American Water Works pany(AWK) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were $1.48, up from $1.42 in Q2 2024, while year-to-date EPS was $2.53, an increase from $2.37 in the same period of 2024 [5][11] - The company expects to achieve the top half of its initial EPS guidance range for 2025, now narrowed to $5.7 to $5.75 per share [6][16] - Total debt to capital ratio was 58%, within the target of less than 60% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by $0.50 per share due to authorized rate increases and organic customer growth [9] - Operating and maintenance (O&M) costs rose by $0.17 per share, primarily due to employee-related expenses and technology costs [10] - Capital investments totaled $1.3 billion year-to-date, with a goal of approximately $3.3 billion for 2025 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported unfavorable weather impacts estimated at $0.06 per share year-over-year, with wet weather in 2025 affecting revenues [10][11] - The company has 87,000 customer connections under agreement, totaling over $500 million across its business development platform [6][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term earnings and dividend growth of 7% to 9%, driven by 8% to 9% rate base growth [7][17] - The acquisition of NEXUS Water Group systems is expected to add nearly 47,000 customer connections and approximately $200 million to the rate base [6][20] - The company is pursuing regulatory execution and infrastructure investments to enhance shareholder returns [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving consistent EPS growth within the 7% to 9% range through 2029 and beyond [17] - The company anticipates continued revenue increases year-over-year in several states through Q3 2025 [16] - Management highlighted the importance of stakeholder relationships in Pennsylvania ahead of the next rate case application [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has filed general rate cases in multiple jurisdictions, including West Virginia, Kentucky, and California, seeking additional annual revenue [12][14][15] - A decoupling bill related to water utilities has passed out of the California Senate and is awaiting action in the Assembly [15][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company managing stakeholder relationships in Pennsylvania? - The company has been actively engaging with stakeholders and providing excellent customer service to maintain positive relationships ahead of the next rate case application [25][26] Question: Is the company considering forward issuance for equity needs in 2026? - The company is evaluating all options for equity issuance but plans to issue equity in 2026 [28] Question: What is the earnings power of the Nexus acquisition compared to municipal M&A? - The Nexus acquisition is seen as a strategic opportunity to expand the customer base in existing service areas, with no expected negative impact on profitability [32][36] Question: What is the landscape for fair market value deals in Pennsylvania? - The company expects more fair market value deals to emerge, indicating ongoing consolidation needs in the region [42] Question: What are the goals of the decoupling bill in California? - The bill aims to close gaps in the regulatory framework for decoupling, with hopes for it to pass through the legislature [46][47] Question: What drove the strength in 2025 guidance? - Strong customer usage and consistent regulatory execution were the primary drivers for the improved guidance [53][54]