American States Water Co (AWR) 2015 Q4 法說會逐字稿

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the American States Water Company conference call discussing the Company's fourth-quarter and full-year 2015 results. The call is being recorded. If you would like to listen to the replay of this call, it will begin this afternoon at approximately 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and run through Thursday, March3, 2016, on the Company's website, www.aswater.com.

(Operator Instructions)

This call will be limited to an hour. As a reminder, certain matters discussed during this conference call may be forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please review a description of the Company's risks and uncertainties in our most recent Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

At this time, I would like turn the call over to Eva Tang, Chief Financial Officer of American States Water Company.

Thank you, Carrie. Good afternoon, and welcome, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. On the call with me today is our President and CEO, Bob Sprowls.

I will start by reviewing our financial results. Diluted earnings for the year ended 2015 were $1.60 per share, which is $0.03 per share increase as compared to $1.57 in 2014. For the fourth quarter of 2015, diluted earnings were $0.31 per share compared to $0.35 per share for the same period in 2014.

I will first discuss the key items that affected our fourth-quarter results. For the quarter, revenue at our water segment decreased $830,000, due mainly to a delay in recognizing $1.4 million of water revenue adjustment mechanism, or the WRAM revenue, partially offset by rate increases approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.

As we discussed in our third-quarter earnings call, under the accounting guidance for alternative revenue programs, we can only recognize WRAM revenue for amounts collectible within 24 months following the year in which they are recorded. Please note that the accounting guidance affects the timing of when we can recognize the WRAM revenue but not the collectibility of the WRAMs.

We have just filed with the CPUC for recovery of the 2015 WRAM balances, including the $1.4 million. Under the current CPUC amortization guidelines, we expect to collect the balances between 12 to 36 months. The $1.4 million will be recognized as revenue when it becomes collectible within 24 months. At this time, we estimate the majority of the $1.4 million will be recognized as revenue in 2016.

As part of our pending water general rate case, the forecasted consumption used to set rates for 2016 through 2018 reflects state-mandated consumption levels. Therefore, we do not expect the WRAM balances during the next rate case cycle to continue growing at the same rate as in 2015.

Fourth-quarter revenue for electric operations was $9.2 million as compared to $7 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in revenue resulted from CPUC-approved rate increases, effective January 1, 2015, and additional revenue increases generated from advice letter filings.

In addition, we recorded a cumulative reduction revenue in the fourth quarter of 2014, along with a cumulative reduction in depreciation expense and other expenses. As a result of the delayed decision issued by the CPUC in November of 2014, which was retroactive to January 2013. You may recall that the impact of the retroactive effects on the new rate to the electric segment's 2014 net earnings was not significant.

Revenue from contracted services was $28.7 million for Q4 2015, compared to $29.9 million for the same period in 2014. Higher revenue in the prior year was due in large part to the recording of construction revenue as a result of the closeout of a large pipeline replacement capital project which did not recur in 2015.

Our water and electric supply costs were $23.1 million, or about 26% of consolidated operating expenses for the quarter. Any changes in supply costs for both the water and electric segments, as compared to the adopted level are tracked in balancing accounts, which will be recovered from, or refunded to, our customers in the future.

Other operation expenses increased by $553,000 for the quarter compared to Q4 2014. The increase was due to increases in drought-related expenses at our water segment and higher operation-related labor costs in our contracted service segment.

The CPUC has authorized Golden State Water to track incremental drought-related costs in a memorandum account for possible future recovery. We incurred about $343,000 of drought-related costs for Q4 2015 and $937,000 for the year.

Administrative and general expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $20.6 million as compared to $18.5 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was due to higher legal costs incurred to defend condemnation-related activity in our water segment and higher costs associated with energy efficiency and solar initiative programs approved by the CPUC in our electric segment. In addition, there was a shift in labor and other indirect costs to ANG-related activities from construction-related activities in support of various functions at ASUS.

Maintenance expense increased by $924,000 for the quarter, due to an increase in both planned and unplanned levels of maintenance activities in 2015. Although the expense increased significantly during the quarter, it was $793,000 higher for the full year 2015 as compared to 2014.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $968,000 to $10.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, resulting from additions to utility plant at the water segment during 2014. Total other expenses, net of interest income, increased by $454,000 to $4.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, primarily due to additional interest income collected on certain outstanding balances owed to Golden State Water during 2014. There was no similar item in 2015.

Let me briefly discuss our 2015 full-year results. First of all, as part of the 2014 and 2015 stock repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors, we have repurchased approximately 2.45 million shares of AWR common stock, driving reductions in weighted-average shares outstanding on a diluted basis, which positively benefited earnings per share in 2015 and in 2014. Both stock repurchase programs were completed in 2015.

Diluted earnings per share for 2015 were $1.60 compared to $1.57 for 2014. This increase was largely attributable to a $0.03 per share increase in our water segment, resulting from third-year rate increases and advice letter filings for completion of certain capital projects not previously included in rates. The increase was partially offset by $1.4 million of 2015 WRAM revenue not recorded, as previously discussed, and higher operating expenses due primarily to increases in maintenance and depreciation expenses.

Our contracted services segment also contributed to the increase in earnings by $0.01 per share, resulting from a successful resolution of various price redeterminations received during the third quarter of 2015. This increase was partially offset by higher operating expenses due to an increase in labor insurance and other outside services costs and a decrease in construction activity due to significant work on several large projects being substantially completed during 2014.

Diluted earnings from AWR parent decreased by $0.01 per share for 2015, as compared to 2014, due primarily to higher state income taxes. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $68.1 million to $95.1 million for 2015. The decrease in operating cash flow during 2015 was due in large part to a decrease in customer water usage, resulting from conservation efforts, which lowers customer billings at Golden State Water and increased the WRAM regulatory assets.

There was also a decrease in cash generated by ASUS. During 2014, cash payments at ASUS were received for completion of several large capital upgrade projects that did not recur in 2015. These decreases were partially offset by lower income tax payments made during 2015, mainly due to the implementation of new tax repair regulation during the fourth quarter of 2014.

For additional details on our fourth-quarter and year-to-date performance, please refer to our earnings release and Form 10-K issued yesterday. With that, I will turn the call over to Bob.

Thank you, Eva. Hello, everyone. I appreciate everyone joining us today. American States Water produced another year of solid financial performance in 2015, as we earned $1.60 per share, achieved a consolidated return on equity for the year of 12.4%, increased our dividend yet again, and achieved above-market returns on our common stock. Our consolidated performance reflects excellent financial results by our two first-year subsidiaries, Golden State Water Company, which is our regulated water and electric utility; and American States Utility Services, our contracted services business.

Let me discuss some of the highlights for 2015 by business segment. Our water and electric utilities continue to invest to maintain and improve the reliability of our systems. During 2015, Golden State Water invested $91 million in infrastructure, well above the $61 million we spent in 2014, a year where we experienced project delays. Of the $91 million in Company-funded capital expenditures, Bear Valley Electric Service accounted for approximately $8 million, reflecting our electric division's work on two large projects.

We anticipate capital investments in 2016 to be approximately $85 million to $95 million, which may change once a decision is issued by the California Public Utility Commission on our pending water rate case. While we continue to make prudent investments to maintain and improve the reliability of our systems, Golden State Water also remains very focused on cost control, and this was further evidenced in 2015.

Excluding depreciation expenses and supply costs, operating expenses for 2015 were relatively unchanged compared to 2014. In fact, the overall staffing level at Golden State Water has declined by approximately 8% since 2011. Lastly, in October 2015, we completed an asset purchase agreement and acquired all of the operating water assets of Rural Water Company and began serving 960 new customers.

Our contracted services business, American States Utility Services, continued to make significant contribution to the Company's earnings. ASUS accounted for 20.5% of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2015. During 2015, ASUS successfully completed several filings with the US government for price redeterminations and asset transfers, which positively affected its earnings.

ASUS's contribution helped the consolidated Company earn its 12.4% return on equity for 2015. It's been a solid year for American States Water and its subsidiaries, and we're looking for to continued strength and progress in 2016.

With that, I would like to discuss a few regulatory matters pertaining to Golden State Water and the California drought. As we discussed in previous quarters, Golden State Water filed a general rate case in 2014 for all of its water regions and the general office. The application will determine rates charged to customers for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Our requested capital budgets, in the application, average approximately $90 million a year for the three-year period. The 2016 water gross margin is expected to decrease as compared to the currently adopted levels, due in part to a decrease in annual depreciation expense resulting from an updated depreciation study.

As Eva mentioned earlier, the consumption levels used to calculate rates for 2016 through 2018, and incorporated into the settlement with the PUC's Office of Ratepayer Advocates, reflect the state-mandated conversation targets for each rate-making area. A decision on this rate case is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2016, with new rates retroactive to January 1, 2016.

We were scheduled to file our next cost of capital application in March 2016 based on an extension previously granted. In December 2015, Golden State Water, along with three other Class A California water utilities, filed a request with the PUC for a further extension. On February 1 of this year, the PUC approved a one-year extension, until March 31, 2017, by which date, each of the four Class A utilities must file their next cost of capital application.

As part of the extension agreement, the four water utilities agree to forgo any adjustment that would be triggered by the water cost of capital adjustment mechanism for one year. Golden State Water's current authorized return on equity of 9.43% will continue in effect through December 31, 2017. Based on the current economic environment, we don't believe interest rates will increase enough by September 30 to triggered the water cost of capital adjustment mechanism if it were in place.

Our electric segment was originally scheduled to file its next general rate case application by January 31, 2016. In November of last year, we filed a petition with the PUC requesting to defer the rate case filing by one year, to January 31, 2017, due to our effective cost control measures. The administrative law judge issued a proposed decision, granting Golden State Water's request to defer the general rate case to January 31, 2017. The PUC is expected to vote on the proposed decision in the first quarter.

I'll now turn to water conservation and the drought situation in California. Earlier this month, the State Water Resources Control Board extended the Governor of California's executive order, imposing mandatory restrictions through October 31, 2016. Golden State Water intends to implement stage 2 or higher of our staged mandatory conservation and rationing plan in those areas which have not met their cumulative targets, once the final allocations are determined based on the amended regulations. Stage 2 and higher include penalties for customers that use water in excess of their allotments.

In connection with conservation, the commission has authorized us to track incremental costs incurred in promoting conservation and implementing restriction measures in drought memorandum accounts for possible future recovery. Through the end of 2015, we have incurred approximately $1.1 million of drought-related costs.

I would now like to discuss our contracted services business at American States Utility Services, or ASUS. During 2015, ASUS made significant progress on the resolution of outstanding price redeterminations with the US government. Specifically, ASUS resolved its price redeterminations at Fort Jackson, Joint Base Andrews, and the military bases we serve in Virginia, and an asset transfer at two of the Virginia bases during the third quarter, resulting in contract modifications, which included retroactive operation and maintenance management fees.

As a result, ASUS recorded approximately $3.5 million of retroactive revenues and pretax operating income during the third quarter, of which $3 million was for periods prior to 2015. We expect the fourth price redetermination for Fort Bliss to be finalized in the first quarter of 2016.

Filings for these price redeterminations requests for equitable adjustment and contract modifications awarded for new projects provide ASUS with additional revenues and margin and the opportunity to consistently generate positive earnings. We also continue to work closely with the US government for contract modifications relating to potential capital upgrade work, as deemed necessary, for improvement of the water and wastewater infrastructure at the military bases.

In addition, we continue to actively engage in new proposals and expect the US government to release additional bases for bidding over the next several years. We remain very optimistic about the future of our contracted services business.

Lastly, I'd like to turn our attention to dividends. 2015 marked the 61st consecutive year of increases in our annual dividend, placing us in an exclusive group of companies on the New York Stock Exchange who have achieved that result. In 2015, we increased the quarterly dividend by 5.2%.

Given American States' current low payout ratio compared to the companies we compete with for capital, our high shareholders' equity ratio as a percent of total capitalization, and our earnings growth prospects, there is room to grow the dividend in the future. Before I close from my prepared remarks, I would like to thank you for your interest in American States Water. And we'll now turn the call over to the operator for questions.

(Operator Instructions)

Richard Verdi, Ladenburg.

Hi, Bob and Eva. Good quarter, and thank you for taking my call here. I just have one very quick question, Bob. On the past few calls, and specifically I know on the last call, you had provided some framework surrounding the ASUS group. I should say it this way, last year on the 4Q call, you had stated that ASUS would look similar to the prior year and maybe down a little bit.

Here we are and ASUS came out flat year over year. And on the last call, you had indicated that maybe it could be down at little bit this year versus last year. Given that it ended up being flat this year, year over year, could that be the case again in 2016? Or could we see a modest drop in earnings from the ASUS unit this year?

Richard, let's start with the earnings for 2015. We achieved $0.32 per share. We had included in that $0.32, $0.05 of retroactive O&M fees for prior years. So that would lead one to believe that we may go down a little bit from 2015 to 2016.

However, as you know and I think many of the folks on the call know, in September, we received $50 million in government funding for new capital work at the bases we serve, which will largely be performed in 2016. So this should allow us to increase our construction revenues in 2016 from the level we achieved in 2015.

We do have the $0.05 retroactive that's going away, but I think we can make some of that back through the additional construction revenues. So we're projecting an EPS contribution from ASUS of $0.28 to $0.32 per share for 2016.

That's very helpful, thank you for that. I guess that's it. Thank you, guys, good quarter. I appreciate it.

(Operator Instructions)

Jonathan Reeder, Wells Fargo.

Hey, good afternoon, or good morning, I guess, for you guys, Bob and Eva. Thanks for the guidance, first off, Bob, on ASUS. That's always helpful. Did I miss, in your remarks, that you said you had a settlement in a water general rate case? Is that accurate or did I hear wrong?

That's correct. We had settled a number of our operating expenses. The outstanding items that we have remaining in the case that we went to hearings on was the entire capital budget and management compensation. So it's largely a capital-related item.

Did you settle, though, the capital budget and compensation issues? Or those are still being litigated?

We litigated that during the summer, and that's now been turned over to the administrative law judge to decide the outcome for those two items.

Sorry. I was confused if you had said you had gotten a comprehensive settlement now at this point. Okay, so we are expecting an outcome, you said, in Q2 then, right?

We believe so, yes.

Okay. So with the new rates effective at the water utility, do you expect your full-year 2016 EPS to be higher, lower, about the same as the $1.19 in 2015? Given your operating efficiencies were allowing the sub to earn above the allowed ROE in 2015.

That's a difficult question to answer without completely knowing what the rate case is going to come out with. We, as you know, put in our forecasted operating expenses. Really without knowing where the decision comes out, it's difficult to project whether it will be higher or slightly lower than 2015.

Okay, but it might be kind of similar it sounds like, more than likely.

Yes, it could be similar. We've done a great job in controlling expenses. The folks at this Company -- what I've learned in my tenure as CEO is all you have to do is ask these folks to do things and they go and do it (laughter). I couldn't be more impressed with what our organization has done over the last four or five years.

You make it sound so easy, Bob. I'm sure it's not that easy.

It's easier for me than it is for them, I guess (laughter).

Right. Do think there's opportunities then to realize additional efficiencies over this next GRC cycle?

I believe there are, yes. As you know, it gets a little tougher each time, but we've got some very innovative people at this Company, and they really have done a great job.

I think as Bob mentioned, our 2015 -- for Golden State Water, our 2015 operating expenses, excluding the depreciation and supply costs, has basically not changed much from last year. So we'll continue to try to do our best to control our costs, and I think that's where the efficiency comes from.

Ultimately when we do a great job controlling costs, it does in fact, ultimately go back to our customers in the form of lower rate increases. That's real important to us, too. We're very focused on making sure our water rates are affordable.

Right. Would you expect -- the GRC filing, does it contemplate those flat costs in 2015? Or is that how you're saying this depends on where the expense levels shake out, given how you ended the year?

It does depend on where these expense levels shake out, in terms of whether we can do better than that. It will be a challenge, but again, we have a lot of capability at the Company to take on those challenges.

All right, my last question. Eva, do you have what your authorized weighted-average rate base was for 2015, and then what the GRC request for 2016 is?

For the 2016 is what we currently have stipulated. It was $725 million for 2016. That's filed with the PUC as our position right now. But as Bob mentioned, we are contesting -- the ORA is contesting the capital expenditures. So the $725 million rate base is our position at this point.

Is that just for water or does that include the electric portion too?

Just water.

We filed a rate case that had virtually no increase in rate. All we want to do here is maintain the system, and hopefully that will play with the administrative law judge. We're not sure whether it will or it won't. ORA, we were a ways apart with ORA on the CapEx budget. So it was a little odd to me that they weren't a little easier to deal with on that, particularly given that we had basically a flat rate request.

Okay. What was your authorized 2015 water rate base? How does that compare to that $725 million that you requested?

I'm not sure I have that number. I think the 2015 authorized rate base, it's about $700 million range. I could get you that number from our decision, Jonathan.

All right, great, that would be appreciated. That's all I have today. Thanks so much for the time.

(Operator Instructions)

Seeing no further questions, this concludes our question-and-answer session. I would now like to turn the conference back over to Bob Sprowls for any closing remarks.

Thank you, Carrie. I just want to wrap up today by thanking all of you for your participation on the call today and your continued interest and investment in American States Water Company. Thank you very much.

This concludes today's American States Water Company conference call. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect your lines. Have a great day.