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

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20192020
or
oTRANSITION 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, CA95112
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
1720 North First Street
408-367-8200San Jose, California95112
(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 shareCWTNew 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 “largelarge accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated Filer x
filer
Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
  
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth companyo
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o No x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019202048,134,00048,714,000
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Page

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this filing on Form 10-Q have been prepared by management and are unaudited.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
ASSETS 
  
 
  
Utility plant: 
  
 
  
Utility plant$3,281,149
 $3,229,446
$3,616,418
 $3,550,485
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,021,590) (996,723)(1,169,447) (1,144,115)
Net utility plant2,259,559
 2,232,723
2,446,971
 2,406,370
Current assets: 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents60,234
 47,176
140,406
 42,653
Receivables: 
  
 
  
Customers27,552
 30,037
Customers, net32,729
 32,058
Regulatory balancing accounts37,130
 42,394
24,970
 38,225
Other19,460
 17,101
Unbilled revenue24,675
 33,427
Other, net14,428
 14,187
Unbilled revenue, net31,149
 34,879
Materials and supplies at weighted average cost6,444
 6,586
8,135
 7,745
Taxes, prepaid expenses, and other assets17,230
 11,981
18,265
 14,965
Total current assets192,725
 188,702
270,082
 184,712
Other assets: 
  
 
  
Regulatory assets366,921
 353,569
442,819
 433,322
Goodwill2,615
 2,615
2,615
 2,615
Other assets78,842
 60,095
78,358
 84,289
Total other assets448,378
 416,279
523,792
 520,226
TOTAL ASSETS$2,900,662
 $2,837,704
$3,240,845
 $3,111,308
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES 
  
 
  
Capitalization: 
  
 
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 48,134 and 48,065 outstanding in 2019 and 2018, respectively$481
 $481
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 68,000 shares authorized, 48,714 and 48,532 outstanding in 2020 and 2019, respectively$487
 $485
Additional paid-in capital338,728
 337,623
368,129
 362,275
Retained earnings374,920
 392,053
386,524
 417,146
Total common stockholders’ equity714,129
 730,157
755,140
 779,906
Long-term debt, net710,602
 710,027
786,467
 786,754
Total capitalization1,424,731
 1,440,184
1,541,607
 1,566,660
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Current maturities of long-term debt, net105,010
 104,911
21,864
 21,868
Short-term borrowings125,100
 65,100
335,100
 175,100
Accounts payable83,280
 95,580
99,019
 108,463
Regulatory balancing accounts19,984
 12,213
3,474
 4,462
Accrued interest12,181
 5,674
14,545
 5,810
Accrued expenses and other liabilities38,488
 37,688
39,125
 43,018
Total current liabilities384,043
 321,166
513,127
 358,721
Unamortized investment tax credits1,649
 1,649
1,575
 1,575
Deferred income taxes211,382
 213,033
218,451
 222,590
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions200,953
 193,538
260,337
 258,907
Regulatory liabilities and other264,555
 256,522
268,917
 270,256
Advances for construction186,877
 186,342
194,046
 191,062
Contributions in aid of construction226,472
 225,270
242,785
 241,537
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)


 




 


TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES$2,900,662
 $2,837,704
$3,240,845
 $3,111,308
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMELOSS
Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended March 31,
2019
 March 31,
2018
 March 31,
2020
 March 31,
2019
Operating revenue $126,111
 $134,553
 $125,563
 $126,111
Operating expenses:  
  
  
  
Operations:  
  
  
  
Water production costs 45,592
 47,606
 53,976
 45,592
Administrative and general 29,097
 26,319
 29,680
 29,097
Other operations 17,821
 17,640
 13,974
 17,821
Maintenance 6,455
 5,439
 7,073
 6,455
Depreciation and amortization 22,368
 20,715
 24,492
 22,368
Income tax (benefit) expense (2,991) 294
Income tax benefit (3,937) (2,991)
Property and other taxes 7,293
 6,704
 7,228
 7,293
Total operating expenses 125,635
 124,717
 132,486
 125,635
Net operating income 476
 9,836
Net operating (loss) income (6,923) 476
Other income and expenses:  
  
  
  
Non-regulated revenue 4,901
 4,419
 3,827
 4,901
Non-regulated expenses (2,219) (5,437) (8,454) (2,219)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (1,259) (2,546) (1,430) (1,259)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 1,533
 911
 1,614
 1,533
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses (828) 758
Net other income (loss) 2,128
 (1,895)
Income tax benefit (expense) on other income and expenses 913
 (828)
Net other (loss) income (3,530) 2,128
Interest expense:  
  
  
  
Interest expense 11,075
 9,198
 10,798
 11,075
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (831) (495) (944) (831)
Net interest expense 10,244
 8,703
 9,854
 10,244
Net loss $(7,640) $(762) $(20,307) $(7,640)
Loss per share:  
  
 0
 
Basic $(0.16) $(0.02) $(0.42) $(0.16)
Diluted (0.16) (0.02) (0.42) (0.16)
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
Basic 48,086
 48,030
 48,583
 48,086
Diluted 48,086
 48,030
 48,583
 48,086
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited (In thousands)
For the three months ended: March 31,
2019
 March 31,
2018
 March 31,
2020
 March 31,
2019
Operating activities:  
  
  
  
Net loss $(7,640) $(762) $(20,307) $(7,640)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization 22,893
 21,207
 25,093
 22,893
Change in value of life insurance contracts (2,254) 1,137
 4,717
 (2,254)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (1,533) (911) (1,614) (1,533)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
Receivables and unbilled revenue 5,147
 5,438
 7,261
 5,147
Accounts payable (4,233) (7,015) (7,379) (4,233)
Other current assets (5,027) (1,727) (3,768) (5,027)
Other current liabilities 5,268
 6,385
 3,316
 5,268
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities 7,520
 4,500
 (3,252) 7,520
Net cash provided by operating activities 20,141
 28,252
 4,067
 20,141
Investing activities:  
  
  
  
Utility plant expenditures (59,881) (70,650) (65,270) (59,881)
Net cash used in investing activities (59,881) (70,650) (65,270) (59,881)
Financing activities:  
  
  
  
Short-term borrowings 60,000
 45,022
 170,000
 60,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings 
 (45,022) (10,000) 
Repayment of long-term debt (226) (10,224) (197) (226)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction 6,044
 4,763
 6,432
 6,044
Refunds of advances for construction (1,790) (1,918) (2,157) (1,790)
Repurchase of common stock (2,074) (1,239) (1,373) (2,074)
Issuance of common stock 454
 
 6,511
 454
Dividends paid (9,493) (9,003) (10,315) (9,493)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 52,915
 (17,621)
Net cash provided by financing activities 158,901
 52,915
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 13,175
 (60,019) 97,698
 13,175
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 47,715
 95,352
 43,298
 47,715
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $60,890
 $35,333
 $140,996
 $60,890
Supplemental information:  
  
  
  
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) $3,352
 $1,251
 $909
 $3,352
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:  
  
  
  
Accrued payables for investments in utility plant $29,737
 $28,367
 $38,018
 $29,737
Utility plant contribution by developers $4,111
 $4,518
 $8,007
 $4,111
 See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 20192020
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 one1 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, 2018, included in its annual report on Form 10-K2019 as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019.27, 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 doubtful accounts,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.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operating revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s operating revenue by source for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended March 31Three Months Ended March 31
2019 20182020 2019
Revenue from contracts with customers$117,410
 $134,254
$134,833
 $117,410
Regulatory balancing account revenue(a)8,701
 299
(9,270) 8,701
Total operating revenue$126,111
 $134,553
$125,563
 $126,111
(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 months ended March 31, 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.
In the following table, revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by class of customers for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended March 31Three Months Ended March 31
2019 20182020 2019
Residential$84,259
 $91,319
$92,544
 $84,259
Business25,481
 27,057
27,693
 25,481
Industrial7,264
 7,579
7,878
 7,264
Public authorities4,471
 5,444
5,897
 4,471
Other (a)(4,065) 2,855
821
 (4,065)
Total revenue from contracts with customers$117,410
 $134,254
$134,833
 $117,410
(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 General Rate Case (GRC),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 Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (WRAM)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 accountrevenue.
Cost-recovery rates, such as the Modified CostMCBA, Conservation Expense Balancing Account (MCBA)(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 three 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 three 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.

Non-regulated Revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s non-regulated revenue by source for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended March 31Three Months Ended March 31
2019 20182020 2019
Operating and maintenance revenue$3,046
 $3,165
$2,499
 $3,046
Other non-regulated revenue1,296
 743
765
 1,296
Non-regulated revenue from contracts with customers$4,342
 $3,908
$3,264
 $4,342
Lease revenue$559
 $511
$563
 $559
Total non-regulated revenue$4,901
 $4,419
$3,827
 $4,901
    

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. The company provides the lessee the right to ingress and egress across lessor property to access the Land. The minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, which may span multiple years. The excess rents are recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases and is included in a deferred receivable account in the accompanying balance sheet. The leases generally have terms of5 years to 10 years, with lessee options to extend the lease

Allowance for up to15 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the lessee’s sole discretion. Most of the Company’s lease agreements contain mutual termination options that require prior written notice by either lessee or lessor to be invoked. A subset of the Company’s leases contains variable lease payments that depend on changes in the consumer price index (CPI).credit losses
The Company determines ifmeasures expected credit losses for Customer Receivables, Other Receivables, and Unbilled Revenue on an arrangementaggregated 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 a lease at inception. Generally, a lease agreement exists ifinconsequential. Although the Company determineshas 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 arrangement givesdifferences in the lessee control overcustomer write-off behavior among its customer classes is inconsequential. The overall risks related to the useCompany’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 quarter of 2020, the estimate includes an identified assetadjustment made for the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. As the states in which the Company operates have issued ‘shelter-in-place” and obtains substantiallysocial distancing ordinances, the Company is expecting segments of its customer base to experience employment layoffs and business closures which will negatively impact their ability to pay utility bills. The Company has also ceased all ofshutoffs for nonpayment during the benefits frompandemic.
The following table presents the identified asset.
Maturities of lease payments to be received are as follows:activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period ended March 31, 2020:
Year Ending December 31,Operating Leases
2019$3,032
20202,482
20211,809
20221,013
2023534
Thereafter828
 As of March 31, 2020
Allowance for credit lossesCustomer Receivables Unbilled Revenue
Beginning balance374
 397
Provision for credit loss expense263
 244
Write-offs(242) (277)
Recoveries41
 38
Total ending allowance balance$436
 $402





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:
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents60,234
 47,176
140,406
 42,653
Restricted cash (included in "taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets")656
 539
590
 645
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows$60,890
 $47,715
$140,996
 $43,298

Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In FebruaryJune of 2016, the FASB issued guidanceASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on leases,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 amendments in 2018. The guidance requires lessees to recognize an asset and liability on the balance sheet for all of their lease obligations. Operating leases were previously not recognized on the balance sheet.
early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard usingutilizing the modified retrospective method for its existing leasestrade receivables and did not restate its comparative periods inunbilled revenue on January 1, 2020. Based on the periodcomposition of adoption. The Company completed its review of its lease portfolio including significant leasesthe Company’s trade receivables and the Company designedunbilled revenue, and implemented new controls as part ofexpected 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 standard. The implementation increased lease assets and lease liabilitiesguidance, 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 the Consolidated Balance Sheets by $13.8 million as oftesting dates after January 1, 2019.

2017. The Company elected certain practical expedientsadopted the standard on January 1, 2020 and carried forward historical conclusions related to (1) contracts that contain leases, (2) existing lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company also applied the practical expedient that allows the Company to elect, as an accounting policy, by asset class, to include both lease and nonlease components as a single component and account for it as a lease. The Company applied the short-term lease exception for lessees which allowed the Company to not have to apply the recognition requirementsadoption of the new leasing guidance for short-term leases and to recognize lease payments in net income on a straight line basis over the lease term. Otherwise, the new standard did not have a material impact on the remainingits 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.
Note 3. Stock-based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plan
DuringThe following table lists the number of annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) granted and canceled during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2020 2019
RSAs granted39,915
 36,183
RSAs canceled5,034
 8,334
During the first three months of 2020 and 2019, the RSAs granted were valued at $51.41 and 2018,$52.83 per share, respectively, based upon the Company granted annual Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) of 36,183 and 46,135, respectively, to officers and directorsfair value of the Company. During those same periods, 8,334 RSAs and 9,464 RSAs, respectively, were canceled.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 vest at the end of 12 months. During
The following table lists the first three monthsnumber of 2019Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs) granted, issued, and 2018, the RSAs granted were valued at $52.83 and $35.40 per share, respectively, based upon the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
Duringcanceled during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2020 2019
RSUs granted32,720
 26,473
RSUs issued41,731
 62,726
RSUs canceled22,936
 31,177
The 2020 and 2019 and 2018, the CompanyRSUs granted 26,473 and 28,594 performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs), respectively, to officers. During those same periods, the Company issued 62,726 RSUs and 48,753 RSUs, respectively, to officers, and canceled 31,177 RSUs and 24,009 RSUs, respectively. Each RSU award reflects a target number of shares that may be issued to the award recipient. The 2019 and 2018 awards may be earned upon completion of the three-year performance period and are recognized as expense ratably over the period using a fair value of $52.83$51.41 per share and $35.40$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 $2.7$0.8 million and $0.7$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.

Note 4. Equity
The Company sold 115,834 shares of common stock through its at-the-market equity program and raised proceeds of $6.0 million net of $0.1 million in commissions paid under the equity distribution agreement during the first three months of 2020. The Company also incurred $0.1 million of equity issuance costs during the first three months of 2020.
The Company’s changes in total common stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:
 Three months ended March 31, 2020
 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 Shares Amount   
 (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 202048,532
 $485
 $362,275
 $417,146
 $779,906
Net loss      (20,307) (20,307)
Issuance of common stock210
 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, 202048,714
 487
 368,129
 386,524
 755,140
 Three months ended March 31, 2019
 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 Shares Amount   
 (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 201948,065
 $481
 $337,623
 $392,053
 $730,157
Net loss      (7,640) (7,640)
Issuance of common stock109
 
 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, 201948,134

481
 338,728
 374,920
 714,129
 Three months ended March 31, 2018
 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 Shares Amount   
 (In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 201848,012
 $480
 $336,229
 $362,512
 $699,221
Net loss      (762) (762)
Issuance of common stock95
 1
 635
 
 636
Repurchase of common stock(33) 
 (1,239) 
 (1,239)
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.1875 per share)      (9,003) (9,003)
Balance at March 31, 201848,074
 481
 335,625
 352,747
 688,853


Note 5. Loss Per Share
The computations of basic and diluted loss per share are noted in the table below. Basic loss per share areis computed by dividing the net 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 March 31
 2020 2019
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Net loss available to common stockholders$(20,307) $(7,640)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic48,583
 48,086
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive48,583
 48,086
Loss per share - basic$(0.42) $(0.16)
Loss per share - diluted$(0.42) $(0.16)
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2019 2018
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Net loss available to common stockholders$(7,640) $(762)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic48,086
 48,030
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive48,086
 48,030
Loss per share - basic$(0.16) $(0.02)
Loss per share - diluted$(0.16) $(0.02)

    


Note 6. Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides a qualified, defined-benefit, non-contributory pension plan for substantially all employees. The Company makes annual contributions to fund the amounts accrued for in the qualified pension plan. The Company also maintains an unfunded, non-qualified, supplemental executive retirement plan. The costs of the plans are charged to expense or are capitalized in utility plant as appropriate.
 
The Company offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for retirees and their spouses and dependents. Participants are required to pay a premium, which offsets a portion of the cost.
 
Cash contributions made by the Company to the pension plans were $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. There were no0 cash contributions made to the pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and there were cash contributions of $7.3 million made to the pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2018.2019. Cash contributions made by the Company related to the other postretirement benefit plans were $2.2 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and there were no cash contributions made by the Company related to other postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended March 31, 2018.respectively. The total 20192020 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $18.8$38.0 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $7.9$7.5 million.























The following table liststables 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 March 31Three Months Ended March 31
Pension Plan Other BenefitsPension Plan Other Benefits
2019 2018 2019 20182020 2019 2020 2019
Service cost$6,565
 $7,402
 $1,762
 $2,550
$8,811
 $6,565
 $2,106
 $1,762
Interest cost6,642
 5,995
 1,337
 1,484
6,433
 6,642
 1,210
 1,337
Expected return on plan assets(7,567) (6,862) (1,435) (1,416)(8,265) (7,567) (1,811) (1,435)
Amortization of prior service cost1,262
 1,263
 49
 11
1,057
 1,262
 49
 49
Recognized net actuarial loss1,312
 2,797
 104
 773
3,196
 1,312
 14
 104
Net periodic benefit cost$8,214
 $10,595
 $1,817
 $3,402
$11,232
 $8,214
 $1,568
 $1,817

        

Service cost portion of the pension plan and other postretirement benefits is recognized in "administrative and general" expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.Loss. 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 Income.Loss.
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$550.0 million for a term of five years. The revolving credit facilities amend, expand, and replace the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ prior credit facilities originally entered into on May 10, 2015. The new credit facilities extended the terms until March 29, 2024, and increased Cal Water’s unsecured revolving line of credit. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150$150.0 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $400$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.facility. Additionally, the credit facilities available to the Company may be increased by up to an incremental $150$150.0 million under the Cal Water facility and $50$50.0 million under the Company facility, subject in each case to certain conditions.
The proceeds from the revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of capital projects. Borrowings under the credit facilities typically have maturities varying between one and six months and will bear interest annually at a rate equal to (i) the base rate or (ii) the Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin of 0.650% to 0.875%, depending on the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio.
Both short-term unsecured credit agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for credit facilities of this type including, among other things, limitations and prohibitions relating to additional

indebtedness, liens, mergers, and asset sales. Also, these unsecured credit agreements contain financial covenants governing the Company and its subsidiaries’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 March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018.2019, respectively. There were $70.0$230.0 million and $10.0$120.0 million of borrowings on the Cal Water line of credit as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The average borrowing rate for borrowings on the Company and Cal Water lines of credit during the three months ended March 31, 20192020 was 3.22%2.59% compared to 2.45%3.22% for the same period last year.

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 tablestable below:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2019 2018
Income tax benefit$(2,163) $(464)
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2020 2019
Income tax benefit$(4,850) $(2,163)
    

The income tax benefit increased $1.7$2.7 million to $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 20192019. The increase was due to an increase in pre-tax loss of $15.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase is mostly due to an increase in pre-tax loss of $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.2019.

The Company's 20192020 effective tax rate, before discrete items, is estimated to be 22%19.3%.

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 impact 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 $107.0 million to ensure compliance with federal normalization rules and will record any adjustments based on state regulator decision.regulator's decisions.
The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $10.1$11.7 million and $8.0$10.1 million as of March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, as of March 31, 2019is approximately $3.3 million and 2018 are approximately $3.0 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 three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2020. If the CPUC approves the settlement agreement, Cal Water 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 mid-2020.
Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:
Recovery Period March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018Recovery Period March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Regulatory Assets  
  
  
  
Pension and retiree group healthIndefinitely $156,782
 $156,947
Indefinitely $208,157
 $208,321
Property-related temporary differences (tax benefits flowed through to customers)Indefinitely 99,971
 99,376
Indefinitely 105,600
 104,931
Other accrued benefitsIndefinitely 26,453
 25,717
Indefinitely 20,885
 20,030
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term accounts receivable1-2 years 27,180
 17,134
1-2 years 31,693
 25,465
Asset retirement obligations, netIndefinitely 18,666
 18,197
Indefinitely 20,045
 19,567
Interim rates long-term accounts receivable1 year 4,642
 4,642
1 year 4,642
 4,642
Tank coating10 years 11,845
 11,196
10 years 14,426
 13,535
Health care balancing account1 year 442
 442
Pension balancing account1 year 17,306
 16,494
Recoverable property losses10 years 4,856
 5,000
PCBA1 year 21,465
 21,465
Other components of net periodic benefit costIndefinitely 3,560
 3,221
Indefinitely 5,503
 5,145
Other regulatory assetsVarious 74
 203
Various 5,547
 5,221
Total Regulatory Assets $366,921
 $353,569
 $442,819
 $433,322
        
Regulatory Liabilities  
  
  
  
Future tax benefits due to customers $180,175
 $180,205
 $194,459
 $194,501
Health care balancing account 3,547
 3,516
Conservation program 6,931
 6,880
HCBA 4,271
 4,271
CEBA 559
 2,742
Net WRAM and MCBA long-term payable 409
 222
 135
 211
Tax accounting memorandum account 646
 5,039
 853
 806
Cost of capital memorandum account 127
 2,834
 154
 151
1,2,3 trichloropropane settlement proceeds 12,091
 12,142
1,2,3 trichloropropane (TCP) settlement proceeds 9,491
 8,426
Other regulatory liabilities 212
 437
 345
 305
Total Regulatory Liabilities $204,138
 $211,275
 $210,267
 $211,413

Short-term regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from the above table.
The short-term regulatory assets were $37.1$25.0 million as of March 31, 20192020 and $42.4$38.2 million as of December 31, 2018.2019. As of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the short-term regulatory assets primarily consist of net WRAM and MCBA receivables.
The short-term portions of regulatory liabilities were $20.0$3.5 million as of March 31, 20192020 and $12.2$4.5 million as of December 31, 2018.2019. The short-term regulatory liabilities as of March 31, 2019,2020, primarily consist of 1,2,3 trichloropropane (TCP)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. As of December 31, 2018, the short-term regulatory liabilities primarily consist of TCP settlement proceeds and net WRAM and MCBA liability balances.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has significant commitments to purchase water from water wholesalers. These commitments are described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. 
Leases
The Company also has operating and finance leases for water systems, offices, land easements, licenses, equipment, and other facilities. The leases generally have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 50 years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to 25 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. Most of the Company’s lease agreements contain mutual termination options that require prior written notice by either lessee or lessor to be invoked. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Certain leases include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of the assetsThese commitments and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet as the Company applied the short-term lease exception allowed by the lease standard. Lease expense for these leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. A subset of the Company’s leases contains variable lease payments that depend on changesdescribed in the CPI.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Generally, a lease agreement exists if the Company determines that the arrangement gives the Company control over the use of an identified asset and obtains substantially all of the benefits from the identified asset.
The right-of-use (ROU) assets that are recorded represent the Company’s right to use an underlying assetCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset and lease liability may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Variable lease payments that are based on changes in CPI are included in the measurement of ROU asset and lease liability on the basis of the rate at lease commencement. Subsequent changes to the payments as a result of changes to the CPI rate are recognized in the period in which the obligation of these payments is incurred.year ended December 31, 2019. 
















Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2019
Operating leases 
Other assets$14,128
  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities$1,261
Regulatory liabilities and other12,851
Total operating lease liabilities$14,112
  
Finance leases 
Utility plant$19,034
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(9,573)
Net utility plant$9,461
  
Current maturities of long-term debt, net$639
Long-term debt, net6,010
Total finance lease liabilities$6,649
  
Weighted average remaining lease term 
Operating leases160 months
Finance leases82 months
  
Weighted average discount rate 
Operating leases3.7%
Finance leases5.6%

The components of lease expense were as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2019
Operating lease cost$421
  
Finance lease cost: 
Amortization of right-of-use assets$313
Interest on lease liabilities90
Total finance lease cost$403
  
Short-term lease cost$73
Variable lease cost66
Total lease cost$963





Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31
 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 
Operating cash flows from operating leases$338
Operating cash flows from finance leases90
Financing cash flows from finance leases171
Non-cash activities: right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: 
Operating leases582
Finance leases672

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
Year Ending December 31,Operating Leases Finance Leases
2019 (a)$1,304
 $1,139
20201,760
 1,216
20211,538
 1,217
20221,410
 1,217
20231,319
 1,735
Thereafter10,764
 3,217
Total lease payments$18,095
 $9,741
    
Less imputed interest$(3,983) $(3,092)
Total$14,112
 $6,649
(a) Excludes payments made for the first three months of 2019.
As of March 31, 2020, there were no significant changes in these commitments from December 31, 2018, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows:
2019$1,771
20201,709
20211,485
20221,355
20231,261
Thereafter10,538
Total$18,119

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 and uses of proceeds to comply with CPUC’s general policy.


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 March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the Company recognized a liability of $3.2$2.0 million and $2.3$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 Plan has the ability to access.
 
Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
 


Specific valuation methods include the following:
 
Accounts receivable and accounts payable carrying amounts approximated the fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.
 
Long-term debt fair values were estimated using the published quoted market price, if available, or the discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates available using a risk-free rate (a U.S. Treasury securities yield curve) plus a risk premium of 1.70%1.83%.
Advances for construction fair values were estimated using broker quotes from companies that frequently purchase these investments.
March 31, 2019March 31, 2020
  Fair Value  Fair Value
Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalCost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net$815,612
 
 $868,919
 
 $868,919
$808,331
 
 $989,749
 
 $989,749
Advances for construction186,877
 
 79,400
 
 79,400
194,046
 
 82,078
 
 82,078
Total$1,002,489
 $
 $948,319
 $
 $948,319
$1,002,377
 $
 $1,071,827
 $
 $1,071,827
 

December 31, 2018December 31, 2019
  Fair Value  Fair Value
Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalCost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities, net$814,938
 $
 $849,551
 $
 $849,551
$808,622
 $
 $873,454
 $
 $873,454
Advances for construction186,342
 
 77,204
 
 77,204
191,062
 
 79,550
 
 79,550
Total$1,001,280
 
 $926,755
 $
 $926,755
$999,684
 
 $953,004
 $
 $953,004

Note 12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
On April 17, 2009, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% First Mortgage Bonds due 2019, and on November 17, 2010, Cal Water issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% First Mortgage Bonds due 2040, all of which areis fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. As a result of thesethis guarantee arrangements,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 March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of (Loss) Income for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 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.

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of March 31, 20192020
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Utility plant: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Utility plant$1,318
 $3,070,584
 $216,444
 $(7,197) $3,281,149
$1,318
 $3,395,699
 $226,598
 $(7,197) $3,616,418
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,037) (961,282) (61,389) 2,118
 (1,021,590)(1,130) (1,103,286) (67,230) 2,199
 (1,169,447)
Net utility plant281
 2,109,302
 155,055
 (5,079) 2,259,559
188
 2,292,413
 159,368
 (4,998) 2,446,971
Current assets:     
         
    
Cash and cash equivalents905
 47,587
 11,742
 
 60,234
56,356
 74,655
 9,395
 
 140,406
Receivables and unbilled revenue157
 103,631
 5,029
 
 108,817
Receivables and unbilled revenue, net
 98,794
 4,482
 
 103,276
Receivables from affiliates25,460
 2,744
 48
 (28,252) 
23,212
 1,704
 24
 (24,940) 
Other current assets505
 21,657
 1,512
 
 23,674
634
 23,251
 2,515
 
 26,400
Total current assets27,027
 175,619
 18,331
 (28,252) 192,725
80,202
 198,404
 16,416
 (24,940) 270,082
Other assets:     
         
    
Regulatory assets
 362,726
 4,195
 
 366,921

 438,075
 4,744
 
 442,819
Investments in affiliates715,928
 
 
 (715,928) 
752,501
 
 
 (752,501) 
Long-term affiliate notes receivable27,321
 
 
 (27,321) 
29,579
 
 
 (29,579) 
Other assets451
 76,460
 4,751
 (205) 81,457
458
 75,228
 5,508
 (221) 80,973
Total other assets743,700
 439,186
 8,946
 (743,454) 448,378
782,538
 513,303
 10,252
 (782,301) 523,792
TOTAL ASSETS$771,008
 $2,724,107
 $182,332
 $(776,785) $2,900,662
$862,928
 $3,004,120
 $186,036
 $(812,239) $3,240,845
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Capitalization: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Common stockholders’ equity$714,129
 $642,214
 $78,976
 $(721,190) $714,129
$755,140
 $676,674
 $81,031
 $(757,705) $755,140
Affiliate long-term debt
 
 27,321
 (27,321) 

 
 29,579
 (29,579) 
Long-term debt, net
 710,049
 553
 
 710,602

 786,040
 427
 
 786,467
Total capitalization714,129
 1,352,263
 106,850
 (748,511) 1,424,731
755,140
 1,462,714
 111,037
 (787,284) 1,541,607
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Current maturities of long-term debt, net
 104,730
 280
 
 105,010

 21,743
 121
 
 21,864
Short-term borrowings55,100
 70,000
 
 
 125,100
105,100
 230,000
 
 
 335,100
Payables to affiliates
 1,259
 26,993
 (28,252) 
797
 25
 24,118
 (24,940) 
Accounts payable299
 78,619
 4,362
 
 83,280

 94,979
 4,040
 
 99,019
Accrued expenses and other liabilities68
 67,535
 3,050
 
 70,653
334
 53,721
 3,089
 
 57,144
Total current liabilities55,467
 322,143
 34,685
 (28,252) 384,043
106,231
 400,468
 31,368
 (24,940) 513,127
Unamortized investment tax credits
 1,649
 
 
 1,649

 1,575
 
 
 1,575
Deferred income taxes1,412
 208,268
 1,740
 (38) 211,382
1,557
 213,617
 3,292
 (15) 218,451
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions
 200,953
 
 
 200,953

 260,337
 
 
 260,337
Regulatory liabilities and other
 257,783
 6,756
 16
 264,555

 261,072
 7,845
 
 268,917
Advances for construction
 186,390
 487
 
 186,877

 193,568
 478
 
 194,046
Contributions in aid of construction
 194,658
 31,814
 
 226,472

 210,769
 32,016
 
 242,785
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES$771,008
 $2,724,107
 $182,332
 $(776,785) $2,900,662
$862,928
 $3,004,120
 $186,036
 $(812,239) $3,240,845

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 20182019
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Utility plant: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Utility plant$1,318
 $3,021,437
 $213,888
 $(7,197) $3,229,446
$1,318
 $3,332,331
 $224,033
 $(7,197) $3,550,485
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,013) (938,072) (59,735) 2,097
 (996,723)(1,107) (1,079,627) (65,561) 2,180
 (1,144,115)
Net utility plant305
 2,083,365
 154,153
 (5,100) 2,232,723
211
 2,252,704
 158,472
 (5,017) 2,406,370
Current assets: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents3,779
 33,763
 9,634
 
 47,176
3,096
 29,098
 10,459
 
 42,653
Receivables and unbilled revenue126
 118,632
 4,201
 
 122,959
Receivables and unbilled revenue, net
 114,999
 4,350
 
 119,349
Receivables from affiliates21,318
 4,074
 61
 (25,453) 
25,803
 3,621
 209
 (29,633) 
Other current assets80
 16,907
 1,580
 
 18,567
90
 20,615
 2,005
 
 22,710
Total current assets25,303
 173,376
 15,476
 (25,453) 188,702
28,989
 168,333
 17,023
 (29,633) 184,712
Other assets: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Regulatory assets
 349,414
 4,155
 
 353,569

 428,639
 4,683
 
 433,322
Investments in affiliates733,156
 
 
 (733,156) 
777,170
 
 
 (777,170) 
Long-term affiliate notes receivable27,829
 
 
 (27,829) 
30,060
 
 
 (30,060) 
Other assets133
 58,959
 3,821
 (203) 62,710
409
 81,591
 5,125
 (221) 86,904
Total other assets761,118
 408,373
 7,976
 (761,188) 416,279
807,639
 510,230
 9,808
 (807,451) 520,226
TOTAL ASSETS$786,726
 $2,665,114
 $177,605
 $(791,741) $2,837,704
$836,839
 $2,931,267
 $185,303
 $(842,101) $3,111,308
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Capitalization: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Common stockholders’ equity$730,157
 $659,340
 79,093
 $(738,433) $730,157
$779,906
 $700,784
 81,604
 $(782,388) $779,906
Affiliate long-term debt
 
 27,828
 (27,828) 

 
 30,060
 (30,060) 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
 709,444
 583
 
 710,027
Long-term debt, net
 786,310
 444
 
 786,754
Total capitalization730,157
 1,368,784
 107,504
 (766,261) 1,440,184
779,906
 1,487,094
 112,108
 (812,448) 1,566,660
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Current maturities of long-term debt
 104,664
 247
 
 104,911
Current maturities of long-term debt, net
 21,732
 136
 
 21,868
Short-term borrowings55,100
 10,000
 
 
 65,100
55,100
 120,000
 
 
 175,100
Payables to affiliates17
 488
 24,948
 (25,453) 

 6,115
 23,518
 (29,633) 
Accounts payable
 92,310
 3,270
 
 95,580

 104,419
 4,044
 
 108,463
Accrued expenses and other liabilities107
 53,655
 1,813
 
 55,575
313
 50,569
 2,408
 
 53,290
Total current liabilities55,224
 261,117
 30,278
 (25,453) 321,166
55,413
 302,835
 30,106
 (29,633) 358,721
Unamortized investment tax credits
 1,649
 
 
 1,649

 1,575
 
 
 1,575
Deferred income taxes1,376
 210,052
 1,648
 (43) 213,033
1,520
 217,847
 3,243
 (20) 222,590
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions
 193,538
 
 
 193,538

 258,907
 
 
 258,907
Regulatory and other liabilities(31) 250,720
 5,817
 16
 256,522

 262,859
 7,397
 
 270,256
Advances for construction
 185,843
 499
 
 186,342

 190,568
 494
 
 191,062
Contributions in aid of construction
 193,411
 31,859
 
 225,270

 209,582
 31,955
 
 241,537
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES$786,726
 $2,665,114
 $177,605
 $(791,741) $2,837,704
$836,839
 $2,931,267
 $185,303
 $(842,101) $3,111,308



CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME
For the three months ended March 31, 20192020
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Operating revenue$
 $116,074
 $10,037
 $
 $126,111
$
 $115,392
 $10,171
 $
 $125,563
Operating expenses: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Operations: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Water production costs
 43,426
 2,166
 
 45,592

 51,758
 2,218
 
 53,976
Administrative and general
 26,203
 2,894
 
 29,097

 26,892
 2,788
 
 29,680
Other operations
 16,122
 1,845
 (146) 17,821

 12,155
 1,965
 (146) 13,974
Maintenance
 6,223
 232
 
 6,455

 6,649
 424
 
 7,073
Depreciation and amortization23
 20,887
 1,479
 (21) 22,368
24
 22,957
 1,531
 (20) 24,492
Income tax (benefit) expense(135) (3,105) 31
 218
 (2,991)(118) (4,022) 1
 202
 (3,937)
Property and other taxes
 6,506
 787
 
 7,293

 6,426
 802
 
 7,228
Total operating (income) expenses(112) 116,262
 9,434
 51
 125,635
(94) 122,815
 9,729
 36
 132,486
Net operating income (loss)112
 (188) 603
 (51) 476
94
 (7,423) 442
 (36) (6,923)
Other income and expenses: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Non-regulated revenue613
 4,628
 419
 (759) 4,901
555
 3,591
 381
 (700) 3,827
Non-regulated expenses
 (2,038) (181) 
 (2,219)
 (8,255) (199) 
 (8,454)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
 (1,229) (30) 
 (1,259)
 (1,401) (29) 
 (1,430)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 1,533
 
 
 1,533

 1,614
 
 
 1,614
Income tax expense on other income and expenses(172) (810) (58) 212
 (828)
Net other income441
 2,084
 150
 (547) 2,128
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses(155) 918
 (46) 196
 913
Net other income (loss)400
 (3,533) 107
 (504) (3,530)
Interest: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Interest expense459
 10,613
 616
 (613) 11,075
397
 10,400
 555
 (554) 10,798
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 (776) (55) 
 (831)
 (889) (55) 
 (944)
Net interest expense459
 9,837
 561
 (613) 10,244
397
 9,511
 500
 (554) 9,854
Equity loss of subsidiaries(7,734) 
 
 7,734
 
(20,404) 
 
 20,404
 
Net (loss) income$(7,640) $(7,941) $192
 $7,749
 $(7,640)$(20,307) $(20,467) $49
 $20,418
 $(20,307)

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME
For the three months ended March 31, 20182019
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Operating revenue$
 $125,876
 $8,677
 $
 $134,553
$
 $116,074
 $10,037
 $
 $126,111
Operating expenses: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Operations: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Water production costs
 45,623
 1,983
 
 47,606

 43,426
 2,166
 
 45,592
Administrative and general
 23,606
 2,713
 
 26,319

 26,203
 2,894
 
 29,097
Other operations
 16,217
 1,569
 (146) 17,640

 16,122
 1,845
 (146) 17,821
Maintenance
 5,244
 195
 
 5,439

 6,223
 232
 
 6,455
Depreciation and amortization23
 19,613
 1,101
 (22) 20,715
23
 20,887
 1,479
 (21) 22,368
Income tax (benefit) expense(78) 183
 (8) 197
 294
(135) (3,105) 31
 218
 (2,991)
Property and other taxes
 6,007
 697
 
 6,704

 6,506
 787
 
 7,293
Total operating (income) expenses(55) 116,493
 8,250
 29
 124,717
(112) 116,262
 9,434
 51
 125,635
Net operating income55
 9,383
 427
 (29) 9,836
Net operating income (loss)112
 (188) 603
 (51) 476
Other income and expenses: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Non-regulated revenue531
 4,244
 320
 (676) 4,419
613
 4,628
 419
 (759) 4,901
Non-regulated expenses
 (5,293) (144) 
 (5,437)
 (2,038) (181) 
 (2,219)
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
 (2,447) (99) 
 (2,546)
 (1,229) (30) 
 (1,259)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 911
 
 
 911

 1,533
 
 
 1,533
Income tax (expense) benefit on other income and expenses(148) 741
 (24) 189
 758
Net other income (loss)383
 (1,844) 53
 (487) (1,895)
Income tax expense on other income and expenses(172) (810) (58) 212
 (828)
Net other income441
 2,084
 150
 (547) 2,128
Interest: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Interest expense258
 8,934
 537
 (531) 9,198
459
 10,613
 616
 (613) 11,075
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 (458) (37) 
 (495)
 (776) (55) 
 (831)
Net interest expense258
 8,476
 500
 (531) 8,703
459
 9,837
 561
 (613) 10,244
Equity loss of subsidiaries(942) 
 
 942
 
(7,734) 
 
 7,734
 
Net loss$(762) $(937) $(20) $957
 $(762)
Net (loss) income$(7,640) $(7,941) $192
 $7,749
 $(7,640)



CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the three months ended March 31, 20192020
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Net income (loss)$(7,640) $(7,941) $192
 $7,749
 $(7,640)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
Net (loss) income$(20,307) $(20,467) $49
 $20,418
 $(20,307)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
Equity loss of subsidiaries7,734
 
 
 (7,734) 
20,404
 
 
 (20,404) 
Dividends received from affiliates9,493
 
 
 (9,493) 
10,315
 
 
 (10,315) 
Depreciation and amortization23
 21,394
 1,497
 (21) 22,893
23
 23,525
 1,565
 (20) 25,093
Changes in value of life insurance contracts
 (2,254) 
 
 (2,254)
 4,717
 
 
 4,717
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 (1,533) 
 
 (1,533)
 (1,614) 
 
 (1,614)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(195) (201) 1,551
 
 1,155
(522) (230) 182
 
 (570)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities2,476
 4,951
 87
 6
 7,520
704
 (4,021) 59
 6
 (3,252)
Net cash provided by operating activities11,891
 14,416
 3,327
 (9,493) 20,141
10,617
 1,910
 1,855
 (10,315) 4,067
Investing activities:     
         
    
Utility plant expenditures
 (57,410) (2,471) 
 (59,881)
 (62,671) (2,599) 
 (65,270)
Investment in affiliates(6,049) 
 
 6,049
 
Changes in affiliate advances184
 1,330
 (113) (1,401) 
5,980
 1,917
 155
 (8,052) 
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings(4,300) 
 
 4,300
 
(3,500) 
 
 3,500
 
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt481
 
 
 (481) 
592
 
 
 (592) 
Net cash used in investing activities(3,635) (56,080) (2,584) 2,418
 (59,881)(2,977) (60,754) (2,444) 905
 (65,270)
Financing Activities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Short-term borrowings
 60,000
 
 
 60,000
50,000
 120,000
 
 
 170,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings
 (10,000) 
 
 (10,000)
Investment from affiliates
 6,049
 
 (6,049) 
Changes in affiliate advances(17) 772
 (2,156) 1,401
 
797
 (6,090) (2,759) 8,052
 
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings
 
 4,300
 (4,300) 

 
 3,500
 (3,500) 
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings
 
 (481) 481
 

 
 (592) 592
 
Repayment of long-term debt
 (171) (55) 
 (226)
 (166) (31) 
 (197)
Advances and contributions in aid of construction
 5,979
 65
 
 6,044

 6,400
 32
 
 6,432
Refunds of advances for construction
 (1,789) (1) 
 (1,790)
 (2,156) (1) 
 (2,157)
Repurchase of common stock(2,074) 
 
 
 (2,074)(1,373) 
 
 
 (1,373)
Issuance of common stock454
 
 
 
 454
6,511
 
 
 
 6,511
Dividends paid to non-affiliates(9,493) 
 
 
 (9,493)(10,315) 
 
 
 (10,315)
Dividends paid to affiliates
 (9,185) (308) 9,493
 

 (9,691) (624) 10,315
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(11,130) 55,606
 1,364
 7,075
 52,915
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities45,620
 104,346
 (475) 9,410
 158,901
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(2,874) 13,942
 2,107
 
 13,175
53,260
 45,502
 (1,064) 
 97,698
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period3,779
 34,238
 9,698
 
 47,715
3,096
 29,679
 10,523
 
 43,298
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$905
 $48,180
 $11,805
 
 $60,890
$56,356
 $75,181
 $9,459
 
 $140,996

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the three months ended March 31, 20182019
(In thousands)
 
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Parent
Company
 Cal Water 
All Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Net loss$(762) $(937) $(20) $957
 $(762)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
Net (loss) income$(7,640) $(7,941) $192
 $7,749
 $(7,640)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
  
  
  
Equity loss of subsidiaries942
 
 
 (942) 
7,734
 
 
 (7,734) 
Dividends received from affiliates9,003
 
 
 (9,003) 
9,493
 
 
 (9,493) 
Depreciation and amortization23
 20,081
 1,125
 (22) 21,207
23
 21,394
 1,497
 (21) 22,893
Changes in value of life insurance contracts
 1,137
 
 
 1,137

 (2,254) 
 
 (2,254)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 (911) 
 
 (911)
 (1,533) 
 
 (1,533)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(376) 1,728
 1,729
 
 3,081
(195) (201) 1,551
 
 1,155
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities806
 3,585
 102
 7
 4,500
2,476
 4,951
 87
 6
 7,520
Net cash provided by operating activities9,636
 24,683
 2,936
 (9,003) 28,252
11,891
 14,416
 3,327
 (9,493) 20,141
Investing activities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Utility plant expenditures
 (67,841) (2,809) 
 (70,650)
 (57,410) (2,471) 
 (59,881)
Changes in affiliate advances(2,520) 3,235
 (153) (562) 
184
 1,330
 (113) (1,401) 
Issuance of affiliate short-term borrowings(4,300) 
 
 4,300
 
Reduction of affiliates long-term debt395
 
 
 (395) 
481
 
 
 (481) 
Net cash used in investing activities(2,125) (64,606) (2,962) (957) (70,650)(3,635) (56,080) (2,584) 2,418
 (59,881)
Financing Activities: 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Short-term borrowings
 45,022
 
 
 45,022

 60,000
 
 
 60,000
Repayment of short-term borrowings
 (45,022) 
 
 (45,022)
Changes in affiliate advances245
 (423) (384) 562
 
(17) 772
 (2,156) 1,401
 
Proceeds from affiliate short-term borrowings
 
 4,300
 (4,300) 
Repayment of affiliates long-term borrowings
 
 (395) 395
 

 
 (481) 481
 
Repayment of long-term debt
 (10,158) (66) 
 (10,224)
 (171) (55) 
 (226)
Advances and contributions in aid for construction
 4,663
 100
 
 4,763

 5,979
 65
 
 6,044
Refunds of advances for construction
 (1,908) (10) 
 (1,918)
 (1,789) (1) 
 (1,790)
Repurchase of common stock(1,239) 
 
 
 (1,239)(2,074) 
 
 
 (2,074)
Issuance of common stock454
 
 
 
 454
Dividends paid to non-affiliates(9,003) 
 
 
 (9,003)(9,493) 
 
 
 (9,493)
Dividends paid to affiliates
 (8,665) (338) 9,003
 

 (9,185) (308) 9,493
 
Net cash used in financing activities(9,997) (16,491) (1,093) 9,960
 (17,621)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(11,130) 55,606
 1,364
 7,075
 52,915
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(2,486) (56,414) (1,119) 
 (60,019)(2,874) 13,942
 2,107
 
 13,175
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period4,728
 81,453
 9,171
 
 95,352
3,779
 34,238
 9,698
 
 47,715
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$2,242
 $25,039
 $8,052
 
 $35,333
$905
 $48,180
 $11,805
 
 $60,890



Note 13. Immaterial Restatement of Prior Period Financial Statements
Subsequent to the issuance of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company identified an immaterial computational error related to the amount of authorized revenue recorded pursuant to the Company's pension and health care cost recovery balancing accounts. In accordance with the 2015 GRC, the Company adjusts the revenue and corresponding balancing accounts quarterly to reflect actual pension and health care costs, subject to certain limitations prescribed by the 2015 GRC. The error does not impact the billings to customers or the cash collected from customers in this GRC period, which ends on December 31, 2019. As provided for in the 2015 GRC, the amounts included in the balancing account will be recovered from or refunded to customers during the next GRC period.
The Company corrected the error in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company believes the correction of the error is immaterial to the previously issued Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The corrections to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were as follows:
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
 For the three months ended March 31, 2018
 As Previously Reported Corrections As Corrected
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenue$132,247
 $2,306
 $134,553
Operating expenses: 
  
  
Income tax (benefit) expense(229) 523
 294
Total operating expenses124,194
 523
 124,717
Net operating income8,053
 1,783
 9,836
Net loss$(2,545) $1,783
 $(762)
Loss per share: 
  
  
Basic$(0.05) $0.03
 $(0.02)
Diluted$(0.05) $0.03
 $(0.02)
The corrections to the Company's retained earnings and total stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018 were as follows:
 January 1, 2018
 As Previously Reported Corrections As Corrected
 (In thousands)
Retained earnings$356,753
 $5,759
 $362,512
Total common stockholders' equity693,462
 5,759
 699,221
 March 31, 2018
 As Previously Reported Corrections As Corrected
 (In thousands)
Retained earnings$345,205
 $7,542
 $352,747
Total common stockholders' equity681,311
 7,542
 688,853


The corrections to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were as follows:
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 For the three months ended March 31, 2018
 As Previously Reported Corrections As Corrected
 (In thousands)
Operating activities: 
    
Net loss$(2,545) $1,783
 $(762)
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities6,283
 (1,783) 4,500
Net cash provided by operating activities$28,252
 $
 $28,252

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.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’commissions' decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property;
consequences of eminent domain actions relationrelating to our water systems;
changes in regulatory commissions’commissions' policies and procedures;
the timeliness of regulatory commissions’commissions' actions concerning rate relief and other actions;
increased risk of inverse condemnation losses as a result of climate conditions;
inabilityour 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;
electric power interruptions;interruptions, especially as a result of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) programs;
housing and customer growth trends;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, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type;acts;
the adequacy of our efforts to mitigate physical and cyber security riskrisks 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;
restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on current or future debt that could increase financing costs or affect the ability to borrow, make payments on debt, or pay dividends;
changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation;

the impact of weather, climate, natural disasters, and diseasesactual 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 reportAnnual Report on 2018 Form 10-K.10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in Item 1.A of this quarterly report.
 
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 2018Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.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 three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, 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.
RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER 20192020 OPERATIONS
COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER 20182019 OPERATIONS
Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated
 
Overview

Correction of prior period financial data.Net Loss
As discussed further in Note 13 the Company corrected an immaterial computational error that understated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The netNet loss for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 was $7.6$20.3 million or $0.16 net$0.42 loss per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of $0.8$7.6 million or $0.02$0.16 loss per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2018. three months ended March 31, 2019.
The $6.8$12.7 million increase in net loss was primarily due to lack of resolution of the California GRC. First quarter results did not include general rate relief and revenue increases from previously approved regulatory mechanisms that would have offset increases in water production costs of $8.4 million, employee pension benefit costs of $2.2 million, and depreciation expense of $2.1 million. Also, the deferral of WRAM revenues expected to be collected beyond 24 months of the period recorded decreased pre-tax income by $1.1 million.
If the CPUC had approved the settlement agreement and the positions proposed by Cal Water on October 8, 2019, we estimate it would have added $15.4 million of operating revenue and it would have decreased operating expenses which were not fully offset by rate increases and$1.7 million for TCJA income tax refunds for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Additional factors outside our immediate control also significantly contributed to the increase in net loss, including a reduction in accrued unbilled revenue driven by weather. These were partially offset by an$7.0 million increase in unrealized gainloss on certain benefit plan investments.
The increases in operating expenses in the first quarter compared to the same period last year were: $1.9 million in employee wages, $1.7 million in depreciation and amortization, $1.0 million in maintenance expense, $1.0 million in outside services, $0.6 million in property taxes, and $1.5 million in net interest expenses. These operating expense increases were partially offset by $4.0 million in rate increases and a $0.6 million increase in allowance for equity funds

used during construction. The divergence between operating expense increases and rate relief in the first quarter is partially related to the Company’s tiered rate structure in California, which focuses operating revenue increases into the high-usage summer months while operating expense increases are distributed more evenly throughout the year.
Additionally, certain factors outside the Company’s immediate control significantly increased the net loss, including a $7.1 million reduction in accrued unbilled revenue, which wasinvestments partially offset by a $3.4$5.0 million increase in unrealized gain on certain benefit plan investments. The decrease in accrued unbilled revenue.


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 settlement proposed by us on October 8, 2019, we estimate proposed new rates would have added the following to our first quarter results: $7.9 million of revenue for delayed service charge and quantity rate increases and $7.5 million of revenue from disputed regulatory mechanisms, which will be recognized if approved.
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, though still ongoing, closures of non-essential businesses and self-quarantining of non-essential workers. 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 wastewater services to our two million customers. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and through April 30, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a significant impact on our business or operations.
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 not included influid and continues to evolve, and therefore, we cannot predict the WRAM until it is billed.extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity will ultimately be impacted.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act. The WRAM account recordsCARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes in billed revenue. Accrued unbilled revenue is seasonalregarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior and future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of Social Security taxes, technical corrections from prior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property, and the patterncreation of accrued unbilled revenue changes can fluctuatecertain refundable employee retention credits. We evaluated the provisions of the CARES Act and determined that it did not have a material effect on a period-to-period basis.our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2020 and will continue to assess the implications of the CARES Act and its continuing developments and interpretations.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue decreased $8.4$0.5 million, or 6.3%0.4%, to $126.1$125.6 million in the first quarter of 20192020 as compared to the first quarter of 2018.2019. The factors that impacted the operating revenue for the first quarter of 20192020 as compared to the first quarter of 20182019 are as follows:
Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)$(2,368)
MCBA Revenue (2)(3,778)
Other balancing account revenue (3)40
Deferral of revenue (4)(2,336)
Net operating revenue increase$(8,442)
Net change due to rate changes, usage, and other (1)$17,647
WRAM Revenue (2)(18,501)
MCBA Revenue (3)8,663
Other balancing account revenue (4)(1,438)
Deferral of revenue (5)(6,919)
Net operating revenue decrease$(548)

1.The net change due to rate changes, usage, and other in the above table was mainly driven by an $11.5 million increase in volumetric revenue due to an 11.7% increase in customer usage and rate increases. In addition, there was a $7.1$5.0 million decreaseincrease in accrued unbilled revenue due to a decline in customer usage, which was partially offset by rate increases.revenue. The components of the rate increases are as follows:
General rate case540
Escalation rate increases3,006
$518
Purchased water and pump tax offsets1,103
1,034
Rate base offsets434
422
Total increase in rates$5,083
$1,974


2.
WRAM revenue is the variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts. In the first quarter of 2020, no WRAM revenue was recorded due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC. In the first quarter of 2019, we recognized $18.5 million of WRAM revenue as actual billed volumetric revenue was lower than adopted volumetric revenue.
3.The MCBA revenue decrease resulted from a decreaseincrease is due to the delay in actual water production costs relative to adopted water production coststhe approval of the 2018 GRC as no MCBA revenue was recorded in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2018. The actual water production costs decreased as a result of a decrease in customer consumption in2020. In the first quarter of 2019, we recognized an $8.7 million decrease to revenue as compared to the first quarter of 2018.actual water production costs were lower than adopted water production costs. As required by the MCBA mechanism, the decreasedifference in actual water production costs relative toand adopted water production costs in California also decreasedis recorded to operating revenue for the same amount.revenue.

3.4.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. The increase in revenueIn 2020, no adjustment was mainlyrecorded for the pension cost and health cost balancing accounts due to the delay in the approval of the 2018 GRC. In 2019, actual pension and health care costs were above the adopted costs and an increase to revenue of $0.8 million was recognized for the difference. In addition, there was a decrease in actual conservation and health care expenses relative to adopted costs in the first quarter of 20192020 as compared to the first quarter 2019 of 2018, which was partially offset by a decrease in actual pension expenses relative to adopted in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2018.$0.7 million.

4.5.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 quarter of 20192020 as compared to the first quarter of 20182019 as we elected to defer a portion of our net WRAM receivable that was filed for recovery in 2020 to 2021 due to a decline in actual customer usage relative to adopted customer usage in the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2018.COVID-19 pandemic.

Total Operating Expenses
 
Total operating expenses increased $0.9$6.9 million, or 0.7%5.5%, to $132.5 million in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $125.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $124.7 million in the first quarter of 2018.2019.
 

Water production costs consists of purchased water, purchased power, and pump taxes. It represents the largest component of total operating expenses, accounting for approximately 40.7% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to 36.3% of total operating expenses in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to 38.2% of total operating expenses2019. Water production costs increased 18.4% in the first quarter of 2018. Water production costs decreased 4.2% in the first quarter of 20192020 as compared to the same period last year mainly due to a decreaseincreased rates from our purchased water wholesalers and an increase in customer usage.purchased water production.
Sources of water as a percent of total water production are listed in the following table:
Three Months Ended March 31Three Months Ended March 31
2019 20182020 2019
Well production45% 47%43% 45%
Purchased50% 49%52% 50%
Surface5% 4%5% 5%
Total100% 100%100% 100%
The components of water production costs are shown in the table below:
Three Months Ended March 31Three Months Ended March 31
2019 2018 Change2020 2019 Change
Purchased water$38,216
 $38,523
 $(307)$45,349
 $38,216
 $7,133
Purchased power5,230
 5,523
 (293)5,776
 5,230
 546
Pump taxes2,146
 3,560
 (1,414)2,851
 2,146
 705
Total$45,592
 $47,606
 $(2,014)$53,976
 $45,592
 $8,384

Administrative and general and other operations expenses increased $3.0decreased $3.3 million to $46.9$43.7 million in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to deferral of $5.8 million of costs associated with deferred WRAM revenue which was partially offset by a $2.2 million increase in employee pension benefit costs.

Maintenance expense increased $0.6 million, or 9.6%, to $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compareddue to $43.9increased costs for repairs of facilities.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.1 million, or 9.5%, to $24.5 million in the first quarter of 2018. The increase was due primarily to increases of $1.9 million in employee wages, $1.3 million in conservation program costs, $1.0 million of outside services, and $0.9 million of health care costs which were partially offset by a reduction of $1.9 million for deferral of costs associated with deferred revenue and $0.8 million decrease in employee pension benefit and retiree medical costs. Changes in employee pension benefits and water conservation program costs for regulated California operations generally do not affect earnings,2020, as the Company is allowed by the CPUC to record these costs in balancing accounts for future recovery, creating a corresponding change to revenue. Employee and retiree medical expenses are recovered in rates through a balancing account authorized in the 2015 GRC, such that revenues are recovered up to 85% of the variance between adopted and recorded expenses. At March 31, 2019, there were 1,179 employees and at March 31, 2018, there were 1,172 employees. 

Maintenance expense increased $1.0 million, or 18.7%, to $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2018, mostly due to increases in transmission and distribution mains and services repairs.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.7 million, or 8.0%, to $22.4 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $20.7 million in the first quarter of 2018, mostly due to capital additions.

Income tax benefit increased $3.3$0.9 million, or 31.6%, to a$3.9 million in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $3.0 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to a $0.3 million income tax expense in the first quarter of 2018. The income tax benefit increased mostly due to an increase in pre-tax loss from operations.operating loss. The Company’s estimated combined effective income tax rate for 20192020 is 22%19.3%.
Property and other taxes increased $0.6decreased $0.1 million, or 8.8%0.9%, to $7.2 million in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2018, mostly due to an increase in assessed property values.2019.
Other Income and Expenses
Net other incomeloss increased $4.0$5.7 million in the first quarter of 2019,2020, mostly due to a $3.4$7.0 million increase in unrealized gainloss on certain benefit plan investments, which was partially offset by a $0.6$1.7 million increase in allowance for equity funds used during construction, and a $1.3 million decrease in other components of net periodic benefit costs.income tax benefit.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense increased $1.5decreased $0.3 million, or 17.7%3.8%, to $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $10.2 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared2019. The decrease was due primarily to $8.7 millionreduced interest rates in the first quarter of 2018. The increase was due primarily2020 as compared to an increase in financing for capital investments and operations as well as increased short-term interest rates.the first quarter of 2019.

REGULATORY MATTERS
20192020 California Regulatory Activity
California2018 GRC filingFiling
As of April 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 second quarter of 2020. On July 2, 2018,April 28, 2020, Cal Water filed a GRC requesting new water infrastructure investments of $828.5 million in accordance with the rate case plan for all of its regulated operating districts for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The CPUC will evaluate the new water infrastructure improvement investments along with operating budgets to establish water rates that reflect the actual cost of service. The required filing begins an approximately 18-month review process, with any changes in customer rates expected to become effective in 2020. Cal Water has proposed tomotion urging the CPUC to increase revenuesadopt a final decision by $50.7 million, or 7.6%, in 2020; $31.5 million, or 4.4%, in 2021; and $33.0 million, or 4.4%, in 2022 as compared toJuly 1, 2020, but proposing a deferral of rate increases until January 1, 2021. If approved, the last authorized revenue. More than halfimpact of Cal Water’s proposed $828.5 million of new infrastructure improvements relate to its transmission and distribution pipeline replacement program, and all are necessary to enhance reliability, augment water supply, and upgrade aging water system infrastructure. The plans also reflect Cal Water's cost-control measures to reduce operating and administrative costs. Cal Water isthe deferral will be tracked in the process of reviewing parties’ recommendations, evaluating the validity of underlying data, and composing rebuttal testimony. Settlement negotiations with the California Public Advocates Office and intervenors will begin in May, and evidentiary hearings are scheduled for early June. Anyinterim rate change as a result of this filing is expected to be effective on January 1, 2020.memorandum account.
2020 Cost of Capital DecisionApplication
In April of 2017, Cal Water, along with three other water utilities, filed an application to adopt a new cost of capital and capital structure for 2018. On March 22. 2018,11, 2020, the CPUC adopted a revised decision in the cost of capital proceeding forgranted Cal Water and three other large water utilities for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, establishing for Cal Water a 9.20% return on equity and a 5.51% cost of debt, with a capital structure of 46.60% long-term debt and 53.40% common equity, andcompanies an authorized return on rate base of 7.48%, compared with Cal Water’s prior return on equity of 9.43%, cost of debt of 6.24%, and authorized return on rate base of 7.94%. The adopted capital structure did not change. The adopted returns on debt and equity reduced Cal Water’s 2018 adopted revenue by approximately $6.9 million. The CPUC also authorized continuation of the waterextension to May 1, 2021 to file their cost of capital adjustment mechanism, which provides for an adjustment in the return on equity if the cost of long-term debt as defined by an index of utility debt rates varies from the most recent index by 100 basis points or more in 2019 and 2020.
On March 30, 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter that established the Cost of Capital Memorandum Account (CoC MA) to track the difference between current rates and rates based upon the new cost of capital adopted by the CPUC as if the new cost of capital had been in effect beginning January 1, 2018.
In May of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to adopt the new cost of capital and capital structure for 2018 in customer rates. The annual adopted gross revenue reduction associated with the May 2018 filing was $6.9 million. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.
In 2018, Cal Water recorded a $3.0 million regulatory liability due to the CoC MA. The regulatory liability was for the revenue reduction that Cal Water recorded for the first six months of 2018 during which the new cost of capital and capital structure were yet to be adopted in customer rates. In April of 2019, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to refund the full balance of the cost of capital memorandum account of $3.0 million. The new rates became effective April 15, 2019.
2018 Tax Accounting Memorandum Account (TAMA)
On December 22, 2017, the CPUC sent a letter to All Class A and B Water and Sewer Utilities on the subject of “Changes in Federal Tax Rates for 2018.” The CPUC required Cal Water to establish a memo account to track the impact of the TCJA on Cal Water. The TAMA will track the revenue requirement impact of the TCJA not otherwise reflected in rates from January 1, 2018 until current rates are modified to reflect all impacts of the TCJA. The Hawaii Water, Washington Water, and New Mexico Water Commissions have similar requirements to track the impact of the changes to the federal tax law. In 2018, the Company recorded a $5.4 million regulatory liability due to the changes required by the TCJA. The regulatory liability was for the revenue reduction that the Company recorded for the first six months of 2018 during which the new federal corporate income tax rate was yet to be adopted in customer rates.
In May of 2018, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to adopt the new federal corporate income tax rate in customer rates. The annual adopted gross revenue reduction associated with the May 2018 filing was $11.1 million. The new rates became effective on July 1, 2018.
In April of 2019, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to refund $5.0 million of the tax accounting memorandum account's balance associated with the decrease in the federal corporate income tax rate for Cal Water for the first six months of 2018.

The new rates became effective April 15, 2019. The memorandum account remains open to allow the Commissions to review other changes to Cal Water’s revenue requirements such as ad valorem taxes and excess deferred income taxes.
Escalation increase requests
As a part of the decision on the 2015 GRC, Cal Water was authorized to request annual escalation rate increases for 2019 for those districts that passed the earnings test. In November of 2018, Cal Water requested escalation rate increases in all of its regulated districts. The annual adopted gross revenue associated with the November 2018 filing was $16.2 million. The new rates became effective on January 1, 2019.
WRAM and MCBA filings
In April of 2019, Cal Water submitted an advice letter to true up the revenue under-collections in the 2018 annual WRAMs/MCBAs of its regulated districts. A net under-collection of $29.2 million is being recovered from customers in the form of 12, 18, and greater-than-18-month surcharges and 12 month surcredits. The new rates became effective April 15, 2019. These surcharges/surcredits are in addition to surcharges/surcredits authorized in prior years which have not yet expired.application.
Expense Offset filingsRequests
Expense offsets are dollar-for-dollar increases in revenue to match increased expenses, and therefore do not affect net operating income. In NovemberDecember of 2018,2019, Cal Water submitted advice letters to request offsets for increases in purchased water costs and pump taxes in fivesix of its regulated districts totaling $2.0$2.5 million. The new rates became effective on JanuaryFebruary 1, 2019.2020.
Rate baseBase Offset filingsRequests
For construction projects that are authorized in GRCs as advice letter projects, companies areCal Water is allowed to filerequest rate base offsets to increase revenues after the plant is placedproject goes into service. In Novemberthe fourth quarter of 2018,2019, Cal Water submitted advice letters to recover $0.2$2.5 million of annual revenue increaseincreases for rate base offsets in fourall of its regulated districts. The new rates became effective on April 15, 2019.February 1, 2020.
California Drought Memorandum AccountWRAM/MCBA Filings
In March and April of 2018,2020, 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 request recoveryestablish 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 on April 2, 2020.
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 2016 and 2017 incremental drought expensesassets of $3.3 million. On January 10, 2019, the Commission approved Cal Water's request for recoveryRainier View Water Company. Washington Water is expecting to take control of the $3.3 millionwater system in the second quarter of incremental expenses; subsequently, Cal Water submitted an advice letter on January 15, 20192020, subject to implement a surcharge to recoverfulfillment of certain closing conditions of the incremental expenses from customers. The new rates became effective on April 15, 2019.
Travis Air Force Base
On September 29, 2016, Cal Water entered into a 50-yearacquisition agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to acquire the water distribution assets of and distribute water to most of Travis Air Force Base (TAFB) beginning in 2018. On May 31, 2017, CalRainier View Water submitted an application to the CPUC seeking approval to distribute water service to most of the base and to establish rates for its service.
On December 13, 2018, the CPUC conditionally approved Cal Water’s request to own and operate the TAFB water system as a regulated water utility district. Approval was conditioned upon modifying the contract between Cal Water and the Department of Defense to more clearly assert the CPUC’s jurisdiction over a new Travis District. In January of 2019, Cal Water fulfilled the condition by submitting a contract amendment that was approved by the CPUC. The decision enables Cal Water to acquire the water distribution assets of TAFB from the U.S. Department of Defense and provide water utility service to the base for a term of 50 years. Subject to the terms of the contract with the Department of Defense and the CPUC decision, Cal Water will begin serving TAFB’s more than 15,000 active and reserve personnel and civilians in 2019. The CPUC will regulate water rates, rules, and tariffs for the system as part of Cal Water’s normal three-year rate case cycle.
2019 Regulatory Activity—Other States
2019 Kona (Hawaii Water) GRC Filing
In February of 2019, Hawaii Water filed a GRC application requesting an additional $0.6 million in annual revenues for its Kona Water and Wastewater systems with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The GRC seeks recovery of capital investments in the Kona water and wastewater systems as well as increases in operational expenses since the previous rate case. If approved, the Company anticipates rates would become effective the first quarter of 2020.

2017 Waikoloa (Hawaii Water) GRC Filings
In December of 2017, Hawaii Water filed GRC applications requesting an additional $3.8 million in annual revenues for its Waikoloa Village and Resort Systems with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The GRCs seek recovery of capital investments in the Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Resort Systems as well as increases in operating expenses since the previous rate case. On January 1, 2019, the HPUC authorized Waikoloa Village rate increases of $0.8 million for 2019 and $0.1 million for 2020. On January 7, 2019, the HPUC authorized Waikoloa Resort rate increases of $0.8 million for 2019, $0.8 million for 2020, and $0.1 million for 2021.Company.
LIQUIDITY
Cash flow from Operations
Cash flow from operations for the first three months of 20192020 was $20.1$4.1 million compared to $28.3$20.1 million for the same period in 2018.2019. 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 three months of 2019,2020, we did not make a contributionmade contributions of $7.9 million to our employee pension plan. No contributions were made to the employee pension plan andduring the first three months of 2019. During the first three months of 2020, we made contributions of $7.3$2.2 million to the other postretirement benefit plans compared to contributions of $1.4 million during the first three months of 2018. During the first three months of 2019, we made contributions of $1.4 million to the other postretirement benefit plans and did not make a contribution during the first three months of 2018.2019. The total 2019full-year 2020 estimated cash contribution to the pension plans is $18.8and other postretirement benefits plans are expected to be $38.0 million and to the other postretirement benefit plans is $7.9 million.$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 bank lines ofunsecured 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, 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 more than normalgreater-than-normal precipitation falls in our service areas or temperatures are lower than normal, especially in the summer months.
Investing Activities
During the first three months of 20192020 and 2018,2019, we used $59.9$65.3 million and $70.7$59.9 million, respectively, of cash for company-fundedCompany-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 2019, the Company's capital program will2020, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be dependent in part on the timingbetween $260.0 million and nature of regulatory approvals in connection with Cal Water's 2018 GRC filing. The Company proposed to the CPUC spending $828.5 million on new projects in 2019-2021. Capital expenditures in California are evaluated in the context of the pending GRC and may change as the case moves forward.$290.0 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $52.9$158.9 million during the first three months of 20192020 compared to $52.9 million of net cash used of $17.6 millionprovided by financing activities for the same period in 2018.2019. For 2020, this includes our issuance of $6.0 million of Company common stock through our at-the-market equity program and $0.5 million through our employee stock purchase plan.
During the first three months of 20192020 and 2018,2019, we borrowed $60.0$170.0 million and $45.0$60.0 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 volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We did not makemade a repayment on our unsecured revolving credit facilities borrowingsof $10.0 million during the first three months of 2019 and we2020, while no repayments were made a repayment of $45.0 million for the same period in 2018.
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 million for a term of five years. The revolving credit facilities amend, expand, and replace the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ prior credit facilities originally entered into on May 10, 2015. The new credit facilities extended the terms until March 29, 2024, and increased Cal Water’s unsecured revolving line of credit. The Company and subsidiaries that it designates may borrow up to $150 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Cal Water may borrow up to $400 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. Additionally, the credit facilities available to the Company may be increased by up to an incremental $150 million under the Cal Water facility and $50 million under the Company facility, subject in each case to certain conditions. The proceeds from the revolving credit facilities may be used for working capital purposes, including the short-term financing of capital projects. Borrowings under the credit facilities typically have maturities varying between one and six months and will bear interest annually at a rate equal to (i) the base rate or (ii) the Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin of 0.650% to 0.875%, depending on the Company and its subsidiaries’ consolidated total capitalization ratio.2019.

The undercollected net WRAM and MCBA receivable balances were $60.8$58.4 million and $68.2$60.8 million as of March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, 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 currentthen-current 90-day commercial paper rates which istypically are significantly lower than Cal Water’s short and long-term financing rates.
Short-termShort-Term and Long-Term Financing
During the first three months of 2019,2020, we utilized cash generated from operations, and 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. We did not sell Company common stock
Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $0.2 million during the first three months of 20192020 and 2018. We issued $0.5 million of Company common stock for the Company's employee stock purchase plan that went into effect on January 1, 2019.
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 March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, there were short-term borrowings of $125.1$335.1 million and $65.1$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 March 31, 2019,2020, 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.
Bond principal and other long-term debt payments were $0.2 million during the first three months of 2019 and $10.2 million during the first three months of 2018. In addition, Cal Water has $100.0 million of First Mortgage Bonds maturing during the second quarter of 2019, which is expected to be repaid using Cal Water's line of credit until long-term financing can be arranged.
Long-term financing, which includes senior notes,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 plan for the next five years. Some utility plant expenditures are funded by payments received from developers for contributions in aid of construction or advances for construction. Funds received for contributions in aid of construction are non-refundable, whereas funds classified as advances in construction are 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 three months of 2019,2020, our quarterly common stock dividend payments were $0.1975$0.2125 per share compared to $0.1875$0.1975 per share during the first three months of 2018.2019. For the full year 2018,2019, the payout ratio was 55.2%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.
At the April 24, 201929, 2020 meeting, the Company's Board of Directors declared the second quarter dividend of $0.1975$0.2125 per share payable on May 17, 2019,22, 2020, to stockholders of record on May 6, 2019.11, 2020. This was our 297th301st consecutive quarterly dividend.



20192020 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 March 31, 2019,2020, the Company’s and Cal Water’s availability on these unsecured revolving lines of credit was $94.9$44.9 million and $330.0$170.0 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 $14.84$15.50 at March 31, 20192020 compared to $15.19$16.07 at December 31, 2018.2019. There were approximately 1,9011,922 stockholders of record for our common stock as of February 11, 2019.10, 2020. 
Utility Plant Expenditures
During the first three months of 2019,2020, utility plant expenditures totaled $59.9$65.3 million for company-fundedCompany-funded and developer-funded projects. For 2019, the Company's capital program will2020, we estimate utility plant expenditures to be dependent in part on the timingbetween $260.0 million and nature of regulatory approvals in connection with Cal Water's 2018 GRC filing. The Company proposed to the CPUC spending $828.5 million on new projects in 2019-2021. Capital expenditures in California are evaluated in the context of the pending GRC and may change as the case moves forward.$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 2019.2020.
As of March 31, 2019,2020, construction work in progress was $237.4$271.3 million. WorkConstruction 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 6.86.4 billion gallons or 14.0%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 29.128.1 billion gallons or 59.4%59.2% of our total annual water supply pumped from wells. Our annual groundwater extraction from unmanaged groundwater basins approximates 13.112.9 billion gallons or 26.6%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 $2.1$2.9 million and $3.6$2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, 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 inafter the future,act's provisions are fully implemented, substantially all the Company's California groundwater will be produced mainly 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 February 5, 2019,March 31, 2020, the State of California snowpack water content during the 2018-20192019-2020 water year for the northern Sierra region is 111%56% of long-term averages (per the California Department of Water Resources, Northern Sierra Precipitation Accumulation report)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 128%56% and 133%45%, respectively, of long-term averages. Management believes that supply pumped from underground aquifers and

aquifers and purchased from wholesale suppliers will be adequate to meet customer demand during 20192020 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 three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, 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 March 31, 2019.2020. Based on that evaluation, and the changes made to our internal control over financial reporting in the first quarter of 2019 noted below, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.


(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting
To remediate the material weaknessThere was no change in our internal controlcontrols over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 disclosed in our Form 10-K Item 9A, management made the following changesthat occurred during the first quarter of 2019:
Management revised the design of monthly regulatory balancing account control for the health cost balancing account (HCBA) and pension cost balancing account (PCBA). Monthly detailed calculations are prepared for these balancing accounts, which are reviewed by accounting and rates management who approve the calculations. The monthly review and approval process validates all assumptions and inputs used to determine the monthly balancing account revenue and related balance sheet account adjustments for HCBA and PCBA. This control was implemented in the first quarter of 2019 and internal audit tested the design and operating effectiveness of the resulting control and concluded that it is operating effectively as ofended March 31, 2019.
Management designed a new control2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over GRC settlements or decisions. When GRC approval is final or a rate case settlement is final, management will review the authorized GRC provisions, events, and requirements that have financial reporting impacts. Accounting management will prepare a memo outlining the specific accounting procedures for each GRC balancing account, including examples of the required monthly calculations. The final memo and supporting documents will be provided to rates management to validate all known GRC changes that impact financial reporting have been documented in the memo.reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The status of each significant matter is reviewed and assessed for potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount of the range of loss can be estimated, a liability is accrued for the estimated loss in accordance with the accounting standards for contingencies. Legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties, and the outcomes are difficult to predict. Because of such uncertainties, accruals are based on the best information available at the time. While the outcome of these disputes and litigation matters cannot be predicted with any certainty, management does not believe when taking into account existing reserves the ultimate resolution of these matters will materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the future, we may be involved in disputes and litigation related to a wide range of matters, including employment, construction, environmental issues and operations. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive and could divert management’s time and attention from our business. In addition, if we are subject to additional lawsuits or disputes, we might incur significant legal costs and it is uncertain whether we would be able to recover the legal costs from 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, 20182019 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019.27, 2020, except for the additional risk factor set forth below.
The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic May Adversely Affect Our Operations
We are unable to accurately predict the full impact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration and severity of the outbreak. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on our business. 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 wastewater services to our two million customers. 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, though still ongoing, closures of non-essential businesses and self-quarantining on non-essential workers. If we close any of our facilities due to a COVID-19 outbreak 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. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruption to economic activity and the states in which the Company operates have experienced significant increases in unemployment claims and business closures. The Company has also ceased all shutoffs for nonpayment during the pandemic. If a significant number of customers are unable to pay utility bills for an extended period of time our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity may be materially adversely affected.

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
 
4.1
10.1

10.2

  
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 March 31, 20192020 formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) 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 March 31, 2020, formatted in iXBRL (included as exhibit 101)

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
 Registrant
  
April 25, 201930, 2020By:/s/ Thomas F. Smegal III
  Thomas F. Smegal III
  Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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