UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 26, 2005
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-13883 77-0448994
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
1720 North First Street, San Jose, CA. 95112
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 1-408-367-8200
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17
CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
Exchange 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c ) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c ))
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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 26, 2005, the registrant issued the press release attached to
this report as Exhibit 99, which announces the results of operations for the
third quarter of 2005.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
The list of exhibits called for by this Item is incorporated by reference
to the exhibit index to this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
(Registrant)
Date: October 26, 2005 By: /s/ John S. Tootle
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John S. Tootle
Acting Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. Description
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99 Press release of the registrant dated October 26,
2005 which announces the results of operations for
the third quarter of 2005.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] NEWS RELEASE
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP [OBJECT OMITTED]
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598 October 26, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: John S. Tootle (408) 367-8216 (analysts)
Shannon Dean (310) 257-1435 (media)
CAL WATER ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2005 RESULTS;
BOARD DECLARES 244TH CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND
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SAN JOSE, CA - California Water Service Group (NYSE : CWT) today announced
net income of $13.1 million and diluted earnings of $0.71 per share for the
third quarter of 2005, compared to net income of $10.8 million and diluted
earnings of $0.59 per share in the third quarter of 2004.
Revenue for the third quarter increased 4%, or $4.0 million, to $101.1
million. Rate increases added $4.4 million to revenue, while sales to new
customers added $1.2 million. Partially offsetting these higher revenues was a
$1.6 million decrease due to reduced usage by existing customers compared to the
same period last year.
Total operating expenses for the third quarter increased 3%, or $2.4
million. Water production costs decreased by 2%, or $0.8 million, due to lower
customer water usage and power costs. Other operations expenses were unchanged
from the same period last year, and income taxes increased $1.9 million or 27%
due to higher pre-tax earnings. Maintenance expense increased by 7%, or $0.2
million, as the Company made necessary repairs and upgrades to pumping equipment
and water mains. Depreciation expense increased 12%, or $0.8 million, due to
higher 2004 capital expenditures.
Third quarter 2005 earnings were enhanced by a $0.8 million increase in
other income, primarily due to an increase of $0.7 million for sales of property
no longer used and useful in serving customers.
"We are pleased with our results for the quarter, although our sales
continue to be impacted by reduced customer usage in some of our operating
areas. By pursuing reasonable rate relief, holding the line on expenses, and
continuing to execute our strategic real estate sales program, we were able to
deliver good results," said President and Chief Executive Officer Peter C.
Nelson.
At its meeting today, the Company's Board of Directors declared the 244th
consecutive dividend in the amount of $0.2850 per share of common stock, to be
paid on November 18, 2005, to stockholders of record on November 7, 2005. The
regular dividend on Series C preferred stock was also declared.
Investors are invited to listen to the Company's analyst teleconference,
which is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EDT / 1:00 p.m. PDT on October 27, 2005. The
call-in number is 1-866-243-8959 and the ID No. is 789267. A replay is available
through December 26, 2005, by calling 1-888-266-2081 and entering pass code
789267.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water
Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service
Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., and CWS Utility Services. Together
these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to more than 2
million people in 100 California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii
communities. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "CWT."
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Act"). The
forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the
federal securities laws for "safe harbor" treatment established by the Act.
Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information,
expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management's judgment
about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions.
Such words as expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes,
anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are
subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary
materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that
may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include: governmental
and regulatory commissions' decisions, including decisions on proper disposition
of property; changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures; the
timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief; new
legislation; the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act and other regulations on internal controls; electric power interruptions;
increases in suppliers' prices and the availability of supplies including water
and power; fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance
and water quality requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully
integrate acquired companies; the ability to successfully implement business
plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather on water
sales and operating results; access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms;
civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the
possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United
States in war or other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or changes to the
credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing
costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends;
and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this
paragraph. The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of
forward-looking statements.
Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.
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Attachments (2).
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Unaudited September 30, December 31,
2005 2004
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ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant $ 1,199,681 $ 1,144,074
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 366,019 343,769
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833,662 800,305
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Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 23,791 18,820
Rece Receivables, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts
of $416 at September 30, 2005 and $ 287 at December 31, 2004
Customers 22,779 15,867
Income taxes -- 7,298
Other 3,865 3,147
Unbilled revenue 14,271 9,307
Materials and supplies, at average cost 4,017 3,161
Prepaid pension expense 2,599 3,671
Taxes and other prepaid expenses 4,055 9,122
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Total current assets 75,377 70,393
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Regulatory assets 55,449 53,477
Other assets 20,329 18,678
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$ 984,817 $ 942,853
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CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $.01 par value $ 184 $ 184
Additional paid-in capital 131,991 131,271
Retained earnings 162,410 156,851
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (701) (701)
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Total common stockholders' equity 293,884 287,605
Preferred stock 3,475 3,475
Long-term debt, less current maturities 274,361 274,821
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Total capitalization 571,720 565,901
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Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,144 1,100
Accounts payable 29,541 19,745
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 51,440 36,367
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Total current liabilities 82,125 57,212
Unamortized investment tax credits 2,721 2,721
Deferred income taxes 56,741 54,826
Regulatory and other liabilities 36,328 35,986
Advances for construction 139,298 131,292
Contributions in aid of construction 95,884 94,915
Commitments and contingencies -- --
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$ 984,817 $ 942,853
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
Unaudited
For the three months ended: For the nine months ended:
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
2005 2004 2005 2004
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Operating revenue $101,128 $ 97,104 $242,888 $246,189
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Operating expenses:
Water production costs 39,205 40,052 88,420 94,776
Other operations 22,307 22,404 66,054 64,628
Maintenance 3,877 3,640 11,295 9,853
Depreciation and amortization 7,287 6,518 21,289 19,557
Income taxes 8,968 7,050 14,571 14,852
Property and other taxes 3,381 2,942 9,438 8,551
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Total operating expenses 85,025 82,606 211,067 212,217
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Net operating income 16,103 14,498 31,821 33,972
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Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated income, net 778 650 2,121 1,773
Gain on sale of non-utility property 669 6 728 7
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Total other income and expenses 1,447 656 2,849 1,780
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Interest expense:
Interest expense 4,660 4,615 13,959 14,013
Less capitalized interest 225 250 675 550
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Total interest expense 4,435 4,365 13,284 13,463
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Net income $ 13,115 $ 10,789 $ 21,386 $ 22,289
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Earnings per share
Basic $ 0.71 $ 0.59 $ 1.16 $ 1.27
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Diluted $ 0.71 $ 0.59 $ 1.16 $ 1.27
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Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 18,384 18,345 18,376 17,418
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Diluted 18,422 18,362 18,412 17,433
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Dividends per share of common stock $ 0.2850 $ 0.2825 $ 0.8550 $ 0.8475
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