American States Water pany(AWR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 were $1.06, an increase of 11.6% compared to $0.95 in Q3 2024 [4][8] - Year-to-date EPS as of September 30 was $2.63, up $0.21 or 8.7% from $2.42 in the same period last year [5][12] - Consolidated revenue for Q3 increased by $21 million compared to Q3 2024 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water utility earnings were $0.86 per share, up from $0.84 per share last year, primarily due to new water rates effective January 1, 2025 [8] - Electric segment earnings increased to $0.04 per share from $0.02 per share, attributed to new electric rates [9] - Earnings from American States Utility Services (ASUS) rose to $0.19 per share from $0.11 per share, driven by higher construction activity [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water utility's rate base grew from $980.4 million in 2021 to $1,455.8 million in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% [19] - ASUS was awarded $28.7 million in new capital upgrade construction projects, expected to be completed through 2028 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $180-$210 million in infrastructure for the year, focusing on long-term benefits for customers [5] - The company is preparing for its next water rate case, expected to be filed by July 1, 2026, and is optimistic about future growth despite industry mergers [15][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory, citing strong performance in regulated utilities and ASUS [37] - The company noted potential volatility in revenues and earnings due to changes in water consumption and supply source mix [16] Other Important Information - The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8.3%, maintaining a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% over the last five years [24] - American States Water Company was recognized on TIME's America's Best Mid-Sized Companies 2025 list and Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies for 2025 [6][7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about ASUS contract timing and EPS impact - Management indicated that while there is a good backlog for capital upgrades, the transition period for new contracts may affect EPS in 2026 [31][32] Question: Clarification on new customer connections and rate base translation - Management explained that new customer connections depend on home purchases and developer agreements, making it challenging to predict rate base impacts [33][35] Question: Thoughts on M&A in the industry - Management acknowledged the recent merger in the industry but stated it would not impact the company's strategic direction, emphasizing confidence in growth plans [37][38]