SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x

 

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006 or

 

 

 

o

 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-14431

American States Water Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

California

 

95-4676679

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

630 E. Foothill Blvd, San Dimas, CA

 

91773-1207

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(909) 394-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Commission file number 001-12008

Golden State Water Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

California

 

95-1243678

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

630 E. Foothill Blvd, San Dimas, CA

 

91773-1212

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(909) 394-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

American States Water Company

 

Yes x No o

Golden State Water Company

 

Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a nonaccelerated file. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated file” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

American States Water Company

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Nonaccelerated filer o

Golden State Water Company

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Nonaccelerated filer x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)

American States Water Company

 

Yes o No x

Golden State Water Company

 

Yes o No x

 

As of November 8, 2006, the number of Common Shares outstanding, of American States Water Company was 17,038,477 shares.

As of November 8, 2006, all of the 122 outstanding Common Shares of Golden State Water Company were owned by American States Water Company.

 




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
and
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

 

Page(s)

Part I

 

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1:

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets of American States Water Company as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

3-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income of American States Water Company for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income of American States Water Company for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow of American States Water Company for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheets of Golden State Water Company as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

8-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Income of Golden State Water Company for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Income of Golden State Water Company for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flow of Golden State Water Company for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2:

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3:

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4:

 

Controls and Procedures

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1:

 

Legal Proceedings

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A:

 

Risk Factors

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2:

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3:

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4:

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5:

 

Other Information

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6:

 

Exhibits

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

52

 

1




PART I

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

General

The basic financial statements included herein have been prepared by Registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim period have been made.

 

It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K of American States Water Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Golden State Water Company.

 

Filing Format

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by two separate Registrants: American States Water Company (hereinafter “AWR”) and Golden State Water Company (hereinafter “GSWC”) (formerly known as Southern California Water Company). For more information, please see Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the heading entitled General in Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. References in this report to “Registrant” are to AWR and GSWC collectively, unless otherwise specified. GSWC makes no representations as to the information contained in this report relating to AWR and its subsidiaries, other than GSWC.

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

Certain matters discussed in this report (including the documents incorporated herein by reference) are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as Registrant “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe Registrant’s future plans, objectives, estimates or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, rates, water quality and other regulatory matters, adequacy of water supplies, GSWC’s ability to recover electric, natural gas and water supply costs from ratepayers, contract operations, liquidity and capital resources, and accounting matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements, by reason of factors such as changes in utility regulation, including ongoing local, state and federal activities; recovery of regulatory assets not yet included in rates; future economic conditions, including changes in customer demand and changes in water and energy supply costs; future climatic conditions; and legislative, legal proceedings, regulatory and other circumstances affecting anticipated revenues and costs.

2




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Utility Plant, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

899,598

 

$

869,471

 

Electric

 

62,197

 

61,386

 

 

 

961,795

 

930,857

 

Less - Accumulated depreciation

 

(280,906

)

(259,915

)

 

 

680,889

 

670,942

 

Construction work in progress

 

61,480

 

42,283

 

Net utility plant

 

742,369

 

713,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

11,778

 

11,841

 

Other property and investments

 

9,697

 

9,740

 

Total other property and investments

 

21,475

 

21,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

6,591

 

13,032

 

Accounts receivable-customers (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $780 in 2006 and $789 in 2005)

 

17,802

 

13,341

 

Unbilled revenue

 

18,762

 

15,195

 

Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $144 in 2006 and $337 in 2005)

 

9,923

 

10,844

 

Income taxes receivable

 

30

 

822

 

Materials and supplies, at average cost

 

1,545

 

1,421

 

Regulatory assets – current

 

3,233

 

3,946

 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

1,395

 

2,998

 

Unrealized gain on purchased power contracts

 

 

3,417

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

 

2,231

 

 

Deferred income taxes – current

 

4,709

 

1,692

 

Total current assets

 

66,221

 

66,708

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory and Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

61,288

 

54,382

 

Other accounts receivable

 

9,148

 

8,820

 

Deferred income taxes

 

34

 

 

Other

 

8,173

 

8,419

 

Total regulatory and other assets

 

78,643

 

71,621

 

Total Assets

 

$

908,708

 

$

873,135

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

3




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Capitalization

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares, no par value, no stated value

 

$

174,330

 

$

166,529

 

Earnings reinvested in the business

 

107,311

 

101,121

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(3,556

)

(3,556

)

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

278,085

 

264,094

 

Long-term debt

 

268,181

 

268,405

 

Total capitalization

 

546,266

 

532,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks

 

25,000

 

27,000

 

Long-term debt – current

 

575

 

635

 

Accounts payable

 

23,284

 

19,653

 

Income taxes payable

 

4,392

 

1,534

 

Accrued employee expenses

 

4,428

 

5,879

 

Accrued interest

 

5,245

 

2,254

 

Regulatory liabilities – current

 

4,120

 

3,252

 

Deferred income taxes – current

 

 

86

 

Unrealized loss on purchased power contracts

 

2,468

 

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

 

1,910

 

 

Other

 

13,268

 

14,952

 

Total current liabilities

 

84,690

 

75,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Credits

 

 

 

 

 

Advances for construction

 

86,961

 

85,168

 

Contributions in aid of construction – net

 

86,708

 

83,976

 

Deferred income taxes

 

76,042

 

69,669

 

Unamortized investment tax credits

 

2,450

 

2,518

 

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits

 

14,955

 

13,562

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

571

 

521

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

 

2,092

 

2,207

 

Other

 

7,973

 

7,770

 

Total other credits

 

277,752

 

265,391

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

 

$

908,708

 

$

873,135

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

4




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

64,962

 

$

60,539

 

Electric

 

6,444

 

6,544

 

Other

 

2,335

 

1,008

 

Total operating revenues

 

73,741

 

68,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

15,066

 

15,779

 

Power purchased for pumping

 

3,600

 

3,252

 

Groundwater production assessment

 

2,477

 

2,315

 

Power purchased for resale

 

2,659

 

3,075

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

2,807

 

(4,018

)

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

244

 

514

 

Other operating expenses

 

6,677

 

4,850

 

Administrative and general expenses

 

12,614

 

10,342

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,634

 

4,734

 

Maintenance

 

3,395

 

2,905

 

Property and other taxes

 

2,656

 

2,572

 

Net gain on sale of property

 

(124

)

 

Total operating expenses

 

58,705

 

46,320

 

Operating Income

 

15,036

 

21,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(5,349

)

193

 

Interest income

 

695

 

745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations before income tax expense

 

10,382

 

22,709

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

4,809

 

10,475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

5,573

 

$

12,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

 

17,003

 

16,782

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares

 

17,057

 

16,887

 

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

 

$

0.225

 

$

0.225

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

5




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

166,233

 

$

155,611

 

Electric

 

21,816

 

20,105

 

Other

 

8,437

 

2,721

 

Total operating revenues

 

196,486

 

178,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

34,326

 

35,742

 

Power purchased for pumping

 

7,620

 

6,923

 

Groundwater production assessment

 

6,799

 

6,079

 

Power purchased for resale

 

10,470

 

9,922

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

5,886

 

(7,492

)

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

(93

)

1,042

 

Other operating expenses

 

17,264

 

15,138

 

Administrative and general expenses

 

34,628

 

32,456

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,726

 

16,123

 

Maintenance

 

9,113

 

7,522

 

Property and other taxes

 

7,674

 

7,111

 

Net gain on sale of property

 

(124

)

 

Gain on settlement for removal of wells

 

 

(760

)

Total operating expenses

 

153,289

 

129,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

43,197

 

48,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(16,037

)

(9,341

)

Interest income

 

2,643

 

801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations before income tax expense

 

29,803

 

40,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

12,061

 

18,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

17,742

 

$

21,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

 

16,898

 

16,773

 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares

 

16,949

 

16,845

 

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

 

$

0.675

 

$

0.675

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

 

6




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,742

 

$

21,733

 

Adjustments for non-cash items:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,726

 

16,123

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

538

 

311

 

Deferred income taxes, net regulatory asset for flow-through taxes, and investment tax credits

 

2,761

 

9,453

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

5,886

 

(7,492

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

427

 

110

 

Other - net

 

585

 

(57

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - customers

 

(4,849

)

(4,517

)

Unbilled revenue

 

(3,567

)

(3,657

)

Other accounts receivable

 

443

 

(576

)

Materials and supplies

 

(124

)

61

 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

1,603

 

1,884

 

Regulatory assets - supply cost balancing accounts

 

(93

)

1,042

 

Other assets

 

(6,906

)

(2,143

)

Accounts payable

 

3,631

 

265

 

Income taxes receivable/payable

 

3,650

 

8,741

 

Other liabilities

 

4,196

 

3,906

 

Net cash provided

 

45,649

 

45,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Construction expenditures

 

(51,069

)

(51,958

)

Net cash used

 

(51,069

)

(51,958

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

 

1,625

 

830

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

4,383

 

 

Tax benefits from exercise of stock-based awards

 

1,142

 

 

Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction

 

6,718

 

10,350

 

Refunds on advances for construction

 

(3,072

)

(3,147

)

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(329

)

(560

)

Net change in notes payable to banks

 

(2,000

)

10,000

 

Cash received on financing portion of purchased power contracts

 

2,007

 

2,007

 

Dividend equivalent rights paid

 

(187

)

 

Tax benefits from payment of dividend equivalent rights

 

80

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(11,388

)

(11,321

)

Net cash (used) provided

 

(1,021

)

8,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,441

)

1,388

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

13,032

 

4,303

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

6,591

 

$

5,691

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

7




GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Utility Plant, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

848,250

 

$

819,958

 

Electric

 

62,196

 

61,386

 

 

 

910,446

 

881,344

 

Less - Accumulated depreciation

 

(266,178

)

(246,649

)

 

 

644,268

 

634,695

 

Construction work in progress

 

58,735

 

38,334

 

Net utility plant

 

703,003

 

673,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Other property and investments

 

7,312

 

7,364

 

Total other property and investments

 

7,312

 

7,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

2,657

 

8,788

 

Accounts receivable-customers (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $753 in 2006 and $765 in 2005)

 

17,323

 

12,919

 

Unbilled revenue

 

18,361

 

14,856

 

Inter-company receivable

 

258

 

226

 

Other accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $141 in 2006 and $334 in 2005)

 

2,869

 

6,106

 

Materials and supplies, at average cost

 

1,530

 

1,404

 

Regulatory assets - current

 

3,162

 

3,875

 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

1,238

 

2,795

 

Unrealized gain on purchased power contracts

 

 

3,417

 

Deferred income taxes - current

 

4,666

 

1,693

 

Total current assets

 

52,064

 

56,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory and Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

61,288

 

54,382

 

Other accounts receivable

 

9,148

 

8,820

 

Other

 

7,407

 

7,575

 

Total regulatory and other assets

 

77,843

 

70,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

840,222

 

$

807,249

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

8




GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Capitalization

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares, no par value, no stated value

 

$

161,179

 

$

159,429

 

Earnings reinvested in the business

 

104,447

 

99,645

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(3,556

)

(3,556

)

Total common shareholder’s equity

 

262,070

 

255,518

 

Long-term debt

 

261,316

 

261,540

 

Total capitalization

 

523,386

 

517,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt – current

 

305

 

295

 

Accounts payable

 

20,430

 

17,914

 

Inter-company payable

 

3,488

 

65

 

Income taxes payable to Parent

 

7,174

 

2,268

 

Accrued employee expenses

 

4,063

 

5,507

 

Accrued interest

 

5,179

 

2,218

 

Regulatory liabilities – current

 

4,120

 

3,252

 

Unrealized loss on purchased power contracts

 

2,468

 

 

Deferred income taxes – current

 

 

109

 

Other

 

12,772

 

12,390

 

Total current liabilities

 

59,999

 

44,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Credits

 

 

 

 

 

Advances for construction

 

76,153

 

74,790

 

Contributions in aid of construction - net

 

84,917

 

83,055

 

Deferred income taxes

 

71,478

 

65,469

 

Unamortized investment tax credits

 

2,450

 

2,518

 

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits

 

14,955

 

13,562

 

Other

 

6,884

 

6,779

 

Total other credits

 

256,837

 

246,173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

 

$

840,222

 

$

807,249

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

9




GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

62,842

 

$

58,568

 

Electric

 

6,443

 

6,544

 

Other

 

325

 

21

 

Total operating revenues

 

69,610

 

65,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

14,696

 

15,446

 

Power purchased for pumping

 

3,394

 

3,080

 

Groundwater production assessment

 

2,477

 

2,316

 

Power purchased for resale

 

2,659

 

3,074

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

2,807

 

(4,018

)

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

244

 

514

 

Other operating expenses

 

5,528

 

4,346

 

Administrative and general expenses

 

10,893

 

9,010

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,171

 

4,460

 

Maintenance

 

3,217

 

2,830

 

Property and other taxes

 

2,579

 

2,481

 

Net gain on sale of property

 

(132

)

 

Total operating expenses

 

54,533

 

43,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

15,077

 

21,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(4,861

)

519

 

Interest income

 

479

 

735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations before income tax expense

 

10,695

 

22,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

4,943

 

10,475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

5,752

 

$

12,373

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

10




GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

160,282

 

$

150,519

 

Electric

 

21,816

 

20,105

 

Other

 

3,244

 

76

 

Total operating revenues

 

185,342

 

170,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

33,573

 

35,116

 

Power purchased for pumping

 

7,127

 

6,537

 

Groundwater production assessment

 

6,799

 

6,115

 

Power purchased for resale

 

10,470

 

9,921

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

5,886

 

(7,492

)

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

(93

)

1,042

 

Other operating expenses

 

14,961

 

13,656

 

Administrative and general expenses

 

29,988

 

27,958

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,336

 

15,290

 

Maintenance

 

8,559

 

7,085

 

Property and other taxes

 

7,372

 

6,799

 

Net gain on sale of property

 

(132

)

 

Total operating expenses

 

142,846

 

122,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

42,496

 

48,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(14,538

)

(8,381

)

Interest income

 

2,203

 

767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations before income tax expense

 

30,161

 

41,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

12,305

 

18,710

 

Net Income

 

$

17,856

 

$

22,349

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

11




GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

17,856

 

$

22,349

 

Adjustments for non-cash items:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,336

 

15,290

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

528

 

280

 

Deferred income taxes, net regulatory asset for flow-through taxes, and investment tax credits

 

2,452

 

8,684

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

5,886

 

(7,492

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

402

 

110

 

Other – net

 

401

 

162

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable – customers

 

(4,782

)

(4,397

)

Unbilled revenue

 

(3,505

)

(3,600

)

Other accounts receivable

 

2,759

 

615

 

Materials and supplies

 

(126

)

63

 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

1,557

 

1,770

 

Regulatory assets - supply cost balancing accounts

 

(93

)

1,042

 

Other assets

 

(4,764

)

(1,959

)

Accounts payable

 

2,516

 

465

 

Inter-company receivable/payable

 

891

 

3,182

 

Income taxes receivable/payable from/to Parent

 

4,906

 

7,867

 

Other liabilities

 

2,526

 

2,723

 

Net cash provided

 

47,746

 

47,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Construction expenditures

 

(49,465

)

(48,756

)

Net cash used

 

(49,465

)

(48,756

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefits from exercise of stock-based awards

 

1,131

 

 

Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction

 

5,798

 

8,745

 

Refunds on advances for construction

 

(2,591

)

(2,801

)

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(259

)

(222

)

Net change in inter-company borrowings

 

2,500

 

7,300

 

Cash received on financing portion of purchased power contracts

 

2,007

 

2,007

 

Dividend equivalent rights paid

 

(171

)

 

Tax benefits from payment of dividend equivalent rights

 

73

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(12,900

)

(12,000

)

Net cash (used) provided

 

(4,412

)

3,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,131

)

1,427

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

8,788

 

2,702

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

2,657

 

$

4,129

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

12




AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
AND
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

General / Nature of Operations: American States Water Company (“AWR”) is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”), American States Utility Services, Inc. (“ASUS”) (and its subsidiaries: Fort Bliss Water Services Company (“FBWS”), Terrapin Utility Services, Inc. (“TUS”) and Old Dominion Utility Services, Inc. (“ODUS”)), and Chaparral City Water Company (“CCWC”). More than 90% of AWR’s assets consist of the common stock of GSWC and its revenues and operations are primarily those of GSWC. GSWC is a public utility engaged principally in the purchase, production, distribution and sale of water in California serving approximately 254,000 water customers. GSWC also distributes electricity in several California mountain communities serving approximately 23,000 electric customers. The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) regulates GSWC’s water and electric businesses, including properties, rates, services, facilities and other matters. CCWC is a public utility regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) serving approximately 13,000 customers in the town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and a portion of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. ASUS performs water-related services and operations on a contract basis. There is no direct regulatory oversight by either the CPUC or the ACC of the operation or rates of the contracted services provided by ASUS and its wholly owned subsidiaries or by AWR.

 

FBWS operates the water and wastewater systems at Fort Bliss located near El Paso, Texas pursuant to the terms of a 50-year contract with the U.S. Government. FBWS holds a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”). TUS took over the operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on February 1, 2006 and commenced operation of these systems on that date pursuant to the terms of a 50-year contract with the U.S. Government. On December 14, 2005, the Maryland Public Service Commission determined it was in the public interest and consistent with public convenience and necessity to conditionally approve the right of TUS to operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract with the U.S. Government. ODUS assumed the operation and maintenance of the wastewater systems at Fort Lee in Virginia on February 23, 2006 and the water and wastewater systems at Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe and Fort Story in Virginia on April 3, 2006 and commenced operation and maintenance of these systems on those dates pursuant to the terms of 50-year contracts with the U.S. Government. The Virginia State Corporation Commission exercises jurisdiction over ODUS as a public service company.

 

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements of AWR include the accounts of AWR and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in the AWR consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods, have been made. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the SEC. Certain prior-period amounts were reclassified to conform to the September 30, 2006 financial statement presentation.

13




GSWC’s Related Party Transactions: GSWC and other subsidiaries provide and receive various services to and from their parent, AWR, and among themselves. In addition, AWR has an $85 million syndicated credit facility. AWR borrows under this facility and provides funds to its subsidiaries, including GSWC, in support of their operations. Amounts owed to AWR for borrowings under this facility represent the majority of GSWC’s inter-company payables on GSWC’s balance sheets as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The interest rate charged to GSWC is sufficient to cover AWR’s interest cost under the credit facility. GSWC also allocates certain corporate office administrative and general costs to its affiliates using agreed upon allocation factors.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements:  Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires the recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards. See Note 6 for further details. 

 

In March 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF No. 06-03, “How Sales Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)”, which provides clarifying guidance on how to present sales taxes in the income statement. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006, with early application of the guidance permitted. Registrant is currently assessing the impact of the EITF on its financial statements.

 

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2006. Registrant will implement the new guidance effective January 1, 2007 and is currently assessing the impact of the Interpretation on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is encouraged, provided that Registrant has not yet issued financial statements for that fiscal year, including any financial statements for an interim period within that fiscal year. Registrant will implement the new standard effective January 1, 2008. Registrant is currently evaluating the impact SFAS No. 157 may have on its financial statements and disclosures.

In September 2006, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 158, Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires that Registrant recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit and retiree medical plans as an asset or liability in its 2006 year-end balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recognized through comprehensive income in the year in which they occur. Registrant is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 on its financial statements including the possible regulatory accounting treatment and will implement the new standard by December 31, 2006. 

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”. This SAB provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB No. 108 establishes an approach that requires quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of the error on each of the company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures.  SAB No. 108 is effective as of the end of Registrant’s 2006 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. Registrant is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SAB No. 108 on its financial statements and will implement the new guidance by December 31, 2006. Registrant believes SAB No. 108 will not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

14




Note 2 — Regulatory Matters:

 

In accordance with accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises, Registrant records regulatory assets, which represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that will be recovered from customers through the ratemaking process, and regulatory liabilities, which represent probable future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are to be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. At September 30, 2006, Registrant had $8.9 million of regulatory assets not accruing carrying costs. Of this amount, $7.3 million represents deferred income taxes due to accelerated tax benefits previously flowed-through to ratepayers, which will be included in rates concurrently with recognition of the associated tax expense. In addition, $1.6 million in deferred charges for rate case applications was recorded as other regulatory assets that Registrant recovers in rates over a short period and for which no recovery of carrying costs is earned.

 

Regulatory assets, less regulatory liabilities, included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

GSWC

 

 

 

 

 

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

$

16,920

 

$

19,624

 

Supply cost memorandum accounts net under-collections

 

6,043

 

3,151

 

Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case

 

21,334

 

21,109

 

Flow-through taxes, net

 

7,346

 

6,939

 

Electric transmission line abandonment costs

 

3,333

 

3,428

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

3,189

 

2,928

 

Low income balancing accounts

 

3,503

 

2,846

 

General rate case memorandum accounts

 

 

209

 

Refund of water rights lease revenues

 

(3,732

)

(6,474

)

Other regulatory assets

 

2,394

 

1,245

 

Total GSWC

 

$

60,330

 

$

55,005

 

CCWC

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

47

 

44

 

Other regulatory assets/liabilities, net

 

(547

)

(494

)

Total AWR

 

$

59,830

 

$

54,555

 

 

Supply Cost Balancing and Memorandum Accounts:

 

Electric Supply Cost Balancing Account – Electric power costs incurred by GSWC’s Bear Valley Electric division continue to be charged to its electric supply cost balancing account. The under-collection in the electric supply cost balancing account is $19.6 million at September 30, 2006. The balance in the electric supply balancing account is primarily impacted by (i) a surcharge to decrease previously under-collected energy costs; (ii) changes in purchased energy costs; and (iii) changes in power system delivery costs.

 

The CPUC has authorized GSWC to collect a surcharge from its customers of 2.2¢ per kilowatt hour through August 2011, to enable GSWC to recover an under-collection of approximately $23.1 million at the end of 2001 which had been incurred during the energy crisis in late 2000 and 2001. GSWC sold 32,049,785 and 31,123,833 kilowatt hours of electricity to its Bear Valley Electric division customers for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 109,125,050 and 101,438,647 kilowatt hours for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As a result, the supply cost balancing account was reduced by approximately $710,000 and $689,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and approximately $2,416,000 and $2,246,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Approximately $14.3 million of the under-collection incurred during the energy crisis in late 2000 and 2001 has been recovered through this surcharge. GSWC anticipates the surcharge, based on electricity sales, to be sufficient for it to recover the amount of the under-collected balance incurred during the energy crisis by August 2011.

 

The purchased energy costs that are recorded in the supply cost balancing account are subject to a price cap by terms of the 2001 settlement with the CPUC. The Bear Valley Electric division of GSWC is allowed to include up to a weighted average annual energy purchase cost of $77 per megawatt-hour (“MWh”) through August 2011 in its electric supply cost balancing account for purchased energy costs. To the extent that the actual weighted average annual cost for power purchased exceeds the $77 per MWh amount, GSWC will not be able to include these amounts in its balancing account and such amounts will be expensed. During the three months ended September 30,

15




2006 and 2005, there was no expense over the $77 per MWh cap because of increases in GSWC’s sales of surplus energy into the spot market. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, GSWC expensed approximately $40,400 and $6,400 for costs over $77 per MWh, respectively.

 

Charges to GSWC by Southern California Edison (“Edison”) associated with the transportation of energy over Edison’s power system and the abandonment of a transmission line upgrade have increased under Edison’s tariff to levels that exceed the amounts authorized by the CPUC in Bear Valley Electric’s retail power rates to its customers. The incremental cost increase to GSWC from this tariff above the amounts included in rates is $38,137 per month. These increases have been included in the balancing account for subsequent recovery from customers. The incoming power system delivery costs are not subject to any price caps.

 

In summary, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, approximately $867,000 and $355,000 of over-collections, respectively, were recorded in the electric supply cost balancing account, net of amortization of approximately $710,000 and $689,000, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, approximately $1.5 million and $1.6 million of over-collections were recorded in the electric supply cost balancing account, respectively, net of amortization of approximately $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

Other components, such as interest accrued on cumulative under-collected balance and power loss during transmission, also affect the balance of the electric supply cost balancing account.

 

Water Supply Cost Memorandum/Balancing Accounts – In a CPUC decision issued on June 19, 2003 related to memorandum supply cost accounts, all water utilities regulated by the CPUC were required to seek review of under- and over- collections by filing an advice letter annually and the utility’s recovery of such expenses has been reduced by the amount exceeding the authorized rate of return. On April 13, 2006, the CPUC approved a decision eliminating the earnings test adopted in the June 2003 decision. The recent decision also eliminated the need to make an annual filing. Pursuant to this order, GSWC recognized a cumulative under-collection of approximately $636,000 to the supply cost memorandum account provisions in the second quarter of 2006 for the under-collected balances not recognized at March 31, 2006 and began recording under- and over- collections on a monthly basis thereafter commencing with the second quarter of 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, approximately $645,000 of under-collections and $130,000 of over-collections, respectively, were recorded in the water supply cost memorandum/balancing accounts, net of amortization of approximately $730,000 and $75,000, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, approximately $1.6 million and $670,000 of under-collections were recorded in the memorandum/balancing accounts, respectively, net of amortization of approximately $1.3 million and $367,000, respectively.

 

Costs Deferred for Future Recovery:

 

In 1999, GSWC sued Aerojet-General Corporation (“Aerojet”) for contaminating the Sacramento County Groundwater Basin, which affected certain GSWC wells. On a related matter, GSWC also filed a lawsuit against the State of California (the “State”). The CPUC authorized memorandum accounts to allow for recovery, from customers, of costs incurred by GSWC in prosecuting the cases against Aerojet and the State, less any recovery from the defendants or others.

 

On July 21, 2005, the CPUC authorized GSWC to collect approximately $21.3 million of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account, through a rate surcharge, which will continue for no longer than 20 years. Beginning in October 2005, new rates went into effect to begin amortizing the memorandum account over a 20-year period. A rate surcharge generating approximately $328,000 and $791,000 was billed to customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. GSWC will keep the Aerojet memorandum account open until it is fully amortized, but no longer than 20 years. However, no costs will be added to the memorandum account, other than on-going interest charges approved by the decision.  Pursuant to the decision, additional interest of approximately $279,000 and $1.1 million were added to the Aerojet litigation memorandum account during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

 

It is management’s intention to offset any settlement proceeds from Aerojet that may occur pursuant to the settlement agreement against the balance in the memorandum account, with the exception of an $8 million payment guaranteed by Aerojet (for capital investments), with interest due GSWC, to be paid in full over 5 years, beginning in 2009. Pursuant to such settlement agreement, Aerojet has agreed to reimburse GSWC $17.5 million, plus interest accruing from January 1, 2004, for its past legal and expert costs. The recovery of the $17.5 million is contingent

16




 upon the issuance of land use approvals for development in a defined area within Aerojet property in Eastern Sacramento County and the receipt of certain fees in connection with such development. On April 7, 2006, GSWC filed an advice letter with the CPUC to incorporate the Westborough development into the Arden Cordova service area and to provide water service to that new development. The City of Folsom filed a protest of GSWC’s advice letter on April 27, 2006. GSWC cannot predict the outcome of the City’s protest nor the future development within Aerojet’s property.

 

Refund of Water Rights Lease Revenues:

 

In 1994, GSWC entered into a contract to lease to the City of Folsom, 5,000 acre-feet per year of water rights from the American River. GSWC included all associated revenues in a nonoperating income account. In a decision issued on March 16, 2004, the CPUC ordered GSWC to refund 70 percent of the total amount of lease revenues received since 1994, plus interest, to customers. Pursuant to the order, refunds of approximately $170,000 and $186,000 were provided to customers during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and approximately $426,000 and $455,000 were provided to customers during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The refunds will be made over a 9-year period which commenced in June 2004.

 

Pursuant to the March 2004 CPUC order, the apportionment of any lease revenues that GSWC collects commencing in January 2004 was to be determined by a later decision. Pending that later decision and beginning in the first quarter of 2004, all amounts billed to the City of Folsom had been included in a regulatory liability account and no amounts were recognized as revenue until uncertainties about this matter were resolved with the CPUC. On April 13, 2006, the CPUC authorized GSWC to reinvest all lease revenues received from the City of Folsom since January, 2004, inclusive of the balances in the regulatory liability accounts, in water system infrastructure and to include such investments in the rate base upon which GSWC earns a rate of return. As a result, GSWC transferred approximately $2.3 million of water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom in 2004 and 2005 from the regulatory liability account into other operating revenues in the first quarter of 2006. GSWC also recorded additional other operating revenues of approximately $311,000 and $909,000 reflecting water rights revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

 

Outside Services Memorandum Account:

 

In April 2006, the CPUC approved GSWC’s Region II advice letter which requested recovery of the expenses recorded in the Outside Services Memorandum Account (“OSMA”), as of December 31, 2005. The decision authorized the recovery of this memorandum account to record costs incurred while working with the Water Replenishment District (“WRD”), WRD Technical Advisory Committee, Central and West Basin Municipal Water Districts, Metropolitan Water District, West Basin Water Association and Central Basin Water Association on water supply reliability and rate-related issues in Region II. GSWC incurred approximately $374,000 and $345,000 in the OSMA in 2004 and 2005, respectively. GSWC sought and received authorization to amortize the cumulative total of approximately $719,000 over a 12-month period through customer rates. Accordingly, GSWC recorded a regulatory asset for this amount in April of 2006 with an offset and reduction to outside legal services recorded in administrative and general expenses during the second quarter of 2006. A surcharge went into effect in April of 2006 and accordingly, GSWC began amortizing the OSMA account. Revenues of approximately $200,000 and $304,000 were received from customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, relating to this surcharge. GSWC also booked the amortization for these amounts received to its OSMA memorandum account; therefore, there was no net impact on earnings. The surcharge will be in place for a 12-month period from the effective date.

 

Note 3 — Earnings per Share/Capital Stock:

 

In accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 03-06, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128”, Registrant uses the “two-class” method of computing earnings per share (“EPS”). The “two-class” method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. AWR has participating securities related to stock options and restricted stock units that earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with AWR’s Common Shares (the “Common Shares”) that have been issued under AWR’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan. In applying the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating basic net income per share:

17




 

Basic

 

For The Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For The Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

5,573

 

$

12,234

 

$

17,742

 

$

21,733

 

Less: (a) distributed earnings to common shareholders

 

3,826

 

3,776

 

11,406

 

11,322

 

distributed earnings to participating securities

 

80

 

 

234

 

 

Undistributed earnings

 

1,667

 

8,458

 

6,102

 

10,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Undistributed earnings allocated to common

 

1,633

 

8,315

 

5,980

 

10,235

 

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating

 

34

 

143

 

122

 

176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total income available to common shareholders, basic (a)+(b)

 

$

5,459

 

$

12,091

 

$

17,386

 

$

21,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic

 

17,003

 

16,782

 

16,898

 

16,773

 

Basic earnings per Common Share

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.29

 

 

Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of Common Shares including both outstanding shares and shares potentially issuable in connection with stock options and restricted stock units granted under Registrant’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, and net income. At September 30, 2006 and 2005 there were 603,245 and 686,600 options outstanding, respectively, under these Plans. At September 30, 2006 and 2005, there were also 47,629 and 30,800 restricted stock units outstanding, respectively. The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating diluted net income per share:

 

 

Diluted

 

For The Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

For The Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Common shareholders earnings, basic

 

$

5,459

 

$

12,091

 

$

17,386

 

$

21,557

 

Undistributed earnings for dilutive stock options (1)

 

 

 

 

 

Total common shareholders earnings, diluted

 

$

5,459

 

$

12,091

 

$

17,386

 

$

21,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic

 

17,003

 

16,782

 

16,898

 

16,773

 

Stock-based compensation (2)

 

54

 

105

 

51

 

72

 

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, diluted

 

17,057

 

16,887

 

16,949

 

16,845

 

Diluted earnings per Common Share

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.29

 


(1)   Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities were not included due to their antidilutive effect on diluted earnings per share.

(2)      In applying the treasury stock method of reflecting the dilutive effect of outstanding stock-based compensation in calculation of diluted EPS, 199,818 stock options at September 30, 2006 were deemed to be outstanding in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. All of the stock options and restricted stock units at September 30, 2005 were included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Stock options of 403,427 and restricted stock units of 47,629 were outstanding at September 30, 2006, but not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were antidilutive.

 

The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan designed to protect the Company’s shareholders in the event of an unsolicited unfair offer to acquire the Company. The rights for Junior Participating Preferred Shares (the “Rights”) are exercisable based solely on “a non-market-based contingency”, and are not contingent upon the market price of the Company’s stock. Therefore, the shares that would be issued if the Rights are exercised are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, Registrant issued 16,168 and 9,468 Common Shares, for approximately $602,000 and $274,000, respectively, under the Registrant’s Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”), and the 401(k) Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and

18




2005, Registrant issued 45,270 and 30,153 Common Shares, for approximately $1,625,000 and $830,000, respectively, under the Registrant’s DRP and 401(k) Plan. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, Registrant issued 42,144 and 190,976 Common Shares for approximately $962,000 and $4,383,000, respectively, as a result of the exercise of stock options. No cash proceeds received by AWR as a result of the exercise of these stock options have been distributed to any subsidiaries of AWR.

 

In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, Registrant purchased 1,028 and 26,009, respectively, Common Shares on the open market under the Registrant’s DRP and 401(k) Plan, which were used to satisfy the requirements of these plans and programs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, Registrant purchased 25,849 and 47,515, respectively, Common Shares on the open market under the Registrant’s DRP and 401(k) Plan, for the same reason.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, AWR paid quarterly dividends to shareholders, totaling approximately $3.8 million or $0.225 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, AWR paid quarterly dividends to shareholders, totaling approximately $11.4 million and $11.3 million, respectively, or $0.675 per share.

 

Note 4 — Derivative Instruments:

 

Registrant has certain block-forward purchase power contracts that are subject to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by SFAS Nos. 138 and 149. A derivative financial instrument or other contract derives its value from another investment or designated benchmark. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, and to measure those instruments at their fair value. Certain of these contracts qualify as an exception provided under SFAS No. 133 for activities that are considered normal purchases and normal sales. These contracts are reflected in the statements of income at the time of contract settlement.

 

During 2002, GSWC became a party to block-forward purchase power contracts that qualified as derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133. Contracts with Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (“PWCC”) which became effective in November 2002 have not been designated as normal purchases and normal sales. As a result, on a monthly basis, the related asset or liability is adjusted to reflect the fair market value at the end of the month. For the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, GSWC recognized a pretax unrealized loss of approximately $2.8 million and a pretax unrealized gain of approximately $4.0 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, GSWC recognized a pretax unrealized loss of approximately $5.9 million and a pretax unrealized gain of approximately $7.5 million, respectively. As this contract is settled, the realized gains or losses are recorded in power purchased for resale, and the unrealized gains or losses are reversed. These contracts have been recognized at fair market value on the balance sheets resulting in a cumulative unrealized loss of approximately $2.5 million as of September 30, 2006 since the inception of the contracts.

 

The market prices used to determine the fair value for this derivative instrument were estimated based on independent sources such as broker quotes and publications. Monthly, settlement of this contract occurs on a cash or net basis through 2006 and by physical delivery through 2008. Registrant has no other derivative financial instruments.

 

Note 5 — Taxes:

 

As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as flow-through adjustments in computing its income tax provision consistent with the income tax approach approved by the CPUC for ratemaking purposes. Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting decrease or increase occurring in another period. Giving effect to these temporary differences as flow-through adjustments typically results in a greater variance between the effective tax rate (“ETR”) and the statutory federal income tax rate in any given period than would otherwise exist if GSWC were not required to account for its income taxes as a regulated enterprise. During the second quarter of 2005, the recognition of the federal effect of state taxes was adjusted to conform to the flow-through method reflected in the tax calculation for ratemaking purposes, which partially defers the recognition of the effect to the subsequent tax year. This increased income tax expense by approximately $33,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and decreased income tax expense by approximately $171,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  During the third quarter of 2005, AWR filed an amended tax return for 2001 with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) which was subject to IRS and Congressional Joint Committee of Taxation (“JCT”) review. During the second quarter of 2006, the IRS and JCT

19




reviews were completed and AWR received a refund in the amount of its original claim of $3.0 million, with interest. Consequently, in the second quarter of 2006, AWR recorded a tax benefit of approximately $400,000, of which $351,000 was attributable to GSWC.

 

Note 6 — Stock-Based Compensation:

 

Summary Description of Stock Incentive Plans

 

AWR currently has two primary stock incentive plans for employees and for non-employee directors: the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Employee Stock Plan”) and the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (the “Directors Stock Plan”), more fully described below.

 

2000 Employee Stock Plan AWR adopted the 2000 Employee Stock Plan at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2000 to provide stock-based incentive awards in the form of stock options, and restricted stock to employees as a means of promoting the success of the Company by attracting, retaining and aligning the interests of employees with those of shareholders generally. The 2000 Employee Stock Plan was amended in January 2006 to also permit the grant of restricted stock units. There are 1,050,000 Common Shares reserved for issuance under the 2000 Employee Stock Plan, approximately 277,400 of which remain available for issuance as of September 30, 2006. The 2000 Employee Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). For stock options, the Committee determines, among other things, the date of grant, the form, term, option exercise price, vesting and exercise terms of each option. Stock options granted by AWR have been in the form of nonqualified stock options, expire ten years from the date of grant, vest over a period of three years and are subject to earlier termination as provided in the form of option agreement approved by the Committee.

 

The option price per share is determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant. In addition, AWR may grant employees receiving a grant of stock options the right to receive cash dividends pursuant to the terms of a dividend equivalent rights agreement for a period of up to three years from the date of the option grant. For restricted stock, the Committee determines, among other things, the dividend, voting and other rights prior to vesting and the restrictions (which may be based on performance criteria, passage of time or other factors) imposed on the shares. For restricted stock units, the Committee determines, among other things, the vesting terms and form of pay-out. Each employee who receives a grant of a restricted stock unit is also generally entitled to dividend equivalents rights in the form of additional restricted stock units until vesting of the restricted stock units. The restricted stock units are a non-voting unit of measurement relative to one Common Share.

 

Directors Stock Plan On May 20, 2003, the Board of Directors adopted the Directors Stock Plan, subject to shareholder approval. The shareholders approved the Directors Stock Plan at the May 2004 Annual Meeting. The Directors Stock Plan provides the non-employee directors with supplemental stock-based compensation and encourages them to increase their stock ownership in AWR. There are 250,000 Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Directors Stock Plan, approximately 168,900 of which remain available for issuance as of September 30, 2006. Pursuant to the Directors Stock Plan, non-employee directors are entitled to receive options to purchase 3,000 Common Shares at each annual meeting of shareholders commencing with the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders. AWR also granted options to each non-employee director to purchase 1,000 Common Shares at its annual shareholder meetings in 2003 and 2004. In addition, each non-employee director with no more than ten years of service with AWR is entitled to receive restricted stock units at each annual meeting in an amount equal to the then current annual retainer payable by AWR to each non-employee director divided by the fair market value of Common Shares on the last trading day prior to the annual meeting. All grants of stock options and restricted stock units are entitled to dividend equivalent rights payable in the form of additional restricted stock units under the terms of the Directors Stock Plan.

 

The stock options granted under the Directors Stock Plan are 10-year nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of the stock options must be 100% of the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant. Stock options granted under the Directors Stock Plan are fully vested and exercisable upon the date of grant. The restricted stock units are a non-voting unit of measurement relative to one Common Share. Restricted stock units with respect to dividend equivalent rights on stock options credited to the non-employee director are payable in Common Shares on the earlier of the date on which the stock option is exercised and three years from the date of grant of the stock option. Restricted stock units granted at each annual meeting of shareholders and restricted stock units with respect to dividend equivalent rights with respect thereto are payable solely in Common Shares on the

20




date that the participant terminates service as a director. Restricted stock units credited to each non-employee director’s account are at all times fully vested and non-forfeitable.

 

Change in Accounting Principle

 

Prior to January 1, 2006, Registrant accounted for share-based compensation to employees in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Registrant also followed the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure”. Except for costs related to restricted stock units and restricted stock granted to directors and employees, no stock-based compensation cost was recognized in net income.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires the recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), share-based compensation cost is measured by the Registrant at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). Registrant elected to adopt the modified prospective transition method as provided by SFAS No. 123(R). Accordingly, financial statement amounts for the prior periods presented in this Form 10-Q have not been restated to reflect the fair value method of expensing share-based compensation.

 

Effect of Stock-Based Compensation on Net Income

 

Prior to January 1, 2006, Registrant had previously adopted the “disclosure-only” provisions of SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148. Had Registrant accounted for stock-based compensation plans using the fair value based accounting method described by SFAS No. 123 for the periods prior to fiscal year 2006, Registrant’s net income and earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

(dollars in thousands, except EPS)

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2005

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2005

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

12,234

 

$

21,733

 

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

 

7

 

64

 

Less: Stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair-value accounting method, net of tax

 

(10

)

(682

)

 Pro forma

 

$

12,231

 

$

21,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.29

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.29

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.25

 

 

There were no material differences between the consolidated 2005 pro forma disclosures for AWR and the 2005 pro forma disclosures for GSWC.

21




The following table presents share-based compensation expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and included in administrative and general expenses in AWR and GSWC’s statements of income resulting from stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units:

 

 

 

AWR

 

GSWC

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Stock-based compensation related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options granted to employees and directors

 

$

60

 

$

 

$

279

 

$

 

$

54

 

$

 

$

263

 

$

 

Restricted stock units granted to employees

 

42

 

 

120

 

 

38

 

 

111

 

 

Restricted stock units granted to directors

 

 

12

 

28

 

110

 

 

12

 

28

 

110

 

Stock-based compensation recognized in the income statement, before taxes

 

$

102

 

$

12

 

$

427

 

$

110

 

$

92

 

$

12

 

$

402

 

$

110

 

Income tax benefit

 

(41

)

(5

)

(171

)

(46

)

(37

)

(5

)

(161

)

(46

)

Total stock-based compensation after income taxes

 

$

61

 

$

7

 

$

256

 

$

64

 

$

55

 

$

7

 

$

241

 

$

64

 

 

 

Compensation cost capitalized as part of utility plant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $38,000 and $166,000, respectively. In addition, pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R), dividend equivalent rights paid in cash in the amount of approximately $187,000 and $171,000 for AWR and GSWC, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were recognized as a reduction to retained earnings, net of tax benefit of approximately $80,000 and $73,000, respectively.

 

With the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), Registrant elected to amortize stock-based compensation for awards granted on or after the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 on a straight-line basis over the requisite (vesting) period for the entire award. Registrant did not recognize compensation expense for employee share-based awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, when the exercise price of Registrant’s employee stock awards equaled the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Registrant did recognize compensation expense under APB No. 25 relating to restricted stock units granted to directors. Non-vested stock options granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006 have terms that provide for the continuation of vesting upon termination of employment. Accordingly, these awards were deemed to be granted for past services from an accounting standpoint and any measured compensation cost was recognized in full in the pro forma disclosures at the date of grant. Therefore, upon implementation of SFAS No. 123(R), there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized for these options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006.

 

Valuation of Stock Options

 

Registrant estimated the fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected option term, the expected volatility of the Registrant’s stock over the option’s expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the option’s expected term, and the Registrant’s expected annual dividend yield. Registrant believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of Registrant’s stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards. The fair value of stock units and restricted stock was determined based on the closing trading price of Common Shares on the grant date.

 

22




The fair value of each option grant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Weighted-average fair value of option granted

 

$

8.01 - $10.46

 

$5.63

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.40% - 5.02%

 

3.93%

 

Expected annual dividend yield

 

2.77% - 3.08%

 

3.68%

 

Expected volatility factor

 

24.90% - 26.43%

 

26.23%

 

Expected option term (in years)

 

6

 

7

 

 

 

Summary of key assumptions The risk-free interest rate for periods equal to the expected term of the share option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Dividend yield reflects the current dividend rate at the date of grant. The stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted average of historical monthly and daily price changes of the Common Shares over the most recent period equal to the expected option life of the grant. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the option term was determined using the simplified method for estimating expected option life, which qualify as “plain-vanilla” options and is derived from the average midpoint between vesting and the contractual term, as described in SEC’s SAB No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.” As permitted by SFAS No. 123(R), underlying assumptions used for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2005 were retained.

 

SFAS No. 123(R) requires entities to estimate the number of forfeitures expected to occur and record expense based upon the number of awards expected to vest. Prior to adoption, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred as permitted under previous accounting standards. The cumulative effect of adopting the change in estimating forfeitures was not material to the Company’s financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Stock Options A summary of stock option activity as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, is presented below:

 

 

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

684,304

 

$

24.31

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

109,917

 

34.85

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(190,976

)

22.95

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding at September 30, 2006

 

603,245

 

$

26.66

 

7.45

 

$

6,993,336

 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2006

 

345,296

 

$

25.15

 

6.66

 

$

4,523,945

 

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted by Registrant during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $8.34. There were no options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the closing price of the Common Shares on the last trading day of the third quarter of 2006 and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their option on September 30, 2006. This amount changes if the fair market value of the Common Shares changes. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $602,000 and $2,803,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, Registrant received approximately $962,000 and $4,383,000, respectively, in cash proceeds from the exercise of its stock options and realized approximately $245,000 and $1,142,000, respectively, of tax benefit for the tax deduction from awards exercised. As of September 30, 2006, approximately $530,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options is expected to be recognized over a remaining period of 2.34 years.

 

23




Restricted Stock and Stock Units A summary of the status of Registrant’s outstanding restricted stock units to employees and directors as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, is presented below:

 

 

 

Number of
Restricted Share
Units

 

Weighted Average
Grant-Date Value

 

Restricted share units at January 1, 2006

 

31,166

 

$

25.02

 

Granted

 

17,065

 

34.37

 

Vested

 

(602

)

26.68

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Restricted share units at September 30, 2006

 

47,629

 

$

28.34

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2006, there was approximately $330,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted under Registrant’s employee and director’s stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining period of 2.34 years.

 

AWR has no restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006.

 

Note 7 — Employee Benefit Plans:

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs, before allocation to the overhead pool, for Registrant’s pension plan, postretirement benefits plan, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

 

 

For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other
Postretirement
Benefits

 

SERP

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service Cost

 

$

963

 

$

933

 

$

107

 

$

109

 

$

55

 

$

32

 

Interest Cost

 

1,170

 

1,088

 

155

 

151

 

36

 

28

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

(990

)

(922

)

(50

)

(74

)

 

 

Amortization of Transition

 

 

 

105

 

105

 

 

 

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

 

41

 

41

 

(50

)

(50

)

39

 

38

 

Amortization of Actuarial Loss (Gain)

 

291

 

313

 

37

 

41

 

(5

)

(10

)

Net Periodic Pension Cost

 

$

1,475

 

$

1,453

 

$

304

 

$

282

 

$

125

 

$

88

 

 

 

 

 

For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

Pension
Benefits

 

Other
Postretirement
Benefits

 

SERP

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service Cost

 

$

2,889

 

$

2,799

 

$

321

 

$

327

 

$

165

 

$

96

 

Interest Cost

 

3,510

 

3,264

 

465

 

453

 

108

 

84

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

(2,970

)

(2,766

)

(150

)

(222

)

 

 

Amortization of Transition

 

 

 

315

 

315

 

 

 

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

 

123

 

123

 

(150

)

(150

)

117

 

114

 

Amortization of Actuarial Loss (Gain)

 

873

 

939

 

111

 

123

 

(15

)

(30

)

Net Periodic Pension Cost

 

$

4,425

 

$

4,359

 

$

912

 

$

846

 

$

375

 

$

264

 

 

 

Registrant contributed approximately $4,414,000 to the pension plan during the third quarter of 2006.  Registrant expects to contribute approximately $795,000 to the postretirement benefit plan by the end of 2006.

24




In August 2006, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the SERP for executive officers of the Company. Under the SERP, the formula for calculating benefits was revised to provide that the benefit is calculated based on 2% of compensation per year of credited service before 2006 and 3% of compensation per year of credited service after 2005 up to a combined maximum of 60% of compensation, except that participants who were employed with the Company on January 1, 2006 are entitled to receive the greater of the benefit calculated under the new formula or the benefit calculated under the previous formula. The Board’s approval of the new SERP formula is subject to the receipt of a confirming example, showing the effect of the change on an executive officer.  The effect of this change on the 2006 net periodic benefit cost is not material.

Note 8 — Contingencies:

 

Water Quality-Related Litigation:

In 1997, GSWC was named as a defendant in nineteen lawsuits that alleged that GSWC and other water utilities delivered unsafe water to their customers in the San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Valley areas of Los Angeles County. Plaintiffs in these actions sought damages, including general, special, and punitive damages, as well as attorney’s fees on certain causes of action, costs of suit, and other unspecified relief.  On August 4, 2004, GSWC was dismissed from all nineteen Los Angeles County cases. The Court found GSWC did not violate established water quality standards and dismissed the cases after allowing reasonable time and opportunity for the plaintiffs to prove otherwise. GSWC has long asserted that it provides water within the standards established by the health authorities. On September 21, 2004, GSWC received notice that several plaintiffs filed an appeal to the trial court’s order to dismiss GSWC. Briefs and reply briefs on the appeal have been filed. On February 7, 2006, the Second Appellate District in which the briefs were filed moved the California Supreme Court to transfer the appeal to the First Appellate District, the District in which prior appeals regarding these cases had been heard. GSWC is unable to predict the outcome of this appeal.

GSWC is subject to self-insured retention (deductible) provisions in its applicable insurance policies and has either expensed the self-insured amounts or has reserved against payment of these amounts as appropriate. GSWC’s various insurance carriers have, to date, provided reimbursement for much of the costs incurred above the self-insured amounts for defense against these lawsuits, subject to a reservation of rights. In addition, the CPUC has issued certain decisions, which authorize GSWC to establish a memorandum account to accumulate costs for future recovery.

Perchlorate and/or Volatile Organic Compounds (“VOC”) have been detected in five wells servicing GSWC’s San Gabriel System. GSWC filed suit in federal court, along with two other affected water purveyors and the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (“WQA”), against some of those allegedly responsible for the contamination. Some of the other potential defendants settled with GSWC, other water purveyors and the WQA (the “Water Entities”) on VOC related issues prior to the filing of the lawsuit. In response to the filing of the Federal lawsuit, the Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) defendants filed motions to dismiss the suit or strike certain portions of the suit. The judge issued a ruling on April 1, 2003 granting in part and denying in part the potentially responsible party’s motions.

A key ruling of the court was that the water purveyors, including GSWC, by virtue of their ownership of wells contaminated with hazardous chemicals are themselves PRPs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”).

Registrant has, pursuant to permission of the court, amended its suit to claim certain affirmative defenses as an “innocent” party under CERCLA. Registrant is presently unable to predict the outcome of this ruling on its ability to fully recover from the PRPs future costs associated with the treatment of these wells. In this same suit, the PRPs have filed cross-complaints against the Water Entities, the Metropolitan Water District, the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster and others on the theory that they arranged for and did transport contaminated water into the Main San Gabriel Basin for use by Registrant and the other two affected water purveyors and for other related claims.

On August 29, 2003, the US Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued Unilateral Administrative Orders (“UAO”) against 41 parties deemed responsible for polluting the groundwater in that portion of the San Gabriel Valley from which two of GSWC’s impacted wells draw water. GSWC was not named as a party to the UAO. The UAO requires that these parties remediate the contamination. The judge in the Federal lawsuit has appointed a special master to oversee mandatory settlement discussions between the PRPs and the Water Entities. EPA is also conducting settlement discussions with several PRPs regarding the UAO. The Water Entities and EPA

25




are working to coordinate their settlement discussions under the special master in order to arrive at a complete resolution of all issues affecting the Federal lawsuits and the UAO. Registrant is presently unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these settlement discussions.

 

Registrant is unable to predict an estimate of the loss, if any, resulting from any of these litigations or administrative proceedings.

 

Condemnation of Properties:

 

The laws of the State of California and the State of Arizona provide for the acquisition of public utility property by governmental agencies through their power of eminent domain, also known as condemnation, where doing so is necessary and in the public interest. In addition, however, the laws of the State of California also provide: (i) that the owner of utility property may contest whether the condemnation is actually necessary and in the public interest; and (ii) that the owner is entitled to receive the fair market value of its property if the property is ultimately taken.

 

Although the City of Claremont, California located in GSWC’s Region III, has not initiated the formal condemnation process pursuant to California law, the City has expressed various concerns to GSWC about the rates charged by GSWC and the effectiveness of the CPUC’s rate setting procedures. The City hired a consultant to perform an appraisal of the value of Registrant’s water system serving the City. The value was estimated in 2004 by the consultant at $40 - $45 million. GSWC disagrees with the City’s valuation assessment. As of September 30, 2006, management believes that the fair market value of the system exceeds the $37.0 million recorded net book value and also exceeds the consultant’s estimates of the Claremont water system.

 

On April 12, 2005, the Town Council of the Town of Apple Valley located in GSWC’s Region III, voted 5-0 to authorize Town staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for an evaluation of the feasibility and estimated cost of and a timeframe for the potential takeover of GSWC’s Apple Valley water systems as well as the water systems of another utility serving the Town. On April 11, 2006 the Town Council unanimously decided to move forward with efforts to acquire all the water systems serving the Town, based on a study authorized by the Town Council. On July 25, 2006, the Town Council voted 4-0 to defer any further consideration of a takeover pending preparation by Town staff of financing options and costs to residents of any acquisition.  No time frame was set for staff to report back to the Council.  GSWC has not received any formal notice from the Town of its intention to condemn the Registrant’s Apple Valley water systems. Management will vigorously represent Registrant’s interests in any condemnation proceeding to ensure that the Company receives full value for assets that become subject to condemnation. As of September 30, 2006, management believes that the fair market value of GSWC’s system exceeds the recorded net book value of the Apple Valley water systems.

 

Except for the City of Claremont and the Town of Apple Valley, Registrant has not been, within the last three years, involved in activities related to the condemnation of any of its water customer service areas or in its Bear Valley Electric customer service area.

 

Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Adjudication:

 

In 1997, the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District (“plaintiff”) filed a lawsuit against multiple defendants, including GSWC, the City of Santa Maria, and several other public water purveyors. The plaintiff’s lawsuit seeks an adjudication of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin.  A settlement of the lawsuit has been reached, subject to CPUC approval. The settlement, among other things, if approved, would preserve GSWC’s historical pumping rights and secure supplemental water rights for use in case of drought or other reductions in the natural yield of the Basin. There are also a small number of nonsettling parties, and the case is going forward as to these parties. The stipulation, if approved, would preserve GSWC’s position with the settling parties independent of the outcome of the case as it moves forward with the nonsettling parties. GSWC cannot predict the outcome of the case as to the nonsettling parties.

 

As of September 30, 2006, GSWC has incurred costs of approximately $6.3 million in defending its rights in the Santa Maria Basin, including legal and expert witness fees, which have been recorded in Utility Plant for rate recovery.  However, as stated earlier, the stipulation between the parties requires GSWC to go to the CPUC to seek recovery of these costs that have been incurred by GSWC in this lawsuit.  In February 2006, GSWC filed with the CPUC for recovery of these costs. Management believes that the recovery of these costs through rates is probable.

26




 

Air Quality Management District:

 

In 1998, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“AQMD”) issued a permit to GSWC for the installation and use of air stripping equipment at one of GSWC’s groundwater treatment systems in its Region II service area.   In 2005, the AQMD conducted an inspection of this facility and issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) for exceeding the amount of groundwater permitted to be treated by the treatment system during calendar year 2004.  Since receiving the NOV, changes in GSWC procedures have prevented additional violations at the facility.  The AQMD could assess penalties associated with an NOV that can range from $10,000 up to $75,000 per day of violation.  GSWC estimates that it was in violation approximately 180 days in 2004.  GSWC has met with AQMD to ensure future compliance and resolve the NOV.  As part of this, GSWC also promptly submitted an application to amend the permit as an amendment may have been necessary for continued operation of the subject air stripping equipment.

 

The AQMD has recently recommended that GSWC be allowed to pursue a Supplemental Environmental Program (“SEP”) as part of the settlement of the NOV. A SEP typically involves capital expenditures resulting in a change of process, equipment, material, or indirect source reduction for the purposes of eliminating or reducing air contaminant emissions.  As part of going forward with its permit amendment application, GSWS would amend its current application to also include the addition of additional controls to the facility to reduce emissions.  The penalties which GSWC has been informed might be assessed, could likely be reduced or avoided through the settlement of this matter based on the possible funding of a SEP.  In October 2006, GSWC submitted initial capital cost estimates to the AQMD for the installation and operation of granular activated carbon filters at the facility as a proposed SEP which would eliminate the use of the air stripping equipment.  Initial discussions indicate that AQMD staff has favorably received GSWC’s proposal and if approved, it could result in the imposition of only a nominal monetary penalty.  However, until further notice from the AQMD on the proposed SEP, GSWC cannot reasonably estimate the amount of penalties which might be assessed. 

 

Other Litigation:

 

An officer of the Company has asserted a potential claim against the Company for retaliation against the officer and others in connection with alleged discriminatory conduct by the Company and its Board of Directors. Although management believes that the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them, the Company retained an independent investigator to review the allegations and investigate the facts. Based upon the results of such investigation, the Company does not believe, but can give no assurance, that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Registrant is also subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Other than those disclosed above, no other legal proceedings are pending, which are believed to be material. Management believes that rate recovery, proper insurance coverage and reserves are in place to insure against property, general liability and workers’ compensation claims incurred in the ordinary course of business.

27




 

Note 9 — Business Segments:

 

AWR has three reportable segments, water, electric and contracts operations, whereas GSWC has two, water and electric. Within the segments, AWR has three principal business units: water and electric service utility operations conducted through GSWC, a water-service utility operation conducted through CCWC, and a contracted services unit through ASUS and its subsidiaries. All activities of GSWC are geographically located within California. All activities of CCWC are located in the state of Arizona. All activities of ASUS are conducted in Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas and Virginia. Both GSWC and CCWC are regulated utilities. On a stand-alone basis, AWR has no material assets other than its investments in its subsidiaries. The tables below set forth information relating to GSWC’s operating segments, CCWC and other matters which includes ASUS and its subsidiaries. Certain assets, revenues and expenses have been allocated in the amounts set forth. The identifiable assets are net of respective accumulated provisions for depreciation. Capital additions reflect capital expenditures paid in cash and exclude property installed by developers and conveyed to GSWC or CCWC.

 

 

 

As of and for The Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

GSWC

 

CCWC

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Water

 

Electric

 

Water

 

Other*

 

AWR

 

Operating revenues

 

$

63,166

(1)

$

6,444

 

$

2,120

 

$

2,011

 

$

73,741

 

Operating income (loss)

 

17,780

 

(2,703

)(2)

301

 

(342

)

15,036

 

Interest expense, net

 

3,975

 

407

 

113

 

159

 

4,654

 

Identifiable assets

 

661,847

 

41,156

 

38,521

 

845

 

742,369

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

5,717

 

454

 

420

 

43

 

6,634

 

Capital additions

 

16,044

 

305

 

509

 

89

 

16,947

 

 

 

As of and for The Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

GSWC

 

CCWC

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Water

 

Electric

 

Water

 

Other*

 

AWR

 

Operating revenues

 

$

58,589

(1)

$

6,544

 

$

1,971

 

$

987

 

$

68,091

 

Operating income (loss)

 

16,700

 

4,894

(2)

322

 

(145

)

21,771

 

Interest expense, net

 

(1,587

)

333

 

114

 

202

 

(938

)

Identifiable assets

 

620,844

 

39,680

 

37,028

 

678

 

698,230

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

3,948

 

512

 

263

 

11

 

4,734

 

Capital additions

 

15,031

 

288

 

805

 

 

 

16,124

 


*             Includes amounts from AWR and ASUS and its subsidiaries’ contracted operations (including FBWS, ODUS and TUS for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and FBWS for the three months ended September 30, 2005.)

(1)      For the three months ended September 30, 2006, it includes $325,000 of GSWC other operating revenues, $311,000 of which reflects water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom (Note 2). For the three months ended September 30, 2005, it also includes $21,000 of GSWC other operating revenues.

(2)      Includes $2,807,000 and ($4,018,000) unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

28




 

 

 

As of and for The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

GSWC

 

CCWC

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Water

 

Electric

 

Water

 

Other*

 

AWR

 

Operating revenues

 

$

163,526

(3)

$

21,816

 

$

5,951

 

$

5,193

 

$

196,486

 

Operating income (loss)

 

46,380

 

(3,884

)(4)

1,026

 

(325

)

43,197

 

Interest expense, net

 

11,339

 

996

 

377

 

682

 

13,394

 

Identifiable assets

 

661,847

 

41,156

 

38,521

 

845

 

742,369

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

16,806

 

1,530

 

1,258

 

132

 

19,726

 

Capital additions

 

47,784

 

1,681

 

1,313

 

291

 

51,069

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

GSCW

 

CCWC

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Water

 

Electric

 

Water

 

Other*

 

Eliminations

 

AWR

 

Operating revenues

 

$

150,595

(3)

$

20,105

 

$

5,068

 

$

2,704

 

$

(35

)

$

178,437

 

Operating income (loss)

 

39,439

 

9,234

(4)

1,586

 

(1,628

)

 

 

48,631

 

Interest expense, net

 

6,632

 

982

 

325

 

601

 

 

 

8,540

 

Identifiable assets

 

620,844

 

39,680

 

37,028

 

678

 

 

 

698,230

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

13,771

 

1,519

 

788

 

45

 

 

 

16,123

 

Capital additions

 

47,108

 

1,648

 

2,843

 

359

 

 

 

51,958

 


*             Includes amounts from AWR and ASUS and its subsidiaries’ contracted operations (including FBWS, ODUS and TUS for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and FBWS for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.)

(3)      For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, it also includes $3,244,000 of GSWC other operating revenues, $3,190,000 of which reflects water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom (Note 2). For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, it also includes $76,000 of GSWC other operating revenues.

(4)      Includes $5,886,000 and ($7,492,000) unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

 

29




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

General

 

American States Water Company (“AWR”) is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”), Chaparral City Water Company (“CCWC”) and American States Utility Services, Inc. (“ASUS”) and its subsidiaries, Fort Bliss Water Services Company (“FBWS”), Terrapin Utility Services, Inc. (“TUS”) and Old Dominion Utility Services, Inc. (“ODUS”). AWR was incorporated as a California corporation in 1998 as a holding company for its subsidiaries.

 

GSWC is a California public utility company engaged principally in the purchase, production and distribution of water. GSWC also distributes electricity in one customer service area. GSWC is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) and was incorporated as a California corporation on December 31, 1929. GSWC is organized into one electric customer service area and three water service regions operating within 75 communities in 10 counties in the State of California and provides water service in 21 customer service areas. Region I consists of 7 customer service areas in northern and central California; Region II consists of 4 customer service areas located in Los Angeles County; and Region III consists of 10 customer service areas in eastern Los Angeles County, Orange, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. GSWC also provides electric service to the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County through its Bear Valley Electric Service division.

 

GSWC served 254,063 water customers and 23,177 electric customers at September 30, 2006, or a total of 277,240 customers, compared with 275,706 total customers at September 30, 2005. GSWC’s utility operations exhibit seasonal trends. Although GSWC’s water utility operations have a diversified customer base, residential and commercial customers account for the majority of GSWC’s water sales and revenues. Revenues derived from commercial and residential water customers accounted for approximately 89.6% of total water revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to 90.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Revenues derived from commercial and residential water customers accounted for approximately 88.5% of total water revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to 88.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

CCWC is an Arizona public utility company serving 13,294 customers as of September 30, 2006, compared with 12,959 customers at September 30, 2005. Located in the town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and a portion of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, the majority of CCWC’s customers are residential. The Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) regulates CCWC.

 

ASUS contracts, either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries, with various municipalities, the U.S. Government and private entities to provide water and wastewater services, including billing and meter reading, water marketing and the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. On October 1, 2004, ASUS commenced operation of the water and wastewater systems at Fort Bliss located near El Paso, Texas, through FBWS, pursuant to the terms of a 50 year contract with the U.S. Government. ASUS commenced operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on February 1, 2006 through TUS pursuant to the terms of a 50 year contract. ASUS commenced operation and maintenance of the wastewater systems at Fort Lee in Virginia through ODUS on February 23, 2006 pursuant to the terms of a 50 year contract. ASUS also commenced operation of the water and wastewater systems at Fort Eustis, Fort Story and Fort Monroe in Virginia through ODUS on April 3, 2006 pursuant to the terms of a 50 year contract. These contracts are each subject to termination for convenience by the U.S. Government. The contract price for each of these contracts is subject to re-determination two years after commencement of operations and every three years thereafter to the extent provided in each of the contracts. Prices are also subject to equitable adjustment based upon changes in circumstances and changes in wages and fringe benefits to the extent provided in each of the contracts.

 

ASUS and GSWC have been pursuing an opportunity to provide retail water services within the service area of the Natomas Central Mutual Water Company (“Natomas”). Natomas is a California mutual water company which currently provides water service to its shareholders, primarily for agricultural irrigation in portions of Sacramento and Sutter counties in northern California.  GSWC filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application in May 2006, as mentioned below.

30




 

In August 2004, Natomas granted ASUS the exclusive right to market water that has become “temporarily surplus” that may arise under water rights permits and contracts owned or controlled by it, to third parties outside the Natomas service area. On January 31, 2006, ASUS entered into a water purchase agreement to acquire 5,000 acre-feet of permanent Sacramento River water diversion rights from Natomas. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Natomas will sell, transfer and convey to ASUS, in perpetuity, water rights and entitlements to divert from the Sacramento River up to 5,000 acre-feet of water per year, subject to certain regulatory approvals. Terms of the acquisition, among other things, include a base price of $2,500 per acre-foot of water, with payments contingent on meeting specific milestones and events over a 10-year period. Natomas will pay to ASUS a commission of 16% of the sale price over the same 10-year period under an existing agreement between the two companies. At the same time that the water purchase agreement was completed, Natomas and ASUS also entered into a settlement agreement that released Natomas from previously established reimbursement obligations under existing agreements. ASUS may use this 5,000 acre-feet of water rights acquired from Natomas to engage in transactional opportunities with developers or water purveyors.

 

GSWC has also entered into a water transfer agreement with Natomas for 30,000 acre-feet of water to be used exclusively by GSWC to serve Sutter County, California. Additionally, GSWC filed for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the CPUC on May 31, 2006 to provide retail water service in a portion of Sutter County, California.  CPUC review of the application is pending, subject to completion of an environmental assessment. In addition, both agreements are subject to and become effective upon various regulatory approvals.

 

Overview

 

Registrant’s revenues, income, and cash flows are earned primarily through delivering potable water to homes and businesses. Rates charged to customers of GSWC and CCWC are determined by either the CPUC or ACC. These rates are intended to allow recovery of operating costs and a fair rate of return on capital. Factors recently affecting our financial performance include the process and timing of setting rates charged to customers; our ability to recover, and the process for recovering, the costs of water and electricity in rates; weather; the impact of increased water quality standards on the cost of operations and capital expenditures; pressures on water supply caused by population growth, more stringent water quality standards, deterioration in water quality and water supply from a variety of causes; capital expenditures needed to upgrade water systems and increased costs and risks associated with litigation relating to water quality and water supply, including suits initiated by Registrant to protect its water supply.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, net income was $5.6 million compared to $12.2 million for the same period in 2005, a decrease of 54.4%.  Basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2006 were $0.32 when compared to the $0.72 for the third quarter of 2005.  Two factors contributed to the significant decrease in net income: first there was the favorable CPUC decision on July 21, 2005 regarding the Aerojet matter which added about $4.3 million to net income in July 2005 or approximately $0.25 per share with no similar gain in 2006; and second, due to decreasing energy prices, the pretax unrealized loss on purchased power contracts of $2.8 million decreased net income by $0.10 per share during the third quarter of 2006 in contrast to a pretax unrealized gain of $4.0 million which increased net income by $0.14 per share for the same period of 2005.  Offsetting these decreases were higher revenues due to increases in customer rates and consumption, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, net income was $17.7 million compared to $21.7 million for the same period in 2005, a decrease of 18.4%.  Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $1.03, compared to $1.29 for the same period of 2005. Similar to the quarterly results, the decrease in earnings per share was primarily due to decreasing energy prices which resulted in a pretax unrealized loss on purchased power contracts of $5.9 million or a $0.21 per share decrease to net income during the third quarter of 2006, in contrast to a pretax unrealized gain of $7.5 million which increased net income by $0.26 per share for the same period of 2005.  In addition, there was the favorable CPUC decision on July 21, 2005 regarding the Aerojet matter which added about $4.3 million to net income in July 2005 or approximately $0.25 per share.  Offsetting these 2006 decreases was another favorable decision issued by the CPUC in April 2006 regarding GSWC’s water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom, increased rates approved by the CPUC and ACC, and an increase in water consumption over the prior period, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

 

Registrant plans to continue to seek additional rate increases in future years to recover operating and supply costs and receive reasonable returns on invested capital. Capital expenditures in future years are expected to remain

31




at much higher levels than depreciation expense. Cash solely from operations is not expected to be sufficient to fund Registrant’s needs for capital expenditures, dividends, investments in the contract business and other cash needs. Registrant expects to fund these needs through a combination of debt and common share offerings in the next five years.

 

Unless specifically noted, the following discussion and analysis provides information on AWR’s consolidated operations and assets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, there is generally no material difference between the consolidated operations and assets of AWR and the operations and assets of GSWC. However, where necessary, the following discussion and analysis includes references specifically to AWR’s other subsidiaries — CCWC and ASUS and its subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in thousand)

 

 

 

3 MOS
ENDED
9/30/2006

 

3 MOS
ENDED
9/30/2005

 

$
CHANGE

 

%
CHANGE

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

64,962

 

$

60,539

 

$

4,423

 

7.3

%

Electric

 

6,444

 

6,544

 

(100

)

-1.5

%

Other

 

2,335

 

1,008

 

1,327

 

131.6

%

Total operating revenues

 

73,741

 

68,091

 

5,650

 

8.3

%

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

15,066

 

15,779

 

(713

)

-4.5

%

Power purchased for pumping

 

3,600

 

3,252

 

348

 

10.7

%

Groundwater production assessment

 

2,477

 

2,315

 

162

 

7.0

%

Power purchased for resale

 

2,659

 

3,075

 

(416

)

-13.5

%

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

2,807

 

(4,018

)

6,825

 

-169.9

%

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

244

 

514

 

(270

)

-52.5

%

Other operating expenses

 

6,677

 

4,850

 

1,827

 

37.7

%

Administrative and general expenses

 

12,614

 

10,342

 

2,272

 

22.0

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,634

 

4,734

 

1,900

 

40.1

%

Maintenance

 

3,395

 

2,905

 

490

 

16.9

%

Property and other taxes

 

2,656

 

2,572

 

84

 

3.3

%

Net gain on sale of property

 

(124

)

-

 

124

 

100.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

58,705

 

46,320

 

12,385

 

26.7

%

OPERATING INCOME

 

15,036

 

21,771

 

(6,735

)

-30.9

%

Interest expense

 

(5,349

)

193

 

5,542

 

2871.5

%

Interest income

 

695

 

745

 

(50

)

-6.7

%

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

10,382

 

22,709

 

(12,327

)

-54.3

%

Income tax expense

 

4,809

 

10,475

 

(5,666

)

-54.1

%

NET INCOME

 

$

5,573

 

$

12,234

 

$

(6,661

)

-54.4

%

 

 

Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2006 decreased by 54.4% to $5.6 million, equivalent to $0.32 per common share on both a basic and fully diluted basis, compared to $12.2 million or $0.72 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Significantly impacting the comparability in the results of the two periods are the following two items:

32




 

·                    A favorable decision issued by the CPUC on July 21, 2005 regarding the Aerojet memorandum account which added about $4.3 million to net income in July 2005 or approximately $0.25 per share. GSWC was authorized to collect the balance of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account of approximately $21.3 million, through a rate surcharge, which will continue for no longer than 20 years.  As a result of this decision, in July 2005 GSWC recorded an increase of approximately $6.2 million to the Aerojet regulatory asset to include previously expensed carrying and other costs, and recorded a corresponding pre-tax gain.  In addition, GSWC was ordered to restore to the appropriate plant accounts, those amounts that have been reimbursed by Aerojet pursuant to the settlement. This resulted in GSWC recording an approximate $1.0 million decrease to depreciation expense during the third quarter of 2005.  There were no similar entries during the third quarter of 2006.  The following is a summary of the impact on the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 resulting from this decision:

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

 

Power purchased for resale

 

($31,230

)

Other operating expenses

 

(459,415

)

Administrative and general expenses

 

(16,963

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(992,232

)

Total pre-tax impact to operating expenses

 

(1,499,840

)

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(5,084,551

)

Interest income

 

(607,083

)

Total net interest charges

 

(5,691,634

)

 

 

 

 

Total pre-tax impact to results of operations

 

$

7,191,474

 

Impact to taxes on income

 

2,930,238

 

Total impact to net income

 

$

4,261,236

 

 

 

 

 

Impact to Basic Earnings per Share

 

$

0.25

 

Impact to Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$

0.25

 

 

·                  There was a pretax unrealized loss on purchased power contracts in 2006 due to decreasing energy prices versus a pretax unrealized gain on purchased power contracts in 2005. The cumulative unrealized loss on purchased power contracts decreased pretax income by approximately $2.8 million, or $0.10 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to a cumulative unrealized gain on purchased power contracts that increased pretax income by $4.0 million, or $0.14 per share, for the same period in 2005.

 

Eliminating the effects of the two items discussed above, basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2006 would have actually increased by $0.09 per share as compared to the same period last year, resulting primarily from higher water revenues due to increased customer rates and consumption due to warmer weather conditions, offset partially by higher operating expenses, as further discussed below.

 

Operating Revenues

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, revenues from water operations increased by 7.3% to $65.0 million, compared to $60.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. An increase of 1.5% in billed water consumption resulting from changes in weather conditions increased revenues by approximately $524,000. In addition, higher water revenues reflecting rate increases since the third quarter of 2005 covering almost all water customers contributed $3.6 million in increased revenues for the third quarter of 2006. Differences in temperature and rainfall in Registrant’s service areas impact sales of water to customers, causing fluctuations in Registrant’s revenues and earnings between comparable periods.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, revenues from electric operations decreased by 1.5% to $6.4 million compared to $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease primarily

33




reflects lower new connection, reconnection and miscellaneous fees charged to customers during the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to same period in 2005.  This decrease was partially offset by a slight increase in kilowatt-hour (“KWh”) usage, due to changes in weather conditions. During the third quarter of 2006, the Big Bear area experienced a heat wave. Temperatures ran above normal and residential customers used more power for fans and central air, as well as the commercial customers which required more power for air cooling and freezers compared to the third quarter of 2005

 

Registrant relies upon rate approvals by state regulatory agencies in California and Arizona, in order to recover operating expenses and provide for a fair return on invested and borrowed capital used to fund utility plant. Without adequate rate relief granted in a timely manner, revenues and earnings can be negatively impacted.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, other operating revenues increased by 131.6% to $2.3 million compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to $954,000 of additional revenues generated by ASUS from operating the water and wastewater systems pursuant to new contracts at military bases. In addition, revenues increased due to a decision issued by the CPUC on April 13, 2006 enabling GSWC to record water rights lease revenues from the City of Folsom subsequent to January 2004, as income. Prior to this decision, the apportionment of any lease revenues that GSWC collected in 2004 and 2005 had been included in a regulatory liability account and no amounts were recognized as revenues until uncertainties about this matter were resolved. For the third quarter 2006, Registrant recorded additional water lease revenues of $311,000.

 

Operating Expenses

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, purchased water costs decreased by 4.5% to $15.1 million compared to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease is due primarily to a favorable change in the supply mix caused by less purchased water needed to replace contaminated groundwater supply or wells temporarily out of service in 2005. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, 46.3% of Registrant’s supply mix was purchased water as compared to 49.8% purchased water for the three months ended September 30, 2005. During the same period last year, there were additional purchases of water needed to replace contaminated groundwater supply lost due to wells being removed from service resulting from water quality issues and mechanical problems, particularly in GSWC’s Foothill district. The cost of purchased water in this district decreased by approximately $616,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2005 as a result of certain wells being returned to operation in 2006.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the cost of power purchased for pumping increased by 10.7% to $3.6 million compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due to an increase in KWh usage by Registrant caused by higher pumping volume due to the favorable supply mix change discussed above.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, groundwater production assessments increased by 7.0% to $2.5 million as compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due to increases in well production resulting from the supply mix change and increased consumption. There were also increases in assessment rates levied against groundwater production, effective July 2006. Average pump tax rates increased in GSWC’s Regions II and III by approximately 2% and 4%, respectively.

 

Changes in the water resource mix between water supplied from purchased sources and that supplied from Registrant’s own wells can increase/decrease actual supply-related costs relative to that approved for recovery through rates, thereby impacting earnings either negatively or positively. Registrant has the opportunity to change the supply-related costs recovered through rates by application to the appropriate regulatory body. Registrant believes that its applications for recovery of supply-related costs accurately reflect the water supply situation as it is known at the time. However, without additional regulatory mechanisms, it is not possible to wholly protect earnings from adverse changes in supply costs related to unforeseen contamination or other loss of water supply.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, cost of power purchased for resale to customers in GSWC’s Bear Valley Electric division decreased by 13.5% to $2.7 million compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, reflecting lower costs of energy in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to the same period of 2005 in the spot market. The third quarter of 2005 was characterized by high energy costs due to the effects of hurricanes and uncertainty in the energy markets. The same period in 2006, with no significant hurricane activity, saw spot market costs decline from 2005 levels. This decrease to the cost of power purchased for resale was offset partially by higher customer demand during the third quarter of 2006.

34




 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts represents losses and gains recorded for GSWC’s purchased power agreements with Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (“PWCC”), which qualify as derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The $2.8 million pretax unrealized loss on purchased power contracts for the three months ended September 30, 2006 is due to a decrease in the current forward market prices since June 30, 2006. There was a $4.0 million pretax unrealized gain on purchased power contracts for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Unrealized gains and losses at Bear Valley Electric will continue to impact earnings during the life of the contract with PWCC, which terminates in 2008.

 

A decrease of $270,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2006 in the provision for supply cost balancing accounts as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to the recording in 2006 of a $1.4 million under-collection related to the 2006 year-to-date supply cost memorandum account resulting from the elimination of the earnings test.  This change was authorized by the CPUC in April 2006.  This decrease was offset by: (i) an increase of $654,000 in the third quarter of 2006 related to the amortization of the water supply cost balancing accounts approved by the CPUC in August and September of 2005, and (ii) a net increase of $504,000 in the electric supply cost balancing account resulting from the lower offset cost of power.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, other operating expenses increased by 37.7% to $6.7 million compared to $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to: (i) higher operating expenses of $519,000 at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of the operations of the water and wastewater systems pursuant to new military contracts in Maryland and Virginia in early 2006; (ii) a $459,000 downward adjustment in July of 2005 reflecting the approval from the CPUC of previously incurred operating expenses in the Aerojet matter, previously discussed; (iii) higher chemicals and water treatment costs of $266,000 at GSWC; (iv) higher labor costs as a result of higher wages which increased by approximately $164,000 at GSWC; (v) an increase of $226,000 in bad debt expense at GSWC relating to miscellaneous accounts receivable balances, and (vi) a net increase of $193,000 in various other miscellaneous operating expenses.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, administrative and general expenses increased by 22.0% to $12.6 million compared to $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due to: (i) administrative and general expenses of $446,000 at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of the operations of the water and wastewater systems pursuant to new military contracts in Maryland and Virginia; (ii) an increase of approximately $683,000 in various employee benefit costs including stock-based compensation expense of $102,000 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) effective January 1, 2006; (iii) an increase of $994,000 in outside services relating primarily to tax and legal services at GSWC, and (iv) higher labor costs as a result of higher wages which increased by approximately $118,000 at GSWC. 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, depreciation and amortization expense increased by 40.1% to $6.6 million compared to $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 reflecting, among other things, the effects of closing approximately $100 million of additions to utility plant during 2005, depreciation on which began in January 2006. In addition, there was a decrease in depreciation expense in 2005 resulting from the favorable CPUC decision on the Aerojet matter, discussed previously, which ordered GSWC in July of 2005 to restore approximately $1.0 million to the appropriate plant accounts and decrease depreciation expense.  There was no such adjustment in 2006. Registrant anticipates that depreciation expense will continue to increase due to Registrant’s on-going construction program at its regulated subsidiaries. Registrant believes that depreciation expense related to property additions approved by the appropriate regulatory agency will be recovered through water and electric rates.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, maintenance expense increased by 16.9% to $3.4 million compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due principally to an increase in required maintenance on GSWC’s wells and water supply sources. There were also increases in well treatment and emergency repair costs. Furthermore, there was an increase of $61,000 at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of the operations of the water and wastewater systems pursuant to new military contracts in Maryland and Virginia.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, property and other taxes increased by 3.3% to $2.7 million compared to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 reflecting additional property taxes resulting from higher assessed values, and increases in payroll taxes based on increased labor costs.

35




 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, Registrant recorded a net pre-tax gain of $124,000 on the sale of non-utility property.  There was no similar gain in the same period of 2005.

 

Interest Expense

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, interest expense increased by $5.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 reflecting primarily the approval from the CPUC in July of 2005 for the recovery of previously incurred and expensed interest costs totaling $5.1 million in the Aerojet memorandum account, discussed previously.   In addition, the increase also reflects increases in long-term debt interest expense of $585,000 due to $40.0 million of additional private placement notes issued at GSWC in October 2005. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in short-term cash borrowings. Average bank loan balances outstanding under an AWR credit facility for the third quarter of 2006 were approximately $26.5 million, as compared to an average of $50.8 million during the same period of 2005. However, the decrease in short-term bank loan balances was also partially offset by higher interest rates.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income decreased by 6.7% during the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 reflecting primarily the decision from the CPUC in 2005 on the Aerojet matter, which resulted in the recognition of interest income totaling approximately $607,000 earned on the $8.0 million Aerojet long-term note receivable.  The recording of the interest income had been deferred pending this final CPUC decision.  This decrease was offset by increases due primarily to: (i) interest accrued on the uncollected balance of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account authorized by the CPUC of $279,000; (ii) interest income totaling $173,000 earned from the U.S. Government for costs incurred on capital upgrade projects at Andrews Air Force Base, and (iii) interest earned on short-term cash surplus.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, income tax expense decreased by 54.1% to $4.8 million compared to $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to a decrease in pretax income of 54.3%. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended September 30, 2006 increased slightly to 46.3% as compared to a 46.1% ETR applicable to the three months ended September 30, 2005. The variance between the ETR and the statutory tax rate is primarily the result of differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements. Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting increase or decrease occurring in another period. During the second quarter of 2005, the recognition of the federal effect of state taxes was adjusted to conform to the flow-through method reflected in the tax calculation for ratemaking purposes, which partially defers the recognition of the effect to the subsequent tax year. This increased income tax expense by $33,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

36




Consolidated Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in thousand)

 

 

 

9 MOS
ENDED
9/30/2006

 

9 MOS
ENDED
9/30/2005

 

$
CHANGE

 

%
CHANGE

 

OPERATING REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

$

166,233

 

$

155,611

 

$

10,622

 

6.8

%

Electric

 

21,816

 

20,105

 

1,711

 

8.5

%

Other

 

8,437

 

2,721

 

5,716

 

210.1

%

Total operating revenues

 

196,486

 

178,437

 

18,049

 

10.1

%

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water purchased

 

34,326

 

35,742

 

(1,416

)

-4.0

%

Power purchased for pumping

 

7,620

 

6,923

 

697

 

10.1

%

Groundwater production assessment

 

6,799

 

6,079

 

720

 

11.8

%

Power purchased for resale

 

10,470

 

9,922

 

548

 

5.5

%

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts

 

5,886

 

(7,492

)

13,378

 

-178.6

%

Supply cost balancing accounts

 

(93

)

1,042

 

(1,135

)

-108.9

%

Other operating expenses

 

17,264

 

15,138

 

2,126

 

14.0

%

Administrative and general expenses

 

34,628

 

32,456

 

2,172

 

6.7

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,726

 

16,123

 

3,603

 

22.3

%

Maintenance

 

9,113

 

7,522

 

1,591

 

21.2

%

Property and other taxes

 

7,674

 

7,111

 

563

 

7.9

%

Net gain on sale of property

 

(124

)

-

 

124

 

100.0

%

Gain on settlement for removal of wells

 

-

 

(760

)

(760

)

-100.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

153,289

 

129,806

 

23,483

 

18.1

%

OPERATING INCOME

 

43,197

 

48,631

 

(5,434

)

-11.2

%

Interest expense

 

(16,037

)

(9,341

)

6,696

 

71.7

%

Interest income

 

2,643

 

801

 

1,842

 

230.0

%

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

29,803

 

40,091

 

(10,288

)

-25.7

%

Income tax expense

 

12,061

 

18,358

 

(6,297

)

-34.3

%

NET INCOME

 

$

17,742

 

$

21,733

 

$

(3,991

)

-18.4

%

 

Net income decreased by 18.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, to $17.7 million, which is equivalent to $1.03 per common share on both a basic and fully diluted basis, compared to $21.7 million or $1.29 per share on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Impacting the comparability in the results of the two periods are the following significant items:

 

·                    There was an unrealized loss on purchased power contracts in 2006 due to decreasing energy prices versus an unrealized gain on purchased power contracts in 2005. The cumulative unrealized loss on purchased power contracts decreased pretax income by approximately $5.9 million, or $0.21 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to a cumulative unrealized gain on purchased power contracts that increased pretax income by $7.5 million, or $0.26 per share increase to income, for the same period in 2005.

 

·                   As discussed in the quarterly results, the 2005 nine months recorded results reflects a favorable decision issued by the CPUC on July 21, 2005 regarding the Aerojet matter which added about $4.3

37




million to net income in July of 2005 or approximately $0.25 per share.  The impact to pretax income resulted in reduced interest charges, depreciation expense and other operating expenses as discussed below.

 

·                  A decision issued by the CPUC on April 13, 2006 regarding the treatment of GSWC’s water rights lease revenues added about $3.2 million to pretax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 or approximately $0.11 per share. In this decision, the CPUC authorized GSWC to reinvest all lease revenues since January 2004, inclusive of the balances in the regulatory liability accounts established by GSWC for this matter, in water system infrastructure. These investments will be included in the rate base upon which GSWC earns a rate of return. In accordance with California law, GSWC will have 8 years in which to reinvest the proceeds. As a result, GSWC transferred about $2.3 million of water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom in 2004 and 2005 from the regulatory liability account into other operating revenues. GSWC also recorded pretax income of $909,000 reflecting water rights lease revenues for the first, second and third quarters of 2006.

 

·                  Water rate increases contributed approximately $8.8 million to revenues, or $0.31 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This was partially offset by higher expenses as described below.

 

·                  An increase in ASUS’s pretax operating income of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per share, as compared to the same period of 2005 by operating and maintaining the water and wastewater systems for the U.S. Government. The increases included revenue recognized for certain special projects and reimbursement of various operating costs incurred during the period of transition of the operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems at military bases in Maryland and Virginia formerly owned and operated by the U.S. Government.

 

·                  A $2.4 million increase in other interest income, excluding the impact of the Aerojet decision in July 2005 mentioned above, or $0.09 per share, resulting primarily from interest accrued on the uncollected balance of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account authorized by the CPUC, interest income related to a $3.0 million Internal Revenue Service refund received in May 2006, and interest income from the U.S. Government for costs incurred on capital upgrade projects at Andrews Air Force Base

 

·                  A lower effective tax rate increased earnings by $0.09 per share resulting primarily from: (i) a $400,000 tax benefit relating to a $3.0 million IRS refund received in May 2006; and (ii) differences between book and taxable income, which are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements.

 

·                    Higher operating expenses, other than those described above, which lowered 2006 net income by an additional $0.19 per share, as more fully described below.

 

Operating Revenues

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, revenues from water operations increased by 6.8% to $166.2 million, compared to $155.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Higher water revenues reflect rate increases since the second quarter of 2005 covering almost all water customers, which contributed $8.8 million in increased revenues. In addition, an increase of about 2.0% in billed water consumption resulting from changes in weather conditions also increased revenues by approximately $1.8 million. Differences in temperature and rainfall in Registrant’s service areas impact sales of water to customers, causing fluctuations in Registrant’s revenues and earnings between comparable periods.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, revenues from electric operations increased by 8.5% to $21.8 million compared to $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increase reflects primarily a 7.4% increase in KWh usage, due to changes in weather conditions which caused the usage of snow-making machines to increase in 2006. The cooler 2006 winter weather as compared to same period last year allowed the ski resorts (industrial customers) to remain open well into May, operating their lifts and some snow-making in the evening hours. New rates authorized by the CPUC for the 8.4 megawatt (“MW”) natural gas-fueled generation facility also contributed to the increase. The new rates went into effect on April 15, 2005 and generate approximately $2.7 million in additional annual revenues, subject to refund pending the CPUC’s final cost review.

38




The new Bear Valley Electric rates have been recognized in 2006 revenues and management believes it is probable that the final CPUC cost review will not result in refunds to the customer.

 

Registrant relies upon rate approvals by state regulatory agencies in California and Arizona, in order to recover operating expenses and provide for a fair return on invested and borrowed capital used to fund utility plant. Without adequate rate relief granted in a timely manner, revenues and earnings can be negatively impacted.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, other operating revenues increased by 210.1% to $8.4 million compared to $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to a decision issued by the CPUC on April 13, 2006 enabling GSWC to record  $3.2 million of water rights lease revenues from the City of Folsom from January 2004 to September 2006. Prior to this decision, the apportionment of any lease revenues that GSWC collected in 2004 and 2005, totaling $2.3 million, had been included in a regulatory liability account and no amounts were recognized as revenues until regulatory uncertainties about this matter were resolved. Registrant also recorded additional revenue of $909,000, reflecting the first, second and third quarters of the 2006 water rights lease revenues. In addition, an increase of $2.8 million in revenues as compared to the first nine months of 2005 reflects: (i) the recording of FBWS revenue of approximately $768,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 based on the percentage of completion method of accounting for contract revenue recognition for several projects at Fort Bliss; and (ii) additional revenues totaling $2.0 million generated from operating the water and wastewater systems at Andrews Air Force Base which began operation on February 1, 2005, at Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe and Fort Story all of which began operation on April 3, 2006, and the wastewater systems at Fort Lee which began operation on February 23, 2006.

 

Operating Expenses

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, purchased water costs decreased by 4.0% to $34.3 million compared to $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease is due primarily to a change in the supply mix caused by less purchased water needed to replace groundwater supply lost in 2005. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, 44.8% of Registrant’s supply mix was purchased water as compared to 47.2% purchased water for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. During the same period last year, there were additional purchases of water needed to replace groundwater supply, due to wells being removed from service. The wells were removed from service in 2005 as a result of water quality issues and mechanical problems, particularly in GSWC’s Foothill district. The cost of purchased water in this district decreased by approximately $1.7 million as a result of the wells being returned to operation in 2006. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in customer demand resulting from higher consumption and increased water rates by purchased water suppliers.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the cost of power purchased for pumping increased by 10.1% to $7.6 million compared to $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due to an increase in KWh usage by Registrant caused by higher customer water demand and an increase in pumping volume due to the supply mix change discussed above.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, groundwater production assessments increased by 11.8% to $6.8 million as compared to $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due to increases in well production to meet higher customer demand. There were also increases in assessment rates levied against groundwater production, effective July 2005 and 2006. Average pump tax rates increased in Regions II and III in July 2006 by approximately 2% and 4%, respectively, and 5% and 20% in July 2005, respectively.

 

Changes in the water resource mix between water supplied from purchased sources and that supplied from Registrant’s own wells can increase/decrease actual supply-related costs relative to that approved for recovery through rates, thereby impacting earnings either negatively or positively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, cost of power purchased for resale to customers in GSWC’s Bear Valley Electric division increased by 5.5% to $10.5 million compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, primarily reflecting higher customer demand during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on purchased power contracts represents losses and gains recorded for GSWC’s purchased power agreements with PWCC, which qualify as derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The $5.9 million pretax unrealized loss on purchased power contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is due to a decrease in the current forward

39




market prices since December 31, 2005. There was a $7.5 million pretax unrealized gain on purchased power contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Unrealized gains and losses at Bear Valley Electric will continue to impact earnings during the life of the contract with PWCC, which terminates in 2008.

 

A decrease of $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 in the provision for supply cost balancing accounts as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to: (i) the recording of a $247,000 refund received in May 2005 from Mirant with no corresponding amount booked in the same period of 2006; (ii) the recording of a $2.7 million under-collection in the second and third quarter of 2006 related to the 2006 year-to-date supply cost memorandum account resulting from the elimination of the earnings test by the CPUC in April 2006, and (iii) the recording in April 2006 of an additional $181,000 under-collection for 2005’s supply cost memorandum account due to the elimination by the CPUC of the earnings test. These decreases were offset by: (i) the approval by the CPUC and recording in September 2005 of $1.3 million under-collection related to Region III’s 2004 supply cost memorandum account, and (ii) an increase of $884,000 in the amortization of water supply cost balancing accounts approved by the CPUC in June, August and September of 2005.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, other operating expenses increased by 14.0% to $17.3 million compared to $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to higher operating expenses of $1.2 million at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of operation of the water and wastewater systems at military bases in Maryland and Virginia. There was also a net increase of $1.3 million at GSWC primarily due to: (i) a $459,000 downward adjustment in July of 2005 reflecting the approval from the CPUC of previously incurred operating expenses in the Aerojet matter, previously discussed; (ii) higher chemicals and water treatment costs of $386,000 at GSWC; (iii) approximately $292,000 of higher labor costs as a result of higher wages at GSWC, and (iv) an increase of $248,000 in bad debt expense at GSWC relating to miscellaneous accounts receivable balances. These increases were partially offset by the increase in reimbursement of $560,000 from the U.S. Government and a contractor, for operating expenses incurred at Fort Bliss.  FBWS was separately hired by the U.S. Government as a subcontractor for certain related projects at the same base.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, administrative and general expenses increased by 6.7% to $34.6 million compared to $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 caused primarily by higher administrative and general expenses of $804,000 at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of operation of the water and wastewater systems at military bases in Maryland and Virginia in early 2006.  This increase at ODUS and TUS is net of the recovery of transition period operating expenses of about $672,000 at these military bases.  Other changes at ASUS include decreases due to: (i) an increase of $284,000 in reimbursements by the U.S. Government of indirect costs incurred by FBWS, and (ii) lower outside services and other expenses at ASUS totaling $380,000.  General and administrative expenses also increased by $2.0 million at GSWC primarily due to increases in: (i) pensions and benefits of $170,000 caused by actuarial assumption changes in the mortality tables, and increases of approximately $378,000 in various other benefit costs due primarily to increases in medical and labor costs; (ii) stock-based compensation expense of $402,000 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) effective January 1, 2006; (iii) labor cost increases of $762,000 due to higher wages, and (iv) various other office, supplies and rent expenses of $314,000.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, depreciation and amortization expense increased by 22.3% to $19.7 million compared to $16.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 reflecting, among other things, the effects of closing approximately $100 million of additions to utility plant during 2005, depreciation on which began in January 2006.  In addition, there was a decrease in depreciation expense in 2005 resulting from the favorable CPUC decision on the Aerojet matter, discussed previously, which ordered GSWC to restore approximately $1 million to the appropriate plant accounts and decrease depreciation expense in July of 2005.  There was no such adjustment in 2006.  Registrant anticipates that depreciation expense will continue to increase due to Registrant’s on-going construction program at its regulated subsidiaries. Registrant believes that depreciation expense related to property additions approved by the appropriate regulatory agency will be recovered through water and electric rates.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, maintenance expense increased by 21.2% to $9.1 million compared to $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due principally to an increase in required maintenance on GSWC’s wells and water supply sources at all Regions. There were also increases in well treatment and emergency repair costs.  Furthermore, there was an increase of: (i) $451,000 at GSWC’s electric division due to the new 8.4 MW natural gas-fueled generation facility, and (ii) $175,000 at ODUS and TUS due to the commencement of the operations of the water and wastewater systems pursuant to new military contracts in Maryland and Virginia.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, property and other taxes increased by 7.9% to $7.7 million compared to $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 reflecting additional property taxes resulting from higher assessed values, and increases in payroll taxes based on increased labor costs.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Registrant recorded a net pretax gain of $124,000 on the sale of non-utility property.  There was no similar gain in the same period of 2005.

 

  For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Registrant also recorded a net pre-tax gain of $760,000 on a settlement reached with the Fountain Hills Sanitary District (“FHSD”) in February 2005 for the capping of two CCWC wells in order to facilitate FHSD’s ability to secure certain permits. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, CCWC agreed to permanently remove from service and cap one of its wells, and cap another well which had never been used as a potable source of supply. There was no similar gain in the same period of 2006.

 

Interest Expense

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, interest expense increased $6.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 reflecting primarily the approval from the CPUC in 2005 for the recovery of previously incurred and expensed interest costs totaling $5.1 million in the Aerojet memorandum account, discussed previously.   In addition, the increase also reflects increases in long-term debt interest expense of $1.8 million primarily due to the placement of $40.0 million of notes in October 2005 coupled with increases in short-term bank loan interest rates. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in short-term cash borrowings. Average bank loan balances outstanding under an AWR credit facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were approximately $28.2 million, as compared to an average of $48.6 million during the same period of 2005.

 

Interest Income

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, interest income increased by 230% to $2.6 million compared to $801,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to: (i) interest accrued on the uncollected balance of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account authorized by the CPUC of $1.1 million; (ii) interest income of $381,000 related to a $3.0 million Internal Revenue Service refund received in May 2006; (iii) interest income totaling $345,000 earned from the U.S. Government for costs incurred on capital upgrade projects at Andrews Air Force Base, and (iv) interest earned on short-term cash surplus. These increases were partially offset by the recognition in July 2005 of approximately $607,000 in interest income earned on the $8.0 million Aerojet long-term note receivable.  The recording of the interest income had been deferred pending the final CPUC decision on the Aerojet matter.  Registrant has since been recording the interest income on the $8.0 million Aerojet long-term note receivable on a monthly basis.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, income tax expense decreased by 34.3% to $12.1 million compared to $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due, in part, to a decrease in pretax income of 25.7%.  In addition, the decrease was as a result of flow-through adjustments and a refund claim, as discussed further, below. The ETR for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 decreased by approximately 5.3 percentage points to 40.5% as compared to a 45.8% ETR applicable to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The variance between the ETR and the statutory tax rate is primarily the result of differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements. Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting increase or decrease occurring in another period. During the second quarter of 2005, the recognition of the federal effect of state taxes was adjusted to conform to the flow-through method reflected in the tax calculation for ratemaking purposes, which partially defers the recognition of the effect to the subsequent tax year. This reduced income tax expense by $171,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. During the third quarter of 2005, AWR filed an amended tax return for 2001 with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) which was subject to IRS and Congressional Joint Committee of Taxation (“JCT”) review. During the second quarter of 2006, the IRS and JCT reviews were completed and AWR received a refund in the amount of its original claim of $3.0 million, with interest. Consequently, in the second quarter of 2006, AWR recorded a tax benefit of $400,000, of which $351,000 was attributable to GSWC. The refund-claim benefit contributed to 1.3 of the 5.3 percentage point ETR reduction referred to, above.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that are important to the portrayal of AWR’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments of AWR’s management. The need to make estimates about the effect of items that are uncertain is what makes these judgments difficult, subjective and/or complex. Management makes subjective judgments about the accounting and regulatory treatment of many items. These judgments are based on AWR’s historical experience, terms of existing contracts, and AWR’s observance of trends in the industry, information provided by customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the Registrant’s financial statements that we believe affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements presented in this report are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Except for the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, there have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies. Effective January 1, 2006, Registrant began accounting for employee and directors stock-based compensation costs in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) which requires the recognition of compensation expense in the financial statements based on fair values of the stock awards. Registrant elected to adopt the modified prospective transition method as provided by SFAS No. 123(R) and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for the prior periods presented in the Form 10-Q have not been restated to reflect the fair value method of expensing share-based compensation. Registrant utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock based compensation at the date of grant, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility and expected life. Further, as required under SFAS No. 123(R), Registrant now estimates forfeitures for options granted, which are not expected to vest. The cumulative effect of adopting the change in estimating forfeitures is not material to Registrant’s financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measure of estimated fair value of Registrants share-based compensation. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) did not have a material affect on Registrant’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

AWR

 

AWR funds its operating expenses and pays dividends on its outstanding Common Shares primarily through dividends from GSWC.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $45.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $45.2 million for the same period ended September 30, 2005. The slight increase of $0.4 million was primarily attributable to higher net income after adjustments for non-cash items, which increased cash flows from operating activities by $7.5 million.  This increase was offset by the timing of cash receipts and disbursements related to working capital items, in particular the decrease in cash flows from operating activities of $5.1 million in income taxes receivable/payable resulting from the receipt of a $3.0 million federal tax refund received in May 2006 as compared to a $5.0 million federal tax refund in April 2005 as well as differences in the timing of remitting taxes which resulted in additional taxes paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to same period in 2005.

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased slightly to $51.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $52.0 million for the same period ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $8.2 million for the same period in 2005. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily caused by a decrease of about $3.6 million in advances for and contributions in aid of construction and a $12.0 million net decrease in notes payable to banks. These decreases were offset by a $5.2 million increase in proceeds from stock option exercises and the issuance of Common Shares under the Registrant’s Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan and 401(k) Plan. Cash flows from financing activities also increased by $1.1 million from the tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options.

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Registrant has paid common dividends for 75 consecutive years.  On October 27, 2006, AWR declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.235 per Common Share. The dividend, totaling approximately $4.0 million, will be paid on December 1, 2006 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on November 10, 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, AWR paid quarterly dividends to shareholders, totaling approximately $11.4 million or $0.675 per share and $11.3 million or $0.675 per share, respectively. AWR’s ability to pay cash dividends on its Common Shares outstanding depends primarily upon cash flows from GSWC.  AWR presently intends to continue paying quarterly cash dividends in the future, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, subject to earnings and financial condition, regulatory requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant.

 

In June 2005, AWR amended and restated its credit agreement which increased its borrowing limit under this facility to $85 million and extended the maturity date to June 2010. Up to $20 million of this facility may be used for letters of credit. As of September 30, 2006, an aggregate of $25.0 million in cash borrowings were included in current liabilities and approximately $11.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding under this facility. In August 2006, AWR filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the sale from time to time of debt and equity securities. As of September 30, 2006, approximately $156.5 million was available for issuance under this Registration Statement.

 

Registrant anticipates that interest costs will increase in future periods due to potential market interest rate increases and the need for additional external capital to fund its construction program. In December of 2005, S&P revised AWR’s rating from A- negative to A- stable. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default). Securities ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold a security and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. Registrant believes that costs associated with capital used to fund construction at its regulated subsidiaries will continue to be recovered in water and electric rates charged to customers.

 

GSWC

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $47.2 million for the same period in 2005. The slight increase of $0.5 million was primarily attributable to higher net income after adjustments for non-cash items, which increased cash flows from operating activities by approximately $6.5 million.  This increase was offset by higher general rate case costs, lower tax refunds received in 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 as well as differences in the timing of remitting taxes, and the timing of cash receipts and disbursements related to other working capital items.

 

Net cash used in investing activities increased slightly to $49.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $48.8 million for the same period in 2005.

 

Net cash used by financing activities was $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $3.0 million for the same period in 2005. The decrease reflects a $2.9 million decrease in the receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction, and a net decrease of $4.8 million in intercompany borrowings.

 

GSWC funds the majority of its operating expenses, payments on its debt, and dividends on its outstanding common shares through internal sources. Internal sources of cash flow are provided primarily by retention of a portion of earnings from operating activities. Internal cash generation is influenced by factors such as weather patterns, environmental regulation, litigation, changes in supply costs and regulatory decisions affecting GSWC’s ability to recover these supply costs, and the timing of rate relief.

 

GSWC also relies on external sources, including equity investments and short-term borrowings from AWR, long-term debt, contributions in aid of construction, advances for construction and install-and-convey advances to fund the majority of its construction expenditures. GSWC has a Registration Statement on file with the SEC for issuance from time to time, of up to $100.0 million of debt securities. As of September 30, 2006, $50.0 million remained for issuance under this Registration Statement, subject to regulatory approval from the CPUC for issuance of additional debt.

 

On October 11, 2005, CoBank, ACB purchased a 5.87% Senior Note due December 20, 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million from GSWC. The proceeds were used to pay down GSWC’s intercompany short-term borrowings.

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In February 2005, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) changed the rating outlook for $175 million of senior unsecured debt at GSWC from A2 negative to A2 stable. Moody’s debt ratings range from Aaa (best quality) to C (lowest quality). In December 2005, S&P changed its debt rating for GSWC from A- negative to A- stable. Securities ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold a security and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency.

 

CCWC

 

CCWC funds the majority of its operating expenses, payments on its debt and dividends, if any, through internal operating sources or short-term borrowings from AWR. CCWC also relies on external sources, including long-term debt, contributions in aid of construction, advances for construction and install-and-convey advances, to fund the majority of its construction expenditures.

 

ASUS

 

ASUS funds its operating expenses primarily through management fees and investments by or loans from AWR. ASUS, in turn, provides funding to its subsidiaries.

 

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

 

Registrant has various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and operating leases are not recognized as liabilities in the consolidated financial statements, but are required to be disclosed.

 

In addition to contractual maturities, Registrant has certain debt instruments that contain annual sinking fund or other principal payments. Registrant believes that it will be able to refinance debt instruments at their maturity through public issuance, or private placement, of debt or equity. Annual principal and interest payments are generally made from cash flow from operations.

 

There have been no material changes to AWR’s contractual obligations and other commitments since December 31, 2005. See “Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments” section of the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2005 for a detailed discussion of contractual obligations and other commitments.

 

Regulatory Matters

 

GSWC is subject to regulation by the CPUC, which has broad powers with respect to service and facilities, rates, classification of accounts, valuation of properties, the purchase, disposition and mortgaging of properties necessary or useful in rendering public utility service, the issuance of securities, the granting of certificates of public convenience and necessity as to the extension of services and facilities and various other matters. CCWC is subject to regulation by the ACC.

 

Rates that GSWC and CCWC are authorized to charge are determined by the CPUC and the ACC, respectively, in general rate cases and are derived using rate base, cost of service and cost of capital, as projected for a future test year in California and using an historical test year, as adjusted, in Arizona. Rates charged to customers vary according to customer class and rate jurisdiction and are generally set at levels allowing for recovery of prudently incurred costs, including a fair return on rate base. Rate base generally consists of the original cost of utility plant in service, plus certain other assets, such as working capital and inventory, less accumulated depreciation on utility plant in service, deferred income tax liabilities and certain other deductions.

 

GSWC is required to file a general rate case (“GRC”) application every three years for each of its water rate-making areas according to a schedule established by the CPUC. GRCs typically include an increase in year one and step increases for the second and third years. Rates are based on a forecast of expenses and capital investments. GRCs have a typical regulatory processing time of one year. In California, rates may be increased by offsets for certain expense increases, including but not limited to supply cost offset and balancing account amortization, and advice letter filings related to certain plant additions and other operating cost increases. Offset rate increases and advice letter filings typically have a two to four month regulatory lag.

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Neither the operations nor rates of AWR and ASUS are directly regulated by the CPUC or the ACC. The CPUC and the ACC do, however, regulate certain transactions between GSWC and CCWC and their affiliates.

 

The amounts charged by the subsidiaries of ASUS for water and wastewater services at military bases are based upon the terms of 50-year contracts with the U.S. Government. Prices will be re-determined at the end of two years after commencement of operations at each military base and generally every three years thereafter. In addition, prices may be equitably adjusted for changes in law, wage and benefit increases and other circumstances.

 

Recent Changes in Rates

 

On January 12, 2006, the CPUC approved GSWC’s Region III rate case. The authorized rate increase for 2006 was made effective January 19, 2006 and is expected to provide GSWC additional annual revenue approximating $5.4 million in 2006 based on a return on equity of 9.8%. For the second and the third years of this three-year GRC, the CPUC approved an annual increase of approximately $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively, subject to certain earnings tests.

 

On November 14, 2005, GSWC filed advice letters with the CPUC for step increases for Region I in an amount of approximately $0.6 million and an attrition increase of approximately $5.2 million for Region II, both of which were approved and became effective on January 1, 2006.

 

Pending Rate Changes in 2006

 

In February 2006, GSWC filed an application with the CPUC for rate increases in Region II and to cover general office expenses at the Corporate Headquarters. In the filing, GSWC requested rate increases which are expected to generate approximately $14.9 million in annual revenues starting in 2007, with additional increases of $4.7 million in 2008 and $6.9 million in 2009. A decision on this application is expected in late 2006. Management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this rate case.

 

Other Regulatory Matters

 

New Service Territiory Application

 

GSWC has entered into a water transfer agreement with Natomas for 30,000 acre-feet of water to be used exclusively by GSWC to serve Sutter County, California. GSWC filed for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the CPUC on May 31, 2006 to provide retail water service in a portion of Sutter County, California. CPUC review of the application is pending, subject to completion of an environmental assessment.

 

Finance Application

 

In October of 2006, GSWC filed with the CPUC an application requesting authorization for it to issue, sell and deliver by public offering or private placement securities not exceeding $200.0 million in aggregate offering amount, said securities consisting of, but not limited to, common shares and preferred shares, bonds, debentures, medium-term notes, loans and tax exempt debt.  GSWC will use the net proceeds to first pay down all or a portion of its then outstanding short-term debt, fund its construction expenditures, and acquire utility properties.

State-Wide Rate Application

 

In September 2006, GSWC filed an application with the CPUC for authority to implement changes in certain ratemaking mechanisms and reallocation of rates within its entire service territory in California.  The application requests authority from the CPUC to implement certain rate setting mechanisms, including the following:

 

·                                          Establishment of a Water Quality Memorandum Account or Water Quality Compliance Offset Account to, among other things, permit full recovery of costs relating to water quality compliance.

·                                          Measures to encourage and support water supply planning and investment.

·                                          Changes to existing GSWC water shortage or emergency procedures and mandatory conservation and rationing penalties.

·                                          Establishment of an Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge to encourage and support infrastructure replacement needs.

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·                                          To eliminate disincentives to conserve water and eliminate fluctuations in revenues due to weather, the establishment of a Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism to decouple sales from revenues.

·                                          Consolidation of GSWC’s existing offset balancing accounts, allowance for full cost recovery of supply offset costs, and elimination of a related earnings test.

·                                          Establishment of an increasing block rate structure to promote water conservation and rates that more accurately reflect the value of service.

·                                          Consolidation of GSWC’s existing ratemaking districts into a state-wide, single tariff price rate structure to encourage and support long-term rate stability and affordability.

·                                          Measures to provide appropriate incentives and procedures to carry out the Commission's objective of consolidation of non-viable water companies.

 

GSWC’s overall revenues are not intended to increase or decrease as a result of this Application.

 

Memorandum Supply Cost Accounts

 

In a CPUC decision issued on June 19, 2003 related to memorandum supply cost accounts, all water utilities regulated by the CPUC were required to seek review of under- and over- collections by filing an advice letter annually. In addition, the utility’s recovery of such expenses was reduced by the amount exceeding the authorized rate-of return (earnings test). On April 13, 2006, the CPUC issued a decision to remove these requirements. Pursuant to this order, GSWC recognized a cumulative under-collection of approximately $636,000 to the supply cost memorandum account provisions in the second quarter of 2006 for the under-collected balances not recognized at March 31, 2006 and began recording under- and over- collections on a monthly basis thereafter. 

 

GSWC intends to file for recovery of the net under-collected supply costs with the CPUC in 2006 or in subsequent general rate case proceedings. GSWC filed advice letters in October 2006 for a $1.7 million increase in supply cost and recovery of $2.0 million of previously under-collected supply cost  for GSWC’s Region I, for a total revenue increase of $3.7 million.  Management believes that it is probable that the CPUC will permit GSWC to recover in rates the net under-collections in supply costs.

 

Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Adjudication

 

In 1997, the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District (“plaintiff”) filed a lawsuit against multiple defendants, including GSWC, the City of Santa Maria, and several other public water purveyors. The plaintiff’s lawsuit seeks an adjudication of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin. A settlement of the lawsuit has been reached, subject to CPUC approval. The settlement, among other things, if approved by the CPUC, would preserve GSWC’s historical pumping rights and secure supplemental water rights for use in case of drought or other reductions in the natural yield of the Santa Maria Basin. There are also a small number of nonsettling parties, and the case is going forward as to their claims. The stipulation, if approved, would preserve GSWC’s position with the settling parties independent of the outcome of the case as it moves forward with the nonsettling parties. GSWC can not predict the outcome of the case as to the nonsettling parties.

 

As of September 30, 2006, GSWC has incurred costs of approximately $6.3 million in defending its rights in the Santa Maria Basin, including legal and expert witness fees, which have been recorded in Utility Plant for rate recovery. In February 2006, GSWC filed for recovery of these costs with the CPUC. Management believes that the recovery of these costs through rates is probable.

 

Refund of Water Rights Lease Revenues

 

In 1994, GSWC entered into a contract to lease to the City of Folsom 5,000 acre-feet per year of water rights from the American River. GSWC included all associated revenues in a nonoperating income account. In a decision issued on March 16, 2004, the CPUC ordered GSWC to refund 70 percent of the total amount of lease revenues received since 1994, plus interest, to customers. On April 13, 2006, the CPUC authorized GSWC to reinvest all lease revenues received from the City of Folsom since January, 2004, inclusive of the balances in the regulatory liability accounts, in water system infrastructure and to include such investments in the rate base upon which GSWC earns a rate of return. As a result, GSWC transferred about $2.3 million of water rights lease revenues received from the City of Folsom in 2004 and 2005 from the regulatory liability account into income and recorded an additional pretax income of $311,000 and $909,000 reflecting the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, water rights lease revenues.

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Recovery of cost of tree removal and mitigation for Bark Beetle Infestation

 

In a Proclamation issued on March 7, 2003 former Governor Gray Davis declared a State of Emergency with respect to a severe fire risk caused by dead and dying trees plagued by drought and a major bark beetle infestation in the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. On April 3, 2003, the CPUC issued an order requiring Southern California Edison Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Bear Valley Electric to take all reasonable and necessary actions to mitigate the increased fire hazard by removing dead, dying or diseased trees from falling or contacting distribution and transmission lines within their rights of way and to ensure compliance with existing vegetation clearance statutes and regulations. The utilities, including Bear Valley Electric, are authorized to make annual advice letter filings requesting recovery of the costs of complying with this order. On April 13, 2006, the CPUC approved GSWC’s request for the amortization of about $351,000 for costs incurred through June 30, 2005 plus interest in the Bark Beetle Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account. At September 30, 2006, approximately $596,000, which includes the $351,000, has been incurred and is recorded as a regulatory asset on the balance sheets.

 

Outside Services Memorandum Account

 

In April 2006, the CPUC approved GSWC’s Region II advice letter which requested recovery of the expenses recorded in the Outside Services Memorandum Account (“OSMA”), as of December 31, 2005. The decision authorized the recovery of this memorandum account to record costs incurred while working with the Water Replenishment District (“WRD”), WRD Technical Advisory Committee, Central and West Basin Municipal Water Districts, Metropolitan Water District, West Basin Water Association and Central Basin Water Association on water supply reliability and rate-related issues in Region II. GSWC incurred approximately $374,000 and $345,000 in the OSMA in 2004 and 2005, respectively. GSWC sought and received authorization to amortize the cumulative total of approximately $719,000 over a 12-month period through customer rates. Accordingly, GSWC recorded a regulatory asset for this amount in April of 2006 with an offset and reduction to outside legal services during the second quarter of 2006. A surcharge went into effect in April of 2006 and accordingly, GSWC began amortizing the OSMA account. Revenues of approximately $200,000 and $304,000 were received from customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, relating to this surcharge. The surcharge will be in effect over a 12-month period.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Registrant’s subsidiaries are subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations including the 1996 amendments to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; enhanced surface water treatment rules; regulation of disinfectant/disinfection by-products; the long-term enhanced surface water treatment rules; ground water treatment rule; contaminant regulation of radon and arsenic; and unregulated contaminants monitoring rule.

 

Additional information on these requirements and other significant environmental matters are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” included in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

In 1998, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“AQMD”) issued a permit to GSWC for the installation and use of air stripping equipment at one of GSWC’s groundwater treatment systems in its Region II service area.   In 2005, the AQMD conducted an inspection of this facility and issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) for exceeding the amount of groundwater permitted to be treated by the treatment system during calendar year 2004.  Since receiving the NOV, changes in GSWC procedures have prevented additional violations at the facility.  The AQMD could assess penalties associated with an NOV that can range from $10,000 up to $75,000 per day of violation.  GSWC estimates that it was in violation approximately 180 days in 2004.  GSWC has met with AQMD to ensure future compliance and resolve the NOV.  As part of this, GSWC also promptly submitted an application to amend the permit as an amendment may have been necessary for continued operation of the subject air stripping equipment.

 

The AQMD has recently recommended that GSWC be allowed to pursue a Supplemental Environmental Program (“SEP”) as part of the settlement of the NOV. A SEP typically involves capital expenditures resulting in a change of process, equipment, material, or indirect source reduction for the purposes of eliminating or reducing air contaminant emissions.  As part of going forward with its permit amendment application, GSWS would amend its current application to also include the addition of additional controls to the facility to reduce emissions.  The

47




penalties which GSWC has been informed might be assessed, could likely be reduced or avoided through the settlement of this matter based on the possible funding of a SEP.  In October 2006, GSWC submitted initial capital cost estimates to the AQMD for the installation and operation of granular activated carbon filters at the facility as a proposed SEP which would eliminate the use of the air stripping equipment.  Initial discussions indicate that AQMD staff has favorably received GSWC’s proposal and if approved, it could result in the imposition of only a nominal monetary penalty.  However, until further notice from the AQMD on the proposed SEP, GSWC cannot reasonably estimate the amount of penalties which might be assessed. 

 

There have been no other material changes in any of the environmental matters discussed in the Form 10-K since December 31, 2005.

 

Water Supply

 

The adequacy of Registrant’s water supplies vary from year to year depending upon a variety of factors, including rainfall, availability of Colorado River water and imported water from northern California, the amount of water stored in reservoirs and groundwater basins, the amount of water used by Registrant’s customers and others, water quality and legal limitations on use.

 

Population growth and increases in the amount of water used have increased limitations on use in order to prevent over-drafting of groundwater basins. The importation of water from the Colorado River, one of GSWC’s important sources of supply, is expected to decrease in future years due to the requirements of the Central Arizona Project (“CAP”) and other limitations on the amount of water that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“MWD”) is entitled to take from the Colorado River. MWD is expected to increase its efforts to secure additional supplies from conservation, desalination and water exchanges with the agricultural water users.

 

CCWC obtains its water supply from operating wells and from the Colorado River through the CAP. CCWC’s water supply may be subject to interruption or reduction if there is an interruption or reduction in CAP water. In addition, CCWC’s ability to provide water service to new real estate developments is dependent upon its ability to meet the requirements of the Arizona Department of Water Resources regarding its assured water supply account.

 

The U.S. Government is responsible for supplying water on military bases under the terms of contracts of the subsidiaries of ASUS with the U.S. Government.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Registrant is subject to newly issued requirements as well as changes in existing requirements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. See Note 1 included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure on new accounting pronouncements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Registrant is exposed to certain market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, and commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in prevailing market rates and prices. There have been no material changes regarding Registrant’s market risk position from the information provided in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are discussed in Item 7A-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, contained in Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a)          Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness, as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report, of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, were adequate and effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)          Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2006, that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

An officer of the Company has asserted a potential claim against the Company for retaliation against the officer and others in connection with alleged discriminatory conduct by the Company and its Board of Directors. Although management believes that the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them, the Company retained an independent investigator to review the allegations and investigate the facts. Based upon the results of such investigation, the Company does not believe, but can give no assurance, that the ultimate resolution of this mater will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

There have been no material developments in any of the legal proceedings described in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Registrant is subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Other than those disclosed in this section and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, no other legal proceedings are pending, which are believed to be material. Management believes that rate recovery, proper insurance coverage and reserves are in place to insure against property, general liability and workers’ compensation claims incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no significant changes in the risk factors disclosed in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The shareholders of AWR have approved the material features of all equity compensation plans under which AWR directly issues equity securities. AWR did not directly issue any unregistered equity securities during the third quarter of 2006.

 

The following table provides information about repurchases of Common Shares by AWR during the third quarter of 2006:

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(1)

 

Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs

 

July 1 – 31, 2006

 

891

(2)

$

36.64

 

 

NA(3)

 

August 1 - 31, 2006

 

80

(2)

$

37.50

 

 

NA(3)

 

September 1 - 30, 2006

 

57

(2)

$

38.07

 

 

NA(3)

 

Total

 

1,028

 

$

36.79

 

 

NA(3)

 


(1)      None of the Common Shares were purchased pursuant to any publicly announced stock repurchase program.

(2)      All of these Common Shares were acquired on the open market for new participants in the Company’s Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

(3)      None of these plans contain a maximum number of Common Shares that may be purchased in the open market under the plans.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No items were submitted during the third quarter of the 2006 fiscal year covered by this report to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise. 

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Item 5. Other Information

 

(a) On October 27, 2006, the Board of Directors of Registrant declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.235 per common share. The dividend will be paid December 1, 2006 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 10, 2006.

 

Mr. Gary King was elected as a Class II director of the Company, effective November 7, 2006 with a term expiring at the annual meeting of the Company in 2008 and as a director of two of its subsidiaries, Golden State Water Company and Chaparral City Water Company, with a term expiring on the date of the annual meeting of each of these subsidiaries in 2007. There is no arrangement or understanding pursuant to which Mr. King was elected a director. Mr. King was also named as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Under the terms of the  Company’s Amended 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, Mr. King was automatically granted an option to purchase 3,000 of the Common Shares of the Company at an exercise price of $36.63 per share, effective on the date of his appointment as a director. Each option is exercisable upon the date of grant and will expire ten years after the date of grant, unless Mr. King’s services as a director are terminated for cause. Mr. King will be entitled to receive director and committee fees on the same basis as other directors, except that Mr. King’s retainer for service as a director for the remainder of 2006, will be reduced to $3,333.33. The Board also approved the execution of an Indemnification Agreement with Mr. King in the same form executed by the Company with its other directors.  

 

The Company amended its bylaws on November 7, 2006 to increase the size of its Board of Directors from six to seven.

 

(b) There have been no material changes during the third quarter of 2006 to the procedures by which shareholders may nominate persons to the Board of Directors of AWR.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a)          The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this report:

 

3.1

 

Bylaws of American States Water Company, as amended (1)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Golden State Water Company, as amended (1)

 

 

 

10.1

 

Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (1) (3)

 

 

 

10.2

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors (1) (3)

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for AWR (1)

 

 

 

31.1.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for GSWC (1)

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for AWR (1)

 

 

 

31.2.1

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for GSWC (1)

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (2)

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (2)


(1)    Filed concurrently herewith

(2)    Furnished concurrently herewith

(3)    Compensatory benefit agreement

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized and as its principal financial officer.

 

 

AMERICAN STATES WATER COMPANY
and its subsidiary
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Robert J. Sprowls

 

 

 

 

Robert J. Sprowls

 

 

 

 

Senior Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

 

 

Dated: November 8, 2006

 

 

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