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H2O America: Q4 FY2025 earnings call

What management said about Q4 FY2025, from the documents filed with the SEC on 25 February 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 3 raised, 4 new. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Adjusted EPS came in near top: Adjusted diluted EPS was $2.99, up from $2.95 and near the top of the narrowed $2.95 to $3.00 range. Reported diluted EPS was $2.92 versus $2.87. Source
  • Revenue rose on rate increases: Operating revenue was $800.6 million, up 7% from $748.4 million, mainly from rate increases of $67.4 million in California, Connecticut and Texas. Source
  • California revenue authority up 2.9%: San Jose Water received approval to raise authorized revenue by $17.2 million, or 2.9%, effective January 1, 2026, as the second year of its 2025-27 rate case. Source
  • Quadvest connections up 16%: Quadvest active connections rose 16%, or 7,400, in 2025 to 54,400 at December 31, 2025. The connection backlog pending development stood at 87,000. Source
  • 2025 investment exceeded revised guidance: The company invested $501 million in 2025, above the revised $486 million guidance and 41% over 2024's $354 million. Source
  • Dividend raised 4.8%: The $0.44 quarterly dividend, declared January 26, 2026 and payable March 2, 2026, is 4.8% above the December 2025 level and above the $0.42 declared in October 2025. Source
  • Target excludes further M&A: The 6-8% target is organic and does not include M&A beyond Quadvest and Cibolo Valley. It is supported by capital investment needs for decades to come. Source

“Our performance in 2025 reflects our team's continued focus on delivering sustainable growth and long-term value,”

Andrew F. Walters, chair and chief executive officer

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Adjusted diluted EPS Source2026$3.08-3.18New
Long-term adjusted diluted EPS CAGR target Source2026-30 and long term6-8%Raised from 5% to 7% through 2029
Capital expenditures Source2026-30$2.7 billionRaised
Capital expenditures Source2026$483 millionNew
Annualized dividend per share Source2026$1.76Raised from $1.68 (2025)
Maine general rate case request SourceTest year ending December 31, 2025approximately $12 millionNew
Connecticut WQTA surcharge request SourceProposed effective April 1, 2026$0.6 million, or a 0.53% increaseNew
Texas share of consolidated customer base Source202926%

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance raised: Long-term adjusted diluted EPS CAGR target raised to 6-8%, from the prior 5% to 7% through 2029 range. Source
  • New guidance: Standalone 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $3.08-3.18 introduced. Source
  • Guidance raised: 2026-30 capital plan of $2.7 billion, described as about 31% above the 2025-29 budget. Source
  • Guidance raised: Expected 2026 annualized dividend of $1.76 per share, compared with $1.68 in 2025. Source
  • New: Maine Public Utilities Commission approved the rate unification stipulation on January 13, 2026; the prior quarter had said a decision was expected in the first quarter of 2026. Source
  • New: Quadvest appraised fair market values received in late December 2025; the sale-transfer-merger application followed in January 2026. Source
  • New: Connecticut Water Quality and Treatment Adjustment law signed July 1, 2025, for PFAS and other emerging contaminant treatment. Source
  • New: Texas legislation passed in 2025 allows future or hybrid test years in general rate cases and shortens SIC application processing to 60 days. Source

Full-year 2025 results

  • Adjusted EPS came in near top: Adjusted diluted EPS was $2.99, up from $2.95 and near the top of the narrowed $2.95 to $3.00 range. Reported diluted EPS was $2.92 versus $2.87. Source
  • Revenue rose on rate increases: Operating revenue was $800.6 million, up 7% from $748.4 million, mainly from rate increases of $67.4 million in California, Connecticut and Texas. Source
  • Net income rose 9%: GAAP net income was $102.6 million, up 9% from $94.0 million. Adjusted net income was $104.9 million, up 8% from $96.8 million. Source
  • Fourth quarter earnings declined: Fourth quarter adjusted diluted EPS was $0.46 versus $0.74, and reported diluted EPS was $0.45 versus $0.68. Operating income was $33.1 million versus $43.7 million. Source

State regulatory and rate activity

  • California revenue authority up 2.9%: San Jose Water received approval to raise authorized revenue by $17.2 million, or 2.9%, effective January 1, 2026, as the second year of its 2025-27 rate case. Source
  • California cost of capital held: A third one-year deferment of the water cost of capital filings was approved. The 9.81% ROE stays in effect through 2027 absent a WCCM adjustment. Source
  • Connecticut surcharge could reach 9.90%: Connecticut's cumulative WICA surcharge would reach 9.90% from April 1, 2026, if the January 26, 2026 filing for a $2.7 million increase is approved. Source
  • Maine rate divisions consolidated: Maine regulators approved folding 10 rate divisions into one on a revenue-neutral basis, with a transition rate from February 1, 2026 and a needs-based assistance program. Source
  • Texas charge request pending: Texas Water asked to increase its system improvement charge by $5.1 million for completed projects, with a decision expected in mid-2026. Texas SIC review timelines were shortened by 2025 legislation. Source

“The combination of elevated infrastructure investment needs across our systems for decades to come and the strategic benefits of our pending Texas acquisitions gives us increased confidence”

Andrew F. Walters, chair and chief executive officer

Texas acquisitions and customer growth

  • Quadvest connections up 16%: Quadvest active connections rose 16%, or 7,400, in 2025 to 54,400 at December 31, 2025. The connection backlog pending development stood at 87,000. Source
  • Quadvest price sets rate base: Under Texas' fair market value statute, the $483.6 million purchase price will serve as the ratemaking rate base for the Quadvest assets. Source
  • Quadvest rate application filed: The sale-transfer-merger application requesting approval and certification of rate base was filed with the PUCT in January 2026. Source
  • Cibolo Valley wastewater deal advancing: TWC's August 26, 2025 agreement covers the Cibolo Valley treatment plant and collection systems in Bulverde, Texas, serving over 1,500 wastewater connections. Source

Costs, expenses and tax rate

  • Water production costs up $19.1 million: Water production expenses rose $19.1 million, mainly on higher pass-through costs for purchased water and groundwater extraction, and less surface water available. Source
  • Administrative costs up $20.2 million: Administrative and general expenses rose $20.2 million. The prior year had California arrearage program funds, and 2025 added higher employee, insurance and consulting costs. Source
  • Effective tax rate rose to 11%: The effective consolidated income tax rate was about 11% in 2025 versus about 9% in 2024. Source
  • Operating income for the year: Operating income for 2025 was $177.5 million, compared with $170.5 million in 2024. Source

“We continued to work constructively with regulators and legislators in all four of our states to recover critical water infrastructure investments made”

Andrew F. Walters, chair and chief executive officer

Usage and revenue trends

  • Fourth quarter revenue slightly lower: Fourth quarter operating revenue was $194.2 million versus $197.8 million a year earlier. Source
  • Lower usage reduced revenue: Lower customer usage reduced 2025 operating revenue by $7.2 million. Source
  • Other regulatory mechanisms reduced revenue: Other regulatory mechanisms reduced 2025 revenue by $8.0 million, partly offset by $1.5 million from new customers. Source

Capital investment plan

  • 2025 investment exceeded revised guidance: The company invested $501 million in 2025, above the revised $486 million guidance and 41% over 2024's $354 million. Source
  • Pipeline replacement drives plan: Increased pipeline replacement is the first driver of the 2026-30 plan, aimed at replacing 1% of distribution pipe annually. Source
  • PFAS treatment estimate about $400 million: Estimated PFAS treatment spend is about $400 million. Connecticut Water's $238 million PFAS estimate is expected to be recovered through the WQTA. Source

Dividend, debt and share count

  • Dividend raised 4.8%: The $0.44 quarterly dividend, declared January 26, 2026 and payable March 2, 2026, is 4.8% above the December 2025 level and above the $0.42 declared in October 2025. Source
  • Annual dividend growth continues: Dividends have been paid for more than 80 consecutive years, and the annual dividend amount has risen in each of the past 58 years. Source
  • Debt and share count rose: Long-term debt, less current portion, was $1,866.8 million at year-end versus $1,706.9 million. Shares outstanding were 36,118,242 versus 33,629,169. Source

Long-term growth framework

  • Target excludes further M&A: The 6-8% target is organic and does not include M&A beyond Quadvest and Cibolo Valley. It is supported by capital investment needs for decades to come. Source
  • Top-end growth rests on three items: Management cites its capital plan, Quadvest accretion expected from 2028, and constructive regulatory work as the basis for top-end growth over 2026-30. Source
  • Growth assumes constructive regulatory outcomes: The growth expectation also assumes continued work with stakeholders in each state toward fair and timely regulatory outcomes. Source

Coming up, as management said on 25 February 2026

  • Quadvest close expected mid-2026: The company continues the Quadvest approval process and anticipates a mid-2026 close of the $540 million acquisition. Source
  • Cibolo Valley filing around April 2026: TWC expects to file the sale-transfer-merger application for Cibolo Valley with the PUCT around April 2026, using the fair market value approach. Source
  • Connecticut WQTA effective April 1: If approved, the proposed Connecticut WQTA charge would take effect April 1, 2026. Source
  • Texas SIC decision mid-2026: The PUCT decision on the $5.1 million system improvement charge application is expected in mid-2026. Source
  • Maine rate case notice March 31: Maine Water expects to file a notice of intent for a general rate case on or about March 31, 2026. Source
  • Texas consolidated rate case early 2027: A consolidated Texas general rate case is expected in early 2027, with new rates reflecting acquired rate bases to follow. Source
  • San Jose Water rate case January 2027: San Jose Water's next general rate case, covering 2028-30, is expected to be filed in early January 2027. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Capital plan Source$2.7 billion for 2026-30, about 31% above the 2025-29 budget
EPS growth target Source6-8% adjusted diluted EPS CAGR
Customer growth Source54,400 Quadvest active connections, up 16% in 2025
Rate base Source$483.6 million Quadvest ratemaking rate base
Rate cases SourceSan Jose Water revenue up $17.2 million (2.9%) effective January 1, 2026; Maine request approximately $12 million
Load growth SourceLower usage reduced revenue by $7.2 million in 2025

Risks management discussed

  • Financial: Management said the Texas acquisitions are expected to be initially dilutive to EPS until new rates reflect the acquired rate bases. Source
  • Regulatory: The 2026-30 capital plan is subject to regulatory approvals and the availability of funding. Source
  • Regulatory: The PFAS treatment estimate of about $400 million is one driver of the increased capital plan. Source
  • Regulatory: Management described the 2025 Texas laws as a way to reduce regulatory lag. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • Met: Adjusted diluted EPS of $2.99 came in near the top of the upwardly narrowed $2.95 to $3.00 range. Source
  • Ahead: The 2025 spend of $501 million exceeded the upwardly revised guidance of $486 million. Source
  • Not stated: Management refers to previously communicated Quadvest accretion expected to begin in 2028. Source

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.