Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file: number 001-34028

 

 

AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   51-0063696

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1025 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, NJ   08043
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(856) 346-8200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

  

Outstanding at April 26, 2012

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share    176,216,320 shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.

REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION    1  

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     1-17   

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     18 -28   

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     29   

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     29   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     29   

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     29   

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

     33   

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     34   

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     34   

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

     34   

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

     34   

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

     35   

SIGNATURES

     36   

EXHIBITS INDEX

  

EXHIBIT 10.1

  

EXHIBIT 10.2

  

EXHIBIT 10.3

  

EXHIBIT 10.4

  

EXHIBIT 31.1

  

EXHIBIT 31.2

  

EXHIBIT 32.1

  

EXHIBIT 32.2

  

EXHIBIT 101

  

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS     

Property, plant and equipment

    

Utility plant—at original cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,419,284 at March 31 and $3,360,005 at December 31

   $ 10,991,185      $ 10,872,042   

Nonutility property, net of accumulated depreciation of $173,215 at March 31 and $164,417 at December 31

     148,314        149,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     11,139,499        11,021,098   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     9,502        14,207   

Restricted funds

     27,418        32,438   

Utility customer accounts receivable

     141,415        150,720   

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

     (12,810     (15,319

Unbilled utility revenues

     127,068        134,938   

Other receivables, net

     63,235        60,413   

Income taxes receivable

     2,625        7,672   

Materials and supplies

     30,355        28,598   

Assets of discontinued operations

     137,505        929,858   

Other

     62,796        54,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     589,109        1,397,659   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Regulatory and other long-term assets

    

Regulatory assets

     1,090,003        1,079,661   

Restricted funds

     17,896        25,503   

Goodwill

     1,195,069        1,195,069   

Other

     56,163        57,401   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total regulatory and other long-term assets

     2,359,131        2,357,634   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 14,087,739      $ 14,776,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES     

Capitalization

    

Common stock ($.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 176,200 and 175,664 shares outstanding at March 31 and December 31, respectively)

   $ 1,762      $ 1,757   

Paid-in-capital

     6,192,426        6,180,558   

Accumulated deficit

     (1,847,750     (1,848,801

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (95,549     (97,677
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common stockholders’ equity

     4,250,889        4,235,837   

Preferred stock without mandatory redemption requirements

     4,547        4,547   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,255,436        4,240,384   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

    

Long-term debt

     5,350,514        5,339,947   

Redeemable preferred stock at redemption value

     19,280        21,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

     9,625,230        9,601,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

    

Short-term debt

     147,212        515,050   

Current portion of long-term debt

     30,126        28,858   

Accounts payable

     162,414        243,709   

Taxes accrued

     59,137        36,606   

Interest accrued

     103,037        59,067   

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     32,781        382,218   

Other

     208,982        223,597   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     743,689        1,489,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Regulatory and other long-term liabilities

    

Advances for construction

     384,182        386,970   

Deferred income taxes

     1,332,331        1,288,797   

Deferred investment tax credits

     29,047        29,427   

Regulatory liabilities

     332,110        325,829   

Accrued pension expense

     391,458        411,998   

Accrued postretirement benefit expense

     236,286        237,086   

Other

     40,015        38,963   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total regulatory and other long-term liabilities

     2,745,429        2,719,070   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions in aid of construction

     973,391        966,748   

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 9)

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

   $ 14,087,739      $ 14,776,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating revenues

   $ 618,554      $ 596,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

    

Operation and maintenance

     310,004        310,821   

Depreciation and amortization

     92,104        86,878   

General taxes

     57,121        55,498   

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and purchases

     (413     268   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses, net

     458,816        453,465   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     159,738        143,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expenses)

    

Interest, net

     (79,654     (76,191

Allowance for other funds used during construction

     4,362        2,828   

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction

     2,081        1,204   

Amortization of debt expense

     (1,266     (1,292

Other, net

     (616     (1,155
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expenses)

     (75,093     (74,606
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     84,645        68,644   

Provision for income taxes

     35,393        27,945   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     49,252        40,699   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (7,498     (14,466
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 41,754      $ 26,233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

    

Pension plan amortized to periodic benefit cost:

    

Prior service cost, net of tax of $28 and $28, respectively

     44        44   

Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,167 and $720, respectively

     1,825        1,126   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     259        318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

     2,128        1,488   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 43,882      $ 27,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share: (a)

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share: (a)

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period:

    

Basic

     175,914        175,259   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     177,028        176,048   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.23      $ 0.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 41,754      $ 26,233   

Adjustments

    

Depreciation and amortization

     92,104        86,878   

Provision for deferred income taxes

     76,256        39,990   

Amortization of deferred investment tax credits

     (380     (385

Provision for losses on utility accounts receivable

     1,658        1,541   

Allowance for other funds used during construction

     (4,362     (2,828

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and purchases

     (413     268   

Pension and non-pension postretirement benefits

     20,141        17,860   

Other, net

     (3,381     10,802   

Changes in assets and liabilities

    

Receivables and unbilled utility revenues

     11,246        26,070   

Taxes receivable, including income taxes

     4,370        (5,680

Other current assets

     (9,935     (18,099

Pension and non-pension post retirement benefit contributions

     (40,427     (48,803

Accounts payable

     (45,684     (26,244

Taxes accrued, including income taxes

     (16,532     21,621   

Interest accrued

     43,818        42,758   

Other current liabilities

     (22,134     (10,456
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     148,099        161,526   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Capital expenditures

     (233,366     (176,411

Acquisitions

     (104     (1,445

Proceeds from sale of assets and securities

     461,375        158   

Removal costs from property, plant and equipment retirements, net

     (10,927     (8,597

Net funds released

     12,627        20,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     229,605        (166,188
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

     14,372        298   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (6,229     (62,637

Net (repayments) borrowings under short-term debt agreements

     (347,951     135,217   

Proceeds from issuances of employee stock plans and DRIP

     9,634        6,694   

Advances and contributions for construction, net of refunds of $3,607 and $4,072 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

     7,820        5,111   

Change in bank overdraft position

     (20,570     (40,528

Debt issuance costs

     0        (552

Redemption of preferred stocks

     (1,100     0   

Dividends paid

     (40,414     (38,525

Other

     2,029        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (382,409     5,078   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (4,705     416   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     14,207        13,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 9,502      $ 13,528   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing activity:

    

Capital expenditures acquired on account but unpaid at quarter-end

   $ 75,755      $ 66,306   

Non-cash financing activity:

    

Advances and contributions

   $ 1,182      $ 5,822   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

    Common Stock                 Accumulated
Other
    Treasury Stock     Preferred
Stock
of
Subsidiary
Companies
Without
Mandatory
    Total
 
    Shares     Par
Value
    Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Comprehensive
Loss
    Shares     At Cost     Redemption
Requirements
    Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    175,664      $ 1,757      $ 6,180,558      $ (1,848,801   $ (97,677     0      $ 0      $ 4,547      $ 4,240,384   

Net income

    —          —          —          41,754        —          —          —          —          41,754   

Direct stock reinvestment and purchase plan, net of expense of $1

    17        0        570        —          —          —          —          —          570   

Employee stock purchase plan

    0        0        132        —          —          31       1,046        —          1,178   

Stock-based compensation activity

    519        5        11,166        (165     —          (31     (1,046     —          9,960   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $1,195

    —          —          —          —          2,128        —          —          —          2,128   

Dividends

    —          —          —          (40,538     —          —          —          —          (40,538
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

    176,200      $ 1,762      $ 6,192,426      $ (1,847,750   $ (95,549     0      $ 0      $ 4,547      $ 4,255,436   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Common Stock                 Accumulated
Other
    Treasury Stock     Preferred
Stock
of
Subsidiary
Companies
Without
Mandatory
    Total
 
    Shares     Par
Value
    Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Comprehensive
Loss
    Shares     At Cost     Redemption
Requirements
    Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    174,996      $ 1,750      $ 6,156,675      $ (1,959,235   $ (71,446     (1   $ (19   $ 4,547      $ 4,132,272   

Net income

    —          —          —          26,233        —          —          —          —          26,233   

Direct stock reinvestment and purchase plan, net of expense of $5

    18        0        485        —          —          —          —          —          485   

Employee stock purchase plan

    29        0        751        —          —          0        0        —          751   

Stock-based compensation activity

    304        3        6,972        (143     —          1        19        —          6,851   

Preferred stock redemption

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          0        0   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $748

    —          —          —          —          1,488        —          —          —          1,488   

Dividends

    —          —          —          (38,525     —          —          —          —          (38,525
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

    175,347      $ 1,753      $ 6,164,883      $ (1,971,670   $ (69,958     0      $ 0      $ 4,547      $ 4,129,555   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

.

 

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American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet of American Water Works Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies (the “Company”) at March 31, 2012, the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, the consolidated changes in stockholders’ equity, the consolidated results of operations and comprehensive income, and the consolidated cash flows for the periods presented. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Because they cover interim periods, the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year, due primarily to the seasonality of the Company’s operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company discovered errors in the Company’s calculations of gains or losses on discontinued operations that originated in the first and second quarters of 2011. As a result, the Company recorded after-tax charges totaling $24,555, which included associated parent company goodwill, to reduce the net asset values of those businesses to their net realizable values. These charges were recognized within discontinued operations and net income and included in the operating results for the year ended December 31, 2011. In the footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2011, the Company corrected the presentation of the first and second quarters of 2011. Additionally the Company reflected this correction in the corresponding prior period presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the period ended March 31, 2012. The write-downs included in the first quarter of 2011 totaled $21,099, and the remaining amount of $3,456 will be presented in the corresponding prior period of the second quarter of 2012.

Note 2: New Accounting Pronouncements

The following recently announced accounting standards have been adopted by the Company and have been included in the consolidated results of operations, financial position or footnotes of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements:

Fair Value Measurements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated accounting guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures that result in common fair value measurements and disclosures between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards. This new guidance amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to increase transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2012 and is required to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. In December 2011, the FASB deferred the requirement to present reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income on the face of the income statement. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2012. As the Company already presents the components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, the adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Testing Goodwill for Impairment

In September 2011, the FASB updated the accounting guidance related to testing goodwill for impairment. This update permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test that is currently in place. Under the new guidance, an entity will not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. This update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed by the Company beginning on January 1, 2012. The adoption of this update did not have a significant impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

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Table of Contents

Note 3: Goodwill

The Company’s annual goodwill impairment test is conducted at November 30 of each calendar year. Interim reviews are performed when the Company determines that a triggering event that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value has occurred.

In the first quarter of 2011, the Company assessed fair value, including allocated goodwill, and recorded impairments of $21,099 for the pending sales of its Arizona and New Mexico subsidiaries, and $561 for the pending sale of the Company’s assets of its Texas subsidiary. These impairment charges were included in operating results of discontinued operations. (see Note 13)

The following table summarizes the three-month changes in goodwill of the Company’s continuing operations by reporting unit:

 

     Regulated Unit     Market-Based Operations     Consolidated  
     Cost      Accumulated
Impairment
    Cost      Accumulated
Impairment
    Cost      Accumulated
Impairment
    Total Net  

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 3,399,368       $ (2,332,670   $ 235,990       $ (107,619   $ 3,635,358       $ (2,440,289   $ 1,195,069   

Reclassifications and other activity

     0         0        0        0       0         0        0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

   $ 3,399,368       $ (2,332,670   $ 235,990       $ (107,619   $ 3,635,358       $ (2,440,289   $ 1,195,069   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2011

   $ 3,399,884       $ (2,332,670   $ 235,990       $ (107,619   $ 3,635,874       $ (2,440,289   $ 1,195,585   

Reclassifications and other activity

     0         0       0        0       0         0       0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

   $ 3,399,884       $ (2,332,670   $ 235,990       $ (107,619   $ 3,635,874       $ (2,440,289   $ 1,195,585   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company may be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill in the future due to market conditions or other factors related to the Company’s performance. These market events could include a decline over a period of time of the Company’s stock price, a decline over a period of time in valuation multiples of comparable water utilities, the lack of an increase in the Company’s market price consistent with its peer companies, or decreases in control premiums. A decline in the forecasted results in our business plan, such as changes in rate case results or capital investment budgets or changes in our interest rates, could also result in an impairment charge. Recognition of impairments of a significant portion of goodwill would negatively affect the Company’s reported results of operations and total capitalization, the effect of which could be material and could make it more difficult for the Company to maintain its credit ratings, secure financing on attractive terms, maintain compliance with debt covenants and meet expectations of our regulators.

Note 4: Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

In March 2010, the Company established American Water Stock Direct, a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan (the “DRIP”). Under the DRIP, stockholders may reinvest cash dividends and purchase additional Company common stock, up to certain limits, through a transfer agent without commission fees. The Company’s transfer agent may buy newly issued shares directly from the Company or shares held in the Company’s treasury. The transfer agent may also buy shares in the public markets or in privately negotiated transactions. Purchases generally will be made and credited to DRIP accounts once each week. As of March 31, 2012, there were 4,856 shares available for future issuance under the DRIP. The following table summarizes information regarding issuances under the DRIP for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012      2011  

Shares of common stock issued

     17         18   

Cash proceeds received

   $ 571       $ 490   

 

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Cash dividend payments made during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Dividends per share, three months ended:

     

March 31

   $ 0.23       $ 0.22   

Total dividends paid, three months ended:

     

March 31

   $ 40,414       $ 38,525   

On February 24, 2012, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.23 per share payable on June 1, 2012 to all shareholders of record as of April 20, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued dividends totaling $40,526 included in Other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted stock option and restricted stock unit awards to non-employee directors, officers and other key employees of the Company pursuant to the terms of its 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). As of March 31, 2012, a total of 10,240 shares were available for grant under the Plan. Shares issued under the Plan may be authorized-but-unissued shares of Company stock or reacquired shares of Company stock, including shares purchased by the Company on the open market for purposes of the Plan.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock awards over the vesting period of the award. The following table presents stock-based compensation expense recorded in operation and maintenance expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  

Stock options

   $ 846      $ 826   

Restricted stock units

     1,290        1,205   

Employee stock purchase plan

     132        97   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation in operation and maintenance expense

     2,268        2,128   

Income tax benefit

     (884     (830
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

After-tax stock-based compensation expense

   $ 1,384      $ 1,298   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no significant stock-based compensation costs capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Stock Options

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain employees under the Plan. The stock options vest ratably over the three-year service period beginning January 1, 2012. These awards have no performance vesting conditions and the grant date fair value is amortized through expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the pricing model for 2012 grants and the resulting weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted:

 

Dividend yield

     2.70

Expected volatility

     28.36

Risk-free interest rate

     0.77

Expected life (years)

     4.4   

Exercise price

   $ 34.12   

Grant date fair value per share

   $ 6.11   

Stock options granted under the Plan have maximum terms of seven years, vest over periods ranging from one to three years, and are granted with exercise prices equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. As of March 31, 2012, $5,892 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

 

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The table below summarizes stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(per share)
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2012

     3,112      $ 22.70         

Granted

     603        34.12         

Forfeited or expired

     (31     25.34         

Exercised

     (379     21.62         
  

 

 

         

Options outstanding at March 31, 2012

     3,305      $ 24.89         4.7       $ 30,271   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2012

     2,002      $ 21.96         3.7       $ 24,167   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes additional information regarding stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012      2011  

Intrinsic value

   $ 4,662       $ 1,523   

Exercise proceeds

     8,197         5,549   

Income tax benefit

     1,214         181   

Restricted Stock Units

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted restricted stock units to certain employees under the Plan. The restricted stock units vest ratably over the three-year performance period beginning January 1, 2012 (the “Performance Period”); however, distribution of the shares is contingent upon the achievement of internal performance measures and, separately, certain market thresholds over the Performance Period. The restricted stock units granted with performance and service conditions are valued at the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock units granted with market and service conditions are valued using a Monte Carlo model. Weighted-average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation are as follows for the 2012 grants:

 

Expected volatility

     22.60

Risk-free interest rate

     0.42

Expected life (years)

     3   

The grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards that (a) have market and/or performance and service conditions and (b) vest ratably is amortized through expense over the requisite service period using the graded-vesting method. As of March 31, 2012, $6,843 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested restricted stock units is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining life of 1.4 years.

The table below summarizes restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

     Shares     Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
 

Non-vested total at January 1, 2012

     577      $ 25.09   

Granted

     147        37.64   

Vested

     (168     22.08   

Forfeited

     (9     27.42   

Cancelled

     (2     22.08   
  

 

 

   

Non-vested total at March 31, 2012

     545      $ 29.37   
  

 

 

   

 

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes additional information regarding restricted stock units distributed during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012      2011  

Intrinsic value

   $ 5,804       $ 1,695   

Income tax benefit

     798         99   

If dividends are declared with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock before the restricted stock units are distributed, the Company credits a liability for the value of the dividends that would have been paid if the restricted stock units were shares of Company common stock. When the restricted stock units are distributed, the Company pays the participant a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the dividend equivalents accrued. The Company accrued dividend equivalents totaling $165 and $143 to retained earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Nonqualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), employees can use payroll deductions to acquire Company stock at the lesser of 90% of the fair market value of (a) the beginning or (b) the end of each three-month purchase period. As of March 31, 2012 there were 1,562 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company issued 31 shares under the ESPP.

Note 5: Long-Term Debt

The Company primarily issues long-term debt to fund capital expenditures at the regulated subsidiaries. The components of long-term debt are as follows:

 

     Rate   Weighted
Average Rate
    Maturity
Date
  March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Long-term debt of American Water Capital Corp. (“AWCC”)(a)

          

Private activity bonds and government funded debt

          

Fixed rate

   4.85%-6.75%     5.72   2018-2040   $ 322,610      $ 322,610   

Senior notes

          

Fixed rate

   5.39%-10.00%     6.25   2013-2040     3,089,409        3,089,409   

Long-term debt of other subsidiaries

          

Private activity bonds and government funded debt

          

Fixed rate

   0.00%-6.20%     5.04   2012-2039     1,218,756        1,206,332   

Mortgage bonds

          

Fixed rate

   5.48%-9.71%     7.40   2012-2039     697,800        697,800   

Mandatory redeemable preferred stock

   8.47%-9.75%     8.61   2019-2036     21,001        22,101   

Notes payable and other(b)

   9.50%-13.96%     12.19   2013-2026     1,635        1,691   
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

           5,351,211        5,339,943   

Unamortized debt discount, net(c)

           42,876        43,888   

Fair value adjustment to interest rate hedge

           5,833        6,111   
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

         $ 5,399,920      $ 5,389,942   
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) AWCC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has a strong support agreement with its parent that, under certain circumstances, is the functional equivalent of a guarantee.
(b) Includes capital lease obligations of $1,208 and $1,264 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(c) Includes fair value adjustments previously recognized in acquisition purchase accounting.

 

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Table of Contents

The following long-term debt was issued in 2012:

 

Company

  

Type

   Interest Rate      Maturity      Amount  

Other subsidiaries

   Private activity bonds and government funded debt – fixed rate      1.00%-2.41%         2029-2032       $ 14,372   
           

 

 

 

Total issuances

            $ 14,372   
           

 

 

 

The following long-term debt was retired through optional redemption or payment at maturity during 2012:

 

Company

  

Type

   Interest Rate      Maturity      Amount  

Other subsidiaries

   Mortgage bonds – fixed rate      7.95%         2012       $ 4,200   

Other subsidiaries

   Private activity bonds and government funded debt – fixed rate      0.00%-5.90%         2012-2031         1,973   

Other subsidiaries

   Mandatory redeemable preferred stock      4.60%-6.00%         2013-2019         1,100   

Other

   Capital leases            56   
           

 

 

 

Total retirements and redemptions

            $ 7,329   
           

 

 

 

Interest, net includes interest income of approximately $2,812 and $2,649 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company previously entered into an interest-rate swap to hedge $100,000 of its 6.085% fixed-rate debt maturing 2017. The Company pays variable interest of six-month LIBOR plus 3.422%. This fixed rate and variable rate interest swap is accounted for as a fair-value hedge. The swap matures with the fixed-rate debt in 2017. The Company uses a combination of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt to manage interest rate exposure.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a $100,000 notional amount variable interest rate swap fair value hedge outstanding. The following table provides a summary of the derivative fair value balance recorded by the Company and the line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in which such amount is recorded:

 

Balance sheet classification

   March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Regulatory and other long-term assets

     

Other

   $ 5,590       $ 5,824   

Long-term debt

     

Long-term debt

     5,833         6,111   

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the hedge instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current net income. The Company includes the gain or loss on the derivative instrument and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item in interest expense as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012     March 31, 2011  

Income Statement Classification

            

Interest, net

    

Loss on swap

   $ (234   $ (1,153

Gain on borrowing

     277        987   

Hedge Ineffectiveness

     43        (166

 

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Note 6: Short-Term Debt

The components of short-term debt are as follows:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Commercial paper, net of $3 and $52 discount at March 31 and December 31, respectively

   $ 133,097       $ 481,048   

Bank overdraft

     14,115         34,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total short-term debt

   $ 147,212       $ 515,050   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 7: Income Taxes

The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 40.0% compared to 40.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, excluding various discrete items. The Company’s actual effective tax rates on continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 41.8% and 40.7%, respectively.

Note 8: Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Components of net periodic pension benefit cost

    

Service cost

   $ 8,507      $ 8,410   

Interest cost

     17,521        17,262   

Expected return on plan assets

     (19,619     (18,027

Amortization of:

    

Prior service cost

     181        180   

Actuarial loss

     7,402        4,638   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension benefit cost

   $ 13,992      $ 12,463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Components of net periodic other postretirement benefit cost

    

Service cost

   $ 3,526      $ 3,485   

Interest cost

     7,858        7,805   

Expected return on plan assets

     (7,140     (7,195

Amortization of:

    

Prior service credit

     (479     (481

Actuarial loss

     2,384        1,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic other postretirement benefit cost

   $ 6,149      $ 5,397   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company contributed $32,931 to its defined benefit pension plan in the first three months of 2012 and expects to contribute $64,944 during the balance of 2012. In addition, the Company contributed $7,496 for the funding of its other postretirement plans in the first three months of 2012, and expects to contribute $22,487 during the balance of 2012.

Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is routinely involved in legal actions incident to the normal conduct of its business. At March 31, 2012, the Company has accrued approximately $2,800 as probable costs and it is reasonably possible that additional losses could range up to $30,400 for these matters. For certain matters, the Company is unable to estimate possible losses. The Company believes that damages or settlements recovered by plaintiffs in such claims or actions, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

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Table of Contents

The Company enters into agreements for the provision of services to water and wastewater facilities for the United States military, municipalities and other customers. The Company’s military services agreements expire between 2051 and 2060 and have remaining performance commitments as measured by estimated remaining contract revenue of $2,004,000 at March 31, 2012. The military contracts are subject to customary termination provisions held by the U.S. Federal Government prior to the agreed upon contract expiration. The Company’s Operations and Maintenance agreements with municipalities and other customers expire between 2012 and 2048 and have remaining performance commitments as measured by estimated remaining contract revenue of $1,038,000 at March 31, 2012. Some of the Company’s long-term contracts to operate and maintain a municipality’s, federal government’s or other party’s water or wastewater treatment and delivery facilities include responsibility for certain maintenance of some of those facilities, in exchange for an annual fee. Unless specifically required to perform certain maintenance activities, the maintenance costs are recognized when the maintenance is performed.

Note 10: Environmental Matters

The Company’s water and wastewater operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign requirements relating to environmental protection, and as such, the Company periodically becomes subject to environmental claims in the normal course of business. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations or provide a future benefit are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Remediation costs that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations are accrued, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that these costs will be incurred and can be reasonably estimated. Remediation costs accrued amounted to $5,500 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The accrual relates to a conservation agreement entered into by a subsidiary of the Company with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) requiring the Company to, among other provisions, implement certain measures to protect the steelhead trout and its habitat in the Carmel River watershed in the state of California. The Company has agreed to pay $1,100 annually from 2010 to 2016. The Company pursues recovery of incurred costs through all appropriate means, including regulatory recovery through customer rates. The Company’s regulatory assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include $9,117 and $9,187, respectively, related to the NOAA agreement.

Note 11: Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security. The Company has participating securities related to restricted stock units, granted under the Company’s 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, that earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with common shares. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s income from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations, net income and weighted-average common shares outstanding for calculating basic earnings per share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Basic:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 49,252      $ 40,699   

Loss from discontinued operations

     (7,498     (14,466

Net income

     41,754        26,233   

Less: Distributed earnings to common shareholders

     40,563        38,651   

Less: Distributed earnings to participating securities

     16        16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed earnings

     1,175        (12,434

Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders

     1,175        (12,429

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

     0        (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, basic

   $ 49,236      $ 40,688   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income available to common shareholders, basic

   $ 41,738      $ 26,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic

     175,914        175,259   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share: (a)

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 

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Table of Contents

Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents related to the restricted stock units, stock options, and employee stock purchase plan. The dilutive effect of the common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds on vesting of the restricted stock units, exercise of the stock options and purchases under the employee stock purchase plan. The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s income from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations, net income and weighted-average common shares outstanding for calculating diluted earnings per share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Diluted:

    

Total income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, basic

   $ 49,236      $ 40,688   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (7,498     (14,466

Total income available to common shareholders, basic

     41,738        26,222   

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

     0        (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, diluted

   $ 49,236      $ 40,683   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income available to common shareholders, diluted

   $ 41,738      $ 26,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic

     175,914        175,259   

Stock-based compensation:

    

Restricted stock units

     492        398   

Stock options

     620        389   

Employee stock purchase plan

     2        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted

     177,028        176,048   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share: (a)

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

The following potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were not included in the earnings per share calculations because they were anti-dilutive:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012      2011  

Stock options

     603         736   

Restricted stock units where certain performance conditions were not met

     101         134   

Note 12: Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Current assets and current liabilities: The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for current assets and current liabilities, including revolving credit debt due to the short-term maturities and variable interest rates, approximate their fair values.

Preferred stock with mandatory redemption requirements and long-term debt: The fair values of preferred stock with mandatory redemption requirements and long-term debt are categorized within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs that are used to value each instrument. The fair value of long-term debt classified as Level 1 is calculated using quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 instruments are valued using observable inputs and Level 3 instruments are valued using observable and unobservable inputs. The fair values of instruments classified as Level 2 and 3 are determined by a valuation model which is based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilizes assumptions of current market rates. The Company calculated a base yield curve using a risk-free rate (a U.S. Treasury securities yield curve) plus a credit spread that is based on the following two factors: an average of the Company’s own publicly-traded debt securities and the current market rates for U.S. Utility BBB+ debt securities. The Company used

 

14


Table of Contents

these yield curve assumptions to derive a base yield for the Level 2 and Level 3 securities. Additionally, the Company adjusted the base yield for specific features of the debt securities including call features, coupon tax treatment and collateral for the Level 3 instruments.

The carrying amounts (including fair value adjustments previously recognized in acquisition purchase accounting) and fair values of the financial instruments are as follows:

 

            At Fair Value as of March 31, 2012  

Recurring Fair Value Measures

   Carrying
Amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Preferred stocks with mandatory redemption requirements

   $ 20,930       $ 0       $ 0      $ 26,191       $ 26,191   

Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations)

     5,377,782         2,288,017         1,598,608         2,665,817         6,552,442   

 

As of December 31, 2011

   Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Preferred stocks with mandatory redemption requirements

   $ 22,036       $ 26,458   

Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations)

     5,366,642         6,230,547   

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

 

     At Fair Value as of March 31, 2012  

Recurring Fair Value Measures

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Assets:

          

Restricted funds

   $ 45,314         —          —         $ 45,314   

Rabbi trust investments

     —         $ 258        —           258   

Deposits

     1,786         —          —           1,786   

Mark-to-market derivative asset

     —           5,590        —           5,590   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 47,100       $ 5,848        —         $ 52,948   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

          

Deferred compensation obligation

     —         $ 9,476        —         $ 9,476   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     —         $ 9,476        —         $ 9,476   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net assets (liabilities)

   $ 47,100       $ (3,628     —         $ 43,472   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     At Fair Value as of December 31, 2011  

Recurring Fair Value Measures

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Assets:

          

Restricted funds

   $ 57,941         —          —         $ 57,941   

Rabbi trust investments

     —         $ 518        —           518   

Deposits

     2,287         —          —           2,287   

Mark-to-market derivative asset

     —           5,824        —           5,824   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 60,228       $ 6,342        —         $ 66,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

          

Deferred compensation obligation

     —         $ 9,036        —         $ 9,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     —         $ 9,036        —         $ 9,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net assets (liabilities)

   $ 60,228       $ (2,694     —         $ 57,534   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restricted funds – The Company’s restricted funds primarily represent proceeds received from financings for the construction and capital improvement of facilities and from customers for future services under operations and maintenance projects. The proceeds

 

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of these financings are held in escrow until the designated expenditures are incurred. Restricted funds expected to be released within twelve months subsequent to the balance sheet date are classified as current.

Rabbi trust investments – The Company’s rabbi trust investments consist primarily of fixed income investments from which supplemental executive retirement plan benefits are paid. The Company includes these assets in Other long-term assets.

Deposits – Deposits include escrow funds and certain other deposits held in trust. The Company includes cash deposits in Other current assets.

Deferred compensation obligations – The Company’s deferred compensation plans allow participants to defer certain cash compensation into notional investment accounts. The Company includes such plans in Other long-term liabilities. The value of the Company’s deferred compensation obligations is based on the market value of the participants’ notional investment accounts. The notional investments are comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices.

Mark-to-market derivative asset– The Company utilizes fixed-to-floating interest-rate swaps, typically designated as fair-value hedges, to achieve a targeted level of variable-rate debt as a percentage of total debt. The Company uses a calculation of future cash inflows and estimated future outflows, which are discounted, to determine the current fair value. Additional inputs to the present value calculation include the contract terms, counterparty credit risk, interest rates and market volatility.

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

As discussed in Note 3, no goodwill impairment was recognized by the Company’s continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011. The Company’s goodwill valuation model includes significant unobservable inputs and falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 13: Discontinued Operations

As part of the Company’s strategic review of its business investments, it has previously entered into agreements to sell assets or stock of certain subsidiaries.

In January 2012, the Company received $461,057 in proceeds upon the close of the sale of its Arizona and New Mexico subsidiaries. There was no gain or loss on sale recorded at the time of closing. Final proceeds of the sale are subject to certain post-close adjustments. As disclosed in Note 1 included herein, the Company revised the first quarter of 2011 for an after-tax impairment charge of $21,099, which was recorded as an asset impairment charge to reduce parent company goodwill that had been allocated to these subsidiaries. The effect of this impairment charge has been presented in the results of discontinued operations for the first quarter of 2011 presented below.

Also in the first quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a pretax impairment charge of $561 after evaluating the pending sale of the assets of the Company’s regulated subsidiary in Texas.

The Company has also entered into an agreement to sell the stock of its Ohio subsidiary. The sale price is currently estimated at approximately $101,000, plus assumed liabilities, for an estimated enterprise value of approximately $120,000. The sale is subject to certain closing adjustments. In February 2012, the Ohio public utility commission approved the sale, which is expected to close during the second quarter of 2012.

Charges recorded in connection with the discontinued operations include estimates that are subject to subsequent adjustment.

A summary of discontinued operations presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating revenues

   $ 16,217      $ 38,127   

Total operating expenses, net

     12,453        48,165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     3,764        (10,038

Other income (expenses), net

     (120     292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

     3,644        (9,746

Provision for income taxes

     11,142        4,720   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (7,498   $ (14,466
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS      

Total property, plant and equipment

   $ 118,488       $ 833,023   

Current assets

     10,194         21,906   

Regulatory assets

     3,691         43,849   

Goodwill

     5,132         29,608   

Other

     0         1,472   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets of discontinued operations

   $ 137,505       $ 929,858   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
LIABILITIES      

Long-term debt

   $ 10,884       $ 11,697   

Current portion of long-term debt

     48         12,839   

Other current liabilities

     7,287         29,530   

Advances for construction

     5,772         205,034   

Regulatory liabilities

     2,124         4,617   

Other

     3,453         15,540   

Contributions in aid of construction

     3,213         102,961   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities of discontinued operations

   $ 32,781       $ 382,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 14: Segment Information

The Company has two operating segments, which are also the Company’s two reportable segments, referred to as Regulated Businesses and Market-Based Operations.

The following table includes the Company’s summarized segment information:

 

     As of or for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 
     Regulated
Businesses
     Market-Based
Operations
     Other     Consolidated  

Net operating revenues

   $ 541,875       $ 80,581       $ (3,902   $ 618,554   

Depreciation and amortization

     84,788         1,681         5,635        92,104   

Total operating expenses, net

     394,642         70,763         (6,589     458,816   

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     90,416         10,469         (16,240     84,645   

Total assets

     12,182,806         272,516         1,632,417        14,087,739   

Assets of discontinued operations (included in total assets above)

     141,945         0         (4,440     137,505   

Capital expenditures

     233,198         168         0        233,366   

Capital expenditures of discontinued operations (included in above)

     2,699         0         0        2,699   
     As of or for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
     Regulated
Businesses
     Market-Based
Operations
     Other     Consolidated  

Net operating revenues

   $ 528,281       $ 75,382       $ (6,948   $ 596,715   

Depreciation and amortization

     78,580         1,769         6,529        86,878   

Total operating expenses, net

     394,347         68,274         (9,156     453,465   

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     77,062         7,674         (16,092     68,644   

Total assets

     12,363,160         235,282         1,508,937        14,107,379   

Assets of discontinued operations (included in total assets above)

     908,497         7,355         1,535        917,387   

Capital expenditures

     175,972         439         0        176,411   

Capital expenditures of discontinued operations (included in above)

     5,880         58         0        5,938   

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements included in this Form 10-Q, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future” and “intends” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences in results and outcomes from those in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those items discussed in the “Risk Factors” section or other sections in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as in Item IA of Part II of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

General

American Water Works Company, Inc. (herein referred to as “American Water” or the “Company”) is the largest investor-owned United States water and wastewater utility company, as measured both by operating revenue and population served. Our primary business involves the ownership of water and wastewater utilities that provide water and wastewater services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Our Regulated Businesses that provide these services are generally subject to economic regulation by state regulatory agencies (“PUCs”) in the states in which they operate. We report the results of these businesses in our Regulated Businesses segment. We also provide services that are not subject to economic regulation by state regulatory agencies. We report the results of these businesses in our Market-Based Operations segment. For further description of our businesses, see the “Business” section found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC.

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC.

Overview

All financial information in the below Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), reflects only continuing operations. As previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as part of our portfolio optimization initiative, we entered into agreements to sell our regulated subsidiaries in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and our regulated water and wastewater systems in Texas. The sale of the Texas subsidiary assets was completed in June 2011. On January 31, 2012 we completed the divestiture of the Arizona and New Mexico subsidiaries and on May 1, 2012, the divestiture of our Ohio subsidiary was completed. Also, on December 31, 2011, we completed the sale of Applied Water Management, Inc. (“AWM”), which was part of our Contract Operations line of business within our Market-Based segment. Therefore, the financial results of these entities have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2011, we discovered errors in our calculations of gains or losses on discontinued operations that originated in the first and second quarters of 2011. As a result, we recorded after-tax charges totaling $24.6 million, which included associated parent company goodwill, to reduce the net asset values of those businesses to their net realizable values. These charges were recognized within discontinued operations and net income and included in the operating results for the year ended December 31, 2011. The write-down included in the first quarter of 2011 totaled $21.1 million and is reflected, where necessary, in the amounts reported for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Financial Results. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we reported net income of $41.8 million, or diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.24 compared to $26.2 million, or diluted EPS of $0.15 for the comparable period in 2011. Income from continuing operations was $49.3 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $40.7 million for the first quarter of 2011. Diluted income from continuing operations per average common share was $0.28 for the first quarter of 2012 as compared to $0.23 for the first quarter of 2011.

The primary driver contributing to the increase in net income from continuing operations was increased revenues resulting from rate increases, as well as slightly higher revenues in our Market-Based Operations. Partially offsetting these increases was higher depreciation expense in our Regulated segment as a result of additional utility plant placed in service. For further details, see “Consolidated Results of Operations and Variances” and “Segment Results” below.

        In 2012, our goals focus on continuing our portfolio optimization initiative, actively addressing regulatory lag and declining usage, continuing to make efficient use of capital and continuing to improve on our regulated operation and maintenance (“O&M”) efficiency ratio. Also in 2012, we will look to expand our Market-Based Operations with a focus on the Homeowners Services Group and Military Contract Operations and optimize our municipal contract operations business model to provide for value creation for both American Water and the municipality.

The progress that we have made in the first quarter of 2012 with respect to these objectives is described below.

 

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Implementation of Portfolio Optimization Initiative. We continue to execute our plan for optimizing our Regulated Businesses’ portfolio. In January 2012, we completed our sale of regulated operations in Arizona and New Mexico, and on May 1, 2012, we completed the divestiture of our Ohio subsidiary, for approximately $101 million, plus assumed liabilities of approximately $19 million. Ohio American Water serves approximately 58,000 customers.

Also, on May 1, 2012, we completed our purchase of seven regulated water systems in New York, for approximately $39 million in cash plus assumed liabilities. This acquisition adds approximately 50,000 customers to our New York regulated operations.

Rate Cases and Regulatory Matters. During the first quarter of 2012, we filed a general rate case in Virginia requesting additional annualized revenues for jurisdictional customers of approximately $5.7 million. Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2012, we were granted additional annualized revenues from general rate cases, totaling $32.6 million.

On February 23, 2012, the Iowa Utilities Board approved an additional $2.8 million of annualized revenues for our Iowa subsidiary. The increase approximated what we had been collecting in rates since July 29, 2011 under interim rates and the partial settlement that was reached in October 2011. Also, on March 7, 2012, our rate case filed in June of 2011 was approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission and the new rates became effective on April 1, 2012.

On March 20, 2012, the New York State Public Service Commission approved an order for Long Island American Water for a rate increase of approximately $5.6 million of which $3.0 million became effective April 1, 2012. The remainder of the $5.6 million annualized revenue increase of $1.4 million and $1.2 million will become effective April 1, 2013 and April 1, 2014, respectively.

The table below details additional annualized revenues, including step increases and assuming a constant volume, resulting from rate authorizations granted in the first quarter of 2012:

 

     Annualized Rate
Increases Granted
 
     (In millions)  

State

  

General Rate Cases:

  

Missouri

   $ 24.0   

New York

     5.6   

Iowa

     2.8   

Other

     0.2   
  

 

 

 

Total General Rate Cases

   $ 32.6   
  

 

 

 

 

In April, 2012, additional annualized revenues of $1.7 million resulting from infrastructure charges for our Pennsylvania subsidiary become effective.

On May 1, 2012, our New Jersey rate case, which we filed in the third quarter of 2011, was approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The new rates provide for additional annualized revenue of $30.0 million and are effective May 1, 2012.

As of May 2, 2012, we are awaiting final orders in four states, where we have continuing operations, requesting additional annualized revenues of $101.2 million. There is no assurance that all, or any portion thereof, of any requested increases will be granted.

San Clemente Dam

As noted in the Form 10-K California-American Water Company (“CAWC”) challenged the Proposed Decision, as revised (the “PD”), of the administrative law judge assigned to CAWC’s application for approval of the Carmel River Reroute and San Clemente Dam Removal Project. In the PD, the administrative law judge recommended that recovery of virtually all of the historical costs of approximately $27 million should be denied.

As disclosed in more detail in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings” in this 10-Q, on April 24, 2012, Commissioner Catherine J. K. Sandoval of the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued an Alternate Proposed Decision (the “Alternate PD”). The Alternate PD among other things would permit CAWC’s rate recovery of the historical costs as well as allowing CAWC to earn its full rate of equity return and the actual cost of debt on the project. Additionally, the Alternate PD would place all authorized and estimated costs in a regulatory asset account and would provide recovery of the regulatory assets over a twenty-year period beginning July 1, 2012. No date has been scheduled for the CPUC’s decision on the PD or the Alternate PD. There are no assurances that the PD or the Alternate PD will be approved as written and both are subject to change.

Continue Improvement in O&M Efficiency Ratio for our Regulated Businesses. Our O&M efficiency ratio (a non-GAAP measure) is defined as operation and maintenance expense divided by operating revenues, where both operation and maintenance expense and operating revenues are adjusted for purchased water expense. Our O&M efficiency ratio was 45.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 48.1% for the same period in 2011. We evaluate our operating performance using this

 

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measure because management believes it is an important measure of the efficiency of our regulated operations. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of our operating performance. The O&M efficiency ratio is not a measure defined under GAAP. It also may not be comparable to other companies’ operating measures and should not be used in place of the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. The following table provides reconciliation between operation and maintenance expense as a percentage of operating revenues as determined in accordance with GAAP and our operating efficiency ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to March 31, 2011:

Regulated Operation and Maintenance Efficiency Ratio (a Non-GAAP Measure)

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Total regulated O&M expense

   $ 257,931      $ 264,953   

Less: Regulated purchased water expense

     22,410        20,815   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted regulated O&M expense(a)

   $ 235,521      $ 244,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total regulated operating revenues

   $ 541,875      $ 528,281   

Less: Regulated purchased water revenues*

     22,410        20,815   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted regulated operating revenues(b)

   $ 519,465      $ 507,466   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Regulated O&M efficiency ratio(a)/(b)

     45.3     48.1

 

  * Calculation assumes purchased water revenues approximate purchased water expenses.

Consolidated Results of Operations and Variances

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

     For the three months ended
March 31,
    Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Change
 
(In thousands)    2012     2011    

Operating revenues

   $ 618,554      $ 596,715      $ 21,839   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

      

Operation and maintenance

     310,004        310,821        817   

Depreciation and amortization

     92,104        86,878        (5,226

General taxes

     57,121        55,498        (1,623

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and purchases

     (413     268        681   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses, net

     458,816        453,465        (5,351
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     159,738        143,250        16,488   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expenses)

      

Interest, net

     (79,654     (76,191     (3,463

Allowance for other funds used during construction

     4,362        2,828        1,534   

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction

     2,081        1,204        877   

Amortization of debt expense

     (1,266     (1,292     26   

Other, net

     (616     (1,155     539   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expenses)

     (75,093     (74,606     (487
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     84,645        68,644        16,001   

Provision for income taxes

     35,393        27,945        (7,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     49,252        40,699        8,553   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (7,498     (14,466     6,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 41,754      $ 26,233      $ 15,521   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share: (a)

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23     

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted earnings per common share: (a)

      

 

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     For the three months ended 
March 31,
 
(In thousands)    2012     2011  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.28      $ 0.23   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (0.04   $ (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.24      $ 0.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period:

    

Basic

     175,914        175,259   

Diluted

     177,028        176,048   

 

  (a) Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

The following is a summary discussion of the consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, followed by a discussion of the segment operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year:

Operating revenues. Consolidated operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased $21.8 million, or 3.7%, compared to the same period in 2011. This change reflects a $13.6 million increase in our Regulated Businesses segment, which was mainly attributable to rate increases partially offset by lower consumption, and a $5.2 million increase in our Market-Based Operations segment, which was primarily due to an increase in the Contract Operations Group revenues attributable to incremental capital project activity associated with our military services contracts. For further information, see the respective “Operating Revenues” discussions within the “Segment Results.”

Operation and maintenance. Consolidated operation and maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $0.8 million, or 0.3%, compared to the same period in 2011. This change was driven by a $7.0 million decrease in our Regulated Businesses segment partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in our Market-Based Operations segment. For further information, see the respective “Operation and Maintenance” discussions within the “Segment Results.”

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $5.2 million, or 6.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of additional utility plant placed in service.

General taxes. General taxes expense, which includes taxes for property, payroll, gross receipts, and other miscellaneous items, increased by $1.6 million, or 2.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 and was principally due to payroll, property, gross receipts and capital stock taxes.

Other income (expenses). Interest expense, net of interest income, which is the primary component of our other income (expenses), increased by $3.5 million, or 4.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to accelerated amortization in 2011 of $3.1 million in unamortized debt discounts associated with debt that was redeemed during the first quarter of 2011.

Provision for income taxes. Our consolidated provision for income taxes increased $7.4 million, or 26.7%, to $35.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 41.8% and 40.7%, respectively.

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. As noted above, the financial results of our regulated water and wastewater subsidiaries in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Ohio, as well as those of our AWM subsidiary within the Market-Based Operations segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The decrease in the loss from discontinued operations, net of tax is primarily related to the $21.1 million write-down recorded in the first quarter of 2011 to reduce the net asset values of certain of our discontinued operations. This 2011 charge was offset by a benefit of $4.7 million related to the cessation of depreciation for our Arizona, New Mexico and Texas subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Included in the three months ended March 31, 2012 is a benefit associated with the cessation of depreciation of our Arizona, New Mexico and Ohio subsidiaries of $1.6 million. Under GAAP, operations that are considered discontinued operations cease to depreciate their assets. Also reflected in the three months ended March 31, 2012, is a $9.7 million charge for income taxes resulting from the divestiture of our Arizona and New Mexico subsidiaries.

Segment Results

We have two operating segments, which are also our reportable segments: the Regulated Businesses and the Market-Based Operations. We evaluate the performance of our segments and allocate resources based on several factors, with the primary measure being income from continuing operations before income taxes.

 

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Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

Regulated Segment

The following table summarizes certain financial information for our Regulated Businesses for the periods indicated:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
 
     (In thousands)  

Operating revenues

   $ 541,875       $ 528,281       $ 13,594   

Operation and maintenance expense

     257,931         264,953         (7,022

Operating expenses, net

     394,642         394,347         295   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     90,416         77,062         13,354   

Operating revenues. Our primary business involves the ownership of water and wastewater utilities that provide services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers. This business is subject to state regulation, and our results of operations are impacted significantly by rates authorized by the state regulatory commissions in the states in which we operate.

Operating revenues increased by $13.6 million, or 2.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to rate increases obtained through rate authorizations for a number of our operating companies (most of which were granted and became effective during periods throughout 2011) the impact of which was approximately $19.6 million. These increases were offset by decreased revenues of approximately $6.2 million attributable to lower demand in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011.

The following table sets forth the percentage of Regulated Businesses’ revenues and billed water sales volume by customer class:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     Operating Revenues     Billed Water Sales Volume  
     (Dollars in thousands)     (Gallons in millions)  

Customer Class

                    

Water service:

                    

Residential

   $ 305,897         56.5   $ 297,445         56.3     38,475         50.3     39,138         50.4

Commercial

     106,672         19.7     101,240         19.2     17,285         22.6     17,350         22.4

Industrial

     26,928         5.0     26,658         5.0     8,975         11.8     9,270         11.9

Public and other

     71,281         13.1     70,046         13.3     11,726         15.3     11,832         15.3

Other water revenues

     2,739         0.5     5,298         1.0     —           —          —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total water revenues

     513,517         94.8     500,687         94.8     76,461         100.0     77,590         100.0
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wastewater service

     19,121         3.5     18,491         3.5          

Other revenues

     9,237         1.7     9,103         1.7          
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

           
   $ 541,875         100.0   $ 528,281         100.0          
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

           

The following discussion addresses the increase or decrease in the Regulated Businesses’ revenues and associated billed water sales volumes in gallons by customer class.

Water Services — Water service operating revenues from residential customers for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $305.9 million, an $8.5 million increase, or 2.8%, over the same period of 2011, mainly due to rate increases, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume. The volume of water sold to residential customers decreased by 1.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 to 38.5 billion gallons, from 39.1 billion gallons for the same period in 2011. We believe the main factor contributing to the decline is an increased customer focus on conservation and more efficient water-related appliances.

Water service operating revenues from commercial water customers for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $5.4 million, or 5.4%, to $106.7 million mainly due to rate increases, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume compared to the same period in 2011. The volume of water sold to commercial customers decreased by 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, to 17.3 billion gallons, from 17.4 billion gallons for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Water service operating revenues from industrial customers totaled $26.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of $0.3 million, or 1.0%, from those recorded for the same period of 2011, mainly due to rate increases partially offset by a decrease in sales volume. The volume of water sold to industrial customers totaled 9.0 billion gallons for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of 3.2% from the 9.3 billion gallons for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Water service operating revenues from public and other customers, including municipal governments, other governmental entities and resale customers increased $1.2 million, or 1.8% to $71.3 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, mainly due to rate increases. Revenues from municipal governments for fire protection services and customers requiring special private fire service facilities totaled $31.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $0.2 million over the same period of 2011. Revenues generated by sales to governmental entities and resale customers for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $39.7 million, an increase of $1.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Wastewater services — Our subsidiaries provide wastewater services in nine states. Revenues from these services increased by $0.6 million, or 3.4%, to $19.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from the same period of 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to rate increases in a number of our operating companies.

Operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $7.0 million, or 2.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following table provides information regarding operation and maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, by major expense category:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
     (In thousands)  

Production costs

   $ 58,460       $ 58,573       $ (113     (0.2 %) 

Employee-related costs

     115,361         122,582         (7,221     (5.9 %) 

Operating supplies and services

     48,575         48,827         (252     (0.5 %) 

Maintenance materials and services

     16,134         17,455         (1,321     (7.6 %) 

Customer billing and accounting

     9,070         8,098         972        12.0

Other

     10,331         9,418         913        9.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 257,931       $ 264,953       $ (7,022     (2.7 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Production costs and employee-related costs, which account for approximately 67% of the total Regulated Businesses operation and maintenance expense, are discussed in more detail below.

Production costs, by major expense type were as follows:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
     (In thousands)  

Fuel and power

   $ 20,100       $ 20,069       $ 31        0.2

Purchased water

     22,410         20,815         1,595        7.7

Chemicals

     9,508         10,277         (769     (7.5 %) 

Waste disposal

     6,442         7,412         (970     (13.1 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 58,460       $ 58,573       $ (113     (0.2 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Overall production costs remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 2011 with a reduction in chemical costs and waste disposal costs offset by higher purchased water costs. The reduction in chemical costs is attributable to lower water turbidity experience, a reduction in the required production due to the mild winter temperatures in the first quarter of 2012 and a decrease in chemical pricing and lower consumption. The decrease in waste disposal costs is due to the recognition in 2011 of previously deferred costs allowed by a cost recovery mechanism in one of our operating companies. The increase in purchased water costs is primarily due to higher system delivery in certain districts within our California subsidiary for which 100% of the water is sourced from others as a result of an unusually dry first quarter in 2012.

 

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Employee-related costs, including salaries and wages, group insurance, and pension expense, decreased $7.2 million or 5.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. These employee-related costs represented 44.7% and 46.3% of operation and maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The following table provides information with respect to components of employee-related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
     (In thousands)  

Salaries and wages

   $ 78,388       $ 80,649       $ (2,261     (2.8 %) 

Pensions

     13,339         17,156         (3,817     (22.2 %) 

Group insurance

     18,869         20,169         (1,300     (6.4 %) 

Other benefits

     4,765         4,608         157        3.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 115,361       $ 122,582       $ (7,221     (5.9 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The decreases in salaries and wages and group insurance are mainly attributable to a reduction in headcount driven by vacant positions, an increase in costs capitalized as a result of the nature of projects worked on during 2012, which is mainly a result of the milder winter weather in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter 2011, as well as lower incentive compensation. These decreases were partially offset by higher costs resulting from annual wage increases and $2.4 million in severance-related costs associated with organizational realignment. The decrease in pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to decreased contributions in certain of our regulated operating companies whose costs and revenue requirements are based on the actual cash contributions to our pension trust accounts.

Operating supplies and services include the day-to-day expenses of office operation, legal and other professional services, transportation expenses, information systems rental charges and other office equipment rental charges. These costs decreased $0.3 million, or 0.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to reduction in leased vehicle costs, partially offset by higher contracted services.

Maintenance materials and services, which include emergency repairs as well as costs for preventive maintenance, decreased $1.3 million, or 7.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. This decrease was attributable to lower costs related to paving and backfilling, most of which is attributable to a decrease in the number of main breaks as a result of the milder winter weather.

Customer billing and accounting expenses, which include uncollectible accounts expense, postage and other customer related expenses, increased by $1.0 million, or 12.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to an increase in uncollectible expense of $0.8 million and higher collection agency fees.

Other operation and maintenance expenses include casualty and liability insurance premiums and regulatory costs. The increase in these costs was driven by higher insurance costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as 2011 insurance costs reflected incremental credits resulting from positive resolution of prior years’ claims.

Operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expense of $6.2 million, principally resulting from additional utility plant placed in service, and an increase in general taxes of $1.2 million, principally attributable to higher property, gross receipts and capital stock taxes offset by the decrease in operation and maintenance expense, as explained above.

Market-Based Operations

The following table provides certain financial information for our Market-Based Operations segment for the periods indicated:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase  
     (In thousands)  

Operating revenues

   $ 80,581       $ 75,382       $ 5,199   

Operation and maintenance expense

     67,771         64,536         3,235   

Operating expenses, net

     70,763         68,274         2,489   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     10,469         7,674         2,795   

Operating revenues. The net increase in revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in the Contract Operations Group revenues of $5.0 million, mainly due to incremental revenues associated with military construction and operations & maintenance projects.

Operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance expense increased $3.2 million, or 5.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. The following table provides information regarding operation and maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, by major expense category:

 

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     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2012      2011      Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage  
     (In thousands)  

Production costs

   $ 12,039       $ 12,341       $ (302     (2.4 %) 

Employee-related costs

     17,518         17,561         (43     (0.2 %) 

Operating supplies and services

     27,804         23,282         4,522        19.4

Maintenance materials and services

     9,008         9,357         (349     (3.7 %) 

Other, including uncollectible expense

     1,402         1,995         (593     (29.7 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 67,771       $ 64,536       $ 3,235        5.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The overall increase in O&M expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year is driven by the increase in operating supplies and services. The increase in operating supplies and services is mainly attributable to higher expenses in the Contract Operations Group, which are related to the increased activity with our military construction projects, reflecting the increase in revenues.

Operating expense. The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to the increase in operation and maintenance expense, which is explained above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For a general overview of our sources and uses of capital resources, see the introductory discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” contained in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We believe that our ability to access the capital markets, our revolving credit facility and our cash flows from operations will generate sufficient cash to fund our short-term capital requirements. The Company funds liquidity needs for capital investment, working capital and other financial commitments through cash flows from operations, public and private debt offerings, commercial paper markets and a revolving credit facility with $840.0 million in aggregate total commitments from a diversified group of banks. The Company closely monitors the financial condition of the financial institutions associated with its credit facility.

In order to meet our short-term liquidity needs, we, through American Water Capital Corp, (“AWCC”), our financing subsidiary, primarily issue commercial paper, which is supported by the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility is also used, to a limited extent, to support our issuance of letters of credit. AWCC had no outstanding borrowings and $36.8 million of outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, AWCC had $803.2 million under our credit facility that we can use to fulfill our short-term liquidity needs, issue letters of credit and support our $133.1 million outstanding commercial paper. We can provide no assurances that our lenders will meet their existing commitments or that we will be able to access the commercial paper or loan markets in the future on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the sale of water and wastewater services and, due to the seasonality of demand, are greatest during the third quarter of each fiscal year. Cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $148.1 million compared to $161.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The following table provides a summary of the major items affecting our cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     For the three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 41,754      $ 26,233   

Add (subtract):

    

Non-cash operating activities(1)

     181,623        154,126   

Changes in working capital(2)

     (34,851     29,970   

Pension and postretirement healthcare contributions

     (40,427     (48,803
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by operations

   $ 148,099      $ 161,526   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(1) Includes depreciation and amortization, provision for deferred income taxes, amortization of deferred investment tax credits, provision for losses on utility accounts receivable, allowance for other funds used during construction, (gain) loss on asset dispositions and purchases, pension and non-pension postretirement benefits expense and other non-cash items. Details of each component can be found in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(2) Changes in working capital include changes to accounts receivable and unbilled utility revenue, taxes receivable including income taxes, other current assets, accounts payable, taxes accrued (including income taxes), interest accrued and other current liabilities.

The decrease in cash flows from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily driven by changes in working capital.

During the first quarter of 2012, we revised the amount we expect to contribute to fund our pension plans for 2012. We estimate employer contributions to the plan to be approximately $97.9 million for 2012 compared to $126.7 million, as previously disclosed in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The 2012 contribution is subject to change as a result of the annual valuation occurring in the third quarter of 2012, which is based on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 minimum funding requirements.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The following table provides information regarding cash flows provided by or used in investing activities for the periods indicated:

 

     For the three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net capital expenditures

   $ (233,366   $ (176,411

Proceeds from sale of assets and securities

     461,375        158   

Other investing activities, net(1)

     1,596        10,065   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

   $ 229,605      $ (166,188
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes acquisitions, removal costs from property, plant and equipment retirements, net, and net funds released.

Cash flows provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $229.6 million compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $166.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The variance from 2011 to 2012 is mainly attributable to the proceeds received from the sale of our Arizona and New Mexico subsidiaries on January 31, 2012. Capital expenditures increased $57.0 million to $233.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $176.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase is attributable to increased spending on infrastructure replacement programs due to the milder winter weather in the first quarter of 2012, an increase in capital spending for our business transformation project as well as expenditures associated with the replacement of one of our New Jersey water treatment facilities.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Our financing activities, primarily focused on funding capital expenditures, include the issuance of long-term and short-term debt, primarily through AWCC. We intend to access the capital markets on a regular basis, subject to market conditions. In addition, new infrastructure may be financed with customer advances and contributions for construction (net of refunds).

The following long-term debt was issued during the first three months of 2012:

 

Company

  

Type

   Interest Rate     Maturity    Amount  

Other subsidiaries

  

Private activity bonds and government

funded debt – fixed rate

     1.00%-2.41   2029-2032    $ 14,372   
          

 

 

 

Total issuances

           $ 14,372   
          

 

 

 

Proceeds from the above issuances were received from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and will be used to fund certain specified projects.

The following long-term debt was retired through optional redemption, sinking fund provisions or payment at maturity during the first three months of 2012:

 

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Company

  

Type

   Interest Rate      Maturity      Amount
(In thousands)
 

Other subsidiaries

   Mortgage bonds-fixed rate      7.95%         2012       $ 4,200   

Other subsidiaries

   Private activity bonds and government funded debt-fixed rate      0.00%-5.90%         2012-2031         1,973   

Other subsidiaries

   Mandatory redeemable preferred stock      4.60%-6.00%         2013-2019         1,100   

Other

   Capital leases            56   
           

 

 

 

Total retirements and redemptions

            $ 7,329   
           

 

 

 

Included in the long-term debt redemptions/retirements is $4.2 million related to our Ohio subsidiary, which is classified as discontinued operations.

From time to time, and as market conditions warrant, we may engage in long-term debt retirements via tender offers, open market repurchases or other viable alternatives. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, we have issued notices of redemption for $150.4 million of outstanding bonds with original maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2038 and interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 5.90%. These bonds will now mature at various dates in the second quarter. We intend to refinance these bonds in 2012 with either commercial paper borrowings or long-term debt.

Credit Facilities and Short-Term Debt

The components of short-term debt at March 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (In thousands)  

Commercial paper, net

   $ 133,097   

Bank overdraft

     14,115   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term debt

   $ 147,212   
  

 

 

 

The following table provides information as of March 31, 2012, regarding letters of credit sub-limits and available capacities under the revolving credit facility, as well as outstanding amounts of commercial paper and borrowings under the revolving credit facilities:

 

     Credit Facility
Commitment
     Available
Credit Facility
Capacity
     Letter of Credit
Sub-limit
     Available
Letter of Credit
Capacity
     Outstanding
Commercial
Paper
(Net of Discount)
     Credit Line
Borrowings
 
     (In thousands)  

March 31, 2012

   $ 840,000       $ 803,159       $ 150,000       $ 113,159       $ 133,097       $ —     

Interest rates on advances under the revolving credit facility are based on either the prime rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable margin based upon our credit ratings, as well as total outstanding amounts under the facility at the time of the borrowing. The current spread over LIBOR is 22.5 basis points and the maximum spread over LIBOR is 55 basis points.

The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was approximately 0.52% compared to 0.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Capital Structure

The following table provides information regarding our capital structure for the periods presented:

 

     At
March 31, 2012
    At
December 31, 2011
 

Common stockholder equity and preferred stock without mandatory redemption rights

     43     42

Long-term debt and redeemable preferred stock at redemption value

     55     53

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

     2     5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Debt Covenants

Our debt agreements contain financial and non-financial covenants. To the extent that we are not in compliance, we or our subsidiaries may be restricted in our ability to pay dividends, issue debt or access our revolving credit facility. We were in compliance with our covenants as of March 31, 2012. Our failure to comply with restrictive covenants under our credit facilities could accelerate repayment obligations.

Certain long-term notes and the revolving credit facility require us to maintain a ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization of not more than 0.70 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2012, our ratio was 0.57 and therefore we were in compliance with the covenant.

Security Ratings

Our access to the capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and respective financing costs in those markets, is directly affected by securities ratings of the entity that is accessing the capital markets. We primarily access the capital markets, including the commercial paper market, through AWCC. However, we also issue debt through our regulated subsidiaries, primarily in the form of tax exempt securities, to lower our overall cost of debt.

On January 30, 2012, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, which we refer to as S&P, reaffirmed its BBB+ corporate credit rating on AWCC and American Water and AWCC’s “A2” short-term rating. Both S&P and Moody’s rating outlook for both American Water and AWCC is stable. The following table shows the Company’s securities ratings as of March 31, 2012:

 

Securities

   Moody’s Investors
Service
     Standard & Poor’s
Ratings Service
 

Senior unsecured debt

     Baa2         BBB+   

Commercial paper

     P2         A2   

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Security ratings are highly dependent upon our ability to generate cash flows in an amount sufficient enough to service our debt and meet our investment plans. We can provide no assurances that our ability to generate cash flows is sufficient to maintain our existing ratings. None of our borrowings are subject to default or prepayment as a result of the downgrading of these security ratings, although such a downgrading could increase fees and interest charges under our credit facilities.

As part of the normal course of business, we routinely enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of water, energy, chemicals and other services. These contracts either contain express provisions or otherwise permit us and our counterparties to demand adequate assurance of future performance when there are reasonable grounds for doing so. In accordance with the contracts and applicable contract law, if we are downgraded by a credit rating agency, especially if such downgrade is to a level below investment grade, it is possible that a counterparty would attempt to rely on such a downgrade as a basis for making a demand for adequate assurance of future performance. Depending on our net position with a counterparty, the demand could be for the posting of collateral. In the absence of expressly agreed provisions that specify the collateral that must be provided, the obligation to supply the collateral requested will depend upon the facts and circumstances of our situation at the time of the demand. If we can reasonably claim that we are willing and financially able to perform our obligations, it may be possible to argue successfully that no collateral should be posted or that an amount equal only to two or three months of future payments should be sufficient. We do not expect that our posting of collateral will have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Dividends

Our board of directors has adopted a dividend policy to distribute to our stockholders a portion of our net cash provided by operating activities as regular quarterly dividends, rather than retaining that cash for other purposes. We expect that dividends will be paid quarterly to holders of record approximately 15 days prior to the distribution date. Since the dividends on our common stock will not be cumulative, only declared dividends will be paid.

On March 1, 2012, the Company made a cash dividend payment of $0.23 per share to all shareholders of record as of February 3, 2012. In March 2011, the Company made a cash dividend payment of $0.22 per share to all shareholders of record as of February 18, 2011.

On February 24, 2012, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.23 per share payable on June 1, 2012 to all shareholders of record as of April 20, 2012.

 

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Market Risk

There have been no significant changes to our market risk since December 31, 2011. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to Part II, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC for a discussion of our critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Part I, Item 1 Consolidated Financial Statements Note 2 – New Accounting Pronouncements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of new accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest rates and equity prices. For further discussion of market risks, see “Market Risk” in Part I, Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

American Water Works Company, Inc. maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“the Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2012 pursuant to 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.

Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The following information updates and amends the information provided in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Form 10-K”) in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.”

 

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Alternative Water Supply in Lieu of Carmel River Diversions

As described in the Form 10-K, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted a Cease and Desist Order applicable to California-American Water Company (“CAWC”) on October 20, 2009 (the “2009 Order”), and CAWC appealed the 2009 Order to the Superior Court of California, challenging the findings and requirements of the 2009 Order. CAWC, the State Water Resources Control Board and other parties to CAWC’s action and related actions have entered into settlement negotiations, which are continuing.

As also described in the Form 10-K, CAWC filed a petition (the “Petition”) with the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) seeking clarification that it may go forward with constructing four pipelines and two pump stations (the “Ancillary Facilities”), regardless of the status of the Regional Desalination Project (the “Project”) that was to be implemented through a Water Purchase Agreement (“WPA”) and ancillary agreements (the “Agreements”) among the Marina Coast Water District (“MCWD”), the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (“MCWRA”) and CAWC. As also noted in the Form 10-K, at a prehearing conference with respect to the Petition held on January 24, 2012, CAWC advised the administrative law judge assigned to the matter that it will seek CPUC approval of an alternate project, and the administrative law judge directed CAWC to file, jointly with MCWD and MCWRA, if possible, a status report addressing various issues related to the Project and to submit a compliance filing to address CAWC’s plans to move forward on a new project.

CAWC, MCWD and MCWRA were unable to reach agreement on a status report. As a result, on March 1, 2012, each entity filed a separate status report, and CAWC also filed a compliance report. In addition, on March 15, 2012, the three entities each filed responses to some or all of the other entities’ filings.

In the filings, CAWC asserted, among other things, that proceeding with the Project is no longer in the public interest because the Project cannot be completed in time to meet the California State Water Resources Control Board’s December 2016 deadline for reducing normal diversions from the Carmel River. MCWD urged the CPUC to, among other things, dismiss or deny the Petition and direct CAWC, MCWRA and MCWD to expeditiously perform their contractual obligations in connection with the Project. MCWRA stated that it leaves it to CAWC to address how CAWC presently intends to move forward. Each of the parties also generally reasserted certain positions previously taken with respect to this matter, which are summarized in the Form 10-K.

 

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MCWD also asserted in its filings that if the CPUC determines that the Project is no longer the preferred water supply solution, it should require CAWC to reimburse MCWD for all costs expended by MCWD in connection with the Project. In its status report, MCWRA asserted that it was entitled to reimbursement of all costs or expenses relating to the Project, including enumerated expenses under the WPA. Each of MCWD and MCWRA also claimed that it is entitled to forgiveness of the indebtedness to CAWC that it incurred in connection with the Project. In response, CAWC has challenged MCWD’s claim that it is entitled to reimbursement for certain claimed litigation expenses, and has stated generally that, in light of the failure of MCWD and MCWRA to fulfill their contractual obligations under the WPA, their entitlement to reimbursement is unclear.

By letter dated March 27, 2012, counsel for MCWD stated that MCWD may have claims against CAWC and/or American Water Works Company, Inc. related to the Project and/or alternatives to the Project. The letter did not formally assert claims, but called for the preservation of all relevant evidence. By letter dated March 30, 2012, addressed to, among others, CAWC and MCWD, the County of Monterey (the “County”) and MCWRA stated that they may have legal claims against the addressees and the addressees may have evidence relevant to claims the County and MCWRA may have against other parties, and called for the preservation of evidence related to specified matters, including matters related to the Project. By separate letters, each dated April 20, 2012, to counsel for MCWD, MCWRA and the County, counsel for CAWC called for the preservation of evidence relevant to the WPA and other Project-related agreements.

On April 23, 2012, CAWC filed an application with the CPUC for approval of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (the “New Project”). The New Project involves construction of a desalination plant and related facilities, all to be owned by CAWC. In addition, the New Project may encompass CAWC’s purchase of water from the proposed Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project, a joint project between the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (“MPWMD”). The New Project also would involve aquifer storage and recovery through an already established aquifer storage and recovery program between CAWC and the MPWMD. In its application, CAWC is seeking approval to construct a desalination plant that can accommodate 9.0 million gallons per day. However, if the Groundwater Replenishment Project meets certain specified milestones by the time CAWC is ready to construct the plant (currently estimated to be near the end of 2014) and the cost for water to be purchased by CAWC is reasonable, CAWC would make the appropriate filing to reduce the size of the desalination plant so that it accommodates 5.4 million gallons per day.

CAWC has estimated the total project cost for the 9.0 million gallons per day desalination plant and related facilities to be approximately $367 million ($320 million if the size of the plant is reduced to 5.4 million gallons per day). CAWC stated in the application that it anticipates, based on discussion with the State Water Resources Control Board , that it is eligible for a State Revolving Fund Loan for the New Project. The application also seeks CPUC approval of ratemaking mechanisms designed to enable CAWC to recover its costs related to construction and operation of the New Project, including funding for principal and interest on the State Revolving Fund Loan.

 

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CAWC’s ability to move forward on the New Project will be subject to extensive administrative review, including public hearings before the CPUC and testimony from intervening parties. In addition, a large number of federal, state and local approvals must be obtained, and other possible impediments, including a Monterey County ordinance limiting sponsorship of a desalination project to government-owned enterprises, must be addressed (however, the CPUC’s General Counsel has opined in a letter to the Monterey County Counsel that the ordinance is preempted and of no legal validity). Therefore, we cannot assure you that the New Project will be approved or completed.

San Clemente Dam

As noted in the Form 10-K, CAWC has challenged the Proposed Decision, as revised (the “PD”), of the administrative law judge assigned to CAWC’s application for approval of the Carmel River Reroute and San Clemente Dam Removal Project. The CPUC vote on the PD has been postponed several times.

On April 24, 2012, Commissioner Catherine J. K. Sandoval of the CPUC issued an Alternate Proposed Decision (the “Alternate PD”). The Alternate PD also provided for approval of the project, but includes significant changes from the PD.

The Alternate PD, like the PD, provided for rate recovery by CAWC of the $49 million in prospective costs over a 20 year period, but would not place a firm cap on projected costs, which would enable CAWC to seek authority from the CPUC to raise the cap if project costs exceed $49 million. In addition, the Alternate PD would permit CAWC to earn its full rate of equity return and the actual cost of debt on the project. While the $49 million to be recovered by CAWC would be offset by tax benefits derived by CAWC’s donation of certain land, the offset will not apply to a parcel being used for utility purposes and which is not part of the project. In addition, the Alternate PD would permit CAWC’s rate recovery of approximately $27 million in historical costs. The Alternate PD would place all authorized and estimated costs in a regulatory asset account and would provide recovery of the regulatory asset over a twenty-year period beginning July 1, 2012. The Alternate PD also finds that CAWC did not make a misrepresentation regarding descriptions of the use of the dam as a point of water diversion.

Parties to the proceeding may file comments on the Alternate PD by May 14, 2012. No date has been scheduled for the CPUC’s decision on the PD and the Alternate PD.

Other Matters

As previously disclosed in the Form 10-K, in November 2010, the Ontario Ministry of Justice commenced a proceeding against Terratec Environmental Ltd., one of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries, alleging the violation of the Ontario Water Resource Act in connection with the alleged discharge of anaerobic digestate into a creek that leads to Lake Ontario. Terratec has settled this matter by agreeing to pay a fine in an amount that is not material.

The Company at times is involved in other proceedings or litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, litigation and other proceedings are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters is not predictable with assurance. It is possible that some litigation and other proceedings could be decided in a manner that is unfavorable to us, and that any such unfavorable decisions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our other public filings, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.


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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
    

Exhibit Description

  *10.1       2012 Annual Incentive Plan Highlights Brochure
  *10.2       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Nonqualified Stock Option Grant for ML1 – L5
  *10.3       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Performance Stock Unit Grant Form A for ML1 – L5
  *10.4       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Performance Stock Unit Grant Form B for ML1 – L5
  *31.1      

Certification of Jeffry Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *31.2      

Certification of Ellen C. Wolf, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *32.1      

Certification of Jeffry Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *32.2      

Certification of Ellen C. Wolf, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  101       The following financial statements from American Water Works Company, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

* filed herewith.

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 2nd day of May, 2012.

 

American Water Works Company, Inc.

(Registrant)

/s/ Jeffry Sterba
Jeffry Sterba
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

/s/ Ellen C. Wolf
Ellen C. Wolf
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
    

Exhibit Description

  *10.1       2012 Annual Incentive Plan Highlights Brochure
  *10.2       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Nonqualified Stock Option Grant for ML1 – L5
  *10.3       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Performance Stock Unit Grant Form A for ML1 – L5
  *10.4       American Water Works Company, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan 2012 Performance Stock Unit Grant Form B for ML1 – L5
  *31.1      

Certification of Jeffry Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *31.2      

Certification of Ellen C. Wolf, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *32.1      

Certification of Jeffry Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  *32.2      

Certification of Ellen C. Wolf, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

  101       The following financial statements from American Water Works Company, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

* filed herewith.