10-KPeriod: FY2016

American Water Works Company, Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2016

Filed February 21, 2017For Securities:AWK

Summary

American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) operates as the largest investor-owned water and wastewater utility in the United States, serving approximately 15 million people across 47 states and Canada. The company's core business, "Regulated Businesses," accounted for approximately 87% of its operating revenues in 2016, providing essential water and wastewater services under state regulatory commission oversight. The remaining 13% comes from its "Market-Based Businesses," which include military services, homeowner services, contract operations, and services for the oil and gas industry. In 2016, AWK demonstrated solid performance, with operating revenues growing by 4.5% to $3.3 billion. The company highlighted investments in infrastructure improvements and strategic acquisitions as key drivers of growth. Despite a significant charge related to the Freedom Industries chemical spill in West Virginia, adjusted diluted earnings per share saw an increase, driven by strong performance in its regulated operations. AWK continues to focus on customer satisfaction, safety, employee development, and efficient operations to maintain its leading market position and deliver value to shareholders.

Financial Statements
Beta
Operating Expenses$2.22B
Operating Income$1.08B
Net Income$468.00M
EPS (Basic)$2.63
EPS (Diluted)$2.62
Shares Outstanding (Basic)178.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)179.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1American Water is the largest investor-owned water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving approximately 15 million people.
  • 2Regulated Businesses generated 87% of operating revenues ($2.87 billion) in 2016, reflecting a 4.7% increase year-over-year.
  • 3Market-Based Businesses contributed 13% of operating revenues ($451 million) in 2016, showing growth driven by acquisitions and segment expansion.
  • 4The company invested $1.3 billion in capital improvements in 2016, primarily in its Regulated Businesses segment, to enhance infrastructure.
  • 5AWK reported a charge of $65 million (after-tax impact of $39 million or $0.22 per diluted share) related to the Freedom Industries chemical spill settlement.
  • 6Excluding the chemical spill settlement charge, adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by approximately 7.6% due to strong regulated business growth.
  • 7The company maintained a strong focus on customer satisfaction, achieving top-quartile ratings among industry peers for both satisfaction and service quality.
  • 8AWK is planning significant capital investments of $6.7 to $7.3 billion over the next five years to support infrastructure improvements and growth through acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Water's primary business segment is its 'Regulated Businesses,' which operates water and wastewater utilities in 16 states. This segment accounted for approximately 87% of the company's operating revenues in 2016.

The company recorded a charge of $65 million (after-tax impact of $39 million or $0.22 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2016 related to a binding global agreement in principle to settle claims arising from the Freedom Industries chemical spill in West Virginia. Excluding this charge, adjusted diluted earnings per share showed an increase.

American Water's growth strategy focuses on investing in infrastructure improvements within its Regulated Businesses, pursuing strategic acquisitions of water and wastewater systems (often referred to as 'tuck-ins'), and leveraging technology for operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience. The company plans to invest $6.7 to $7.3 billion over the next five years.

The company actively pursues regulatory practices that mitigate 'regulatory lag,' the delay between incurring costs and recovering them through rates. This includes supporting infrastructure replacement surcharges, future and hybrid test years, utility plant recovery mechanisms, and expense and revenue stability mechanisms, aiming for more timely cost recovery and return on investment.