Summary
American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) announced on June 9, 2026, that its subsidiaries, California-American Water Company (Cal Am) and Virginia American Water, have filed partial settlement agreements in their respective general rate cases. These filings are significant as they outline potential increases in annualized revenues driven by substantial capital investments made by both subsidiaries. The settlements, if approved by regulatory bodies, are expected to provide AWK with increased revenue streams that are crucial for recovering investments in infrastructure and service improvements. The Cal Am settlement with the California Public Utilities Commission's Public Advocates Office aims to determine incremental annualized revenue of $24 million for 2027, $21 million for 2028, and $22 million for 2029, based on approximately $750 million in capital investments. A key unresolved issue is the treatment of construction work in progress (CWIP), which could impact the final revenue figures. The Virginia American Water settlement with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and intervenors proposes a $16 million annualized revenue increase, reflecting about $115 million in capital investments and an agreed-upon return on equity of 9.75%. Investors should closely monitor the final regulatory approvals and the impact of any remaining issues, particularly CWIP for Cal Am, on the expected revenue recoveries.
Key Highlights
- 1California-American Water (Cal Am) filed a partial settlement agreement with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding its general rate case.
- 2The Cal Am settlement proposes incremental annualized revenues of $24 million (2027), $21 million (2028), and $22 million (2029), primarily to recover ~$750 million in capital investments.
- 3A key unresolved issue in the Cal Am rate case is the treatment of Construction Work in Progress (CWIP), which could reduce potential revenue increases if excluded from rate base.
- 4Virginia American Water filed a stipulation of settlement with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC) for its general rate case.
- 5The Virginia American Water settlement agrees to a $16 million annualized revenue increase, reflecting ~$115 million in capital investments and a 9.75% ROE.
- 6Interim rates have been effective for Virginia American Water since May 2, 2026, with any difference between interim and final rates subject to refund.
- 7Both settlements are subject to final review and approval by their respective state commissions.