
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]