Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

July 30, 2020

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from               to              
Commission file number 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, California 95112
(Address of principal executive offices)
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)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class: Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share CWT New York Stock Exchange
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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). Yes ý  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company
 
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   No 
 
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 June 30, 2020 — 49,398,000
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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)
  June 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
ASSETS
Utility plant:
Utility plant $ 3,752,243    $ 3,550,485   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,214,427)   (1,144,115)  
Net utility plant 2,537,816    2,406,370   
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 114,388    42,653   
Receivables:
Customers, net 46,087    32,058   
Regulatory balancing accounts 23,738    38,225   
Other, net 13,605    14,187   
Unbilled revenue, net 39,599    34,879   
Materials and supplies at weighted average cost 8,375    7,745   
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets 21,097    14,965   
Total current assets 266,889    184,712   
Other assets:
Regulatory assets 440,986    433,322   
Goodwill 31,132    2,615   
Other assets 83,110    84,289   
Total other assets 555,228    520,226   
TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,359,933    $ 3,111,308   
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 49,398 and 48,532 outstanding in 2020 and 2019, respectively
$ 494    $ 485   
Additional paid-in capital 400,080    362,275   
Retained earnings 381,449    417,146   
Total common stockholders’ equity 782,023    779,906   
Long-term debt, net 785,257    786,754   
Total capitalization 1,567,280    1,566,660   
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt, net 21,872    21,868   
Short-term borrowings 375,100    175,100   
Accounts payable 128,216    108,463   
Regulatory balancing accounts 1,602    4,462   
Accrued interest 5,330    5,810   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 45,432    43,018   
Total current liabilities 577,552    358,721   
Deferred income taxes 223,955    222,590   
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions 261,119    258,907   
Regulatory liabilities and other 270,177    271,831   
Advances for construction 195,056    191,062   
Contributions in aid of construction 264,794    241,537   
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 3,359,933    $ 3,111,308   
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended June 30,
2020
June 30,
2019
Operating revenue $ 175,484    $ 179,031   
Operating expenses:    
Operations:    
Water production costs 71,142    64,635   
Administrative and general 26,939    25,434   
Other operations 25,898    22,542   
Maintenance 6,722    5,692   
Depreciation and amortization 24,542    22,326   
Income taxes 622    4,321   
Property and other taxes 7,126    7,068   
Total operating expenses 162,991    152,018   
Net operating income 12,493    27,013   
Other income and expenses:    
Non-regulated revenue 4,208    5,130   
Non-regulated expenses (492)   (3,900)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (1,332)   (1,192)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 1,705    1,686   
Income tax expense on other income and expenses (820)   (487)  
Net other income 3,269    1,237   
Interest expense:    
Interest expense 11,613    12,178   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (1,132)   (924)  
Net interest expense 10,481    11,254   
Net income $ 5,281    $ 16,996   
Earnings per share: 0 —   
Basic $ 0.11    $ 0.35   
Diluted 0.11    0.35   
Weighted average shares outstanding:    
Basic 48,936    48,136   
Diluted 48,936    48,136   
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
For the six months ended June 30,
2020
June 30,
2019
Operating revenue $ 301,047    $ 305,142   
Operating expenses:    
Operations:    
Water production costs 125,118    110,227   
Administrative and general 56,619    54,531   
Other operations 39,872    40,363   
Maintenance 13,795    12,147   
Depreciation and amortization 49,034    44,694   
Income tax (benefit) expense (3,315)   1,330   
Property and other taxes 14,354    14,361   
Total operating expenses 295,477    277,653   
Net operating income 5,570    27,489   
Other income and expenses:    
Non-regulated revenue 8,035    10,031   
Non-regulated expenses (8,946)   (6,119)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (2,762)   (2,451)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 3,319    3,219   
Income tax benefit (expense) on other income and expenses 93    (1,315)  
Net other (loss) income (261)   3,365   
Interest expense:    
Interest expense 22,411    23,253   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (2,076)   (1,755)  
Net interest expense 20,335    21,498   
Net (loss) income $ (15,026)   $ 9,356   
(Loss) earnings per share:    
Basic $ (0.31)   $ 0.19   
Diluted (0.31)   0.19   
Weighted average shares outstanding:    
Basic 48,759    48,111   
Diluted 48,759    48,111   
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited (In thousands)
For the six months ended: June 30,
2020
June 30,
2019
Operating activities:    
Net (loss) income $ (15,026)   $ 9,356   
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 50,251    45,744   
Change in value of life insurance contracts 872    (3,147)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (3,319)   (3,219)  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Receivables and unbilled revenue (6,215)   (16,619)  
Accounts payable 3,405    5,928   
Other current assets (6,759)   (5,750)  
Other current liabilities (970)   (396)  
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities (2,235)   11,494   
Net cash provided by operating activities 20,004    43,391   
Investing activities:    
Utility plant expenditures (133,537)   (121,936)  
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired (37,655)      
Net cash used in investing activities (171,192)   (121,936)  
Financing activities:    
Short-term borrowings 270,000    190,000   
Repayment of short-term borrowings (70,000)   (90,000)  
Issuance of long-term debt, net of expenses of $1,558 for 2019
    398,442   
Repayment of long-term debt (1,293)   (401,358)  
Advances and contributions in aid of construction 12,569    12,755   
Refunds of advances for construction (4,341)   (3,555)  
Repurchase of common stock (1,479)   (2,203)  
Issuance of common stock 38,006    829   
Dividends paid (20,671)   (19,000)  
Net cash provided by financing activities 222,791    85,910   
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 71,603    7,365   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 43,298    47,715   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 114,901    $ 55,080   
Supplemental information:    
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 20,433    $ 21,033   
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:    
Accrued payables for investments in utility plant $ 54,049    $ 31,464   
Utility plant contribution by developers $ 13,818    $ 11,092   
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2020
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 included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020.
 
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 credit losses, 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.
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.
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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operating revenue
The following tables disaggregate the Company’s operating revenue by source for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Revenue from contracts with customers $ 172,497    $ 167,467   
Regulatory balancing account revenue (a) 2,987    11,564   
Total operating revenue $ 175,484    $ 179,031   
Six Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Revenue from contracts with customers $ 307,330    $ 284,877   
Regulatory balancing account revenue (a) (6,283)   20,265   
Total operating revenue $ 301,047    $ 305,142   
(a) As further discussed below, no amounts were recorded for the Company’s Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM), Modified Cost Balancing Account (MCBA), Pension Cost Balancing Account (PCBA), and Health Cost Balancing Account (HCBA) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 due to the delay in the resolution of the 2018 General Rate Case (GRC).
Revenue from contracts with customers
The Company principally generates operating revenue from contracts with customers by providing regulated water and wastewater services at tariff-rates authorized by the Commissions in the states in which they operate and non-regulated water and wastewater services at rates authorized by contracts with government agencies. Revenue from contracts with customers reflects amounts billed for the volume of consumption at authorized per unit rates, for a service charge, and for other authorized charges.
The Company satisfies its performance obligation to provide water and wastewater services over time as services are rendered. The Company applies the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue from contracts with customers in the amount for which the Company has a right to invoice. The Company has a right to invoice for the volume of consumption, for the service charge, and for other authorized charges.
The measurement of sales to customers is generally based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, the Company estimates consumption since the date of the last meter reading and a corresponding unbilled revenue is recognized. The estimate is based upon the number of unbilled days that month and the average daily customer billing rate from the previous month (which fluctuates based upon customer usage).
Contract terms are generally short-term and at will by customers and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for the Company's collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing. The Company applies judgment, based principally on historical payment experience, in estimating its customers’ ability to pay.
Certain customers are not billed for volumetric consumption, but are instead billed a flat rate at the beginning of each monthly service period. The amount billed is initially deferred and subsequently recognized over the monthly service period, as the performance obligation is satisfied. The deferred revenue balance or contract liability, which is included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, is inconsequential.





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In the following tables, revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by class of customers for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Residential $ 116,453    $ 107,349   
Business 28,531    31,706   
Industrial 6,622    7,524   
Public authorities 7,711    7,613   
Other (a) 13,180    13,275   
Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 172,497    $ 167,467   
Six Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Residential $ 208,998    $ 191,609   
Business 56,223    57,186   
Industrial 14,500    14,788   
Public authorities 13,608    12,084   
Other (a) 14,001    9,210   
Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 307,330    $ 284,877   
(a) Other includes the accrued unbilled revenue.
Regulatory balancing account revenue
The Company’s ability to recover revenue requirements authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in its triennial GRC, is decoupled from the volume of the sales. Regulatory balancing account revenue is revenue related to rate mechanisms authorized in California by the CPUC, which allow the Company to recover the authorized revenue and are not considered contracts with customers. These mechanisms include the following:
The WRAM allows the Company to recognize the adopted level of volumetric revenues. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.
Cost-recovery rates, such as the MCBA, Conservation Expense Balancing Account (CEBA), PCBA, and HCBA, generally provide for recovery of the adopted levels of expenses for purchased water, purchased power, pump taxes, water conservation program costs, pension, and health care. Variances between adopted and actual costs are recorded as regulatory balancing account revenue.
The WRAM, MCBA, PCBA, and HCBA are being litigated in the pending 2018 GRC, which is further discussed in Note 9. As the mechanisms are being litigated, the Company did not record regulatory assets for the WRAM, MCBA, PCBA, and HCBA for the first six months of 2020. The Company determined that these mechanisms did not meet the regulatory asset recognition criteria under accounting standards for regulated utilities. As the CEBA is not being litigated in the pending 2018 GRC, the Company recorded a regulatory liability for the CEBA for the first six months of 2020. The Company determined that the CEBA met the regulatory liability recognition criteria under accounting standards for regulated utilities.
Each district's WRAM and MCBA regulatory assets and liabilities are allowed to be netted against one another. The Company recognizes regulatory balancing account revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected within 24 months. To the extent that regulatory balancing account revenue is estimated to be collectible beyond 24 months, recognition is deferred.



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Non-regulated Revenue
The following tables disaggregate the Company’s non-regulated revenue by source for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Operating and maintenance revenue $ 2,789    $ 3,273   
Other non-regulated revenue 834    1,267   
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers $ 3,623    $ 4,540   
Lease revenue $ 585    $ 590   
Total non-regulated revenue $ 4,208    $ 5,130   
Six Months Ended June 30
2020 2019
Operating and maintenance revenue $ 5,288    $ 6,319   
Other non-regulated revenue 1,599    2,563   
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers $ 6,887    $ 8,882   
Lease revenue $ 1,148    $ 1,149   
Total non-regulated revenue $ 8,035    $ 10,031   
Operating and maintenance services are provided for non-regulated water and wastewater systems owned by private companies and municipalities. The Company negotiates formal agreements with the customers, under which they provide operating, maintenance and customer billing services related to the customers’ water system. The formal agreements outline the fee schedule for the services provided. The agreements typically call for a fee-per-service or a flat-rate amount per month. The Company satisfies its performance obligation of providing operating and maintenance services over time as services are rendered; as a result, the Company employs the invoice practical expedient and recognizes revenue in the amount that it has the right to invoice. Contract terms are generally short-term and, as a result, no separate financing component is recognized for its collections from customers, which generally require payment within 30 days of billing.
Other non-regulated revenue primarily relates to services for the design and installation of water mains and other water infrastructure for customers outside the regulated service areas and insurance program administration.
Lease revenue is not considered revenue from contracts with customers and is recognized following operating lease standards. The Company is the lessor in operating lease agreements with telecommunications companies under which cellular phone antennas are placed on the Company's property.
Allowance for credit losses
The Company measures expected credit losses for Customer Receivables, Other Receivables, and Unbilled Revenue on an aggregated level. These receivables are generally trade receivables due in one year or less or expected to be billed and collected in one year or less. The expected credit losses for Other Receivables is inconsequential. Although the Company has residential, business, industrial, public authorities, and other customers, the risk characteristics of each of these customer classes is similar as the Company has determined that the differences in the customer write-off behavior among its customer classes is inconsequential. The overall risks related to the Company’s receivables is low as water and wastewater services are seen as essential services. The estimate for the allowance for credit losses is based off of a historical loss ratio that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For the first six months of 2020, the estimate includes adjustments made for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the states in which the Company operates have issued ‘shelter-in-place” and social distancing ordinances, the Company is expecting segments of its customer base to continue to experience employment layoffs and business closures that negatively impact their ability to pay utility bills. The Company has also ceased all shutoffs for nonpayment during the pandemic.




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The following table presents the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period ended June 30, 2020:
As of June 30, 2020
Allowance for credit losses Customer Receivables Unbilled Revenue
Beginning balance 374    397   
Provision for credit loss expense 875    727   
Write-offs (509)   (511)  
Recoveries 135    112   
Total ending allowance balance $ 875    $ 725   
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
  June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents 114,388    42,653   
Restricted cash (included in "taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets") 513    645   
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows $ 114,901    $ 43,298   
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In June of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changed the impairment model for certain financial assets that have a contractual right to receive cash, including trade and loan receivables. The new model required recognition based upon an estimation of expected credit losses rather than recognition of losses when it is probable that they have been incurred. ASU 2016-13 was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard utilizing the modified retrospective method for its trade receivables and unbilled revenue on January 1, 2020. Based on the composition of the Company’s trade receivables and unbilled revenue, and expected future losses, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January of 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminated the second step of the goodwill impairment test that required a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment loss will be measured at the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any impairment test performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 and the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure for Fair Value Measurement, which modified the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The modifications in this update eliminated, amended, and added disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard in part prospectively and in part retrospectively, in accordance with the requirements of ASU 2018-13, on January 1, 2020. Since the Company does not have level 3 fair value measurements or transfers between level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements, the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on its footnote disclosures.
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Note 3. Stock-based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plan
The following table lists the number of annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) granted and canceled during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
  Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019 2020 2019
RSAs granted         39,915    36,183   
RSAs canceled 2,151    2,544    7,185    10,878   
During the first six months of 2020 and 2019, the RSAs granted were valued at $51.41 and $52.83 per share, respectively, based upon the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. RSAs granted to officers vest over 36 months with the first year cliff vesting. RSAs granted to directors generally cliff vest at the end of 12 months.
The following table lists the number of performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs) granted, issued, and canceled during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
  Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019 2020 2019
RSUs granted         32,720    26,473   
RSUs issued         41,731    62,726   
RSUs canceled         22,936    31,177   
Each RSU award reflects a target number of shares that may be issued to the award recipient. The 2020 and 2019 RSUs granted may be issued upon completion of the three-year performance period and are recognized as expense ratably over the period using a fair value of $51.41 per share and $52.83 per share, respectively, and an estimate of RSUs earned during the period.
The Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and RSUs in administrative and general operating expenses in the amount of $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has recorded compensation costs for the RSAs and RSUs in the amount of $1.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively.
Note 4. Equity
The Company sold 677,318 shares of common stock through its at-the-market equity program and raised proceeds of $31.1 million net of $0.3 million in commissions paid under the equity distribution agreement during the three months ended June 30, 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company sold 793,152 shares of common stock through its at-the-market equity program and raised proceeds of $37.1 million net of $0.4 million in commissions paid under the equity distribution agreement.









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The Company’s changes in total common stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Six months ended June 30, 2020
  Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
  Shares Amount
  (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2020 48,532    $ 485    $ 362,275    $ 417,146    $ 779,906   
Net loss (20,307)   (20,307)  
Issuance of common stock 210    2    7,227    7,229   
Repurchase of common stock (28)   —    (1,373)   (1,373)  
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2125 per share)
(10,315)   (10,315)  
Balance at March 31, 2020 48,714    487    368,129    386,524    755,140   
Net income 5,281    5,281   
Issuance of common stock 686    7    32,056    32,063   
Repurchase of common stock (2)   —    (105)   (105)  
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2125 per share)
(10,356)   (10,356)  
Balance at June 30, 2020 49,398    494    400,080    381,449    782,023   
Six months ended June 30, 2019
  Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
  Shares Amount
  (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2019 48,065    $ 481    $ 337,623    $ 392,053    $ 730,157   
Net loss (7,640)   (7,640)  
Issuance of common stock 109        3,179    3,179   
Repurchase of common stock (40)   —    (2,074)   (2,074)  
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.1975 per share)
(9,493)   (9,493)  
Balance at March 31, 2019 48,134    481    338,728    374,920    714,129   
Net income 16,996    16,996   
Issuance of common stock 8    —    1,675    1,675   
Repurchase of common stock (2)   —    (129)   (129)  
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.1975 per share)
(9,507)   (9,507)  
Balance at June 30, 2019 48,140    481    340,274    382,409    723,164   
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Note 5. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are noted in the table below. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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 Organization & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
  Three Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common stockholders $ 5,281    $ 16,996   
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 48,936    48,136   
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 48,936    48,136   
Earnings per share - basic $ 0.11    $ 0.35   
Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.11    $ 0.35   
  Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $ (15,026)   $ 9,356   
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 48,759    48,111   
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 48,759    48,111   
(Loss) earnings per share - basic $ (0.31)   $ 0.19   
(Loss) earnings per share - diluted $ (0.31)   $ 0.19   
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 made by the Company to the pension plans were $16.8 million and $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash contributions made by the Company to the other postretirement benefit plans were $3.9 million and $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total 2020 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans are expected to be approximately $38.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively.














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The following tables list 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 June 30
  Pension Plan Other Benefits
  2020 2019 2020 2019
Service cost $ 8,811    $ 6,565    $ 2,106    $ 1,762   
Interest cost 6,433    6,642    1,210    1,337   
Expected return on plan assets (8,265)   (7,567)   (1,811)   (1,435)  
Amortization of prior service cost 1,057    1,262    49    49   
Recognized net actuarial loss 3,196    1,312    14    104   
Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,232    $ 8,214    $ 1,568    $ 1,817   
  Six Months Ended June 30
  Pension Plan Other Benefits
  2020 2019 2020 2019
Service cost $ 17,622    $ 13,129    $ 4,212    $ 3,524   
Interest cost 12,866    13,284    2,420    2,674   
Expected return on plan assets (16,530)   (15,133)   (3,622)   (2,871)  
Amortization of prior service cost 2,114    2,524    98    99   
Recognized net actuarial loss 6,392    2,624    28    207   
Net periodic benefit cost $ 22,464    $ 16,428    $ 3,136    $ 3,633   
Service cost portion of the pension plan and other postretirement benefits is recognized in "administrative and general" expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. Other components of net periodic benefit costs include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs, and recognized net actuarial loss and are reported together as "other components of net periodic benefit cost" within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.
Note 7. Short-term and Long-term Borrowings
On March 29, 2019, the Company and Cal Water entered into certain syndicated credit agreements, which provide for unsecured revolving credit facilities of up to an initial aggregate amount of $550.0 million for a term of five years. 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 $400.0 million under its revolving credit facility. Additionally, the credit facilities may be increased by up to an incremental $150.0 million under the Cal Water facility and $50.0 million under the Company facility, subject in each case to certain conditions.
The revolving credit facilities 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 line of credit were $105.1 million and $55.1 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. There were $270.0 million and $120.0 million of borrowings on the Cal Water line of credit as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The average borrowing rate for borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 2.13% compared to 3.33% for the same period last year.
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Note 8. 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 is shown in the tables below:
  Three Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
Income tax expense $ 1,442    $ 4,808   
  Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
Income tax (benefit) expense $ (3,408)   $ 2,645   
The income tax expense decreased $3.4 million to $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in operating income of $17.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019.
The income tax expense decreased $6.0 million to an income tax benefit of $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to income tax expense of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in operating income of $25.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

The Company's effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2020 is 18.5%.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a re-measurement of its deferred tax balances (related mostly to timing differences for plant-related items). The final impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) may differ from the recorded amounts, possibly materially, due to regulatory decisions that could differ from the Company’s determination of how the impacts of the TCJA are allocated between customers and shareholders. In addition, changes in interpretations, guidance on legislative intent, and any changes in accounting standards for income taxes in response to the TCJA could also impact the recorded amounts.

The Company is continuing to work with state regulators to finalize the customer net refund of $121.0 million to ensure compliance with federal normalization rules and will record any adjustments based on state regulator's decisions.
The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $12.4 million and $10.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, is approximately $3.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively, 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.
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of certain payroll  taxes,  technical  corrections  to  tax  depreciation  methods  for  qualified  improvement  property,  net  operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds and modifications to the net interest deduction limitations which are not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company evaluated the provisions of the CARES Act and determined that it did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2020.
Note 9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The CPUC follows a rate case plan which requires Cal Water to file a GRC for each of its regulated operating districts every three years. In a GRC proceeding, the CPUC not only considers the utility's rate setting requests, but may also consider other issues that affect the utility's rates and operations. The CPUC is generally required to issue its GRC decision prior to the first day of the test year or authorize interim rates. In accordance with the rate case plan, Cal Water filed its 2018 GRC application in July of 2018 requesting rate changes effective January 1, 2020. On October 8, 2019, Cal Water jointly filed a formal settlement agreement for its 2018 GRC with the Public Advocates Office of the CPUC covering the majority of open matters in the case. The key matters not included in the settlement which are currently being litigated are: continuation of the WRAM, MCBA, PCBA, and HCBA. Recognition of regulatory assets for these litigated matters have therefore not been recorded for the period ended June 30, 2020. If the CPUC approves the settlement agreement, Cal Water
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would be authorized to include in rates $609.0 million to $628.0 million of new projects throughout the state in 2019 to 2021, along with approximately $200.0 million for completion of additional projects which commenced in 2018 and prior periods. Included in these figures are $148.0 million of advice letter authorizations, which would not be included in rates until related projects are completed. Cal Water anticipates that if the settlement were adopted, it would plan to make capital investments of approximately $809.0 million to $828.0 million in the 2019-2021 period. Cal Water's 2018 GRC decision has been delayed and Cal Water has been granted interim rate relief beginning January 1, 2020. The results of the 2018 GRC may differ from what is contained in the GRC application. The Company currently expects a decision from the CPUC in the third quarter of 2020.
Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
  Recovery Period June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
Regulatory Assets    
Pension and retiree group health Indefinitely $ 207,992    $ 208,321   
Property-related temporary differences (tax benefits flowed through to customers) Indefinitely 106,306    104,931   
Other accrued benefits Indefinitely 21,444    20,030   
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term accounts receivable
1 - 2 years
27,621    25,465   
Asset retirement obligations, net Indefinitely 20,529    19,567   
Interim rates long-term accounts receivable 1 year 4,642    4,642   
Tank coating 10 years 14,599    13,535   
Recoverable property losses 10 years 4,707    5,000   
PCBA 1 year 21,465    21,465   
Other components of net periodic benefit cost Indefinitely 5,969    5,145   
Other regulatory assets Various 5,712    5,221   
Total Regulatory Assets $ 440,986    $ 433,322   
Regulatory Liabilities    
Future tax benefits due to customers $ 192,055    $ 194,501   
HCBA 4,271    4,271   
CEBA 1,556    2,742   
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term payable 90    211   
Tax accounting memorandum account 668    806   
Cost of capital memorandum account 15    151   
1,2,3 trichloropropane (TCP) settlement proceeds 9,288    8,426   
Other regulatory liabilities 596    305   
Total Regulatory Liabilities $ 208,539    $ 211,413   
Short-term regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from the above table.
The short-term regulatory assets were $23.7 million as of June 30, 2020 and $38.2 million as of December 31, 2019. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the short-term regulatory assets primarily consist of net WRAM and MCBA receivables.
The short-term portions of regulatory liabilities were $1.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2019. The short-term regulatory liabilities as of June 30, 2020, primarily consist of 2015 GRC CEBA refunds. As of December 31, 2019, the short-term regulatory liabilities primarily consist of TCP settlement proceeds, tax accounting memorandum account refunds, and cost of capital memorandum account refunds.
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Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has significant commitments to purchase water from water wholesalers. The Company also has operating and finance leases for water systems, offices, land easements, licenses, equipment, and other facilities. These commitments and leases are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. 

As of June 30, 2020, there were no significant changes in these commitments from December 31, 2019.
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 customers 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 and to request recovery of these costs in future filings.
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 June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a liability of $2.9 million and $2.5 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 Company 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.
 


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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 1.83%.
Advances for construction fair values were estimated using broker quotes from companies that frequently purchase these investments.
  June 30, 2020
    Fair Value
  Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net $ 807,129        $ 979,858        $ 979,858   
Advances for construction 195,056        82,041        82,041   
Total $ 1,002,185    $     $ 1,061,899    $     $ 1,061,899   
 
  December 31, 2019
    Fair Value
  Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net $ 808,622    $     $ 873,454    $     $ 873,454   
Advances for construction 191,062        79,550        79,550   
Total $ 999,684        $ 953,004    $     $ 953,004   
Note 12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
On November 17, 2010, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% First Mortgage Bonds due 2040, all of which is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. As a result of this guarantee arrangement, 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 June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of (Loss) Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 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.
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
ASSETS          
Utility plant:          
Utility plant $ 1,318    $ 3,478,007    $ 280,115    $ (7,197)   $ 3,752,243   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,154)   (1,127,493)   (87,999)   2,219    (1,214,427)  
Net utility plant 164    2,350,514    192,116    (4,978)   2,537,816   
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents 19,229    87,158    8,001        114,388   
Receivables and unbilled revenue, net     116,442    6,587        123,029   
Receivables from affiliates 23,391    831    143    (24,365)      
Other current assets 453    26,448    2,571        29,472   
Total current assets 43,073    230,879    17,302    (24,365)   266,889   
Other assets:  
Regulatory assets     436,197    4,789        440,986   
Investments in affiliates 811,993            (811,993)      
Long-term affiliate notes receivable 33,160            (33,160)      
Other assets 422    79,519    34,521    (220)   114,242   
Total other assets 845,575    515,716    39,310    (845,373)   555,228   
TOTAL ASSETS $ 888,812    $ 3,097,109    $ 248,728    $ (874,716)   $ 3,359,933   
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES          
Capitalization:          
Common stockholders’ equity $ 782,023    $ 702,210    $ 114,972    $ (817,182)   $ 782,023   
Affiliate long-term debt         33,160    (33,160)      
Long-term debt, net     784,845    412        785,257   
Total capitalization 782,023    1,487,055    148,544    (850,342)   1,567,280   
Current liabilities:          
Current maturities of long-term debt, net     21,753    119        21,872   
Short-term borrowings 105,100    270,000            375,100   
Payables to affiliates     409    23,956    (24,365)      
Accounts payable     122,926    5,290        128,216   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 90    48,029    4,245        52,364   
Total current liabilities 105,190    463,117    33,610    (24,365)   577,552   
Deferred income taxes 1,599    215,464    6,901    (9)   223,955   
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions     261,119            261,119   
Regulatory liabilities and other     264,351    5,826        270,177   
Advances for construction     194,542    514        195,056   
Contributions in aid of construction     211,461    53,333        264,794   
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 888,812    $ 3,097,109    $ 248,728    $ (874,716)   $ 3,359,933   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2019
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
ASSETS          
Utility plant:          
Utility plant $ 1,318    $ 3,332,331    $ 224,033    $ (7,197)   $ 3,550,485   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,107)   (1,079,627)   (65,561)   2,180    (1,144,115)  
Net utility plant 211    2,252,704    158,472    (5,017)   2,406,370   
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents 3,096    29,098    10,459        42,653   
Receivables and unbilled revenue, net     114,999    4,350        119,349   
Receivables from affiliates 25,803    3,621    209    (29,633)      
Other current assets 90    20,615    2,005        22,710   
Total current assets 28,989    168,333    17,023    (29,633)   184,712   
Other assets:          
Regulatory assets     428,639    4,683        433,322   
Investments in affiliates 777,170            (777,170)      
Long-term affiliate notes receivable 30,060            (30,060)      
Other assets 409    81,591    5,125    (221)   86,904   
Total other assets 807,639    510,230    9,808    (807,451)   520,226   
TOTAL ASSETS $ 836,839    $ 2,931,267    $ 185,303    $ (842,101)   $ 3,111,308   
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES          
Capitalization:          
Common stockholders’ equity $ 779,906    $ 700,784    81,604    $ (782,388)   $ 779,906   
Affiliate long-term debt         30,060    (30,060)      
Long-term debt, net     786,310    444        786,754   
Total capitalization 779,906    1,487,094    112,108    (812,448)   1,566,660   
Current liabilities:          
Current maturities of long-term debt, net     21,732    136        21,868   
Short-term borrowings 55,100    120,000            175,100   
Payables to affiliates     6,115    23,518    (29,633)      
Accounts payable     104,419    4,044        108,463   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 313    50,569    2,408        53,290   
Total current liabilities 55,413    302,835    30,106    (29,633)   358,721   
Deferred income taxes 1,520    217,847    3,243    (20)   222,590   
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions     258,907            258,907   
Regulatory and other liabilities     264,434    7,397        271,831   
Advances for construction     190,568    494        191,062   
Contributions in aid of construction     209,582    31,955        241,537   
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 836,839    $ 2,931,267    $ 185,303    $ (842,101)   $ 3,111,308   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the three months ended June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating revenue $     $ 164,282    $ 11,202    $     $ 175,484   
Operating expenses:          
Operations:          
Water production costs     68,898    2,244        71,142   
Administrative and general     24,331    2,608        26,939   
Other operations     23,960    2,084    (146)   25,898   
Maintenance     6,459    263        6,722   
Depreciation and amortization 23    22,945    1,593    (19)   24,542   
Income tax (benefit) expense (110)   289    245    198    622   
Property and other taxes     6,244    882        7,126   
Total operating (income) expenses (87)   153,126    9,919    33    162,991   
Net operating income 87    11,156    1,283    (33)   12,493   
Other income and expenses:          
Non-regulated revenue 544    3,923    431    (690)   4,208   
Non-regulated expenses     (288)   (204)       (492)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost     (1,300)   (32)       (1,332)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     1,705            1,705   
Income tax expense on other income and expenses (153)   (808)   (52)   193    (820)  
Net other income 391    3,232    143    (497)   3,269   
Interest:          
Interest expense 371    11,240    547    (545)   11,613   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (1,084)   (48)       (1,132)  
Net interest expense 371    10,156    499    (545)   10,481   
Equity earnings of subsidiaries 5,174            (5,174)      
Net income $ 5,281    $ 4,232    $ 927    $ (5,159)   $ 5,281   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the three months ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating revenue $     $ 167,450    $ 11,581    $     $ 179,031   
Operating expenses:          
Operations:          
Water production costs     62,143    2,492        64,635   
Administrative and general 23    23,207    2,204        25,434   
Other operations     20,857    1,829    (144)   22,542   
Maintenance     5,423    269        5,692   
Depreciation and amortization 24    20,814    1,508    (20)   22,326   
Income tax (benefit) expense (144)   3,792    455    218    4,321   
Property and other taxes     6,305    763        7,068   
Total operating (income) expenses (97)   142,541    9,520    54    152,018   
Net operating income 97    24,909    2,061    (54)   27,013   
Other income and expenses:          
Non-regulated revenue 614    4,881    394    (759)   5,130   
Non-regulated expenses     (3,665)   (235)       (3,900)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost     (1,164)   (28)       (1,192)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     1,686            1,686   
Income tax expense on other income and expenses (171)   (486)   (43)   213    (487)  
Net other income 443    1,252    88    (546)   1,237   
Interest:          
Interest expense 467    11,708    617    (614)   12,178   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (862)   (62)       (924)  
Net interest expense 467    10,846    555    (614)   11,254   
Equity earnings of subsidiaries 16,923            (16,923)      
Net income $ 16,996    $ 15,315    $ 1,594    $ (16,909)   $ 16,996   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME
For the six months ended June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating revenue $     $ 279,674    $ 21,373    $     $ 301,047   
Operating expenses:          
Operations:          
Water production costs     120,656    4,462        125,118   
Administrative and general     51,223    5,396        56,619   
Other operations     36,115    4,049    (292)   39,872   
Maintenance     13,108    687        13,795   
Depreciation and amortization 47    45,902    3,124    (39)   49,034   
Income tax (benefit) expense (228)   (3,733)   246    400    (3,315)  
Property and other taxes     12,670    1,684        14,354   
Total operating (income) expenses (181)   275,941    19,648    69    295,477   
Net operating income 181    3,733    1,725    (69)   5,570   
Other income and expenses:          
Non-regulated revenue 1,099    7,514    812    (1,390)   8,035   
Non-regulated expenses     (8,543)   (403)       (8,946)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost     (2,701)   (61)       (2,762)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     3,319            3,319   
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses (308)   110    (98)   389    93   
Net other income (loss) 791    (301)   250    (1,001)   (261)  
Interest:          
Interest expense 768    21,640    1,102    (1,099)   22,411   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (1,973)   (103)       (2,076)  
Net interest expense 768    19,667    999    (1,099)   20,335   
Equity loss of subsidiaries (15,230)           15,230       
Net (loss) income $ (15,026)   $ (16,235)   $ 976    $ 15,259    $ (15,026)  
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the six months ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating revenue $     $ 283,524    $ 21,618    $     $ 305,142   
Operating expenses:          
Operations:          
Water production costs     105,569    4,658        110,227   
Administrative and general 23    49,410    5,098        54,531   
Other operations     36,979    3,674    (290)   40,363   
Maintenance     11,646    501        12,147   
Depreciation and amortization 47    41,701    2,987    (41)   44,694   
Income tax (benefit) expense (279)   687    486    436    1,330   
Property and other taxes     12,811    1,550        14,361   
Total operating (income) expenses (209)   258,803    18,954    105    277,653   
Net operating income 209    24,721    2,664    (105)   27,489   
Other income and expenses:          
Non-regulated revenue 1,227    9,509    813    (1,518)   10,031   
Non-regulated expenses     (5,703)   (416)       (6,119)  
Other components of net periodic benefit cost     (2,393)   (58)       (2,451)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     3,219            3,219   
Income tax expense on other income and expenses (343)   (1,296)   (101)   425    (1,315)  
Net other income 884    3,336    238    (1,093)   3,365   
Interest:          
Interest expense 926    22,321    1,233    (1,227)   23,253   
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (1,638)   (117)       (1,755)  
Net interest expense 926    20,683    1,116    (1,227)   21,498   
Equity earnings of subsidiaries 9,189            (9,189)      
Net income $ 9,356    $ 7,374    $ 1,786    $ (9,160)   $ 9,356   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended June 30, 2020
(In thousands)
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating activities:          
Net (loss) income $ (15,026)   $ (16,235)   $ 976    $ 15,259    $ (15,026)  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Equity loss of subsidiaries 15,230            (15,230)      
Dividends received from affiliates 20,671            (20,671)      
Depreciation and amortization 47    47,053    3,190    (39)   50,251   
Changes in value of life insurance contracts     872            872   
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (3,319)           (3,319)  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (593)   (10,083)   137        (10,539)  
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities 1,361    (4,089)   483    10    (2,235)  
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,690    14,199    4,786    (20,671)   20,004   
Investing activities:  
Utility plant expenditures     (127,959)   (5,578)       (133,537)  
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired         (37,655)       (37,655)  
Investment in affiliates (70,724)           70,724       
Changes in affiliate advances 5,783    2,790    4    (8,577)      
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings (3,500)           3,500       
Issuance of affiliate long-term borrowings (4,076)           4,076       
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt 1,104            (1,104)      
Net cash used in investing activities (71,413)   (125,169)   (43,229)   68,619    (171,192)  
Financing Activities:          
Short-term borrowings 50,000    220,000            270,000   
Repayment of short-term borrowings     (70,000)           (70,000)  
Investment from affiliates     37,119    33,605    (70,724)      
Changes in affiliate advances     (5,706)   (2,871)   8,577       
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings         3,500    (3,500)      
Proceeds from affiliate long-term borrowings         4,076    (4,076)      
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings         (1,104)   1,104       
Repayment of long-term debt     (1,244)   (49)       (1,293)  
Advances and contributions in aid of construction     12,493    76        12,569   
Refunds of advances for construction     (4,340)   (1)       (4,341)  
Repurchase of common stock (1,479)               (1,479)  
Issuance of common stock 38,006                38,006   
Dividends paid to non-affiliates (20,671)               (20,671)  
Dividends paid to affiliates     (19,450)   (1,221)   20,671       
Net cash provided by financing activities 65,856    168,872    36,011    (47,948)   222,791   
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 16,133    57,902    (2,432)       71,603   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,096    29,679    10,523        43,298   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 19,229    $ 87,581    $ 8,091        $ 114,901   
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
 
  Parent
Company
Cal Water All Other
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Operating activities:          
Net income $ 9,356    $ 7,374    $ 1,786    $ (9,160)   $ 9,356   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Equity earnings of subsidiaries (9,189)           9,189       
Dividends received from affiliates 19,000            (19,000)      
Depreciation and amortization 47    42,717    3,021    (41)   45,744   
Changes in value of life insurance contracts     (3,147)           (3,147)  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (3,219)           (3,219)  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities 63    (16,581)   (319)       (16,837)  
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities 3,763    6,289    1,430    12    11,494   
Net cash provided by operating activities 23,040    33,433    5,918    (19,000)   43,391   
Investing activities:          
Utility plant expenditures     (116,384)   (5,552)       (121,936)  
Changes in affiliate advances (1,453)   2,856    (165)   (1,238)      
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings (4,300)           4,300       
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt 848            (848)      
Net cash used in investing activities (4,905)   (113,528)   (5,717)   2,214    (121,936)  
Financing Activities:          
Short-term borrowings     190,000            190,000   
Repayment of short-term borrowings     (90,000)           (90,000)  
Changes in affiliate advances (17)   2,430    (3,651)   1,238       
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings         4,300    (4,300)      
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings         (848)   848       
Issuance of long-term debt, net of expenses     398,442            398,442   
Repayment of long-term debt     (401,256)   (102)       (401,358)  
Advances and contributions in aid for construction     12,679    76        12,755   
Refunds of advances for construction     (3,554)   (1)       (3,555)  
Repurchase of common stock (2,203)               (2,203)  
Issuance of common stock 829                829   
Dividends paid to non-affiliates (19,000)               (19,000)  
Dividends paid to affiliates     (18,348)   (652)   19,000       
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (20,391)   90,393    (878)   16,786    85,910   
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (2,256)   10,298    (677)       7,365   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,779    34,238    9,698        47,715   
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 1,523    $ 44,536    $ 9,021        $ 55,080   
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Note 13. Acquisition
On March 27, 2020, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Washington Water, received regulatory approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for Washington Water's application for the sale and transfer of assets of Rainier View Water Company. Washington Water paid $37.7 million in cash to take control of the water system on June 1, 2020. The acquisition of Rainier View Water doubles the size of Washington Water’s operations and solidifies the Company’s position as the largest investor-owned water company in the state of Washington, regulated by the WUTC. Rainier View Water serves approximately 35,000 people in parts of Graham, Spanaway, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and other nearby areas through approximately 18,500 customer connections in 27 water systems.
Assets acquired were $32.6 million, including utility plant of $31.1 million, and liabilities of $23.5 million were assumed, including $21.2 million of contributions in aid of construction. Goodwill of $28.5 million was recorded and consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations of Rainier View Water Company and Washington Water. The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of certain intangible assets; therefore, the goodwill recorded is subject to further refinement upon completion.
The Company expects all the goodwill from the acquisition to be deductible for tax purposes.
Condensed balance sheets and pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented since the impact of the acquisition was not material.
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. 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, including statements regarding the anticipated impact on our business of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures. 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:
the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures;
our ability to invest or apply the proceeds from the issuance of common stock in an accretive manner;
governmental and regulatory commissions' decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;
consequences of eminent domain actions relating to our water systems;
changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures;
the outcome and timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief and other actions, including with respect to the 2018 GRC;
increased risk of inverse condemnation losses as a result of climate conditions;
our ability to renew leases to operate water systems owned by others on beneficial terms;
changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards;
changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements;
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electric power interruptions, especially as a result of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) programs;
housing and customer growth;
the impact of opposition to rate increases;
our ability to recover costs;
availability of water supplies;
issues with the implementation, maintenance or security of our information technology systems;
civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts;
the adequacy of our efforts to mitigate physical and cyber security risks and threats;
the ability of our enterprise risk management processes to identify or address risks adequately;
labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions;
changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;
our ability to complete, successfully integrate and achieve anticipated benefits from announced acquisitions;
the impact of weather, climate, natural disasters, and actual or threatened public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, on our operations, water quality, water availability, water sales and operating results and the adequacy of our emergency preparedness; and
the risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
 
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 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 Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. They include:
revenue recognition;
regulated utility accounting;
income taxes;
pension and postretirement health care benefits;
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, 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.
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RESULTS OF SECOND QUARTER 2020 OPERATIONS
COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER 2019 OPERATIONS
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated
 
Overview
Net Income
Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $5.3 million or $0.11 earnings per diluted common share, compared to net income of $17.0 million or $0.35 earnings per diluted common share for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
The $11.7 million decrease in net income was primarily due to lack of resolution of the 2018 GRC, which meant that no revenue was recorded in the second quarter from general rate relief and previously approved regulatory mechanisms. Other impacts to the quarterly results included water production costs increase of $6.5 million, of which $5.7 million would have been offset by regulatory mechanisms requested in the GRC, administrative and general expense increase of $1.5 million, which would have been subject to $3.3 million of benefit costs offsets pursuant to regulatory mechanisms requested in the 2018 GRC, and depreciation expense increase of $2.2 million.
If during the second quarter, the CPUC had approved the settlement agreement and the positions proposed by Cal Water on October 8, 2019 (the "Cal Water Proposal"), we estimate it would have added operating revenue of $29.1 million, subject to income taxes of 19.3%, and it would have had a $2.3 million decrease in income tax expense for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act income tax refunds for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
In addition, a $3.0 million increase in unrealized gain on certain benefit plan investments partially offset the decrease to net income.
The CPUC granted Cal Water’s request to continue charging existing rates beginning January 1, 2020 as interim rates, and is allowing Cal Water to track the difference between interim rates and rates that are eventually approved. We expect that the difference in interim and approved rates will be collected through customer surcharges over 12 months. The CPUC has the authority to adopt the settlement agreement or render a different decision. Had the CPUC approved the Cal Water Proposal during the second quarter, we estimate that the proposed new rates would have added the following to our second quarter results: $10.9 million of revenue for delayed service charge and quantity rate increases and $18.2 million of revenue from disputed regulatory mechanisms which will be recognized if approved in the period in which such approval occurs.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue decreased $3.5 million, or 2.0%, to $175.5 million in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to the second quarter of 2019, with such change attributed to the following:
Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1) $ 4,528   
WRAM Revenue (2) (23,392)  
MCBA Revenue (3) 13,999   
Other balancing account revenue (4) (1,943)  
Deferral of revenue (5) 3,261   
Net operating revenue decrease $ (3,547)  
1.The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by a $4.5 million increase in volumetric revenue due to a 2.0% increase in customer usage and rate increases. The components of the rate increases are as follows:
General rate case 178   
Purchased water and pump tax offsets 1,605   
Rate base offsets 716   
Total increase in rates $ 2,499   
2.WRAM revenue is the variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts. In the second quarter of 2020, no WRAM revenue was recorded due to the delay in the approval of
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the 2018 GRC. In the second quarter of 2019, we recognized $23.4 million of WRAM revenue as actual billed volumetric revenue was lower than adopted volumetric revenue.
3.The MCBA revenue increase is due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC as no MCBA revenue was recorded in the second quarter of 2020. In the second quarter of 2019, we recognized a $14.0 million decrease to revenue as actual water production costs were lower than adopted water production costs. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the difference in actual water production costs and adopted water production costs in California is recorded to operating revenue.

4.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. In the second quarter of 2020, no adjustment was recorded for the pension cost and health cost balancing accounts due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC. In the second quarter of 2019, actual pension costs were above the adopted pension costs, while actual health care costs were below the adopted health care costs. A net increase to revenue of $0.6 million was recognized for the differences. In addition, there was a decrease in actual conservation expenses relative to adopted costs in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to the second quarter 2019 of $1.3 million.

5.The deferral of revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were recorded. The deferral decreased in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to the second quarter of 2019 due to a decrease in the balancing account revenue expected to be collected beyond 24 months.

Total Operating Expenses
 
Total operating expenses increased $11.0 million, or 7.2%, to $163.0 million in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to $152.0 million in the second quarter of 2019.
 
Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 43.6% of total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to 42.5% of total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2019. Water production costs increased 10.1% in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to the same period last year mainly due to increased rates from our purchased water wholesalers, changes in water production mix, and an increase in customer usage.
Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:
  Three Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
Well production 44  % 46  %
Purchased 50  % 49  %
Surface % %
Total 100  % 100  %
The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:
  Three Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019 Change
Purchased water $ 59,738    $ 53,671    $ 6,067   
Purchased power 8,128    7,871    257   
Pump taxes 3,276    3,093    183   
Total $ 71,142    $ 64,635    $ 6,507   
Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $4.9 million to $52.8 million in the second quarter of 2020, primarily due to a $2.7 million increase of costs associated with deferred WRAM revenue, a $2.1 million increase in employee pension benefit costs, a $1.5 million increase in uninsured loss costs, a $0.7 million increase in outside service costs, and a $0.5 million increase in bad debt expense which were partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million in water conservation program costs and $0.9 million of workers compensation costs.
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Maintenance expense increased $1.0 million, or 18.1%, to $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to $5.7 million in the second quarter of 2019, due to increased costs for repairs of services and mains.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.2 million, or 9.9%, to $24.5 million in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to $22.3 million in the second quarter of 2019, due to capital additions.

Income taxes decreased $3.7 million, or 85.6%, to $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to $4.3 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was due to a decrease in operating income.
Property and other taxes was $7.1 million in both in the second quarter of 2020 and 2019.
Other Income and Expenses
Net other income increased $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2020, mostly due to a $3.0 million increase in unrealized gain on certain benefit plan investments, which was partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in non-regulated revenue.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense decreased $0.8 million, or 6.9%, to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2020, as compared to $11.3 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was due primarily to reduced interest rates in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to the second quarter of 2019.
RESULTS OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 OPERATIONS
COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 OPERATIONS
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated 
Overview
Net (Loss) Income
Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $15.0 million or $0.31 loss per diluted common share, compared to net income of $9.4 million or $0.19 earnings per diluted common share for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
The $24.4 million decrease in net income was primarily due to lack of resolution of the 2018 GRC, which meant that no revenue was recorded in the six month period from general rate relief and previously approved regulatory mechanisms. Other impacts to the year-to-date results included water production costs increase of $14.9 million, of which $10.7 million would have been offset by regulatory mechanisms requested in the 2018 GRC, administrative and general expense increase of $2.1 million, which would have been subject to $6.2 million of benefit costs offsets pursuant to regulatory mechanisms requested in the 2018 GRC, and depreciation expense increase of $4.3 million.
If during the six month period ended June 30, 2020, the CPUC had approved the settlement agreement and the Cal Water Proposal, we estimate it would have added operating revenue of $45.8 million, subject to income taxes of 19.3%, and it would have had a $4.1 million decrease in income tax expense for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act income tax refunds for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Additionally, a $4.0 million unrealized loss on certain benefit plan investments during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 decreased net income.
The CPUC granted Cal Water’s request to continue charging existing rates beginning January 1, 2020 as interim rates, and is allowing Cal Water to track the difference between interim rates and rates that are eventually approved. We expect that the difference in interim and approved rates will be collected through customer surcharges over 12 months. The CPUC has the authority to adopt the settlement agreement or render a different decision. Had the CPUC approved the Cal Water Proposal, we estimate that the proposed new rates would have added the following to the results of the six months ended June 30, 2020: $19,8 million of revenue for delayed service charge and quantity rate increases and $26.0 million of revenue from disputed regulatory mechanisms which will be recognized if approved in the period in which such approval occurs.
COVID-19
At the end of 2019, a COVID-19 outbreak was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to a large number of other countries, including the United States. In March of 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. During the month of March, all of the states in which we operate enacted shelter-in-place and social distancing ordinances that resulted in temporary closures of non-essential businesses and self-quarantining of non-essential workers. Although such measures have been partially rescinded in certain areas, public health restrictions remain in place in all of the states in which we operate. As an “essential business” during times of emergencies pursuant to the U.S. Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001, we are working to continue to provide high quality water and
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wastewater services to our two million customers. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and through July 30, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a significant impact on our business or operations. We have, however, increased our allowance for credit losses as we have ceased all shutoffs for nonpayment during the pandemic and we are expecting segments of our customer base to continue to experience employment layoffs and business closures that negatively impact their ability to pay utility bills. We have also incurred costs to promote the health and safety of our employees and facilities.
If we need to close any of our facilities due to outbreaks of COVID-19 or if a critical number of our employees become too ill to work, our business operations could be materially adversely affected in a rapid manner. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve, and therefore, we cannot predict the extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity will ultimately be impacted.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue decreased $4.1 million, or 1.3%, to $301.0 million in the first six months of 2020 as compared to the first six months of 2019, with such change attributed to the following:
Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1) $ 22,175   
WRAM Revenue (2) (41,893)  
MCBA Revenue (3) 22,663   
Other balancing account revenue (4) (3,382)  
Deferral of revenue (5) (3,658)  
Net operating revenue decrease $ (4,095)  
1.The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by a $16.0 million increase in volumetric revenue due to a 6.0% increase in customer usage and rate increases. In addition, there was a $4.9 million increase in accrued unbilled revenue. The components of the rate increases are as follows:
General rate case $ 285   
Escalation rate increases 518   
Purchased water and pump tax offsets 2,638   
Rate base offsets 1,139   
Total increase in rates $ 4,580   
2.WRAM revenue is the variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts. In the first six months of 2020, no WRAM revenue was recorded due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC. In the first six months of 2019, we recognized $41.9 million of WRAM revenue as actual billed volumetric revenue was lower than adopted volumetric revenue.
3.The MCBA revenue increase is due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC as no MCBA revenue was recorded in the first six months of 2020. In the first six months of 2019, we recognized a $22.7 million decrease to revenue as actual water production costs were lower than adopted water production costs. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the difference in actual water production costs and adopted water production costs in California is recorded to operating revenue.
4.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. In the first six months of 2020, no adjustment was recorded for the pension cost and health cost balancing accounts due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC. In the first six months of 2019, actual pension costs were above the adopted pension costs, while actual health care costs were below the adopted health care costs. A net increase to revenue of $1.4 million was recognized for the differences. In addition, there was a decrease in actual conservation expenses relative to adopted costs in the first six months of 2020 as compared to the first six months of 2019 of $2.0 million.
5.The deferral of revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be collected from customers beyond 24 months following the end of the accounting period in which these revenues were recorded. The deferral increased in the first
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six months of 2020 as compared to the first six months of 2019 as we elected to defer a portion of our net WRAM receivable that was filed for recovery in 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $17.8 million, or 6.4%, to $295.5 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to $277.7 million in the first six months of 2019.
Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 42.3% of total operating expenses in the first six months of 2020, as compared to 39.7% of total operating expenses in the first six months of 2019. Water production costs increased 13.5% in the first six months of 2020 as compared to the same period last year mainly due to an increase in customer usage, changes in water production mix, and an increase in rates from our purchased water wholesalers.
Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:
  Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019
Well production 45  % 46  %
Purchased 49  % 49  %
Surface % %
Total 100  % 100  %
The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:
  Six Months Ended June 30
  2020 2019 Change
Purchased water $ 105,087    $ 91,887    $ 13,200   
Purchased power 13,904    13,101    803   
Pump taxes 6,127    5,239    888   
Total $ 125,118    $ 110,227    $ 14,891   
Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $1.6 million, or 1.7%, to $96.5 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to $94.9 million in the first six months of 2019. The increase was primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in employee pension benefit costs, $1.1 million in consulting service cost, $0.8 million increase in uninsured loss costs, $0.8 million increase in water treatment and lab testing costs, $0.7 million increase in rent and facility costs, and $0.6 million increase in bad debt expense, which were partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease of costs associated with deferred WRAM revenue, $1.6 million decrease in water conservation program costs, and $0.9 million decrease in employee healthcare costs.
Maintenance expense increased $1.6 million, or 13.6%, to $13.8 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to $12.1 million in the first six months of 2019, mostly due to repairs for services and mains.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.3 million, or 9.7%, to $49.0 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to $44.7 million in the first six months of 2019, mostly due to capital additions.
Income taxes decreased $4.6 million, or 349.2%, to an income tax benefit of $3.3 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to income tax expense of $1.3 million in the first six months of 2019. The decrease was due to a decrease in operating income.
Property and other taxes was $14.4 million in the first six months of 2020 and 2019.
Other Income and Expenses
Net other income decreased $3.7 million to a net other loss of $0.3 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to a net other income of $3.4 million in the first six months of 2019, due primarily to a $4.0 million decrease from the unrealized loss from certain benefit plan investments due to market conditions.

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Interest Expense
Net interest expense decreased $1.2 million, or 5.4%, to $20.3 million in the first six months of 2020, as compared to $21.5 million in the first six months of 2019. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease interest rates in the first six months of 2020 as compared to the same period last year.
REGULATORY MATTERS
2020 California Regulatory Activity
2018 GRC Filing
As of July 30, 2020, Cal Water has not received a decision resolving its 2018 GRC. The parties addressed most issues through a proposed settlement and litigated the remaining issues. The delay in the resolution of the case has had a material adverse impact on our revenue, operating results, and earnings per share on an interim basis but this impact is expected to be reversed at the time of a final decision through recognition of interim rate recovery. Continued delay will significantly impact operating results for the third quarter of 2020. On April 28, 2020, Cal Water filed a motion urging the CPUC to adopt a final decision by July 1, 2020, but proposing a deferral of rate increases until January 1, 2021. If approved, the impact of the deferral will be tracked in the interim rate memorandum account. On June 25, 2020, the CPUC extended the statutory deadline for resolution of the case from July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
2020 Cost of Capital Application
On March 11, 2020, the CPUC granted Cal Water and three other large water companies an extension to May 1, 2021 to file their cost of capital application.
Expense Offset Requests
Expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses, and therefore do not affect net operating income. In December of 2019, Cal Water submitted advice letters to request offsets for increases in purchased water costs in six of its regulated districts totaling $2.5 million. The new rates became effective on February 1, 2020.
Rate Base Offset Requests
For construction projects authorized in GRCs as advice letter projects, Cal Water is allowed to request rate base offsets to increase revenues after the project goes into service. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Cal Water submitted advice letters to recover $2.5 million of annual revenue increases for rate base offsets in all of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on February 1, 2020.
WRAM/MCBA Filings
In March and April of 2020, Cal Water submitted advice letters to true up the revenue under-collections for the 2019 annual WRAMs/MCBAs of its regulated districts. A net under-collection of $27.1 million is being recovered from customers in the form of 12 and 18 month surcharges. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we elected to adjust the 2019 WRAM filing so that the new rates would only be implemented in districts where overall customer bills would not be increased. As a result, approximately $18.8 million of the $45.9 million of net WRAM/MCBA additions from 2019 were deferred to 2021. The new rates incorporate net WRAM/MCBA balances that were previously approved for recovery, and became effective in April of 2020.
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Memorandum Account (PFAS MA)
Public water systems have been ordered by the State Water Resources Control Board to detect, monitor, and report perfluorooctanoic and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in drinking water. Cal Water has begun sampling its wells for these contaminants, and anticipates incurring substantial costs in order to comply. In the first quarter of 2020, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to establish the PFAS MA, which would give Cal Water the opportunity to track and recover incremental costs related to compliance with the order. The PFAS MA was suspended pending further review by the CPUC. The CPUC issued, and then withdrew, a proposed resolution that would have rejected the request in its entirety. On June 19, 2020, the CPUC proposed a new resolution that would limit potential cost recovery to certain incremental PFAS-related expenses, but not capital costs, due to the current lack of a maximum contaminant level. The CPUC is scheduled to vote on the proposed resolution on August 6, 2020.


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Low-Income Water Affordability Proceeding
On July 3, 2020, the assigned Commissioner of a proceeding considering low-income assistance issued a proposed decision that applies to Cal Water and other Class A water companies (the Joint Parties). The proposed decision would require the Joint Parties to replace their full decoupling mechanisms with a limited price adjustment mechanism in their next GRC. A proposed decision must be approved by the full CPUC to go into effect. The full CPUC could modify or reject the proposed decision and will first consider the matter, at the earliest, at its meeting on August 6, 2020. Cal Water management disagrees with the conclusions of the proposed decision and believes there is evidence that the mandated mechanism would increase rates for low-income customers. Management also believes the proposed decision would reinstate the incentive of utilities to maximize water sales, despite clear California state policy goals to improve water use efficiency. Cal Water plans to communicate this position to the full CPUC in an effort to convince them to adopt a different decision.
Regulatory Activity - Other States
Rainier View Water Company (Washington Water)
On March 27, 2020, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved Washington Water's application for the sale and transfer of assets of Rainier View Water Company. Washington Water took control of the water system on June 1, 2020.
LIQUIDITY
Cash flow from Operations
Cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2020 was $20.0 million compared to $43.4 million for the same period in 2019. Cash generated by operations varies during the year due to customer billings, and timing of collections and contributions to our benefit plans.
During the first six months of 2020, we made contributions of $16.8 million to our employee pension plan compared to contributions of $6.3 million during the first six months of 2019. During the first six months of 2020, we made contributions of $3.9 million to the other postretirement benefit plans compared to contributions of $3.4 million during the first six months of 2019. The full-year 2020 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans are expected to be approximately $38.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively.
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 unsecured revolving credit facilities in the event cash is not available to cover operating and utility plant costs during the winter period. Due to the uncertainty of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the first quarter of 2020, we borrowed on our unsecured revolving credit facilities to provide substantial additional liquidity to manage our business (as described below under Financing Activities). 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 greater-than-normal precipitation falls in our service areas or temperatures are lower than normal, especially in the summer months.
Investing Activities
During the first six months of 2020 and 2019, we used $133.5 million and $121.9 million, respectively, of cash for Company-funded and developer-funded utility plant expenditures. Annual expenditures fluctuate each year due to the availability of construction resources and our ability to obtain construction permits in a timely manner. For 2020, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be between $260.0 million and $290.0 million. We also paid $37.7 million for the acquisition of Rainier View Water Company during the second quarter of 2020.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $222.8 million during the first six months of 2020 compared to $85.9 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2019. For 2020, this includes our issuance of $37.1 million of Company common stock through our at-the-market equity program and $0.9 million through our employee stock purchase plan.
During the first six months of 2020 and 2019, we borrowed $270.0 million and $190.0 million, respectively, on our unsecured revolving credit facilities. The borrowings on our unsecured revolving credit facilities in 2020 were to provide substantial additional liquidity to manage our business in connection with economic uncertainty and financial market
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volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We made a repayment on our unsecured revolving credit facilities of $70.0 million and $90.0 million during the first six months of 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The undercollected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances were $52.6 million and $61.3 million as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, which represents the interest recoverable from customers, is limited to the then-current 90-day commercial paper rates which typically are significantly lower than Cal Water’s short and long-term financing rates.
Short-Term and Long-Term Financing
During the first six months of 2020, we utilized cash generated from operations, borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facilities, and cash received from the sale of Company common stock through our at-the-market equity program to fund operations and capital investments.
Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $1.3 million and $401.4 million during the first six months of 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In future periods, management anticipates funding our utility plant needs through a relatively balanced approach between 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. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused disruption in the capital markets, could make financing more difficult and/or expensive. To mitigate this risk, we borrowed $100.0 million on our unsecured revolving credit facilities to provide substantial additional liquidity. 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 $400.0 million under its revolving credit facility; however, all borrowings must be repaid within 24 months unless a different period is required or authorized by the CPUC. The proceeds from the unsecured revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of utility plant projects. 
As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were short-term borrowings of $375.1 million and $175.1 million, respectively, outstanding on the unsecured revolving credit facilities.
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 June 30, 2020, we are in compliance with all of the covenant requirements and are eligible to use the full amount of the undrawn portion of our unsecured revolving credit facilities.
Long-term financing, which includes First Mortgage Bonds, 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 planned utility plant expenditures 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 generally refundable over 40 years. 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 six months of 2020, our quarterly common stock dividend payments were $0.4250 per share compared to $0.3950 per share during the first six months of 2019. For the full year 2019, the payout ratio was 60.3% 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.
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At the July 29, 2020 meeting, the Company's Board of Directors declared the third quarter dividend of $0.2125 per share payable on August 21, 2020, to stockholders of record on August 10, 2020. This was our 302nd consecutive quarterly dividend.
2020 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 $400.0 million, respectively, for short-term borrowings. As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s and Cal Water’s availability on these unsecured revolving lines of credit was $44.9 million and $130.0 million, respectively. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and our operations evolves, we will continue to assess our financing needs.
Book Value and Stockholders of Record
Book value per common share was $15.83 at June 30, 2020 compared to $16.07 at December 31, 2019. There were approximately 1,946 stockholders of record for our common stock as of May 11, 2020. 
Utility Plant Expenditures
During the first six months of 2020, utility plant expenditures totaled $133.5 million for Company-funded and developer-funded projects. For 2020, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be between $260.0 million and $290.0 million. We do not control third-party-funded utility plant expenditures and therefore are unable to estimate the amount of such projects for 2020.
As of June 30, 2020, construction work in progress was $289.1 million. Construction 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 half 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 6.4 billion gallons or 13.5% 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. Our annual groundwater extraction from managed groundwater basins approximates 28.1 billion gallons or 59.2% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Our annual groundwater extraction from unmanaged groundwater basins approximates 12.9 billion gallons or 27.3% 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. Well pump taxes were $3.3 million and $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, well pump taxes were $6.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively. In 2014, the State of California enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. The law and its implementing regulations 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 after the act's provisions are fully implemented, substantially all the Company's California groundwater will be produced from sustainably 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 in California replenish underground water aquifers and fill reservoirs, providing the water supply for subsequent delivery to customers. As of June 9, 2020, the State of California snowpack water content during the 2020-2021 water year for the northern Sierra region is 7% of long-term averages (per
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the California Department of Water Resources, Daily Drought Information Summary). The northern Sierra region is the most important for the state’s urban water supplies. The central and southern portions of the Sierras also have recorded 0% and 4%, respectively, of long-term averages. Management believes that supply pumped from underground aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 2020 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.
On May 31, 2018, California's Governor Brown signed two bills (Assembly Bill 1668 and Senate Bill 606) into law that will establish long-term standards for water use efficiency. The bills revise and expand the existing urban water management plan requirements to include five year drought risk assessments, water shortage contingency plans, and annual water supply/demand assessments. By June 30, 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board, in conjunction with the California Department of Water Resources, will establish long-term water use standards for indoor residential use, outdoor residential use, water losses and other uses. Cal Water will also be required to calculate and report on urban water use target by November 1, 2023 and each November 1 thereafter that compares actual urban water use to the target. Management believes that Cal Water is well-positioned to comply with all regulations required of utilities.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, 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 offsettable expense procedures allowed for increases in purchased water, pump tax, and purchased power costs to be flowed through to consumers. Traditionally, a significant percentage of our net income and cash flows come 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(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 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 Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2020. Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
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(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 June 30, 2020, 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 reasonably 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 customers 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, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020, except for the additional risk factor set forth in Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC.
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit   Description
4.0 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
31.1  
31.2  
32  
101 The following materials from California Water Service Group's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104 The cover page from California Water Service Group's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, formatted in iXBRL (included as exhibit 101)
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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
   
July 30, 2020 By: /s/ Thomas F. Smegal III
    Thomas F. Smegal III
    Vice President,
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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