFAS compliance and treatment projects [25] Other Important Information - The company received an A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global, reflecting a strong balance sheet [17] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.71% increase earlier this year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the GRC decision timeline - Management indicated that the rate case is on schedule, with the assigned commissioner prioritizing its completion [48][49] Question: Impact of EPA's PFAS timeline on investments - Management confirmed that they are proceeding with planned investments despite the EPA's extended compliance deadlines, emphasizing customer health and safety [55][56] Question: Clarification on capital expenditure shifts - Management explained that shifts in capital expenditures were due to timing adjustments, with no significant changes to core CapEx plans [62][66] Question: Status of water decoupling legislation in California - Management provided an update on Senate Bill 473, which aims to implement full decoupling for water utilities, noting strong legislative support [70][72] Question: Coverage of PFAS-related costs through settlements - Management estimated that settlements could cover approximately $40 to $60 million of the anticipated $226 million in PFAS-related costs [83][84]

Financial Performance - Operating revenues increased from $2.88 billion in 2013 to $3.01 billion in 2014[15] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 10%, from $2.21 in 2013 to $2.43 in 2014[40] - The company is reaffirming its 2015 EPS guidance of $2.55-$2.65[22] - The company's long-term EPS growth goal is 7-10% from 2015-2019, anchored from FY 2013[23, 24] - Adjusted Return on Equity increased from 832% to 886% from 2013 to 2014[51, 89] Investments and Acquisitions - The company invested $1 billion in infrastructure in 2014, $100 million over the original estimate[18] - The company closed acquisitions of 13 systems in 2014, adding 4,500 water & wastewater customers[18] - 11 announced pending acquisitions are expected to add 21,500 water & wastewater customers[18] Regulatory Updates - New Jersey Rate Case filing requests a $662 million increase, or 996%[29] - Indiana American rate case order effective January 29, 2015, includes $51 million revenues (26% increase) driven by over $220 million investment in assets[30] Operational Efficiency - The company is targeting an O&M Efficiency Ratio of 34% by 2020[32]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group reported strong operational and financial performance for 2024, highlighting significant revenue growth and capital investments aimed at enhancing water supply sustainability [3][6]. Financial Results - Q4 2024 operating revenue reached $222.2 million, up from $214.5 million in Q4 2023, marking an increase of $7.7 million [7]. - Full year 2024 operating revenue was $1.037 billion, compared to $794.6 million in 2023, reflecting a $242.4 million increase [6][26]. - Diluted earnings per share for 2024 were $3.25, a significant rise from $0.91 in 2023 [6][26]. - Net income attributable to the Group for Q4 2024 was $19.7 million, down from $30.1 million in Q4 2023 [7]. - Full year net income attributable to the Group was $190.8 million, compared to $51.9 million in 2023 [6][26]. Capital Investment - The company achieved a record capital investment of $471.0 million in water system infrastructure for 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year [6][10]. - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorized Cal Water to issue up to $1.3 billion in new debt and equity securities [9]. Regulatory Activity - The 2024 General Rate Case (GRC) was filed, proposing over $1.6 billion in investments from 2025-2027 to enhance water supply reliability and sustainability [11][13]. - Proposed rate adjustments include an increase of $140.6 million (17.1%) in 2026, $74.2 million (7.7%) in 2027, and $83.6 million (8.1%) in 2028 [11]. Emergency Response and Preparedness - The company maintained emergency response leadership throughout 2024, conducting training and drills to prepare for potential emergencies [17]. - Investments of nearly $55 million over the past five years have been made to mitigate wildfire risks through infrastructure upgrades and strategic management [19].