10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2010

American Water Works Company, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2010

Filed May 4, 2010For Securities:AWK

Summary

American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2010, with net income of $30.8 million, a substantial improvement from a net loss of $413.1 million in the same period of 2009. This improvement was primarily driven by the absence of a large goodwill impairment charge that negatively impacted the prior year's results. Operating revenues saw a healthy increase of 6.9% to $588.1 million, supported by both regulated and non-regulated business segments, largely due to rate increases in regulated operations and growth in the Contract Operations Group within the non-regulated segment. Despite increased operating expenses and interest costs, the company demonstrated solid operational execution. Capital expenditures remain substantial, with a focus on infrastructure renewal and growth through acquisitions. The company's liquidity position appears stable, supported by internally generated cash flows and access to revolving credit facilities. Management's outlook is cautiously optimistic, with ongoing rate case filings and strategic investments aimed at long-term growth and service improvement.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$554.21M
Operating Expenses$442.11M
Operating Income$123.83M
Interest Expense$78.70M
Net Income$30.81M
EPS (Basic)$0.18
EPS (Diluted)$0.18
Shares Outstanding (Basic)174.72M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)174.80M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income of $30.8 million for Q1 2010, a significant recovery from a net loss of $413.1 million in Q1 2009, primarily due to the absence of a large goodwill impairment charge in the current year.
  • 2Operating revenues increased by 6.9% to $588.1 million, driven by rate increases in regulated businesses and growth in the non-regulated Contract Operations Group.
  • 3Capital expenditures totaled $142.7 million, reflecting ongoing investment in infrastructure renewal and strategic acquisitions.
  • 4The company maintained a stable capital structure with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 58% and reported compliance with its debt covenants.
  • 5Cash flow from operations increased to $176.0 million from $142.5 million in the prior year, indicating strong operational cash generation.
  • 6The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, consistent with the previous quarter and signaling continued commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7The company is actively pursuing rate increases through numerous filings across its regulated subsidiaries to offset operating costs and achieve a fair rate of return.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the significant improvement in net income from a $413.1 million loss in Q1 2009 to a $30.8 million profit in Q1 2010 was the absence of a large goodwill impairment charge. In Q1 2009, American Water recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $450 million, which heavily impacted its net income. This charge was not present in the current quarter.

Operating revenues increased by 6.9% to $588.1 million in Q1 2010, compared to $550.2 million in Q1 2009. This growth was attributed to rate increases implemented in the company's Regulated Businesses and an increase in revenues from the Non-Regulated Businesses, particularly the Contract Operations Group due to a recent acquisition and increased military contracts.

American Water expects to invest between $800 million to $1 billion in capital expenditures for 2010, focusing on infrastructure renewal and growth through acquisitions. The company plans to fund these investments through internally generated cash flows, debt, and equity markets, and currently maintains access to revolving credit facilities to ensure liquidity.

The company is involved in various legal actions and regulatory matters typical for its industry. Notably, a referendum is scheduled for June 15, 2010, regarding the acquisition of the City of Trenton's water system by its New Jersey subsidiary, which, if approved, would add approximately 40,000 customers. The company is also actively pursuing rate case approvals across multiple states to recover operating costs and investment, with several filings pending final decisions.