American States Water pany(AWR) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported earnings for 2025 were $3.37 per share, an increase of $0.20 per share compared to 2024, or $0.33 per share higher when adjusted [5][17] - Adjusted earnings for 2024 were $3.04 per share, compared to $3.37 per share for 2025, reflecting a 10.9% increase [17] - Consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter increased by $21.2 million compared to 2024, with water segment revenue increasing by $17.4 million [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Golden State Water reported earnings of $0.50 per share for Q4 2025, down from $0.52 per share in 2024, but adjusted earnings increased by $0.11 per share due to new water rates and lower interest expenses [11] - The electric segment reported earnings of $0.11 per share for Q4 2025, down from $0.13 per share in 2024, but adjusted earnings increased by $0.04 per share due to rate increases [12] - ASUS contributed earnings of $0.16 per share for Q4 2025, an increase of $0.05 per share compared to the same quarter last year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $210.9 million in infrastructure at regulated utilities in 2025, reflecting strong execution of its capital plan [6] - ASUS was awarded $29.4 million in new capital upgrade construction projects during 2025, expected to be completed through 2028 [9][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its regulated water operations and has completed transactions to own and operate water and wastewater systems for new planned communities [7][8] - The company is preparing for its next water rate case, expected to be filed by July 1, 2026, transitioning to a modified rate adjustment mechanism [20][21] - The company raised its quarterly cash dividend by 8.3%, marking the 71st consecutive year of annual dividend increases [9][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory outcomes and the ability to invest in utility infrastructure for reliable services [5] - The company noted that the 2025 earnings were positively impacted by a favorable water supply source mix, despite a nearly 4% decrease in water consumption [21] - Management anticipates continued growth in the rate base and earnings from regulated utilities and ASUS in the coming years [30][35] Other Important Information - Net cash provided by operating activities was $229.7 million for 2025, an increase from $198.7 million in 2024, driven by new rates and settlement proceeds [18] - The company raised $67 million under its at-the-market offering program during the year, with a remaining balance of $40.7 million available [19] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions during the Q&A session, and the call concluded without any inquiries from participants [39]