April 27, 2017 - 10-Q: Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017


o	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 1-13883

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		77-0448994
(State or other jurisdiction		(I.R.S. Employer identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)



1720 North First Street, San Jose, CA.		95112
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

408-367-8200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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. Yes ý No o

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o

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



Large accelerated Filer x		Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2017 — 48,021,704

TABLE OF CONTENTS



	Page
PART I Financial Information	3
Item 1 Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016	5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	29
Item 4 Controls and Procedures	29
PART II Other Information	30
Item 1 Legal Proceedings	30
Item 1A Risk Factors	30
Item 6 Exhibits	31
Signatures	32
Index to Exhibits	33

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this filing on Form 10-Q have been prepared by management and are unaudited.

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)



	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	2,766,232		$	2,717,339
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(878,227		)	(858,062		)
Net utility plant	1,888,005			1,859,277
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	11,990			25,492
Receivables:
Customers	24,685			30,305
Regulatory balancing accounts	30,661			30,332
Other	17,394			17,158
Unbilled revenue	24,303			25,228
Materials and supplies at weighted average cost	6,405			6,292
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets	12,767			7,262
Total current assets	128,205			142,069
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	367,476			355,930
Goodwill	2,615			2,615
Other assets	53,997			51,854
Total other assets	424,088			410,399
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,440,298		$	2,411,745
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 48,022 and 47,965 outstanding in 2017 and 2016, respectively	$	480		$	480
Additional paid-in capital	334,220			334,856
Retained earnings	316,633			324,135
Total common stockholders’ equity	651,333			659,471
Long-term debt, less current maturities	521,715			531,745
Total capitalization	1,173,048			1,191,216
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	36,139			26,208
Short-term borrowings	130,100			97,100
Accounts payable	69,276			77,813
Regulatory balancing accounts	8,197			4,759
Accrued interest	12,583			5,661
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	37,078			38,689
Total current liabilities	293,373			250,230
Unamortized investment tax credits	1,798			1,798
Deferred income taxes	299,464			298,924
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	224,851			222,691
Regulatory liabilities and other	84,318			83,648
Advances for construction	182,815			182,448
Contributions in aid of construction	180,631			180,790
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	2,440,298		$	2,411,745

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)



For the three months ended	March 31, 2017			March 31, 2016
Operating revenue	$	122,036		$	121,727
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	42,068			41,069
Administrative and general	25,249			27,827
Other operations	16,124			19,302
Maintenance	6,112			6,063
Depreciation and amortization	19,201			16,046
Income tax benefit	(884		)	(925		)
Property and other taxes	6,116			6,075
Total operating expenses	113,986			115,457
Net operating income	8,050			6,270
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	3,462			3,428
Non-regulated expenses	(2,054		)	(2,980		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (Note 2)	779			—
Income tax expense on other income and expenses	(889		)	(181		)
Net other income	1,298			267
Interest expense:
Interest expense	8,710			8,065
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (Note 2)	(494		)	(730		)
Net interest expense	8,216			7,335
Net income (loss)	$	1,132		$	(798	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.02		$	(0.02	)
Diluted	0.02			(0.02		)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	47,984			47,905
Diluted	47,984			47,905
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.1800		$	0.1725

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CALIFORNIA WATER SER VICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited (In thousands)



For the three months ended:	March 31, 2017			March 31, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	1,132		$	(798	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash:
Depreciation and amortization	19,658			16,454
Change in value of life insurance contracts	(319		)	43
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	(779		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables and unbilled revenue	(4,564		)	7,127
Accounts payable	(5,535		)	(5,129		)
Other current assets	(5,359		)	(1,728		)
Other current liabilities	5,084			10,453
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	4,979			5,070
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,297			31,492
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	(51,853		)	(56,463		)
Life insurance proceeds	450			495
Purchase of life insurance contracts	(836		)	(960		)
Change in restricted cash	(260		)	(465		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(52,499		)	(57,393		)
Financing activities:
Short-term borrowings	35,000			54,500
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(2,000		)	(53,615		)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of expenses of $0 for 2017, $177 for 2016	—			50,039
Repayment of long-term debt	(286		)	(254		)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction	3,975			7,608
Refunds of advances for construction	(2,236		)	(1,612		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,119		)	(466		)
Dividends paid	(8,634		)	(8,258		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	24,700			47,942
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(13,502		)	22,041
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	25,492			8,837
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	11,990		$	30,878
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	994		$	481
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Accrued payables for investments in utility plant	$	24,191		$	22,904
Utility plant contribution by developers	3,481			2,490

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2017

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

Note 1. Organization and Operations and Basis of Presentation

California Water Service Group (the Company) is a holding company that provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. California Water Service Company (Cal Water), Washington Water Service Company (Washington Water), New Mexico Water Service Company (New Mexico Water), and Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc. (Hawaii Water) provide regulated utility services under the rules and regulations of their respective state’s regulatory commissions (jointly referred to herein as the Commissions). CWS Utility Services and HWS Utility Services LLC provide non-regulated water utility and utility-related services.

The Company operates in one reportable segment, providing water and related utility services.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and therefore do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in its annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 23, 2017.

The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. These include, but are not limited to, estimates and assumptions used in determining the Company’s regulatory asset and liability balances based upon probability assessments of regulatory recovery, revenues earned but not yet billed, asset retirement obligations, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and other employee benefit plan liabilities, and income tax-related assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring transactions that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the results for the periods covered. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

Due to the seasonal nature of the water business, the results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for a 12-month period. Revenue and income are generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater. Revenue and income are generally lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and rainfall curtail water usage and sales.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue

Revenue generally includes monthly cycle customer billings for regulated water and wastewater services at rates authorized by the Commissions (plus an estimate for water used between the customer's last meter reading and the end of the accounting period) and billings to certain non-regulated customers at rates authorized by contract with government agencies.

The Company’s regulated water and wastewater revenue requirements are authorized by the Commissions in the states in which they operate. The revenue requirements are intended to provide the Company a reasonable opportunity to recover its operating costs and earn a return on investments.

For metered customers, Cal Water recognizes revenue from rates which are designed and authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Under the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM), Cal Water records the adopted level of volumetric revenues, which would include recovery of cost of service and a return on investments, as

established by the CPUC for metered accounts. The adopted volumetric revenue considers the seasonality of consumption of water based upon historical averages. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as a component of revenue with an offsetting entry to a regulatory asset or liability balancing account (tracked individually for each Cal Water district) subject to certain criteria under the accounting guidance for regulated operations. The variance amount represents amounts that will be billed or refunded to customers in the future. In addition to volumetric revenues, the revenue requirements approved by the CPUC include service charges, flat rate charges, and other items not subject to the WRAM.

Cost-recovery rates are designed to permit full recovery of certain costs allowed to be recovered by the Commissions. Cost-recovery rates such as the Modified Cost Balancing Account (MCBA) provide for recovery of adopted expense levels for purchased water, purchased power and pump taxes, as established by the CPUC. In addition, cost-recovery rates include recovery of costs related to water conservation programs and certain other operating expenses adopted by the CPUC. Variances (which include the effects of changes in both rates and volumes for the MCBA) between adopted and actual costs are recorded as a component of revenue, as the amount of such variances will be recovered from or refunded to customers in the future. Cost-recovery expenses are generally recognized when expenses are incurred with no markup for return on investments or profit.

The balances in the WRAM and MCBA assets and liabilities accounts will fluctuate on a monthly basis depending upon the variance between adopted and actual results. The recovery or refund of the WRAM is netted against the MCBA over- or under-recovery for the corresponding district and the deferred net balances are interest bearing at the current 90 day commercial paper rate. Subsequent to calendar year-end, Cal Water files with the CPUC to refund or collect the balance in the accounts. The majority of under-collected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances are collected over 12 and 18 months. Cal Water defers net WRAM and MCBA operating revenues and associated costs whenever the net receivable balances are estimated to be collected more than 24 months after the respective reporting period in which it was recorded. The deferred net WRAM and MCBA revenue and associated costs were determined using forecasts of customer consumption trends in future reporting periods and the estimated timing of when the CPUC will authorize Cal Water's filings to recover unbilled balances. Deferred revenues and associated costs are recorded in the periods when the collection is within 24 months of the respective reporting period.

Customers' meter reads occur on various business days throughout the month. As a result, there are unmetered or unbilled customer usage each month. The estimated unbilled revenue for monthly unmetered customer usage is recorded using the number of unbilled days for that month and average daily customer billing rate for the previous month. The average daily customer billing rate for the previous month fluctuates depending on customer usage. Estimated unbilled revenue is not included in the WRAM until it is billed.

Flat rate customers are billed in advance at the beginning of the service period. The revenue is prorated so that the portion of revenue applicable to the current period is included in that period’s revenue, with the balance recorded as unearned revenue on the balance sheet and recognized as revenue when earned in the subsequent accounting period. The unearned revenue liability was $0.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. This liability is included in “accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

The allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the capitalized cost of funds used to finance the construction of utility plant. In general, AFUDC is applied to Cal Water construction projects requiring more than one month to complete. No AFUDC is applied to projects funded by customer advances for construction, contributions in aid of construction, or applicable state-revolving fund loans. AFUDC includes the net cost of borrowed funds and a rate of return on other funds when used, and is recovered through water rates as the utility plant is depreciated. Cal Water was authorized by the CPUC to record AFUDC on construction work in progress effective January 1, 2017. Prior to January 1, 2017, the CPUC authorized Cal Water to only record capitalized interest on borrowed funds. Cal Water previously reported the amounts authorized as capitalized interest and a reduced interest expense. The amount of AFUDC related to equity funds during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.8 million and there was $0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The amount of AFUDC related to borrowed funds for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.5 million and the equivalent amount of capitalized interest on borrowed funds was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated accounting guidance on simplifying the accounting for share-based payments (ASU 2016-09), which includes the accounting for share-based payment transactions, the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted and implemented the changes to accounting for share-based payments on January 1, 2017 and applied the requirements retrospectively on the statement of cash flows for all periods presented. The Company's forfeiture policy did not change and the Company continues to account for forfeitures when they occur. For the three month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $0.5 million of income tax benefits in excess compensation costs for share-based compensation which reduced the effective tax rate. The tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments were reported as operating activities and the associated cash paid by the company for employee tax withholding transactions were reported as financing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The following table shows the effect of the accounting change to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Cash Flow Classification	As Reported on Form 10-Q		Adjusted Balance on Form 10-Q			Increase (Decrease) from Retrospective Adoption
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	$	4,604	$	5,070		$	466
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,026		31,492			466
Repurchase of common stock	—		(466		)	(466		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	48,408		47,942			(466		)

New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends the existing revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this amendment for public companies by one year to January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date of January 1, 2017. The Company expects to adopt the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method and does not expect the ASU to materially impact the timing or recognition of revenue related to the sale and delivery of water to their customers, which is a significant percentage of the Company's revenue. The Company is still evaluating the impact the ASU has on the related revenue disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This update changes the accounting treatment of operating leases for lessees and related disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method for its existing leases and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new lease standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update adds and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). The update requires employers to present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The other components of net benefit cost, including interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost/credit and actuarial gain/loss, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be presented as non-operating items. Employers will have to disclose the line(s) used to present the other components of net periodic benefit cost, if the components are not presented separately in the income statement. The standard only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual periods after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The adoption of this guidance will change the

Company's financial statement presentation of net benefit costs. However, based on current regulatory authorization, the changes required by the standard are not expected to materially impact the results of operations.

Note 3. Stock-based Compensation

Equity Incentive Plan

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) of 48,717 and 72,317, respectively, to officers and directors of the Company. During those same periods, 10,902 and 7,731 RSAs were canceled, respectively. Employee RSAs granted in 2017 and 2016 vest over 36 months. Director RSAs generally vest at the end of 12 months. During the first three months of 2017 and 2016, the RSAs granted were valued at $36.75 and $25.17 per share, respectively, based upon the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted 31,389 and 43,659 performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs), respectively, to officers. During those same periods, the Company issued 38,709 and 28,424 RSUs and canceled 19,735 and 6,602 RSUs, respectively. Each RSU award reflects a target number of shares that may be issued to the award recipient. The 2017 and 2016 awards may be earned upon the completion of the three-year performance period and are recognized as expense ratably over the three-year performance period using a fair market value of $36.75 per share and $25.17 per share, respectively, and an estimate of RSUs earned during the performance period. The Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and RSUs in administrative and general operating expenses in the amount of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016.

Note 4. Equity

The Company’s changes in total common stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:



	Total Common Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	659,471
Common stock issued	—
Share-based compensation expense	483
Repurchase of common stock	(1,119		)
Common stock dividends declared	(8,634		)
Net income	1,132
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	651,333

The repurchase of common stock represents vesting shares of common stock which employees elected to surrender to the Company in order to pay withholding taxes owed upon vesting of stock grants.

Note 5. Earnings Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share are noted below. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts were exercised or converted into common stock. RSAs are included in the weighted average common shares outstanding because the shares have all the same voting and dividend rights as issued and unrestricted common stock. RSUs are not included in diluted shares for financial reporting until authorized by the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors.

There were no shares of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and as of March 31, 2016.



	Three Months Ended March 31
	2017		2016
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	1,132	$	(798	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	47,984		47,905
Dilutive SARs (treasury method)	—		—
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive	47,984		47,905
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)

Note 6. Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides a qualified, defined-benefit, non-contributory pension plan for substantially all employees. The Company makes annual contributions to fund the amounts accrued for in the qualified pension plan. The Company also maintains an unfunded, non-qualified, supplemental executive retirement plan. The costs of the plans are charged to expense or are capitalized in utility plant as appropriate.

The Company offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for retirees and their spouses and dependents. Participants are required to pay a premium, which offsets a portion of the cost.

Cash contributions by the Company related to pension plans were $7.5 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. There were no contributions made to the other postretirement benefit plans during the first three months of 2017 and 2016. The 2017 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $29.5 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $9.3 million.

The following table lists components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension plans and other postretirement benefits. The data listed under “pension plan” includes the qualified pension plan and the non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan. The data listed under “other benefits” is for all other postretirement benefits.



	Three Months Ended March 31
	Pension Plan						Other Benefits
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Service cost	$	5,865		$	5,067		$	2,019		$	2,304
Interest cost	5,791			5,453			1,491			1,800
Expected return on plan assets	(6,029		)	(5,454		)	(1,218		)	(1,046		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,445			1,555			11			11
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,752			1,293			649			1,261
Net periodic benefit cost	$	8,824		$	7,914		$	2,952		$	4,330

The decrease in other benefits was due to reductions in health care claim payments in 2016.

Note 7. Short-term and Long-term Borrowings

In March 2016, Cal Water issued $50.0 million of First Mortgage Bonds, consisting of $40.0 million of 4.41% series SSS maturing April 16, 2046 and $10.0 million of 4.61% series TTT maturing April 14, 2056. Cash proceeds of approximately $49.7 million, net of $0.3 million debt issuance costs, were received. Cal Water used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to repay outstanding borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit of $48.6 million.

Both short-term unsecured credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio and interest coverage ratio.

The outstanding borrowings on the Company lines of credit were $55.1 million as of March 31, 2017 and $57.1 million as of December 31, 2016. There were $75.0 million and $40.0 million of borrowings on the Cal Water lines of credit as of

March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The average borrowing rate for borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 1.6% compared to 1.27% for the same period last year.

Note 8. Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Company adjusts its effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company also records the tax effect of unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items.

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:



	Three Months Ended March 31
	2017		2016
Income tax provision (benefit)	$	5	$	(744	)

The increase in the income tax provision for 2017 from 2016 was due primarily to an increase in the Company’s earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which was partially offset by a $0.5 million tax benefit associated with the settlement of equity awards. The Company’s fiscal year 2017 effective tax rate is estimated to be 37%.

During the month of April 2017, the Franchise Tax Board of California completed an audit of the Company's State of California EZ credit filing for years 2008-2012. The completed audit will not have a material impact on the Company's 2017 consolidated financial statements.

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $10.5 million. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is approximately $2.3 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in an adjustment to the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next 12 months.

Note 9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Regulatory Assets
Pension and retiree group health	$	188,715	$	188,880
Property-related temporary differences (tax benefits flowed through to customers)	92,676		92,099
Other accrued benefits	26,456		27,503
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term accounts receivable	27,300		16,148
Asset retirement obligations, net	16,148		15,812
Interim rates long-term accounts receivable	4,597		4,605
Tank coating	8,922		8,452
Health care balancing account	96		1,000
Pension cost balancing account	510		—
Other regulatory assets	2,056		1,431
Total Regulatory Assets	$	367,476	$	355,930

Regulatory Liabilities
Future tax benefits due to customers	$	33,271	$	33,231
Conservation program	1,034		584
Pension balancing account	82		695
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term payable	566		611
Other regulatory liabilities	2,992		3,614
Total Regulatory Liabilities	$	37,945	$	38,735

Short-term regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from the above table. The short-term regulatory assets were $30.7 million as of March 31, 2017 and $30.3 million as of December 31, 2016. The short-term regulatory assets were primarily net WRAM and MCBA accounts receivable, 2012 General Rate Case (GRC) health cost balancing account receivable, 2014-2015 drought recovery, interim rate memorandum account receivable, and East LA memorandum accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The short-term portions of regulatory liabilities were $8.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, the short-term regulatory liabilities were primarily net WRAM and MCBA liability balances, refund balance from an interim rates true up authorized prior to 2009 GRC, net refund balances to customers for the pension and conservation programs from the 2012 GRC. As of December 31, 2016, the short-term regulatory liabilities were primarily net WRAM and MCBA liability balances and net refund balances to customers for the pension and conservation programs from the 2012 GRC

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has significant commitments to lease certain office spaces and water systems and to purchase water from water wholesalers. These commitments are described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, there were no significant changes from December 31, 2016.

Contingencies

Groundwater Contamination

The Company has undertaken litigation against third parties to recover past and anticipated costs related to groundwater contamination in our service areas. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. The CPUC’s general policy requires all proceeds from groundwater contamination litigation to be used first to pay transactional expenses, then to make ratepayers whole for water treatment costs to comply with the CPUC’s water quality standards. The CPUC allows for a risk-based consideration of contamination proceeds which exceed the costs of the remediation described above and may result in some sharing of proceeds with the shareholder, determined on a case by case basis. The CPUC has authorized various memorandum accounts that allow the Company to track significant litigation costs to request recovery of these costs in future filings and uses of proceeds to comply with CPUC’s general policy.

Other Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a liability of $6.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for known legal matters. The cost of litigation is expensed as incurred and any settlement is first offset against such costs. Any settlement in excess of the cost to litigate is accounted for on a case by case basis, dependent on the nature of the settlement.

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access.

Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include:


•	Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;


•	Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and


•	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Specific valuation methods include the following:

Accounts receivable and accounts payable carrying amounts approximated the fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.

Long-term debt fair values were estimated using the published quoted market price, if available, or the discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates available using a risk-free rate (a U.S. Treasury securities yield curve) plus a risk premium of 1.70%.

Advances for construction fair values were estimated using broker quotes from companies that frequently purchase these investments.



	March 31, 2017
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	557,854			$	633,901			$	633,901
Advances for construction	182,815				76,346				76,346
Total	$	740,669	$	—	$	710,247	$	—	$	710,247



	December 31, 2016
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	557,953		$	630,510			$	630,510
Advances for construction	182,448			74,460				74,460
Total	$	740,401	—	$	704,970	$	—	$	704,970

Note 12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

On April 17, 2009, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% First Mortgage Bonds due 2019, and on November 17, 2010, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% First Mortgage Bonds due 2040, all of which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. As a result of these guarantee arrangements, the Company is required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information. The investments in affiliates are accounted for and presented using the “equity method” of accounting.

The following tables present the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the condensed consolidating statements of income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 of (i) California Water Service Group, the guarantor of the First Mortgage Bonds and the parent company; (ii) California Water Service Company, the issuer of the First Mortgage Bonds and a 100% owned consolidated subsidiary of California Water Service Group; and (iii) the other 100% owned non-guarantor consolidated subsidiaries of California Water Service Group. No other subsidiary of the Company guarantees the securities. The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 reflects the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-09 (refer to Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more details).

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of March 31, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	1,318		$	2,567,142		$	204,969		$	(7,197	)	$	2,766,232
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(849		)	(824,791		)	(54,529		)	1,942			(878,227		)
Net utility plant	469			1,742,351			150,440			(5,255		)	1,888,005
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	3,985			2,618			5,387			—			11,990
Receivables and unbilled revenue	—			93,155			3,888			—			97,043
Receivables from affiliates	19,317			2,653			186			(22,156		)	—
Other current assets	395			17,743			1,034			—			19,172
Total current assets	23,697			116,169			10,495			(22,156		)	128,205
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	—			363,672			3,804			—			367,476
Investments in affiliates	658,889			—			—			(658,889		)	—
Long-term affiliate notes receivable	25,393			—			—			(25,393		)	—
Other assets	274			52,636			3,744			(42		)	56,612
Total other assets	684,556			416,308			7,548			(684,324		)	424,088
TOTAL ASSETS	$	708,722		$	2,274,828		$	168,483		$	(711,735	)	$	2,440,298
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stockholders’ equity	$	651,333		$	587,853		$	76,333		$	(664,186	)	$	651,333
Affiliate long-term debt	—			—			25,393			(25,393		)	—
Long-term debt, less current maturities	—			520,815			900			—			521,715
Total capitalization	651,333			1,108,668			102,626			(689,579		)	1,173,048
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			35,636			503			—			36,139
Short-term borrowings	55,100			75,000			—			—			130,100
Payables to affiliates	715			64			21,377			(22,156		)	—
Accounts payable	—			66,254			3,022			—			69,276
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	141			55,368			2,349			—			57,858
Total current liabilities	55,956			232,322			27,251			(22,156		)	293,373
Unamortized investment tax credits	—			1,798			—			—			1,798
Deferred income taxes	1,433			297,254			777			—			299,464
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	—			224,851			—			—			224,851
Regulatory liabilities and other	—			81,129			3,189			—			84,318
Advances for construction	—			182,268			547			—			182,815
Contributions in aid of construction	—			146,538			34,093			—			180,631
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	708,722		$	2,274,828		$	168,483		$	(711,735	)	$	2,440,298

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2016

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant	$	1,318		$	2,519,785		$	203,433		$	(7,197	)	$	2,717,339
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(826		)	(805,992		)	(53,163		)	1,919			(858,062		)
Net utility plant	492			1,713,793			150,270			(5,278		)	1,859,277
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	5,216			13,215			7,061			—			25,492
Receivables and unbilled revenue	—			98,850			4,173			—			103,023
Receivables from affiliates	19,566			3,608			8			(23,182		)	—
Other current assets	80			12,442			1,032			—			13,554
Total current assets	24,862			128,115			12,274			(23,182		)	142,069
Other assets:
Regulatory assets	—			352,139			3,791			—			355,930
Investments in affiliates	666,525			—			—			(666,525		)	—
Long-term affiliate notes receivable	25,744			—			—			(25,744		)	—
Other assets	376			50,361			3,765			(33		)	54,469
Total other assets	692,645			402,500			7,556			(692,302		)	410,399
TOTAL ASSETS	$	717,999		$	2,244,408		$	170,100		$	(720,762	)	$	2,411,745
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stockholders’ equity	$	659,471		$	595,003		76,833			$	(671,836	)	$	659,471
Affiliate long-term debt	—			—			25,744			(25,744		)	—
Long-term debt, less current maturities	—			530,850			895			—			531,745
Total capitalization	659,471			1,125,853			103,472			(697,580		)	1,191,216
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			25,657			551			—			26,208
Short-term borrowings	57,100			40,000			—			—			97,100
Payables to affiliates	—			539			22,643			(23,182		)	—
Accounts payable	—			74,998			2,815			—			77,813
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	88			47,232			1,789			—			49,109
Total current liabilities	57,188			188,426			27,798			(23,182		)	250,230
Unamortized investment tax credits	—			1,798			—			—			1,798
Deferred income taxes	1,340			296,781			803			—			298,924
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions	—			222,691			—			—			222,691
Regulatory and other liabilities	—			80,518			3,130			—			83,648
Advances for construction	—			181,907			541			—			182,448
Contributions in aid of construction	—			146,434			34,356			—			180,790
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$	717,999		$	2,244,408		$	170,100		$	(720,762	)	$	2,411,745

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)

For the three months ended March 31, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	113,342		$	8,694		$	—		$	122,036
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			40,189			1,879			—			42,068
Administrative and general	—			22,476			2,773			—			25,249
Other operations	—			14,400			1,850			(126		)	16,124
Maintenance	—			5,906			206			—			6,112
Depreciation and amortization	23			18,111			1,090			(23		)	19,201
Income tax benefit	(103		)	(946		)	(92		)	257			(884		)
Property and other taxes	(4		)	5,412			708			—			6,116
Total operating (income) expenses	(84		)	105,548			8,414			108			113,986
Net operating income	84			7,794			280			(108		)	8,050
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	481			3,135			454			(608		)	3,462
Non-regulated expenses	—			(1,747		)	(307		)	—			(2,054		)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (Note 2)	—			779			—			—			779
Income tax expense on other income and expenses	(196		)	(883		)	(58		)	248			(889		)
Total other income	285			1,284			89			(360		)	1,298
Interest:
Interest expense	235			8,470			486			(481		)	8,710
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (Note 2)	—			(476		)	(18		)	—			(494		)
Net interest expense	235			7,994			468			(481		)	8,216
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	998			—			—			(998		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	1,132		$	1,084		$	(99	)	$	(985	)	$	1,132

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)

For the three months ended March 31, 2016

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating revenue	$	—		$	113,027		$	8,700		$	—		$	121,727
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Water production costs	—			39,245			1,824			—			41,069
Administrative and general	—			24,943			2,884			—			27,827
Other operations	—			17,726			1,702			(126		)	19,302
Maintenance	—			5,840			223			—			6,063
Depreciation and amortization	57			14,915			1,098			(24		)	16,046
Income tax (benefit) expense	(94		)	(1,037		)	(51		)	257			(925		)
Property and other taxes	—			5,390			685			—			6,075
Total operating (income) expenses	(37		)	107,022			8,365			107			115,457
Net operating income	37			6,005			335			(107		)	6,270
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated revenue	464			3,196			374			(606		)	3,428
Non-regulated expenses	—			(2,705		)	(275		)	—			(2,980		)
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses	(189		)	(200		)	(39		)	247			(181		)
Total other income	275			291			60			(359		)	267
Interest:
Interest expense	173			7,899			473			(480		)	8,065
Less: capitalized interest	—			(714		)	(16		)	—			(730		)
Net interest expense	173			7,185			457			(480		)	7,335
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	(937		)	—			—			937			—
Net loss	$	(798	)	$	(889	)	$	(62	)	$	951		$	(798	)

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the three months ended March 31, 2017

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	1,132		$	1,084		$	(99	)	$	(985	)	$	1,132
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	(998		)	—			—			998			—
Dividends received from affiliates	8,634			—			—			(8,634		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	23			18,542			1,116			(23		)	19,658
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	—			(779		)	—			—			(779		)
Changes in value of life insurance contracts	—			(319		)	—			—			(319		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(67		)	(11,003		)	696			—			(10,374		)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	483			4,241			245			10			4,979
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,207			11,766			1,958			(8,634		)	14,297
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	—			(50,509		)	(1,344		)	—			(51,853		)
Changes in affiliate advances	593			955			(175		)	(1,373		)	—
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings	(325		)				—			325			—
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt	332			—			—			(332		)	—
Life insurance proceeds	—			450			—			—			450
Purchase of life insurance contracts	—			(836		)	—			—			(836		)
Changes in restricted cash	—			(260		)	—			—			(260		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	600			(50,200		)	(1,519		)	(1,380		)	(52,499		)
Financing Activities:
Short-term borrowings	—			35,000			—			—			35,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(2,000		)	—			—			—			(2,000		)
Changes in affiliate advances	715			(475		)	(1,613		)	1,373			—
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings	—			—			325			(325		)	—
Repayment of affiliate long-term borrowings	—			—			(332		)	332			—
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(170		)	(116		)	—			(286		)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction	—			3,952			23			—			3,975
Refunds of advances for construction	—			(2,236		)	—			—			(2,236		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,119		)	—			—			—			(1,119		)
Dividends paid to non-affiliates	(8,634		)	—			—			—			(8,634		)
Dividends paid to affiliates	—			(8,234		)	(400		)	8,634			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(11,038		)	27,837			(2,113		)	10,014			24,700
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,231		)	(10,597		)	(1,674		)	—			(13,502		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,216			13,215			7,061			—			25,492
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,985		$	2,618		$	5,387		$	—		$	11,990

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the three months ended March 31, 2016

(In thousands)



	Parent Company			Cal Water			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(798	)	$	(889	)	$	(62	)	$	951		$	(798	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity earnings of subsidiaries	937			—			—			(937		)	—
Dividends received from affiliates	8,258			—			—			(8,258		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	57			15,277			1,144			(24		)	16,454
Change in value of life insurance contracts	—			43			—			—			43
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(280		)	9,414			1,589			—			10,723
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities	621			4,432			7			10			5,070
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,795			28,277			2,678			(8,258		)	31,492
Investing activities:
Utility plant expenditures	—			(54,944		)	(1,519		)	—			(56,463		)
Changes in affiliate advances	40			1,468			(140		)	(1,368		)	—
Reduction of affiliate short-term borrowings	—			21,500			—			(21,500		)	—
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings	(250		)	(20,600		)	—			20,850			—
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt	279			—			—			(279		)	—
Life insurance proceeds	—			495			—			—			495
Purchase of life insurance contracts	—			(960		)	—			—			(960		)
Changes in restricted cash	—			(465		)	—			—			(465		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	69			(53,506		)	(1,659		)	(2,297		)	(57,393		)
Financing Activities:
Short-term borrowings	21,500			33,000			—			—			54,500
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(20,615		)	(33,000		)	—			—			(53,615		)
Changes in affiliate advances	—			(98		)	(1,270		)	1,368			—
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings	20,600			—			250			(20,850		)
Repayment of affiliate short-term borrowings	(21,500		)	—			—			21,500
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings	—			—			(279		)	279			—
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of expenses	—			49,823			216			—			50,039
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(175		)	(79		)	—			(254		)
Advances and contributions in aid for construction	—			7,590			18			—			7,608
Refunds of advances for construction	—			(1,611		)	(1		)	—			(1,612		)
Repurchase of common stock	(466		)	—			—			—			(466		)
Dividends paid to non-affiliates	(8,258		)	—			—			—			(8,258		)
Dividends paid to affiliates	—			(8,058		)	(200		)	8,258			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(8,739		)	47,471			(1,345		)	10,555			47,942
Change in cash and cash equivalents	125			22,242			(326		)	—			22,041
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	582			4,270			3,985			—			8,837
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	707		$	26,512		$	3,659		$	—		$	30,878

Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report, including all documents incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Act). Forward-looking statements in this quarterly report are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and our management’s beliefs, assumptions, judgments and expectations about us, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. These statements are not statements of historical fact. When used in our documents, statements that are not historical in nature, including words like “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “should,” “seeks,” or variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement.

Factors which may cause actual results to be different than those expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to:


•	governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;


•	consequences of eminent domain actions relation to our water systems;


•	changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures;


•	the timeliness of regulatory commissions’ actions concerning rate relief;


•	inability to renew leases to operate city water systems on beneficial terms;


•	changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards;


•	changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements;


•	electric power interruptions;


•	civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type;


•	labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions;


•	restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on current or future debt that could increase financing costs or affect the ability to borrow, make payments on debt, or pay dividends;


•	changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;


•	the impact of weather and climate on water sales and operating results;


•	the unknown impact of contagious diseases on the Company’s operations;


•	the risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in the Company's annual report on 2016 Form 10-K.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this quarterly report or as of the date of any document incorporated by reference in this report, as applicable. When considering forward-looking statements, investors should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this quarterly report and the documents incorporated by reference. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We maintain our accounting records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and as directed by the Commissions to which our operations are subject. The process of preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates on the part of management. The estimates used by management are based on historic experience and an understanding of current facts and circumstances. Management

believes that the following accounting policies are critical because they involve a higher degree of complexity and judgment, and can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of the business. These policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the 2016 Form 10-K. They include:


•	revenue recognition;


•	regulated utility accounting;


•	income taxes;


•	pension and postretirement health care benefits;

For the three month period ended March 31, 2017, there were no changes in the methodology for computing critical accounting estimates, no additional accounting estimates met the standards for critical accounting policies, and there were no material changes to the important assumptions underlying the critical accounting estimates.

RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER 2017 OPERATIONS

COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER 2016 OPERATIONS

Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated

Overview

Net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2017, was $1.1 million or $0.02 earnings per diluted common share compared to a net loss of $0.8 million or $0.02 net loss per diluted common share for the three month period ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $1.9 million. The increase in net income was primarily a result of rate increases and operating expenses decreases, notably a $1.8 million reduction in California drought program incremental costs. The implementation of allowance for equity funds used during construction and accounting changes for share-based payments, effective January 1, 2017, also increased net income. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the accrual for unbilled revenue and increases in depreciation and interest expenses. The change in accrued unbilled revenue resulted mostly from a decrease in water usage. The change in accrued unbilled revenue is not included in the WRAM until it is billed. The WRAM account records changes in billed revenue. Accrued unbilled revenue is seasonal and the pattern of accrued unbilled revenue changes can fluctuate on a year-to-year basis.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue increased $0.3 million to $122.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016. The factors that impacted the operating revenue for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 2016 are as follows:



Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)	$	10,086
MCBA Revenue (2)	(4,587		)
Other balancing account revenue (3)	(2,365		)
Deferral of revenue (4)	(2,825		)
Net operating revenue increase	$	309


1.	The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by rate increases (see table below for components of rate increases) offset by a $3.3 million decrease in accrued unbilled revenue.


2.	The MCBA revenue decrease resulted from a decrease in customer consumption, which decreased water production in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the decrease in water production costs relative to adopted water production costs in California also decreased operating revenue for the same amount.

The other balancing account revenue consists of the pension, conservation and health care balancing account revenues. Pension and conservation balancing account revenues are the differences between actual expenses and adopted rate recovery. Health care balancing account revenue is 85% of the difference between actual health care expenses and adopted rate recovery. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to a decrease in actual health care expenses relative to adopted as compared to the first quarter of 2016.


4.	The deferral of revenue is the balancing account balances that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were earned. The deferral increased in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016 due to a decrease in customer usage, which led to an increase in the net WRAM balance for 2017.

There were rate increases during the first quarter of 2017 that increased Service, Other, and WRAM revenue. The components of the rate increases are as follows:



Purchased water offset increases	$	2,414
Ratebase offset increases	339
General rate case	8,789
Total increase in rates	$	11,542

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses decreased $1.5 million, or 1.3%, to $114.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to $115.5 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 36.9% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to 35.6% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2016. Water production costs increased 2.4% as compared to the same period last year mainly due to a blended 4.5% increase in purchased water wholesaler rates, partially offset by a 2.7% decrease in purchased water production.

Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:



	Three Months Ended March 31
	2017		2016
Well production	48	%	47	%
Purchased	48	%	49	%
Surface	4	%	4	%
Total	100	%	100	%

The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:



	Three Months Ended March 31
	2017		2016		Change
Purchased water	$	34,369	$	33,790	$	579
Purchased power	4,908		4,828		80
Pump taxes	2,791		2,451		340
Total	$	42,068	$	41,069	$	999

Administrative and general and other operations expenses decreased $5.7 million, or 12.2%, to $41.4 million in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to $47.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease was due primarily to the deferral of $2.6 million of MCBA costs associated with the deferral of operating revenue, decreases in employee health care costs of $1.9 million, California drought program incremental costs of $1.8 million, on-going conservation program costs of $0.8 million, and outside service fees of $0.3 million. These cost decreases were partially offset by increases in employee wages of $0.9 million and uninsured loss costs of $0.3 million. Water conservation program costs are affected by seasonal patterns and are dependent on customer demand for our programs. Changes in employee pension and other postretirement benefit costs, water conservation program costs, and employee health care costs for regulated California operations generally do not affect earnings given the regulatory treatment that allows the Company to track these costs in balancing accounts for future recovery, which creates a corresponding change to operating revenue. At March 31, 2017, there were 1,156 employees and at March 31, 2016, there were 1,154 employees.

Maintenance expense remained consistent at $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016. Maintenance costs were for repairs of transmission and distribution mains, services, wells, and water treatment equipment

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.2 million, or 19.7%, to $19.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to $16.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, due to 2016 capital additions.

Income tax benefit remained consistent at $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016 mostly due to an income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2017 associated with the implementation of the new stock compensation accounting procedures. The Company’s fiscal year 2017 effective tax rate is estimated at 37%.

Property and other taxes remained consistent at $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016.

Other Income and Expenses

Net other income increased $1.0 million to $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2016 mostly due to the implementation of allowance for equity funds used during construction and an unrealized gain on our benefit plan insurance investment.

Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased $0.9 million, or 12.0%, to $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was due primarily to the sale of $50.0 million of First Mortgage Bonds during the first quarter of 2016, an increase in borrowings on the lines of credit, and a reduction in capitalized interest.

REGULATORY MATTERS

2017 California Regulatory Activity

California GRC filing

On December 15, 2016, the CPUC voted to approve Cal Water's 2015 GRC settlement agreement. The approved decision, which was proposed by the presiding Administrative Law Judge in November 2016, authorized Cal Water to increase gross revenue by approximately $45.0 million starting on January 1, 2017, up to $17.2 million in 2018, up to $16.3 million in 2019, and up to $30.0 million upon completion and approval of the Company’s advice letter projects. The 2018 and 2019 revenue increases are subject to the CPUC’s earning test protocol.

The CPUC’s decision also authorized Cal Water to invest $658.8 million in water system improvements throughout California over the three-year period of 2016-2018 in order to continue to provide safe and reliable water to its customers. This figure includes $197.3 million of water system infrastructure improvements that will be subject to the CPUC’s advice letter procedure.

Cost of Capital Application

In April of 2017, Cal Water, along with three other water utilities, filed an application to adopt a new cost of capital and capital structure for 2018. Cal Water requested a return on equity of 10.75% and a 53.4% equity capital structure as well as a water cost of capital adjustment mechanism similar to that last adopted for the company. The California Division of Ratepayer Advocates and other parties will submit testimony later in the year and may propose a different cost of capital and capital structure. The CPUC schedule for the application anticipates a decision on the matter by the end of 2017.

School Lead Testing Memorandum Account (SLT MA)

In March of 2017, Cal Water submitted an advice letter that established the SLT MA, which gives Cal Water the opportunity to recover costs related to lead monitoring and testing required by the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Drinking Water. The SLT MA will track all incremental expenses associated with lead testing conducted at the request of K-12 schools within Cal Water's service territory.

California Drought Memorandum Account

The incremental costs tracked in the drought memorandum account for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 were $0.2 million, of which less than $0.1 million was spent on capital. For the three month period ended March 31, 2016, incremental costs were $2.4 million, of which $0.4 million was spent on capital. On July 15, 2016, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to recover $4.2 million of incremental drought expenses associated with calendar years 2014 and 2015. During the third quarter of 2016, Cal Water discussed the request with interested parties, including the ORA. A revised advice letter was submitted on October 12, 2016 by Cal Water to recover $2.9 million in incremental costs related to 2014 and 2015 expenses. On December 15, 2016, the CPUC approved a resolution to allow Cal Water to begin recovering the requested $2.9 million through a surcharge, which became effective January 1, 2017.

In 2017, Cal Water expects to submit an advice letter to request recovery for the incremental drought expenses from 2016 2017 and the incremental capital expenditures from 2015-2016.

WRAM and MCBA filings

In March of 2017, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to true up the revenue over- and under-collections in the 2016 annual WRAMs/MCBAs of its regulated districts. A net under-collection of $25.8 million is being recovered from customers in the form of 12, 18, and 18+ month surcharges/surcredits. The new rates became effective April 15, 2017. This surcharge/surcredit is in some cases in addition to surcharges/surcredits authorized in prior years which have not yet expired.

Expense Offset filings

Expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses, and therefore do not affect net operating income. In October of 2016, Cal Water submitted advice letters to offset increased purchased water and pump taxes in 4 of its regulated districts, totaling $1.9 million. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2017.

In March of 2017, Cal Water submitted an advice letters to offset increased purchased water in one of its regulated districts, totaling $1.0 million. The new rates became effective on April 15, 2017.

Ratebase Offset filings

For construction projects that are authorized in GRCs as advice letter projects, companies are allowed to file ratebase offsets to increase revenues after the plant is placed into service. In November of 2016, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to recover $2.6 million of annual revenue increase for ratebase offsets in five of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2017.

In April of 2017, Cal Water submitted advice letters to recover $0.9 million of annual revenue increase for ratebase offsets in two of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on April 15, 2017.

Travis Air Force Base

Cal Water has entered into a 50-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to acquire the water distribution assets of, and to provide water utility service to, the Travis Air Force Base beginning in 2018, subject to CPUC approval.

The water system utilizes surface water treated at a water treatment plant and groundwater from five wells, and includes distribution piping, storage tanks, hydrants, and other appurtenances to serve about 15,280 active and reserve personnel and civilians on the 6,400-acre base. Cal Water will also make initial capital improvements of about $12.7 million, with an anticipated capital investment of about $52.0 million over the 50-year term of the utility service contract.

2017 Regulatory Activity—Other States

2016 Pukalani (Hawaii) GRC Filing

In December of 2016, Hawaii water filed a GRC for its Pukalani wastewater system requesting an additional $1.3 million in revenues on an annual basis. This revenue increase will be implemented over 5 years. The application requested recovery for increases in operating expenses since the previous rate case. Additionally, the application requested recovery of the balance of the cost of the wastewater treatment plant that was not approved to be included in customer rates in the

previous rate case. The first phase of the revenue increase is expected to become effective in the fourth quarter of 2017. Discovery between the parties has begun.

LIQUIDITY

Cash flow from Operations

Cash flow from operations for the first three months of 2017 was $14.3 million compared to $31.5 million for the same period in 2016. Cash generated by operations varies during the year due to customer billings and timing of contributions to our benefit plans.

During the first three months of 2017 we made contributions of $7.5 million to our employee pension plan compared to contributions of $7.3 million made during the first three months of 2016. There were no contributions made to the other postretirement benefit plans during the first three months of 2017 and 2016. The 2017 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $29.5 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $9.3 million.

Cal Water customer drought surcharges were discontinued on July 29, 2016. As such there were no drought surcharge billings during the first quarter of 2017 as compared to $11.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. In addition, Cal Water made $6.6 million of prepayments for water charges and property taxes in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to none in the first quarter of 2016.

The water business is seasonal. Billed revenue is lower in the cool, wet winter months when less water is used compared to the warm, dry summer months when water use is highest. This seasonality results in the possible need for short-term borrowings under the bank lines of credit in the event cash is not available to cover operating and utility plant costs during the winter period. The increase in cash flows during the summer allows short-term borrowings to be paid down. Customer water usage can be lower than normal in drought years and when more than normal precipitation falls in our service areas or temperatures are lower than normal, especially in the summer months. In addition, short-term borrowings are used to finance utility plant expenditures until long-term financing is arranged.

Investing Activities

During the first three months of 2017 and 2016, we used $51.9 million and $56.5 million, respectively, of cash for utility plant expenditures. The 2017 budget estimates utility plant expenditures to be between $200.0 and $220.0 million. Annual expenditures fluctuate each year due to the availability of construction resources and our ability to obtain construction permits in a timely manner.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $24.7 million during the first three months of 2017 compared to $47.9 million for the same period in 2016.

During the first three months of 2017 and 2016, we borrowed $35.0 million and $54.5 million, respectively, on our unsecured revolving credit facilities. Repayments of unsecured revolving credit facilities borrowings during the first three months of 2017 were $2.0 million and $53.6 million for the same period in 2016.

The undercollected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances were $48.0 million and $33.6 million as of March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The undercollected balances were primarily financed by Cal Water using short-term and long-term financing arrangements to meet operational cash requirements. Interest on the undercollected balances, the interest recoverable from ratepayers, is limited to the current 90-day commercial paper rates which is significantly lower than Cal Water’s short and long-term financing rates.

Short-Term and Long-Term Financing

During the first three months of 2017, we utilized cash generated from operations, borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facilities, and proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. We did not sell Company common stock during the first three months of 2017 and 2016. In future periods, management anticipates funding our utility plant needs through a relatively balanced approach between long term debt and equity.

Short-term liquidity is provided by our unsecured revolving credit facilities and internally generated funds. Long-term financing is accomplished through the use of both debt and equity. On September 23, 2010, the CPUC authorized Cal Water to issue $350.0 million of debt and common stock to finance utility plant projects and operations.

On March 10, 2015, the Company and Cal Water entered into Syndicated Credit Agreements, which provided for unsecured revolving credit facilities of up to an initial aggregate amount of $450.0 million for a term of five years. The Syndicated Credit Facilities amended, expanded, and replaced the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ credit facilities originally entered into on September 29, 2011. The new credit facilities extended the terms until March 10, 2020 and increased the Company’s unsecured revolving line of credit. The credit facilities may each be expanded by up to $50.0 million subject to certain conditions. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150.0 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $300.0 million under its revolving credit facility. On May 13, 2016, the CPUC approved additional financing for Cal Water. As part of that decision, Cal Water is now allowed to use its revolving credit facilities for up to 24 months. Previously, Cal Water had to pay down its credit facility every 12 months unless otherwise authorized by the CPUC. The proceeds from the revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of utility plant projects. The base loan rate may vary from LIBOR plus 72.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 95 basis points, depending on the Company’s total capitalization ratio. Likewise, the unused commitment fee may vary from 8 basis points to 12.5 basis points based on the same ratio.

As of March 31, 2017, there were short-term borrowings of $130.1 million outstanding on the unsecured revolving credit facilities compared to $97.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The increase in short-term borrowings during the first three months of 2017 was mostly to fund general operations and capital investment.

Given our ability to access our lines of credit on a daily basis, cash balances are managed to levels required for daily cash needs and excess cash is invested in short-term or cash equivalent instruments. Minimal operating levels of cash are maintained for Washington Water, New Mexico Water, and Hawaii Water.

Both short-term credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio not to exceed 66.7% and an interest coverage ratio of three or more. As of March 31, 2017, we are in compliance with all of the covenant requirements and are eligible to use the full amount of our credit facilities.

Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $0.3 million during the first three months of 2017 and the first three months of 2016.

Long-term financing, which includes senior notes, other debt securities, and common stock, has typically been used to replace short-term borrowings and fund utility plant expenditures. Internally generated funds, after making dividend payments, provide positive cash flow, but have not been at a level to meet the needs of our utility plant expenditure requirements. Management expects this trend to continue given our utility plant expenditures plan for the next five years. Some utility plant expenditures are funded by payments received from developers for contributions in aid of construction or advances for construction. Funds received for contributions in aid of construction are non-refundable, whereas funds classified as advances in construction are refundable. Management believes long-term financing is available to meet our cash flow needs through issuances in both debt and equity instruments.

Dividends

During the first three months of 2017, our quarterly common stock dividend payments were $0.18 per share compared to $0.1725 during the first three months of 2016. For the full year 2016, the payout ratio was 68% of net income. On a long-term basis, our goal is to achieve a dividend payout ratio of 60% of net income accomplished through future earnings growth.

At the April 26, 2017 meeting, the Board declared the first quarter dividend of $0.18 per share payable on May 19, 2017, to stockholders of record on May 8, 2017. This was our 289th consecutive quarterly dividend.

2017 Financing Plan

We intend to fund our utility plant needs in future periods through a relatively balanced approach between long-term debt and equity. The Company and Cal Water have a syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit of $150.0 million and $300.0 million, respectively, for short-term borrowings. As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s and Cal Water’s availability on these unsecured revolving lines of credit was $94.9 million and $225.0 million, respectively.

Book Value and Stockholders of Record

Book value per common share was $13.56 at March 31, 2017 compared to $13.75 at December 31, 2016. There were approximately 1,118 stockholders of record for our common stock as of February 6, 2017.

Utility Plant Expenditures

During the first three months of 2017, utility plant expenditures totaled $51.9 million for company-funded and developer-funded projects. The 2017 budget estimates company-funded utility plant expenditures to be between $200.0 and $220.0 million. The actual amount may vary from the budget number due to timing of actual payments related to current year and prior year projects. We do not control third-party-funded utility plant expenditures and therefore are unable to estimate the amount of such projects for 2017.

As of March 31, 2017, construction work in progress was $150.5 million compared to $171.9 million as of March 31, 2016. Work in progress includes projects that are under construction but not yet complete and placed in service.

WATER SUPPLY

Our source of supply varies among our operating districts. Certain districts obtain all of their supply from wells; some districts purchase all of their supply from wholesale suppliers; and other districts obtain supply from a combination of wells and wholesale suppliers. A small portion of supply comes from surface sources and is processed through Company-owned water treatment plants. To the best of management’s knowledge, we are meeting water quality, environmental, and other regulatory standards for all company-owned systems.

Historically, approximately 49% of our annual water supply is pumped from wells. State groundwater management agencies operate differently in each state. Some of our wells extract ground water from water basins under state ordinances. These are adjudicated groundwater basins, in which a court has settled the dispute between landowners or other parties over how much annual groundwater can be extracted by each party. All of our adjudicated groundwater basins are located in the State of California. Our annual groundwater extraction from adjudicated groundwater basins approximates 6.8 billion gallons or 15% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Historically, we have extracted less than 100% of our annual adjudicated groundwater rights and have the right to carry forward up to 20% of the unused amount to the next annual period. All of our remaining wells extract ground water from managed or unmanaged water basins. There are no set limits for the ground water extracted from these water basins; however, the state or local water management agencies have the authority to regulate the groundwater extraction quantity whenever there are unforeseen large decreases to water basin levels. Our annual groundwater extraction from managed groundwater basins approximates 28.1 billion gallons or 59% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Our annual groundwater extraction from unmanaged groundwater basins approximates 12.2 billion gallons or 26% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Most of the managed groundwater basins we extract water from have groundwater recharge facilities. We are required to pay well pump taxes to financially support these groundwater recharge facilities. Our well pump taxes were $2.8 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2014, the State of California enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. The law and its implementing regulations will require most basins to select a sustainability agency by 2017, develop a sustainability plan by 2022, and show progress toward sustainability by 2027. We expect that in the future, groundwater will be produced mainly from managed and adjudicated basins.

California’s normal weather pattern yields little precipitation between mid-spring and mid-fall. The Washington Water service areas receive precipitation in all seasons, with the heaviest amounts during the winter. New Mexico Water’s rainfall is heaviest in the summer monsoon season. Hawaii Water receives precipitation throughout the year, with the largest amounts in the winter months. Water usage in all service areas is highest during the warm and dry summers and declines in the cool winter months. Rain and snow during the winter months replenish underground water aquifers and fill reservoirs, providing the water supply for subsequent delivery to customers. As of March 31, 2017, the State of California snowpack water content and rainfall accumulation during the 2016 - 2017 water year was 167% of normal (per the California

Department of Water Resources, Northern Sierra Precipitation Accumulation report). On April 7, California's Governor Brown declared an end to the drought emergency in 54 of California’s 58 counties. Two of Cal Water's districts remain under a declared drought; these were areas where groundwater was impacted by five years of drought conditions. Management believes that supply pumped from underground aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 2017 and beyond. Long-term water supply plans are developed for each of our districts to help assure an adequate water supply under various operating and supply conditions. Some districts have unique challenges in meeting water quality standards, but management believes that supplies will meet current standards using current treatment processes.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no material changes in contractual obligations outside the normal course of business.

Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

We do not hold, trade in or issue derivative financial instruments and therefore are not exposed to risks these instruments present. Our market risk to interest rate exposure is limited because the cost of long-term financing and short-term bank borrowings, including interest costs, is covered in consumer water rates as approved by the commissions. We do not have foreign operations; therefore, we do not have a foreign currency exchange risk. Our business is sensitive to commodity prices and is most affected by changes in purchased water and purchased power costs.

Historically, the CPUC’s balancing account or offsetable expense procedures allowed for increases in purchased water and purchased power costs to be flowed through to consumers. Traditionally, a significant percentage of our net income and cash flows comes from California regulated operations; therefore the CPUC’s actions have a significant impact on our business. See Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Regulatory Matters”.

Item 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(c) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

Our management, with the participation of our CEO and our CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the future, we may be involved in disputes and litigation related to a wide range of matters, including employment, construction, environmental issues and operations. Litigation can be time consuming and expensive and could divert management’s time and attention from our business. In addition, if we are subject to additional lawsuits or disputes, we might incur significant legal costs and it is uncertain whether we would be able to recover the legal costs from ratepayers or other third parties. For more information refer to Note 10.

Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2017.

Item 6.

EXHIBITS



Exhibit			Description
4			The Company agrees to furnish upon request to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company

10.1			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Group and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

10.2			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

31.1			Chief Executive Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

31.2			Chief Financial Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

32			Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS			XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement 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.



	CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
	Registrant

April 27, 2017	By:	/s/ Thomas F. Smegal III
		Thomas F. Smegal III
		Vice President,
		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Exhibit Index



Exhibit			Description
4			The Company agrees to furnish upon request to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company

10.1			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Group and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

10.2			Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2015 among California Water Service Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, CoBank, ACB and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-syndication agents, and Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, as documentation agent, and the other lender parties thereto (Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2015)

31.1			Chief Executive Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

31.2			Chief Financial Officer certification of financial statements pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

32			Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS			XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Form: 10-Q

Documents