Exhibit 99
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] [OBJECT OMITTED]
NEWS RELEASE
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598 April 23, 2003
For Immediate Release
Contact: Richard Nye (408) 367-8216 (analysts)
Shannon Dean (310) 257-1435 (media)
CAL WATER ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2003 RESULTS;
BOARD DECLARES 234TH CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND
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SAN JOSE, CA - California Water Service Group (NYSE : CWT) today announced a
loss of $768,000, or ($0.05) per share, for the first quarter 2003, compared to
net income of $1.9 million and earnings per share of $0.12 in the first quarter
of 2002.
According to President and Chief Executive Officer Peter C. Nelson,
first quarter 2003 results were impacted by a decline in customer usage due to
weather and continued delays in receiving rate relief from the California Public
Utilities Commission (CPUC).
"Sales and net income are historically low in the first quarter, and
this year was much wetter than the prior year, which reduced our customers'
water usage. But more significantly, we are still awaiting decisions from the
CPUC that, had they been favorably acted on in a timely manner, would have added
revenue and net earnings to our first quarter results," Nelson said.
The company is anticipating decisions on its requests to recover $6
million in purchased water and electricity costs incurred prior to November
2001, and not yet billed to customers. The company is also awaiting decisions on
the 15 general rate cases filed in July 2001, which if favorably acted upon, are
expected to add at least $12.8 million in annual revenue. The CPUC rate case
process calls for decisions to be issued within 10 months. These filings have
now been outstanding for 21 months.
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In a potentially favorable decision issued April 3, 2003, the CPUC set
an effective date for the 15 general rate cases filed in 2001. Once decisions
are made, the company will be allowed to recover the new rates as of an
effective date of April 3, 2003.
In the second of three filings related to the Bakersfield Treatment
Plant, the company received authorization in April 2003 to recover costs
incurred for construction of that plant. The two filings will add an estimated
$1.5 million to 2003 revenues. A third filing will be made in 2003, which may or
may not impact 2003 revenues, depending on the timing and amount of
authorization received from the CPUC. The plant is expected to be operational in
the second quarter of 2003.
The company made additional rate case filings in November 2002 and
January 2003 but cannot predict the amount or the timing of the CPUC decisions.
"We continue to control expenses throughout the company and have
delayed capital expenditures that do not relate to water supply, water quality
or compliance with regulations. We have a responsibility to provide a reliable
supply of high-quality water. Necessary costs must be incurred to serve our
customers." Nelson said.
Revenue for the quarter decreased 0.6%, or $301,000. A $1.9 million
decrease in water sales to existing customers was partially offset by $845,000
in rate increases and $740,000 in sales to new customers.
Total operating expenses increased 5%, or $2.4 million. Water
production costs increased from last year due to a $750,000 water wholesaler
refund received in 2002. Maintenance expense increased because more repairs were
made to pumping equipment, pipelines, and other facilities. Depreciation expense
was higher due to increases in 2002 capital expenditures driven by more
stringent water quality standards. Other operations expense increases included
wages and benefit increases that were effective at the start of the year.
Contracts with unions were made in the 4th quarter of 2002 that included salary
increases. Benefit increases are attributable to changes made to the pension
plan and increases in medical claim costs.
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At their meeting today, Directors declared the 234th consecutive
quarterly dividend on common stock in the amount of $0.28125. It is payable on
May 16, 2003, to stockholders of record on May 2, 2003. The regular dividend on
Series C preferred stock was also declared.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California
Water Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water
Service Company and CWS Utility Services. Together these companies provide
regulated and non-regulated water service to over 2 million people in 98
California, Washington and New Mexico communities. Group's common stock trades
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT".
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
("Act"). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions
of the federal securities laws for "safe harbor" treatment established by the
Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information,
expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management's judgment
about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions.
Such words as expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes,
anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are
subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary
materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that
may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include: governmental
and regulatory commissions' decisions; changes in regulatory commissions'
policies and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions
concerning rate relief; new legislation; electric power interruptions; increases
in suppliers' prices and the availability of supplies including water and power;
fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance and water
quality requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate
acquired companies; the ability to successfully implement business plans;
changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather on water sales and
operating results; access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms; civil
disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible
future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in
war or other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or
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changes to the credit
ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or
affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other
risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you
should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph. The
Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking
statements.
Additional information is available at our Web site at
www.calwater.com. Attachments (2).
###
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Unaudited
(In thousands, except per share data) March 31, December 31,
2003 2002
ASSETS ---- ----
Utility plant:
Utility plant $1.024,914 $1,001,310
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 310,257 304,322
--------- ---------
Net utility plant 714,657 696,988
--------- ---------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 1,718 1,063
Receivables 20,648 23,961
Unbilled revenue 6,946 7,969
Materials and supplies at average cost 2,626 2,760
Taxes and other prepaid expenses 6,406 7,234
--------- ---------
Total current assets 38,344 42,987
--------- ---------
Other assets:
Regulatory assets 46,314 46,089
Other assets 16,009 14,518
--------- ---------
Total other assets 62,323 60,607
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
$ 815,324 $ 800,582
========= =========
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization:
Common stock, $0.01 par value $ 152 $ 152
Additional paid-in capital 49,984 49,984
Retained earnings 144,139 149,215
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (134) (134)
--------- ---------
Total common stockholders' equity 194,141 199,217
Preferred stock 3,475 3,475
Long-term debt, less current maturities 270,075 250,365
--------- ---------
Total capitalization 467,691 453,057
--------- ---------
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,000 1,000
Short-term borrowings 31,577 36,379
Accounts payable 23,026 23,706
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 33,188 30,456
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 88,791 91,541
Unamortized investment tax credits 2,774 2,774
Deferred income taxes 31,252 31,371
Regulatory and other liabilities 28,804 28,804
Advances for construction 116,739 115,459
Contributions in aid of construction 79,273 77,576
Commitments and contingencies
--------- ---------
$ 815,324 $ 800,582
========= =========
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Unaudited
(In thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended: March 31, March 31,
2003 2002
---- ----
Operating revenue $ 51,310 $ 51,611
-------- --------
Operating expenses:
Operations 37,855 34,774
Maintenance 3,253 2,420
Depreciation and amortization 5,760 5,394
Income taxes (553) 1,279
Property and other taxes 2,465 2,463
-------- --------
Total operating expenses 48,780 46,330
-------- --------
Net operating income 2,530 5,281
-------- --------
Other income and expenses:
Non-regulated income, net 706 455
Gain on sale of non-utility property 552 50
-------- --------
1,258 505
-------- --------
Income before interest expense 3,788 5,786
-------- --------
Interest expense:
Long-term debt interest 4,178 3,532
Other interest 378 326
-------- --------
Total interest expense 4,556 3,858
-------- --------
Net (loss) income $ (768) $ 1,928
======== ========
Earnings per share
Basic $ (0.05) $ 0.12
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Diluted $ (0.05) $ 0.12
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Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 15,182 15,182
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Diluted 15,182 15,185
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Dividends per share of common stock $0.28125 $0.28000
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