Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, operating revenue was $204 million, compared to $270.7 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease due to interim rate relief recorded in the previous year [8] - Net income attributed to the group was $13.3 million or $0.22 per diluted share, down from $69.9 million or $1.21 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [9] - Adjusted for interim rate relief, Q1 revenue increased by 13% over non-GAAP 2024 revenue of $180.5 million, and net income increased by 225% over non-GAAP income of $4.1 million [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital investments during the quarter totaled $110.1 million, consistent with the record quarter reported in Q1 2024 [11] - The company expects annual capital expenditures to increase over the next five years due to ongoing infrastructure needs [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $44.5 million in unrestricted cash, $45.7 million in restricted cash, and $315 million available on credit lines, indicating a strong liquidity profile [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on rate base growth, targeting a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 11.7% [12] - The ongoing greenfield development in Texas is progressing well, with a focus on the South Austin corridor [23] - The company is also evaluating domestic M&A opportunities as a supplemental growth strategy [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the progress of the 2021 general rate case, noting that discussions with the California Public Advocates are ongoing [14][15] - The company is managing controllable expenses tightly due to market volatility and inflation, while maintaining a focus on capital execution [22][23] - Management is optimistic about the water supply situation in California, with strong snowpack and reservoir levels above historical averages [20][21] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 10.7% increase from the previous year [13] - The company received regulatory approvals for various projects, including the Palos Verdes Peninsula Water Reliability Project, which is the largest in the company's history [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key points of contention in the California GRC - Management indicated that they cannot disclose specific details due to ongoing settlement discussions but are identifying non-contested areas for submission to the judge [28][30] Question: Comparison of the current GRC to the previous one - Management noted that the current GRC is progressing better than the previous one, with more positive engagement from the commissioner and advocates [36][39] Question: Managing costs amid market volatility - Management stated that it is too early to predict the impact of tariffs and supply chain issues but remains optimistic based on past experiences managing supply constraints [41][42] Question: Drivers behind better-than-expected Q1 results - Management attributed the positive results to effective budget management, a more accurate water mix in the rate case, and higher customer usage [51][55] Question: Potential for a global settlement in the GRC - Management expressed uncertainty about achieving a global settlement but remains hopeful as they proceed with the hearings [60][62]

Core 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].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were $1.05, an increase of nearly 11% compared to $0.95 in Q1 2024, affirming the company's full-year EPS guidance of 8% growth [7][12] - Consolidated reported earnings were $1.50 per share, up $0.10 per share versus the same period in 2024, with revenues higher by $0.44 per share due to authorized rate increases and acquisitions [13][14] - Operating costs increased by $0.15 per share, primarily due to employee-related costs and acquisition-related expenses [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a constructive settlement in the general rate case in Missouri, with an annualized revenue increase of $63 million expected [15] - In Virginia, a settlement approved a $15 million annualized increase in water and wastewater revenues [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to expect to grow its dividend at 7% to 9% per year, in line with its EPS growth target [11] - The total debt to capital ratio was 58%, within the target of less than 60%, with strong credit ratings affirmed by S&P and Moody's [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term earnings and dividend growth of 7% to 9%, driven by a capital investment program targeting approximately $3.3 billion in 2025 [10][22] - The company is focused on infrastructure investments, particularly in PFAS remediation and lead service line replacement, while maintaining a strong regulatory and operational execution [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute financial and operational plans, with no expected material impact from recent tariff-related announcements [20] - The company highlighted the need for significant investments in U.S. water infrastructure, estimating a total of $625 billion over the next twenty years [29] Other Important Information - The Board approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.765 to $0.825 per share, marking an 8.2% increase [11] - The company is well-positioned for growth through acquisitions, with approximately 37,000 customer connections under agreement [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on pulling forward 2026 equity issuance - Management stated there are no plans to pull forward equity issuance and will evaluate the market as needed [37] Question: Acquisition outlook under potential recession - Management expects a continuous flow of acquisition opportunities, potentially driven by recession or reduced federal funding [38] Question: Update on California rate case - Management did not disclose the percentage increase for the California rate case and confirmed a separate proceeding for cost of capital [43][44] Question: Update on California desalination project - Management confirmed that the last major permit approval was received, and they expect to break ground on the desalination project this year [49] Question: Legislative progress and opportunities - Management did not quantify the opportunities from legislative changes but noted they would help earned returns in each state [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $1.05, an increase of nearly 11% compared to $0.95 in Q1 2024 [7] - Consolidated reported earnings were $1.5 per share, up $0.10 per share versus the same period in 2024 [13] - Revenues increased by $0.44 per share, primarily due to authorized rate increases and organic customer growth [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating costs increased by $0.15 per share, driven by employee-related costs and acquisitions [14] - Depreciation increased by $0.11 per share and financing costs increased by $0.10 per share, both as expected to support investment growth [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved an annualized revenue increase of $63 million in Missouri, with new rates expected to take effect on May 31, 2025 [15] - In Virginia, an annualized increase of $15 million in water and wastewater revenues was approved [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company affirmed long-term targets for earnings and dividend growth at 7% to 9%, driven by 8% to 9% rate base growth [10] - The Board approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.765 to $0.825, an 8.2% increase [11] - The company is focused on infrastructure investments and acquisitions to support growth, with a capital investment goal of approximately $3.3 billion in 2025 [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 EPS guidance, representing 8% annual growth [20] - The company noted that recent tariff-related announcements are not expected to materially impact 2025 plans or financial results [21] - The management highlighted the need for significant investments in U.S. water infrastructure, estimating a total need of $625 billion over the next twenty years [30] Other Important Information - The company is well-positioned for growth through acquisitions, with about 37,000 customer connections under agreement [28] - The American Society of Civil Engineers rated the nation's drinking water systems a C- and wastewater systems a D+, indicating a dire need for infrastructure investment [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on pulling forward 2026 equity issuance - The company has no plans to pull forward equity issuance and will issue equity when needed [39] Question: Acquisition outlook under potential recession - The company expects a continuous flow of acquisition opportunities, potentially driven by recession or reduced federal funding [40] Question: Update on California desalination project - The company expects to break ground on the desalination project this year, which is separate from the rate case [52] Question: Legislative progress and opportunities - The company has not quantified the opportunities from legislative changes but noted they will help earned returns [61]

Financial Performance & Guidance - The company reported Q1 2025 EPS of $1.05, driven by higher revenue on increased rate base and 2024 rate case outcomes[11] - The company is affirming its 2025 EPS guidance of $5.65-$5.75, representing 8% EPS growth at the midpoint over weather-normalized 2024 EPS of $5.27[14, 33] - The company successfully executed an $800 million long-term note offering in February with an annual interest rate of 5.250%, due in 2035[11, 56] - The company projects an annual 2025 cash dividend per share of $3.2475, with a total dividend payout ratio of 58%[19] Capital Investments & Rate Base - The company invested $518 million in infrastructure improvements and acquisitions in Q1 2025[11, 38] - The company estimates its rate base to be $22.4 billion as of March 31, 2025[38, 60] - The company plans to invest $36-$37 billion in its systems over the next ten years (2025-2034)[48] Regulatory & Legislative Updates - The company announced a dividend increase of 8.2% in April, aligning with its long-term target[11, 15] - The company has new rates effective in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and California, and a constructive settlement filed in the Missouri rate case, reflecting an annualized revenue increase of $63 million compared to the revised request of $107 million[11, 26] - The company completed rate cases that will add $1 million in additional authorized revenue in Tennessee and $15 million in Virginia[27] Acquisitions & Growth - The company has approximately 37,400 customer connections under agreement across 18 acquisitions in 6 states, with a total value of $162 million[41] - The company closed 3 acquisitions in 3 states with approximately 2,150 customer connections[41, 69] - The company has an acquisition pipeline of more than 1.5 million connections[42, 48]

Core Points - California Water Service Group declared its 321st consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per common share, payable on May 23, 2025, to stockholders of record as of May 12, 2025 [1] Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the parent company of regulated utilities including California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Washington Water Service, and Texas Water Service, providing water and wastewater services to over 2.1 million people across these states [2]

Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 12% to $167.6 million in 1Q 2025 compared to $149.4 million in 1Q 2024[22] - GAAP Net Income increased by 41% to $16.6 million in 1Q 2025 compared to $11.7 million in 1Q 2024[22] - Adjusted Net Income increased by 43% to $16.7 million in 1Q 2025 compared to $11.7 million in 1Q 2024[22] - Diluted EPS increased by 36% to $0.49 in 1Q 2025 compared to $0.36 in 1Q 2024[22] - Adjusted Diluted EPS increased by 39% to $0.50 in 1Q 2025 compared to $0.36 in 1Q 2024[22] Guidance and Targets - The company affirms its 2025 Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance range of $2.90 to $3.00[19] - The company affirms its growth rate through 2029 in the top half of the guidance range of 5% to 7% based on 2022 EPS of $2.43[19] - The company anticipates a $2 billion 5-year Capital Expenditure (CapEx) plan[15,37] Capital Expenditure and Financing - $78 million was invested in water and wastewater utility infrastructure in 1Q 2025[13] - Approximately $27 million in gross equity proceeds were raised at the market to fund growth and capital investment in 1Q 2025[34] Regulatory Updates - San Jose Water's 2025 to 2027 general rate case was delivered on time, effective January 1[13] - Connecticut Water's Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment (WICA) was approved, resulting in an annualized revenue increase of $1.6 million, a cumulative WICA of 4.9%[13,43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $0.49 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.50, reflecting a nearly 41% increase in net income compared to Q1 2024 [10][14] - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $167.6 million, a 12% increase from $149.4 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to rate increases in California and Connecticut [15][16] - GAAP net income was $16.6 million, a 41% increase year-over-year, while adjusted net income was $16.7 million, a 43% increase [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $70.8 million in water and wastewater utility infrastructure across four states in Q1 2025, on track to meet its 2025 capital plan [9][12] - The completion of successful general rate cases in California and Connecticut has reduced regulatory risk, with these states generating 90% of the company's water utility services net income in 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new rates for San Jose Water effective January 1, 2025, support $450 million in capital expenditures over three years, with a total revenue increase of 9.4% [22] - In Connecticut, a $1.6 million revenue increase was authorized effective April 1, 2025, with a cumulative surcharge now at 4.9% [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a long-term growth strategy that includes a robust $2 billion capital plan and opportunistic acquisitions that benefit customers [12][60] - The company aims to maintain affordability while investing in infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiencies through technology advancements [31][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance for 2025, expecting to meet guidance of adjusted diluted EPS between $2.9 and $3 [14][45] - The leadership transition is progressing smoothly, with a focus on maintaining a strong culture of safety and service [35][68] Other Important Information - The company raised its credit outlook to stable, indicating a commitment to maintaining a strong credit rating [13] - The company is exploring a Water Quality and Treatment Adjustment mechanism to improve regulatory recovery processes [48][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you frame where you're trending relative to guidance for the year? - Management indicated they are trending right on plan for the year and expect to meet the guidance of $2.9 to $3 [42][45] Question: What is the potential impact of the WQTA mechanism? - The WQTA is expected to streamline recovery for environmental improvements, enhancing regulatory capabilities for timely recovery [50][52] Question: Are there specific states in mind for potential acquisitions? - Management highlighted Texas as a prime area for continued acquisition activity, with additional opportunities in California, Connecticut, and Maine [58][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to the year with revenue growth of 3% in Q1 2025, driven by operational discipline and productivity improvements [11][12] - EBITDA margin expanded by 120 basis points to 20.4%, contributing to a 14% increase in EPS to $1.30, surpassing guidance by $0.08 [11][12] - The ending backlog stood at $5.1 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating strong demand [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Measurement and Control Solutions (MCS), revenue grew by 6% year-over-year, although orders were down 8% due to tough comparisons in smart metering [12][13] - Water Infrastructure saw a 1% increase in orders and a 5% rise in revenue, with significant demand in treatment and transport, despite declines in China [13][14] - Applied Water reported a 3% increase in orders and a 1% rise in revenue, with strong performance in Building Solutions [14] - Water Solutions and Services experienced a 1% revenue growth, with a book-to-bill ratio well over one, although orders decreased by 5% due to a tough comparison from the previous year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant decline in imports from China, which are now down considerably compared to previous years, and 75% of goods imported from Mexico are covered under the USMCA exemption [17][18] - The impact of tariffs is being managed through pricing and supply chain actions, with an estimated net increased cost from tariffs on Mexico of $30 million [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying its operating model and integrating Evoqua to enhance agility and customer focus, which has already shown productivity improvements [23][24] - There is a strong emphasis on M&A opportunities, particularly in advanced treatment and intelligent solutions, with a robust pipeline identified [25][26] - Sustainability leadership remains a priority, with the company exceeding its 2025 customer sustainability goals ahead of schedule [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage potential demand softening due to tariffs, with a strong start to the year providing a buffer [36][37] - The full-year guidance for revenue is reaffirmed at $8.7 billion to $8.8 billion, reflecting a 1% to 2% growth, while organic revenue growth remains at 3% to 4% [19][20] - The company anticipates a flat to slightly improved EBITDA margin in Q2, driven by pricing realization and productivity gains [20][21] Other Important Information - The company is actively optimizing its portfolio and has completed a divestiture in Q1, with plans for further strategic divestitures [59] - The organizational restructuring is on track, with a focus on enhancing decision-making speed and accountability across divisions [72][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company benefit from customers prepositioning inventory ahead of tariffs? - Management indicated that there was no significant increase in orders to get ahead of tariffs, although a small impact was noted in applied water [32][33] Question: What are the assumptions regarding price increases and demand? - Management anticipates some demand decline in the second half of the year but feels confident in managing any impacts due to strong Q1 performance and favorable FX [35][36] Question: How is the company managing pricing in relation to tariffs? - The company is implementing a mix of surcharges and price increases, with actions taken in Q1 and early Q2, and is prepared to adjust based on evolving tariff situations [44][46] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity in the current market? - Management remains active in pursuing M&A opportunities, with a focus on high-quality targets that align with strategic priorities [57][59] Question: How does the company view the impact of tariffs on its competitive position? - Management believes the company is in a strong competitive position, with a diversified portfolio that helps mitigate tariff impacts [70] Question: Can you provide an update on the organizational realignment? - The restructuring is progressing well, with improvements in decision-making speed and customer focus already being observed [72][74]

2025 First Quarter Results and Earnings April 29, 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Generally, the words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "contemplate," "predict," "forecast," "likely," "believe," "target," "will," "could," "would," "should," "potential," "may" and similar express ...