Biggest changeRisks Related to Our Industry and Business Operations Our Regulated Businesses are subject to extensive regulation by PUCs and other regulatory agencies, which significantly affects our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our Regulated Businesses also may be subject to fines, penalties and other sanctions for an inability to meet these regulatory requirements.
Biggest changeAdditional Risks Related to Our Business • Parent company provides performance guarantees with respect to certain of the obligations of our Other businesses (primarily MSG), including financial guarantees or deposits, which may adversely affect parent company if the guarantees are successfully enforced. 24 Table of Contents Risks Related to Our Industry and Business Operations Our Regulated Businesses are subject to extensive regulation by PUCs and other regulatory agencies, which significantly affects our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If one of our water supplies or the water service provided to our customers is contaminated, depending on the nature of the contamination, we may have to take responsive actions that could include, among other things (1) limiting use of the water supply under a “Do Not Use” protective order that enables continuation of basic sanitation and essential fire protection, or (2) interrupting the use of that water supply, in whole or in part, potentially impacting basic sanitation and fire protection needs.
If one of our water supplies or the water service provided to our customers is contaminated, depending on the nature of the contamination, we may have to take responsive actions that could include, among other things (1) limiting use of the water supply under a “Do Not Use” protective order that enables continuation of basic sanitation and essential fire protection, or (2) interrupting the use of that water supply or water service, in whole or in part, potentially impacting basic sanitation and fire protection needs.
These include, among other things, storms, ice or freezing conditions, high rainfall and wind conditions, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, drought, wildfires, coastal and intercoastal floods or high water conditions, including those in or near designated flood plains, pandemics and epidemics, severe electrical storms, sinkholes, solar flares and chemical spills or other contamination causing temporary unavailability of our source water supplies.
These include, among other things, storms, ice or freezing conditions, high rainfall and wind conditions, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, drought, wildfires, coastal and intercoastal floods or high water conditions, including those in or near designated flood plains, pandemics and epidemics, electrical storms, sinkholes, solar flares and chemical spills or other contamination causing temporary unavailability of our source water supplies.
Furthermore, given the rapid pace at which these contaminants are being created and/or discovered, we may not be able to detect and/or mitigate all such substances in our drinking water system or supplies, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Furthermore, given the rapid pace at which these contaminants are being identified, created and/or discovered, we may not be able to detect and/or mitigate all such substances in our drinking water system or supplies, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
While we believe that we have appropriate security measures and safeguards to protect our operational and information technology systems, the recent cybersecurity incident that we experienced in October 2024 demonstrated that those protections alone may not prevent a cyber attack, and we cannot guarantee that such protections will be completely successful in preventing or mitigating a future cyber attack.
While we believe that we have appropriate security measures and safeguards to protect our operational and information technology systems, the cybersecurity incident that we experienced in October 2024 demonstrated that those protections alone may not prevent a cyber attack, and we cannot guarantee that such protections will be completely successful in preventing or mitigating a future cyber attack.
New laws or regulations, new interpretations of existing laws or regulations, changes in agency policy, including those made in response to shifts in public opinion, or conditions imposed during the regulatory hearing process could have the following consequences, among others: • making it more difficult for us to increase our rates and, as a consequence, to recover our costs or earn our expected rates of return; • changing the determination of the costs, or the amount of costs, that would be considered recoverable in rate cases and other regulatory proceedings; • restricting our ability to terminate our services to customers who owe us money for services previously provided or limiting our bill collection efforts; • requiring us to provide water or wastewater services at reduced rates to certain customers; • limiting or restricting our ability to acquire water or wastewater systems, purchase or dispose of assets, or issue long-term debt or equity, or making it less cost-effective for us to do so; • negatively impacting, among other things: (i) tax rates or positions or the deductibility of expenses under federal or state tax laws, (ii) the availability or amount of, or our ability to comply with the terms and conditions of, tax credits or tax abatement benefits, (iii) the amount of taxes owed or paid, including as a result of the CAMT provisions, (iv) the timing of tax effects on rates or (v) the ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards; • increasing the associated costs of, and/or of difficulty complying with, environmental, health, safety, consumer privacy, water quality, and water quality accountability laws and regulations to which our operations are subject; • changing or placing additional limitations on change in control requirements relating to any concentration of ownership of our common stock; • making it easier for governmental entities to convert our assets to public ownership via condemnation, eminent domain or other similar process, or for governmental agencies or private plaintiffs to assess liability against us for damages under these or similar processes; • increasing the costs and/or difficulty of complying with proposed changes to federal contractor affirmative action audits; 24 Table of Contents • placing limitations, prohibitions or other requirements with respect to the sharing of information and participation in transactions by or between a regulated subsidiary and us or our other affiliates, including Service Company and any of our other subsidiaries; • restricting or prohibiting our extraction of water from rivers, streams, reservoirs or aquifers; and • revoking or altering the terms of a CPCN issued to us by a PUC or other governmental authority.
New laws or regulations, new interpretations of existing laws or regulations, changes in agency policy, including those made in response to shifts in public opinion, or conditions imposed during the regulatory hearing process could have the following consequences, among others: • making it more difficult for us to increase our rates and, as a consequence, to recover our costs or earn our expected rates of return; • changing the determination of the costs, or the amount of costs, that would be considered recoverable in rate cases and other regulatory proceedings; • restricting our ability to terminate our services to customers who owe us money for services previously provided or limiting our bill collection efforts; • requiring us to provide water or wastewater services at reduced rates to certain customers; • limiting or restricting our ability to acquire water or wastewater systems, purchase or dispose of assets, or issue long-term debt or equity, or making it less cost-effective for us to do so; • negatively impacting, among other things: (i) tax rates or positions or the deductibility of expenses under federal or state tax laws, (ii) the availability or amount of, or our ability to comply with the terms and conditions of, tax credits or tax abatement benefits, (iii) the amount of taxes owed or paid, including as a result of the CAMT provisions, (iv) the timing of tax effects on rates, or (v) the ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards; • increasing the associated costs of, and/or of difficulty complying with, environmental, health, safety, consumer privacy, water quality, and water quality accountability laws and regulations to which our operations are subject; • changing or placing additional limitations on change in control requirements relating to any concentration of ownership of our common stock; • making it easier for governmental entities to convert our assets to public ownership via condemnation, eminent domain or other similar process, or for governmental agencies or private plaintiffs to assert liability against us for damages under these or similar processes; • increasing the costs and/or difficulty of complying with proposed changes to federal contracting regulations and contractor affirmative action audits; 28 Table of Contents • placing limitations, prohibitions or other requirements with respect to the sharing of information and participation in transactions by or between a regulated subsidiary and us or our other affiliates, including Service Company and any of our other subsidiaries; • restricting or prohibiting our extraction of water from rivers, streams, reservoirs or aquifers; and • revoking or altering the terms of a CPCN issued to us by a PUC or other governmental authority.
Attention is being given to contaminants of emerging concern, including, without limitation, chemicals and other substances that currently do not have any regulatory standard in drinking water or have been recently created or discovered (including by means of scientific achievements in the analysis and detection of trace amounts of substances).
Attention is being given to contaminants of emerging concern, including, without limitation, chemicals and other substances that currently do not have any regulatory standard in drinking water or wastewater or have been recently created or discovered (including by means of scientific achievements in the analysis and detection of trace amounts of substances).
If AWCC elects to settle the portion, if any, of an exchange obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being exchanged in shares of parent company common stock or a combination of cash and shares of such common stock, any sales in the public market of the common stock deliverable upon such exchange could adversely affect prevailing market prices of parent company common stock.
If AWCC elects to settle the portion, if any, of an exchange obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes being exchanged in shares of parent company common stock or a combination of cash and shares of such common stock, any sales in the public market of the common stock deliverable upon such exchange could adversely affect prevailing market prices of parent company common stock.
We may be unable to recover costs associated with treating or decontaminating water supplies through insurance, customer rates, tariffs or contract terms, and any recovery of these costs that we are able to obtain through regulatory proceedings or otherwise may not occur in a timely manner.
We may be unable to recover costs associated with treating or decontaminating water supplies through insurance, customer rates, utility tariffs or contract terms, and any recovery of these costs that we are able to obtain through regulatory proceedings or otherwise may not occur in a timely manner.
In the event the conditional exchange feature of the Notes is triggered and one or more holders elect to exchange their Notes, AWCC would be required to settle any exchanged principal through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
In the event the conditional exchange feature of the Exchangeable Notes is triggered and one or more holders elect to exchange their Exchangeable Notes, AWCC would be required to settle any exchanged principal through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
Climate variability may cause increased volatility in weather and may impact water usage and related revenue or require additional expenditures, all of which may not be fully recoverable in rates or otherwise. The issue of climate variability is receiving increasing attention nationally and worldwide.
Climate variability may cause increased weather volatility and may impact water usage and related revenue or require additional expenditures, all of which may not be fully recoverable in rates or otherwise. The issue of climate variability is receiving attention nationally and worldwide.
In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the exchange of the Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, and any anticipated exchange of the Notes for shares of such common stock could depress the price of such common stock.
In addition, the existence of the Exchangeable Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the exchange of the Exchangeable Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, and any anticipated exchange of the Exchangeable Notes for shares of such common stock could depress the price of such common stock.
Although we may seek to recover ongoing compliance costs in our Regulated Businesses through customer rates, and certain jurisdictions in which our Regulated Businesses operate have passed laws authorizing recovery of such costs, there can be no guarantee that the various other regulatory PUCs or similar regulatory bodies that govern our Regulated Businesses would approve rate increases that would enable us to recover such costs or that such costs will not materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Although we may seek to recover ongoing compliance costs in our Regulated Businesses through customer rates, and certain jurisdictions in which our Regulated Businesses operate have passed laws authorizing recovery of such costs, there can be no guarantee that the various other regulatory PUCs or similar regulatory bodies that govern our Regulated Businesses would approve rate increases that would enable us to recover such costs in whole or in part or that such costs will not materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
While the Company cannot currently predict the likelihood or result of any adverse outcome associated with these matters, further attempts to comply with the Orders may result in material additional costs or obligations, including fines and penalties against Cal Am in the event of noncompliance with the Orders, which 22 Table of Contents could have a material adverse effect upon us and our business, results of operations and cash flows.
While the Company cannot currently predict the likelihood or result of any adverse outcome associated with these matters, further attempts to comply with the Orders may result in material additional costs or obligations, including fines and penalties against Cal Am in the event of noncompliance with the Orders, which 26 Table of Contents could have a material adverse effect upon us and our business, results of operations and cash flows.
Because of the uncertainty of weather volatility related to climate variability, we cannot predict its potential impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Because of the uncertainty of weather volatility related to climate variability, we cannot predict the potential impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Tariffs in place or cost recovery proceedings with respect to our Regulated Businesses may not provide reimbursement to us, in whole or in part, for any of these impacts.
Utility tariffs in place or cost recovery proceedings with respect to our Regulated Businesses may not provide reimbursement to us, in whole or in part, for any of these impacts.
Two of our regulated jurisdictions 25 Table of Contents currently have a revenue stability mechanism that permit us to recover a portion or all of our authorized revenues in a general rate case, regardless of volumetric consumption. These mechanisms are designed to recognize declining sales resulting from reduced consumption, while providing an incentive for customers to use water more efficiently.
Two of our regulated jurisdictions 29 Table of Contents currently have a revenue stability mechanism that permit us to recover a portion or all of our authorized revenues in a general rate case, regardless of volumetric consumption. These mechanisms are designed to recognize declining sales resulting from reduced consumption, while providing an incentive for customers to use water more efficiently.
Intentional or other misconduct by employees or contractors could result in substantial liability, higher costs, increased regulatory scrutiny and significant reputational harm, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 35 Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
Intentional or other misconduct by employees or contractors could result in substantial liability, higher costs, increased regulatory scrutiny and significant reputational harm, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 46 Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
Our operations and the quality of water we supply are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent environmental, water quality and health and safety laws and regulations, including with respect to contaminants of emerging concern, compliance with which could impact both our operating costs and capital expenditures, and violations of which could subject us to substantial liabilities and costs, as well as damage to our reputation.
Our operations and the quality of water we supply and wastewater we treat are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent environmental, water quality and health and safety laws and regulations, including with respect to contaminants of emerging concern, compliance with which could impact both our operating costs and capital expenditures, and violations of which could subject us to substantial liabilities and costs, as well as damage to our reputation.
Although some or all potential expenditures and costs associated with the impact of climate variability and related laws and regulations on our Regulated Businesses could be recovered through rates, infrastructure replacement surcharges or other regulatory mechanisms, there can be no assurance that PUCs would authorize rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs, in whole or in part. 23 Table of Contents The current regulatory rate setting process may result in a significant delay, also known as “regulatory lag,” from the time that we invest in infrastructure improvements, incur increased operating expenses as a result of inflation or other factors, incur increased cost of capital, including as a result of increasing short- and long-term interest rates, or experience declining water usage, to the time at which we can seek to address these events in general rate cases; our inability to mitigate or minimize regulatory lag or the impacts thereof could adversely affect our business.
Alth ough some or all potential expenditures and costs associated with the impact of climate variability and related laws and regulations on our Regulated Businesses could be recovered through rates, infrastructure replacement surcharges or other regulatory mechanisms, there can be no assurance that PUCs would authorize rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs, in whole or in part. 27 Table of Contents The current regulatory rate setting process may result in a significant delay, also known as “regulatory lag,” from the time that we invest in infrastructure improvements, incur increased operating expenses as a result of inflation or other factors, incur increased cost of capital, including as a result of increasing short- and long-term interest rates, or experience declining water usage, to the time at which we can seek to address these events in general rate cases; our inability to mitigate or minimize regulatory lag or the impacts thereof could adversely affect our business.
Tariffs in place with respect to our Regulated Businesses may not reimburse us, in whole or in part, for any of these impacts.
Utility tariffs in place with respect to our Regulated Businesses may not reimburse us, in whole or in part, for any of these impacts.
For example, on December 15, 2023, the MPWMD filed eminent domain litigation against Cal Am in Monterey County Superior Court with respect to the Monterey system assets and the case is pending. See Item 3—Legal Proceedings—Proposed Acquisition of Monterey System Assets — Potential Condemnation for additional information regarding this matter.
For example, in December 2023, the MPWMD filed eminent domain litigation against Cal Am in Monterey County Superior Court with respect to the Monterey system assets and the case is pending. See Item 3—Legal Proceedings—Proposed Acquisition of Monterey System Assets — Potential Condemnation for additional information regarding this matter.
We may not be protected from these claims or negative impacts of these claims in whole or in part by tariffs or other contract terms.
We may not be protected from these claims or negative impacts of these claims in whole or in part by utility tariffs or other contract terms.
During 2024, we utilized existing sources of liquidity, such as our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our commercial paper program, to meet our short-term liquidity requirements. We believe that existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the foreseeable future.
During 2025, we utilized existing sources of liquidity, such as our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our commercial paper program, to meet our short-term liquidity requirements. We believe that existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the foreseeable future.
These laws and regulations and their enforcement, have become more stringent over time, and new or stricter requirements, such as the final EPA drinking water regulations for PFAS, the LCRR and the recently implemented LCRI, are expected to increase our costs.
These laws and regulations and their enforcement have become more stringent over time, and new or stricter requirements, such as the final EPA drinking water regulations for PFAS, the LCRR and the recently promulgated LCRI, are expected to increase our costs.
In addition to cash from operations, during 2024, we relied on a $2.75 billion revolving credit facility, a $2.60 billion commercial paper program, and the debt capital markets, to satisfy our liquidity needs.
In addition to cash from operations, during 2025, we relied on a $2.75 billion revolving credit facility, a $2.60 billion commercial paper program, and the debt capital markets, to satisfy our liquidity needs.
Our operational and information technology systems are also vulnerable to unauthorized external or internal access, due to hacking, viruses, social engineering attacks, acts of violence, war or terrorism, and other causes. Unauthorized access to confidential information located or stored on these systems could negatively and materially impact our reputation, customers, employees, suppliers and other third parties.
Our operational and information technology systems are also vulnerable to unauthorized external or internal access, due to hacking, viruses, social engineering attacks, acts of violence, war or terrorism, and other causes. Unauthorized access to confidential information located or stored on these systems could negatively and materially impact our reputation, customers, employees, suppliers 32 Table of Contents and other third parties.
However, these efforts may not be effective to fully mitigate interest rate risk, and may expose us to other risks and uncertainties, including quarterly “mark to market” valuation risk associated with these instruments, that could negatively and materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
However, these efforts may not be effective to fully mitigate interest rate risk, and may expose us to other risks and uncertainties, including quarterly “mark to market” valuation 36 Table of Contents risk associated with these instruments, that could negatively and materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A curtailment of operations by such a customer typically results in reduced water usage by that customer. In more severe circumstances, the decline in usage could be permanent. Any decrease in demand resulting from difficult economic conditions affecting these customers could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
A curtailment of operations by such a customer typically results in reduced water usage by that customer. In more severe circumstances, the decline in usage could be permanent. Any decrease in demand resulting from difficult economic conditions affecting these customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Any of the foregoing consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. We may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured.
Any of the foregoing consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 33 Table of Contents We may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured.
This risk is most acute during periods of substantial rainfall or flooding, which are the main causes of sewer overflow and system failure. Liabilities resulting from such damage could adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
This risk is most acute during periods of substantial rainfall or flooding, which are the main causes of sanitary sewer overflow and system failure. Liabilities resulting from such events could adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Despite these efforts to prevent misconduct, it is possible for employees or contractors to engage in intentional or other misconduct and violate laws and regulations through, among other things, theft, fraud, misappropriation, bribery, corruption and engaging in conflicts of interest or related person transactions, or otherwise committing serious breaches of our Code of Ethics and our policies, practices and procedures.
Despite these efforts to prevent misconduct, it is possible for employees or contractors to engage in intentional or other misconduct and violate laws and regulations through, among other things, theft, fraud, misappropriation, bribery, corruption and engaging in unlawful insider trading, conflicts of interest or related person transactions, or otherwise committing serious breaches of our Code of Ethics, our Insider Trading Policy, and our other policies, practices and procedures.
We invest significant amounts of capital to add, replace and maintain property, plant and equipment, and to improve aging infrastructure. In 2024, we invested $2.8 billion in net Company-funded capital improvements. The level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the integrity of our systems will continue into the future and, we believe, will increase.
We invest significant amounts of capital to add, replace and maintain property, plant and equipment, and to improve aging infrastructure. In 2025, we invested $3.2 billion in net Company-funded capital improvements. The level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the integrity of our systems will continue into the future and, we believe, will increase.
These collective bargaining agreements, 25 of which are scheduled to expire during 2025, are subject to periodic renewal and renegotiation. We may not be able to successfully renew or renegotiate these labor contracts, or enter into new agreements, on terms that are acceptable to us.
These collective bargaining agreements, 26 of which are scheduled to expire during 2026, are subject to periodic renewal and renegotiation. We may not be able to successfully renew or renegotiate these labor contracts, or enter into new agreements, on terms that are acceptable to us.
All employees are required to complete training on and review the Code of Ethics on an annual basis, and violations of the Code of Ethics could result in disciplinary actions up to, and including, termination.
All employees are required to complete training on and review the Code of Ethics and the Insider Trading Policy on an annual basis, and violations of the Code of Ethics and the Insider Trading Policy could result in disciplinary actions up to, and including, termination.
Future acquisitions by us could result in, among other things: • unanticipated capital expenditures; • unanticipated acquisition-related expenses; • incurrence or assumption of debt, contingent liabilities and environmental liabilities and obligations, including liabilities that were unknown or undisclosed at the time of acquisition; • failure to sufficiently utilize or apply new or existing fair market value legislation or recover acquisition adjustments or premiums due to unfavorable decisions or interpretations by PUCs, courts and other governmental authorities; • failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; • recording goodwill and other intangible assets at values that ultimately may be subject to impairment charges; • fluctuations in quarterly and/or annual results; • failure to realize anticipated or perceived benefits and synergies, such as desired return on equity or profitability, cost savings and revenue enhancements; and • difficulties in integrating or assimilating acquired systems’ operations, personnel, benefits, services and systems and water quality, cybersecurity and infrastructure protection measures. 27 Table of Contents Some or all of these items could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Future acquisitions by us could result in, among other things: 31 Table of Contents • unanticipated capital expenditures; • unanticipated acquisition-related expenses; • incurrence or assumption of debt, contingent liabilities and environmental liabilities and obligations, including liabilities that were unknown or undisclosed at the time of acquisition; • failure to sufficiently utilize or apply new or existing fair market value legislation or recover acquisition adjustments or premiums due to unfavorable decisions or interpretations by PUCs, courts and other governmental authorities; • failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; • recording goodwill and other intangible assets at values that ultimately may be subject to impairment charges; • fluctuations in quarterly and/or annual results; • failure to realize anticipated or perceived benefits and synergies, such as desired return on equity or profitability, cost savings and revenue enhancements; and • difficulties in integrating or assimilating acquired systems’ operations, personnel, benefits, services and systems and water quality, cybersecurity and infrastructure protection measures.
The water supplies that flow into our treatment plants or are delivered through our distribution system, or the water service that is provided to our customers, may be subject to contamination, including, among other types, contamination from naturally-occurring compounds, chemicals in groundwater systems, pollution resulting from manufactured sources (such as perchlorate, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds, methyl tertiary butyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, lead and other materials, or chemical spills or other incidents that result in contaminants entering the water source), and contamination resulting from new and emerging contaminants as well as cyber attacks, possible terrorist attacks or other similar incidents.
The water supplies that flow into our treatment plants or are delivered through our distribution system, or the water service that is provided to our customers, may be subject to contamination, including, among other types, contamination from naturally-occurring compounds, chemicals in groundwater systems, pollution resulting from manufactured sources (such as perchlorate, PFAS, methyl tertiary butyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, lead and other materials, or chemical spills or other incidents that result in contaminants entering the water source), and contamination resulting from new and emerging contaminants as well as cyber attacks, possible terrorist attacks or other similar incidents directed at our operations or industries upstream from our water treatment plants.
The failure of a dam would also adversely affect our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our 26 Table of Contents customers and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The failure of a dam would also adversely affect our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
As a result, we may sustain losses that 29 Table of Contents exceed or that are excluded from our insurance coverage, or for which we are self-insured and must therefore utilize our own financial resources to cover such losses.
As a result, we may sustain losses that exceed or that are excluded from our insurance coverage, or for which we are self-insured and must therefore utilize our own financial resources to cover such losses.
Our assets as of December 31, 2024, included $1.1 billion of goodwill and $218 million of total assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The goodwill is primarily associated with the acquisition of American Water by an affiliate of our previous owner in 2003.
Our assets as of December 31, 2025, included $1.2 billion of goodwill and $254 million of total assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The goodwill is primarily associated with the acquisition of American Water by an affiliate of our previous owner in 2003.
See Item 1A—Risk Factors Risks Related to our Industry and Business Operations—We may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured, below for more information.
See —Risks Related to our Industry and Business Operations—We may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured, below for more information.
Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our results of operations and the ability to serve our customers. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 46% of our workforce was represented by unions, and we had 75 collective bargaining agreements in place with 14 different unions representing our unionized employees.
Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our results of operations and the ability to serve our customers. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 44% of our workforce was represented by unions, and we had 74 collective bargaining agreements in place with 14 different unions representing our unionized employees.
In the most serious cases, regulators could reduce requested rate increases or force us 21 Table of Contents to discontinue operations and sell our operating assets to another utility or to a municipality.
In the most serious cases, regulators could reduce requested rate increases or force us to discontinue operations and sell our operating assets to another utility or to a municipality.
While the EPA has stated that it will focus on holding responsible under CERCLA entities that significantly contributed to the release of PFAS into the environment, it is not yet known whether liability protection will be afforded to passive receivers of PFAS, including water and wastewater utilities.
While the EPA has 25 Table of Contents stated that it will focus on holding responsible under CERCLA entities that significantly contributed to the release of PFAS into the environment, it is not yet known whether or to what extent liability protection will be afforded to passive receivers of PFAS, including water and wastewater utilities.
See Item 3—Legal Proceedings—Cybersecurity Incident Class Action Lawsuits. 28 Table of Contents Future cybersecurity events could cause our operations to be disrupted, property to be damaged, and customer and other confidential information to be lost or stolen; we could experience substantial loss of revenues, response costs and other financial loss; we would likely suffer a loss or redirection of management time, attention and resources from our regular business operations; we may be subject to increased regulatory requirements; our ability to comply with environmental standards and to continue to provide reliable service to our customers may be impacted; we would likely experience litigation and other claims against us; and we may suffer damage to our reputation, any of which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Future cybersecurity events could cause our operations to be disrupted, property to be damaged, and customer and other confidential information to be lost or stolen; we could experience substantial loss of revenues, response costs and other financial loss; we would likely suffer a loss or redirection of management time, attention and resources from our regular business operations; we may be subject to increased regulatory requirements; our ability to comply with environmental standards and to continue to provide reliable service to our customers may be impacted; we would likely experience litigation and other claims against us; and we may suffer damage to our reputation, any of which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
At December 31, 2024, we had remaining performance commitments, as measured by remaining contract revenue, and primarily related to MSG’s contracts, totaling approximately $8.1 billion, of which $1.2 billion are guaranteed by parent company and the remainder is guaranteed by certain wholly owned subsidiaries of parent company.
At December 31, 2025, we had remaining performance commitments, as measured by remaining contract revenue, and primarily related to MSG’s contracts, totaling approximately $7.9 billion, of which $1.1 billion are guaranteed by parent company and the remainder is guaranteed by certain wholly owned subsidiaries of parent company.
The imposition of any of the foregoing could have a material negative impact on us and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The failure of, or the requirement to repair, upgrade or dismantle, any of our dams may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
The imposition of any of the foregoing could have a material negative impact on us and our long-term growth, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 30 Table of Contents The failure of, or the requirement to repair, upgrade or dismantle, any of our dams may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
As of December 31, 2024, our aggregate long-term and short-term debt balance (including preferred stock with mandatory redemption requirements) was $14.0 billion, and our working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) was in a deficit position.
As of December 31, 2025, our aggregate long-term and short-term debt balance (including preferred stock with mandatory redemption requirements) was $15.8 billion, and our working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) was in a deficit position.
Furthermore, both Federal and state laws and regulations have been enacted or proposed that seek to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions and require or would require additional reporting, monitoring and disclosure, and these regulations may become more pervasive or stringent in light of changing governmental agendas and priorities, although the exact nature and timing of these changes is uncertain.
Furthermore, both federal and state laws and regulations have been enacted or proposed that seek to reduce or limit GHG emissions and/or require or would require additional reporting, monitoring and disclosure of, among other things, GHG emissions and related financial risks, and these regulations may become more pervasive or stringent in light of changing governmental agendas and priorities, although the exact nature and timing of these changes is uncertain.
The SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other authoritative bodies or governmental entities may issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards that may require us to change our accounting policies or critical accounting estimates.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other authoritative bodies or governmental entities may issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards that may require us to change our accounting policies or critical accounting estimates.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with current or future federal, state, or local data or consumer privacy or security laws, regulations, policies, guidance, industry standards, or legal obligations, or any incident resulting in unauthorized access to, or the acquisition, release, or transfer of, personally identifiable information or other data relating to our customers, employees and others, may result in private or governmental enforcement actions, litigation, including, for example, from putative class action lawsuits filed in connection with our recent cybersecurity incident, or other claims against us, fines and penalties, or adverse perception or publicity about us and our businesses.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with current or future federal, state, or local data or consumer privacy or security laws, regulations, policies, guidance, industry standards, or legal obligations, or any incident resulting in unauthorized access to, or the acquisition, release, or transfer of, personally identifiable information or other data relating to our customers, employees and others, may result in private or governmental enforcement actions, litigation or other claims, as well as damages, fines, penalties and/or adverse disclosures, perception or publicity about us and our businesses.
Moreover, additional borrowings may be required to repay or refinance outstanding indebtedness. Debt maturities and sinking fund payments in 2025, 2026 and 2027 will be $637 million, $1,478 million and $686 million, respectively.
Moreover, additional borrowings may be required to repay or refinance outstanding indebtedness. Debt maturities and sinking fund payments in 2026, 2027 and 2028 will be $1,479 million, $646 million and $869 million, respectively.
Government restrictions on water use may also result in decreased use of water and wastewater services, even if our water supplies are sufficient to serve our customers, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Government restrictions on water use may also result in decreased use of water and wastewater services, even if our water supplies are sufficient to serve our customers, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Seasonal and other drought conditions that may impact our water services are possible across all of our service areas.
As of December 31, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, $880 million of commercial paper outstanding and $82 million in outstanding letters of credit.
As of December 31, 2025, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, $1,590 million of commercial paper outstanding and $84 million in outstanding letters of credit.
For example, the designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA may impact our ability to dispose of material used to treat impacted systems and may increase our costs as a result.
For example, the designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA may impact our approach to how we dispose of material related to treatment at impacted systems and may increase our costs as a result.
In addition, our operations can involve the delivery, handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, which, if improperly delivered, handled, stored, used or disposed of, or if the location and identification of these chemicals are not reported accurately or timely, serious injury, death, environmental damage or property damage could result, and we could be subjected to fines, penalties or other liabilities.
Any of the foregoing could result in financial losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 35 Table of Contents In addition, our operations can involve the delivery, handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, which, if improperly delivered, handled, stored, used or disposed of, or if the location and identification of these chemicals are not reported accurately or timely, serious injury, death, environmental damage or property damage could result, and we could be subjected to fines, penalties or other liabilities.
If we were charged with wrongdoing as a result of an investigation, we could be suspended or debarred from bidding on or receiving awards of new contracts with the U.S. government or our existing contracts could be terminated, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
If we were charged with wrongdoing as a result of an investigation, we could be suspended or debarred from bidding on or receiving awards of new contracts with the U.S. government or our existing contracts could be terminated, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. 45 Table of Contents General Risk Factors New accounting standards or changes to existing accounting standards could materially impact how we report our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our Regulated Businesses provide water and wastewater services to our customers through subsidiaries that are subject to regulation by PUCs. This regulation affects the rates we charge our customers and has a significant impact on our business and operations.
Our Regulated Businesses also may be subject to fines, penalties and other sanctions for an inability to meet these regulatory requirements. Our Regulated Businesses provide water and wastewater services to our customers through subsidiaries that are subject to regulation by PUCs. This regulation affects the rates we charge our customers and has a significant impact on our business and operations.
Any of the following risks, either alone or taken together, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Any of the following risks, either alone or taken together, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Risk Factors Summary The following summary is intended to enhance the readability and accessibility of our risk factor disclosures.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to access this commercial paper program or revolving credit facility, when, as and if desired, or that the amount of capital available thereunder will be sufficient to meet all of our liquidity needs at a reasonable, or any, cost. 32 Table of Contents Our ability to comply with covenants in our revolving credit facility and our other consolidated indebtedness is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including events beyond our control.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to access this commercial paper program or revolving credit facility, when, as and if desired, or that the amount of capital available thereunder will be sufficient to meet all of our liquidity needs at a reasonable, or any, cost.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in designing, developing, deploying, integrating or maintaining these new technologies. Because these efforts can be long-term in nature, these new technologies may be more costly or time-consuming than expected to design, develop, integrate and complete and may not ultimately deliver the expected or desired benefits upon completion.
Because these 34 Table of Contents efforts can be long-term in nature, these new technologies may be more costly or time-consuming than expected to design, develop, integrate and complete and may not ultimately deliver the expected or desired benefits upon completion.
See Item 3—Legal Proceedings—Cybersecurity Incident Class Action Lawsuits. These events could also require us to change our business practices, and the events or such changes may result in significant diversions of resources, distract management and divert the focus and attention of our security and technical personnel from other critical activities.
These events could also require us to change our business practices, and the events (including any actions we may take to respond to or following such events) or such changes may result in significant diversions of resources, distract management and divert the focus and attention of our security and technical personnel from other critical activities.
The presence of these commitments may adversely affect our financial condition and make it more difficult for us to secure financing on attractive terms. 34 Table of Contents MSG’s operations are subject to various risks associated with doing business with the U.S. government.
The aggregate amount of remaining performance commitments is likely to increase as the number of military installations served by MSG increases. The presence of these commitments may adversely affect our financial condition and make it more difficult for us to secure financing on attractive terms. MSG’s operations are subject to various risks associated with doing business with the U.S. government.
The occurrence of any of these circumstances could expose us to increased interest or other expense, require us to institute cash or liquidity conservation measures or otherwise adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity, which may limit or impair our ability to achieve our strategic, business and operational goals and objectives.
The occurrence of any of these circumstances could expose us to increased interest or other expense, require us to institute cash or liquidity conservation measures or otherwise adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity, which may limit or impair our ability to achieve our strategic, business and operational goals and objectives. 37 Table of Contents Settlement provisions contained in our forward sale agreements subject us to risks if certain events occur, which could have an effect on our results of operations and liquidity, and could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our business may be adversely affected by the intentional or other misconduct of our employees and contractors. Our Code of Ethics requires employees and contractors to make decisions ethically and in compliance with applicable law and regulatory requirements, and our Code of Ethics and its underlying policies, practices and procedures.
Our Code of Ethics requires employees, members of our Board of Directors and contractors to make decisions ethically and in compliance with applicable law and regulatory requirements, and our Code of Ethics and its underlying policies, practices and procedures.
Although we make efforts to minimize any adverse impact on our controls, business and operations, we cannot assure that all such impacts have been or will be mitigated, and any such impacts could harm our business (individually or collectively) and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 30 Table of Contents Disruptions in our supply chain related to goods, such as pipe, chemicals, power and other fuel, equipment, water and other raw materials, and services, could adversely impact our operations and our ability to serve our customers, as well as our financial results.
Although we make efforts to minimize any adverse impact on our controls, business and operations, we cannot assure that all such impacts have been or will be mitigated, and any such impacts could harm our business (individually or collectively) and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may face challenges implementing our human capital management, recruitment and employee succession plans to attract and retain employees based on a number of factors, including, among others, market conditions, retirements and geography. If we are unable to meet these human capital resource challenges, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be materially and adversely impacted.
We may face challenges implementing our human capital management, recruitment and employee succession plans to attract and retain employees based on a number of factors, including, among others, market conditions, retirements, geography, and the proposed business combination with Essential.
We have a significant amount of goodwill and other assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, and we may be required to record impairments or changes in fair value to these assets, which may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
A failure or inability of any of these subsidiaries to pay such dividends or repay intercompany obligations could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity and parent company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock and meet its other obligations. 39 Table of Contents We have a significant amount of goodwill and other assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, and we may be required to record impairments or changes in fair value to these assets, which may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
See Item 1—Business—Human Capital Resources—Safety First. Unsafe work sites have the potential to increase employee turnover, expose us to litigation and raise our operating costs. Any of the foregoing could result in financial losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
See Item 1—Business—Human Capital Resources—Safety First. Unsafe work sites have the potential to increase employee turnover, expose us to litigation and raise our operating costs.
Although in the past we have been generally able to obtain insurance coverage related to our business, there can be no assurance that we can secure all necessary or appropriate insurance in the future, or that such insurance can be economically secured. For example, catastrophic events can result in decreased coverage limits, more limited coverage, increased premium costs or deductibles.
Although in the past we have been generally able to obtain insurance coverage related to our business, there can be no assurance that we can continue to be able to secure all necessary or appropriate insurance in the future on an economically reasonable basis or at all.
While we have developed contingency plans to be implemented as necessary if a work stoppage or strike does occur, a strike or work stoppage may have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. 31 Table of Contents Financial, Economic and Market-Related Risks Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our business, and we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our liquidity needs.
While we have developed contingency plans to be implemented as necessary if a work stoppage or strike does occur, a strike or work stoppage may have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The conditional exchange feature of the Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2026, if triggered, may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and may dilute the ownership interest of our shareholders or may otherwise depress the price of parent company’s common stock.
The conditional exchange feature of the Exchangeable Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and may dilute the ownership interest of our shareholders or may otherwise depress the price of parent company’s common stock. In June 2023, American Water Capital Corp., our wholly owned finance subsidiary (“AWCC”), issued $1,035 million aggregate principal amount of Notes.
We are subject to an increasing number of complex and continually evolving data and consumer privacy, security and protection laws and regulations administered by various federal, state and local governments, including, for example, the California Privacy Rights Act, together with its amendments and implementing regulations, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act and the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022.
Laws and regulations are changing and increasing rapidly with respect to data and consumer privacy, security and protection. We are subject to an increasing number of complex and continually evolving data and consumer privacy, security and protection laws and regulations administered by various federal, state and local governments.
For example, under the terms of the revolving credit facility, our consolidated debt cannot exceed 70% of our consolidated capitalization, as determined under the terms of the facility.
Our ability to comply with covenants in our revolving credit facility and our other consolidated indebtedness is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including events beyond our control. For example, under the terms of the revolving credit facility, our consolidated debt cannot exceed 70% of our consolidated capitalization, as determined under the terms of the facility.
Responses may range from voluntary to mandatory water use restrictions (including those mandated in New Jersey in 2024), rationing restrictions, water conservation regulations, and requirements to minimize water system leaks.
Governmental restrictions imposed in response to a drought may apply to all systems within a region independent of the supply adequacy of any individual system. Responses may range from voluntary to mandatory water use restrictions, rationing restrictions, water conservation regulations, and requirements to minimize water system leaks.
In June 2023, American Water Capital Corp., our wholly owned finance subsidiary (“AWCC”), issued $1,035 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”). See Note 11—Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Notes.
See Note 11—Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Exchangeable Notes.