SJW Sjw Group - 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investors should carefully consider the following risk factors and warnings before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing H2O America and its subsidiaries. Additional risks that H2O America and its subsidiaries does not yet know of or that it currently thinks are immaterial may also impair its business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, H2O America and its subsidiaries’ business, operating results or financial condition could be materially affected. In such case, the trading price of H2O America’s common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Investors should also refer to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

Risks Relating To Quadvest Acquisition

The following discusses certain risk factors relating to the proposed transactions with Quadvest, and does not include all of the risk factors associated with the proposed transactions and H2O America after the proposed transactions.

Our proposed transactions with Quadvest are subject to the receipt of consents and clearances from regulatory authorities that may impose conditions that could have an adverse effect on H2O America or, if not obtained, could prevent completion of the proposed transactions.

Completion of the proposed transactions is contingent upon, among other things, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, which consist of compliance with and filings and the applicable waiting period under the Hart Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, compliance with and applications for permits with state and municipal agencies and consent required by the PUCT for the transfer of Quadvest’s water and sewer utility business (the “Regulated Business”).

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The terms and conditions of the approvals that are granted by such governmental entities and regulatory authorities may impose requirements, limitations, costs, or place restrictions on the conduct of H2O America’s business. The asset purchase agreements may require H2O America to comply with conditions imposed by regulatory entities and, in certain circumstances, either company may refuse to close the proposed transactions on the basis of regulatory conditions imposed. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions or that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying completion of the proposed transactions or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of H2O America following the proposed transactions. Additionally, H2O America cannot provide assurance that any such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the proposed transactions, or the consummation of the proposed transactions on terms different than those contemplated by the asset purchase agreements.

The length of the regulatory approval process required by the PUCT, which may be extended beyond its current estimates, may reduce or eliminate the benefits to be achieved under the proposed transactions.

As a condition to the consummation of the proposed transactions, the sale of the Regulated Business must be approved by the PUCT. While we expect the transaction to receive PUCT approval by mid-2026, the exact timeline for this approval process is unknown and may not occur until later, if at all.

In addition to the required regulatory clearances, the proposed transactions are subject to a number of other conditions beyond H2O America’s control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect its completion. We cannot predict whether and when these other conditions will be satisfied. Furthermore, the requirements for obtaining the required clearances and approvals could delay the completion of the proposed transactions for a significant period of time or prevent them from occurring. Any delay in completing the proposed transactions could cause H2O America to not realize, or to be delayed in realizing, some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve if the proposed transactions are successfully completed within the expected time frame. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits within the expected time frame could result in increased costs and/or lower-than-expected revenues or income generated by H2O America after the completion of the proposed transactions.

We may be unable to successfully integrate Quadvest’s business with ours and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, which could negatively impact the future business and financial results of H2O America.

The anticipated benefits expected from the proposed transactions are based on projections and assumptions about the combined Quadvest and H2O America businesses, which may not materialize as expected or which may prove to be inaccurate. Achieving the benefits of the proposed transactions will depend, in part, on H2O America’s ability to integrate the business and operations of Quadvest successfully and efficiently with our business. The challenges involved in this integration, which will be complex and time-consuming, include the following:

• successfully managing relationships with our combined customer base and retaining Quadvest’s customers;

• the ability to successfully integrate Quadvest’s business with ours in a manner that permits H2O America to achieve the synergies and other benefits anticipated to result from the proposed transactions;

• integrating complex systems, operating procedures, regulatory compliance programs, technology, networks, and other assets of Quadvest and H2O America in a manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies;

• diversion of the attention of the management and other key employees of Quadvest and H2O America;

• integrating the workforces of Quadvest and H2O America while maintaining focus on providing clean, high quality water and exceptional service;

• disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, the ongoing business of H2O America;

• liabilities that are significantly larger than we currently anticipate and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the proposed transactions, including transition costs to integrate the businesses of Quadvest and H2O America, that may exceed the costs that we currently anticipate; and

• the increased scale of our operations resulting from the proposed transactions.

If we do not successfully manage these issues and the other challenges inherent in integrating Quadvest, then we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Failure to complete the proposed transactions as currently contemplated or at all could negatively impact the stock price, business operations and financial results of H2O America.

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Completion of the proposed transactions is not assured and is subject to risks, including the risks that approval of the proposed transactions by governmental entities will not be obtained or that certain other closing conditions will not be satisfied. If the proposed transactions are not completed, or are completed on different terms than as contemplated by the asset purchase agreements, the ongoing businesses and financial results of H2O America may be adversely affected and H2O America will be subject to several risks, including the following:

• having to pay certain significant costs relating to the proposed transactions without receiving the benefits of the proposed transactions, including, in certain circumstances, payment of a termination fee;

• reputational harm due to the adverse public perception of any failure to successfully complete the proposed transactions; and

• H2O America’s management having focused on the proposed transactions instead of on conducting its day-to-day business and operational matters and pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial to the companies.

Any delay in the completion of the proposed transactions, any uncertainty about the completion of the proposed transactions on terms other than those contemplated by the asset purchase agreements and any failure to complete the proposed transactions could adversely affect the business, financial results and stock price of H2O America.

The asset purchase agreements with Quadvest may be terminated in certain circumstances, which would result in the benefits of the proposed transactions not being realized, and under certain circumstances, we may be required to pay a termination fee.

Either H2O America or Quadvest may terminate the asset purchase agreements under certain circumstances, including if the proposed transactions have not been consummated by January 7, 2027 (unless such date is extended to a date mutually agreed to by the parties to obtain regulatory approval under certain circumstances, which could be up to an additional eighteen months). However, this termination right will not be available to a party if such failure to complete the proposed transactions on or before such date is the result of such party’s failure to perform or comply, in all material respects, with any of the covenants, agreements or conditions of the asset purchase agreements. If we are not able to complete the proposed transactions by the end date, even if we decide not to terminate the asset purchase agreements, we may not be able to prevent Quadvest from exercising its right to terminate the asset purchase agreements.

In addition, if the asset purchase agreements are terminated under certain circumstances related to regulatory approvals, H2O America may be required to pay to Quadvest a termination fee of $21 million.

Failure to obtain financing for the proposed transactions on favorable terms or at all could negatively impact the operating results and financial condition of H2O America.

H2O America may seek to raise capital to finance the proposed transactions, including through the issuance of debt or equity securities. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could adversely affect H2O America’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, equity financings may result in dilution to our existing stockholders and debt financings may contain covenants that restrict the actions of H2O America and its subsidiaries. Furthermore, any downgrade in H2O America’s credit ratings by rating agencies may negatively impact the market value and liquidity of H2O America’s debt and equity securities.

Risks Relating To Regulatory and Legal Matters

Our business is regulated and may be adversely affected by changes to the regulatory environment.

Our Water Utility Services primarily represent the tariffed operations of our regulated utilities. Our operating revenue is generated primarily from the sale of water at rates authorized by applicable state public utility commissions (the “Regulators”). The Regulators set rates that are intended to provide revenues sufficient to recover normal operating expenses, provide funds for replacement of water infrastructure and produce a fair and reasonable return on stockholder common equity. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, “Regulation and Rates” for a discussion of the most recent regulatory proceedings affecting the rates of our regulated operations. Consequently, our revenue and operating results depend substantially upon the rates the Regulators authorize.

In some of our applications for rate approvals, we rely upon estimates and forecasts to propose rates for approval by the Regulators. No assurance can be given that our estimates and forecasts will be accurate or that the Regulators will agree with our estimates and forecasts and approve our proposed rates. To the extent our authorized rates may be too low, revenues may be insufficient to cover Water Utility Services’ operating expenses, capital requirements and H2O America’s historical dividend rate. In addition, delays in approving rate increases may negatively affect our operating results and operating cash flows.

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In addition, policies and regulations promulgated by the Regulators govern the recovery of capital expenditures, the treatment of gains from the sale of real utility property, the offset of production and operating costs, the recovery of the cost of debt, the optimal equity structure, and the financial and operational flexibility to engage in non-tariffed operations. If the regulators implement policies and regulations that will not allow Water Utility Services to accomplish some or all of the items listed above, its future operating results may be adversely affected. Furthermore, from time to time, the commissioners at the Regulators may change. Such changes could lead to changes in policies and regulations and there can be no assurance that the resulting changes in policies and regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

We have various regulatory mechanisms such as balancing and memorandum accounts and rate adjustment mechanisms for infrastructure replacements and/or improvements, to recover certain costs and expenses. If the Regulators disagree with our calculations of our balancing and memorandum accounts, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the Regulators will approve our applications to recover all or a portion of our capital expenditure or infrastructure investment through such rate adjustment mechanisms, and their failure to do so will adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

Recovery of regulatory assets is subject to adjustment by regulatory agencies and could impact the operating results of Water Utility Services.

Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities to reflect the actions of regulators as permitted by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 980—“Regulated Operations.” These actions may result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in time periods that are different from non-rate-regulated enterprises. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services record deferred costs on the balance sheet as regulatory assets when it is probable that these costs will be recovered in the ratemaking process. Also, Water Utility Services record regulatory liabilities for amounts expected to be refunded to customers in the ratemaking process and for amounts collected in advance of the related expenditures. Please refer to Note 3 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a summary of regulatory assets and liabilities. If the assessment of the probability of recovery in the ratemaking process is incorrect and the applicable ratemaking body determines that a deferred cost is not recoverable through future rate increases, the regulatory assets would need to be adjusted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Water Utility Services is subject to litigation risks concerning water quality and contamination.

In October 2023, CWC, a subsidiary of H2O America in our Water Utility Services segment, was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit alleging that the water provided by CWC contained contaminants. CWC is vigorously defending itself in this lawsuit. There can be no guarantee that additional lawsuits will not occur in the future. Any environmental or product-related lawsuit, including the class action against CWC, may require us to incur significant legal costs and we may not be able to recover the legal costs from ratepayers or other third parties. Although Water Utility Services has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage, pollution liability is excluded from this coverage and our excess liability coverage. Pollution liability coverage is in place for the majority of the H2O America locations and operations but is subject to exclusions and limitations. In addition, any complaints or lawsuits against us based on water quality and contamination may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and trading price of our common stock.

Water Utility Services is subject to possible litigation or regulatory enforcement action concerning water discharges to Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”).

Regulatory actions and fines related to discharges of water to WOTUS against other water utilities have increased in frequency in recent years. If Water Utility Services is subject to a litigation or regulatory enforcement action, it might incur significant costs in fines and restoration efforts, and it is uncertain whether Water Utility Services would be able to recover some or all of such costs from ratepayers or other third parties. In addition, any litigation or regulatory enforcement action against us regarding a water discharge and/or resulting environmental impact may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.

Streamflow regulations in Connecticut could potentially impact our ability to serve our customers.

In December 2011, regulations concerning the flow of water in Connecticut’s rivers and streams were adopted. As promulgated, the regulations require that certain downstream releases be made from seven of CWC’s eighteen active reservoirs no later than ten years following the adoption of stream classifications by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). Currently, downstream releases are made at four locations. The next streamflow releases will be initiated by February 2028 and will affect two additional reservoirs. No groundwater supply wells are affected by the regulations.

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DEEP has finalized stream classifications in all areas of Connecticut where CWC maintains and operates sources of supply. The Company remains engaged in the process in order to minimize the impact to our available water supply. Although modified from prior versions, the regulations still have the potential to lower our safe yield, raise our capital and operating expenses and adversely affect our revenues and earnings. Although costs associated with the regulations may be recovered in the form of higher rates and Connecticut law allows for a WICA surcharge to recover capital improvement costs necessary to achieve compliance with the regulations, there can be no assurance PURA would approve rate increases to enable us to recover all such costs and surcharges.

New or more stringent environmental regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect its business.

Water Utility Services is subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies.

New or more stringent environmental and water quality regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures.

Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”), Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA relating to the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates, from time to time, nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. For example, in April 2024, the EPA issued new national primary drinking water regulations for PFAS. The regulations impose maximum contaminant levels and monitoring requirements for the nation’s water system for six PFAS chemicals under the SDWA. The final regulation requires water systems to comply with PFAS monitoring requirements by 2027, and to comply with the maximum contaminant levels by 2029. H2O America estimates capital expenditures of approximately $400 million for PFAS treatment based on finalized maximum contaminant levels. Additional or more stringent requirements may be adopted by each state. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will be able to continue to comply with all water quality requirements.

Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements in order to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the SDWA. New or more stringent environmental standards could be imposed that will raise Water Utility Services’ operating costs and capital expenditures, including requirements for increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants, additional procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products, and more comprehensive measures to monitor, reduce or eliminate known or newly identified contaminants, such as PFAS. There are currently regulatory mechanisms and procedures available to us for the recovery of such costs, however, there can be no assurance that such costs will be fully recovered and failure to do so may adversely affect our operating results.

The impact of climate change and climate change laws and regulations have been passed and are being proposed that require compliance with greenhouse gas emissions standards, as well as other climate change initiatives, which could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect our business.

Climate change is receiving ever increasing attention worldwide. Many scientists, legislators, and others attribute global warming to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Climate change laws and regulations enacted and proposed limit greenhouse gases emissions from covered entities and require additional monitoring/reporting. We produce a corporate sustainability report, which provides an overview of our energy usage and greenhouse emissions. At this time, the existing greenhouse gases laws and regulations are not expected to materially impact Water Utility Services’ operations or capital expenditures. While regulation on climate change could change, the uncertainty of future climate change regulatory requirements still remains. We cannot predict the potential impact of future laws and regulations on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Although these future expenditures and costs for regulatory compliance may be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the various state utility commissions that govern our business would approve rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs.

Climate change may also impact water supply. For example, severity of drought conditions may impact the availability of water to all Water Utility Services and rising sea levels and their effect on contributing tributary’s water quality may impact the availability of groundwater to Water Utility Services.

We may be at risk for litigation under the principle of inverse condemnation for activities in the normal course of business that have a damaging effect on private property.

Under the California legal doctrine of inverse condemnation, a public utility taking or damaging private property can be responsible to the property owners for compensation, even when damage occurs through no fault or negligence of the utility company and regardless of whether the damage could be foreseen. Based upon existing California case law, SJWC could be

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sued under the doctrine of inverse condemnation and held liable if its facilities, operations or property, such as mains, fire hydrants, power lines and other equipment, or wildfires in our Santa Cruz Mountain watershed result in damage to private property.

A court finding of inverse condemnation does not obligate the CPUC to allow SJWC to recover damage awards or pass on costs to ratepayers. Insurance coverage for inverse condemnation may not be available or may not be sufficient. SJWC ’ s liquidity, earnings, and operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover the costs of paying claims for damages caused by the operation and maintenance of our property from customers or through insurance.

Our water utility property and systems are subject to condemnation and other proceedings through eminent domain.

State laws in jurisdictions where we operate, including California, Connecticut, Texas and Maine, allow municipalities, water districts and other public agencies to own and operate water systems. If these public agencies are able to establish certain eminent domain elements required under state and federal laws, they may condemn water systems or real property owned by privately owned public utilities in certain circumstances. In general, if a public agency seeks to exercise its eminent domain power to take possession of private property, it must establish that such taking is for a public purpose and must pay just compensation to owners of such property. In the event of eminent domain or condemnation proceedings against our water utility property or systems, we may incur substantial attorney’s fees, consultant and expert fees and other costs in considering a challenge to such proceeding and/or its valuation for just compensation, as well as fees and costs in any subsequent litigation if necessary. If the public agency prevailed and acquired our utility property, we would no longer have access to the condemned property or water system, neither would we be entitled to any portion of revenue generated from the use of such asset going forward. Furthermore, if public agencies succeed in acquiring our assets, there is a risk that we will not receive adequate compensation for the assets taken or be able to recover all charges associated with the condemnation of such assets, which may adversely affect our business operations and financial conditions.

Regulatory agencies may disagree with our valuation and characterization of certain of our assets.

If we determine that assets are no longer used or useful for utility operations, we may remove them from our rate base and subsequently sell those assets with any gain on sales accruing to the stockholders, subject to certain conditions. If the regulators disagree with our characterization, there is a risk that the regulators could determine that a portion or all of the realized appreciation in property value should be awarded to customers rather than our stockholders.

Risks Relating To Business Operations

The adequacy of our water supplies depends upon a variety of factors beyond our control. Interruption in the water supply may adversely affect our reputation and earnings.

We depend on an adequate water supply to meet the present and future needs of our customers. Whether we have an adequate supply varies depending upon a variety of factors, many of which are partially or completely beyond our control, including:

• the amount of rainfall;

• the amount of water stored in reservoirs;

• underground water supply from which well water is pumped;

• availability from water wholesalers;

• changes in the amount of water used by our customers;

• water quality and availability of appropriate treatment technology;

• legal limitations on water use such as rationing restrictions during a drought;

• changes in prevailing weather patterns and climate; and

• population growth.

We purchase our water supply from various governmental agencies and others. Water supply availability may be affected by weather conditions, funding and other political and environmental considerations. In addition, our ability to use surface water is subject to regulations regarding water quality and volume limitations. If new regulations are imposed or existing regulations are changed or given new interpretations, the availability of surface water may be materially reduced. A reduction in surface water could result in the need to procure more costly water from other sources, thereby increasing our water production costs and adversely affecting our operating results if not recovered in rates on a timely basis. From time to time, we enter into water supply agreements with third parties and our business is dependent upon such agreements in order to meet regional demand.

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The parties from whom we purchase water maintain significant infrastructure and systems to deliver water to us. The maintenance of these facilities is beyond our control. If these facilities are not adequately maintained or if these parties otherwise default on their obligations to supply water to us, we may not have adequate water supplies to meet our customers’ needs.

If we are unable to access adequate water supplies, we may be unable to satisfy all customer demand, which could result in rationing. Rationing may have an adverse effect on cash flow from operations. We can make no guarantee that we will always have access to an adequate supply of water that will meet all required quality standards. Water shortages may affect us in a variety of ways. For example, shortages could:

• adversely affect our supply mix by causing us to rely on more expensive purchased water;

• adversely affect operating costs;

• increase the risk of contamination to our systems due to our inability to maintain sufficient pressure; and

• increase capital expenditures for building pipelines to connect to alternative sources of supply, new wells to replace those that are no longer in service or are otherwise inadequate to meet the needs of our customers and reservoirs and other facilities to conserve or reclaim water.

We may or may not be able to recover increased operating and construction costs on a timely basis, or at all, for our regulated systems through the ratemaking process. We can give no assurance, as to whether we may be able to recover certain of these costs from third parties that may be responsible, or potentially responsible, for any groundwater contamination.

The concentration of our business in California, Texas and Connecticut makes us susceptible to adverse developments affecting these states.

While H2O America operates in multiple states, a significant majority of our current revenues and earnings are generated by our California and Connecticut operations. Following the consummation of the transactions with Quadvest, a significant amount of our revenues and earnings will also be generated by our Texas operations. As a result, our financial results are largely subject to political, regulatory, economic, water supply, weather, labor, and energy cost risks affecting California and Connecticut and, following the consummation of the transactions with Quadvest, Texas.

We face competition from other utilities and service providers which might hinder our growth opportunities and mitigate our future profitability.

We face competition from other utilities and service providers which might hinder our growth opportunities and mitigate our future profitability. We face risks of competition from other utilities or other entities authorized by federal, state or local agencies to expand rate-regulated or contracted utility services. Once a state utility regulator grants a franchise to a public utility to serve a specific territory, that utility effectively has an exclusive right to service that territory. Although a new franchise offers some protection against competitors, the pursuit of franchises is often competitive, where new franchises may be awarded to utilities based upon competitive negotiation. Competing entities have challenged, and may challenge in the future, our applications for new franchises.

Fluctuations in customer demand for water due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather, and lifestyle can adversely affect operating results.

Water Utility Services is seasonal, thus quarterly fluctuation in results of operations may be significant. Rainfall and other weather conditions also affect Water Utility Services. Water consumption typically increases during the third quarter of each year when weather tends to be warm and dry. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of water supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues. Furthermore, certain lifestyle choices made by customers can affect demand for water. For example, a significant portion of residential water use is for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. If there is a decreased desire by customers to maintain landscaping for their homes or restrictions are placed on outside irrigation, residential water demand would decrease, which would result in lower revenues.

Conservation efforts and construction codes, which require the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances, could diminish water consumption and result in reduced revenue. In addition, in time of drought, mandatory water conservation may become a requirement that impacts the water usage of our customers. While the impacts of conservation and drought may be mitigated by certain regulatory mechanisms that may apply, such regulatory mechanisms are subject to review and change by

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the Regulators. Accordingly, there could be no assurance that such regulatory mechanisms will offset the effects of any revenue losses or other adverse impacts to our operating results attributable to these fluctuations in customer demand.

A contamination event or other decline in source water quality could affect the water supply of Water Utility Services and therefore adversely affect our business and operating results.

Water Utility Services is required under drinking water regulations to comply with water quality requirements. Through water quality compliance programs, Water Utility Services monitors for contamination and pollution of its sources of water. In addition, a watershed management program provides a proactive approach to minimize potential contamination activities. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will continue to comply fully with all applicable water quality requirements or detect contamination timely or at all. In addition, our facilities and infrastructure, including water towers, reservoirs and wells, may be subject to vandalism, break-ins or attacks, which may cause contamination or damage to our water supply. While we have taken measures to maintain physical security of our facilities, there is no guarantee that such measures will be effective to prevent such events. In the event a contamination is detected, Water Utility Services must either commence treatment to remove the contaminant or procure water from an alternative source. Either of these results may be costly, may increase future capital expenditures and there can be no assurance that the regulators would approve a rate increase to enable us to recover the costs arising from such remedies. In addition, we could be held liable for consequences arising from hazardous substances or contamination in our water supplies or other environmental damages and our reputation may be harmed by the public disclosures or media reports of these events. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.

Operating under contract water and waste systems subject us to risks.

Water Utility Services operates a number of water and wastewater systems under operation and maintenance contracts. Pursuant to these contracts, such systems are operated according to the standards set forth in the applicable contract, and it is generally the responsibility of the owner of the system to undertake capital improvements over which we may not have control. We may not be able to convince the owner to make needed improvements in order to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Although violations and fines incurred by water and wastewater systems may be the responsibility of the owner of the system under these contracts, such non-compliance events may reflect poorly on us as the operator of the system and harm our reputation, and in some cases, may result in liability to the same extent as if we were the owner.

The necessity for ongoing physical and technological security has resulted, and may continue to result, in increased operating costs.

The necessity for ongoing physical and technological security has resulted, and may continue to result, in increased operating costs. Because of physical and technological threats to the health and security of the United States of America, we employ procedures to review and modify security measures. We provide ongoing training and communications to our employees about threats to our water supply, our assets and related systems and our employees’ personal safety. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, costs for security measures in efforts to protect against such risks.

Water Utility Services rely on information technology and systems that are key to business operations. A system malfunction, security breach, cyber-attacks, or other disruption that compromises our information could expose us to liability and adversely affect business operations. In addition, noncompliance could expose us to liability and adversely affect business operations.

Information technology is key to the operation of Water Utility Services, including but not limited to payroll, general ledger activities, outsourced bill preparation and remittance processing, providing customer service and the use of supervisory control and data acquisition systems to operate our distribution system. Among other things, system malfunctions, computer viruses and security breaches could prevent us from operating or monitoring our facilities, billing, and collecting cash accurately and timely analysis and reporting of financial results. In addition, we collect, process, and store sensitive data from our customers and employees, including personally identifiable information, on our networks. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or may be breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks, and the information stored there could be accessed without our authorization, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen which could result in legal claims or proceedings, violation of privacy laws or damage to our reputation and customer relationships. Our profitability and cash flow could be affected negatively in the event these systems do not operate effectively or are breached. We also rely on third-party technology vendors for critical services, including data hosting and infrastructure support. A failure or breach by these vendors could also expose our systems and sensitive information to unauthorized access or disruption. Further, ransomware and other forms of disruptive or disabling cyber-attacks targeting utility systems and other infrastructure are continuously increasing in sophistication, magnitude and frequency, and may not be recognized until launched against a target. The use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals may increase the frequency and severity of cybersecurity attacks, including against us or our third-party

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vendors. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to entirely eliminate this risk. In addition, we may not be able to develop or acquire information technology that is competitive and responsive to the needs of our business, and we may lack sufficient resources to make the necessary upgrades or replacements of our outdated existing technology to allow us to continue to operate at our current level of efficiency. These risks may escalate during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

In addition, we must comply with privacy laws such as The California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”). The CCPA requires, among other things, covered companies to provide enhanced disclosures to California consumers and to afford such consumers certain privacy rights and consumer protections. The CCPA also establishes statutory damages for victims of data security breaches, and provides additional rights for consumers to obtain their data from any business that has their personally identifying information. We are anticipating updated and finalized implementing regulations under the CCPA that may impact our compliance obligations. We are also subject to other comprehensive state privacy laws with similar obligations, including the Connecticut Data Privacy Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. While some of these laws include limited exceptions for data collected by utilities, the exceptions generally do not remove all obligations imposed by the laws.

Moreover, additional federal and state privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations have been passed or may be passed in the future, and they may have potential compliance obligations that impact our operations depending on whether we fall under their scope. The effects of these laws have been significant, requiring us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur costs and expenses for compliance. Any actual or perceived noncompliance with applicable data privacy or cybersecurity laws may lead to investigations, claims, and proceedings by governmental entities and private parties, damages for breach, and cause us to incur other significant costs, penalties, and other liabilities, as well as harm to our reputation.

A failure of our reservoirs, storage tanks, mains or distribution networks could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation.

We distribute water through an extensive network of mains and store water in reservoirs and storage tanks located across our service areas. The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. We routinely assess the operational quality of our mains and have implemented various main replacement programs throughout our service territory to better mitigate potential main failures. A failure of major mains, reservoirs, or tanks could result in injuries and damage to residential and/or commercial property for which we may be responsible, in whole or in part. The failure of major mains, reservoirs or tanks may also result in the need to shut down some facilities or parts of our water distribution network in order to conduct repairs. Such failures and shutdowns may limit our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and to meet the water delivery requirements prescribed by governmental regulators, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and reputation. We also own and operate numerous dams in California, Connecticut and Maine, and a failure of such dams could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation. Any business interruption or other losses might not be covered by existing insurance policies or be recoverable in rates, and such losses may make it difficult for us to secure insurance in the future at acceptable rates. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.

The operations of our water and wastewater treatment plants involve physical, chemical, and biological processes and the use of pumps, generators, and other industrial equipment. As a result, our operations are subject to various industrial risks, including chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, effects resulting from confined operating spaces, fires, explosions, mechanical failures, storage tank leaks, and electric shock. These risks can result in personal injury, loss of life, catastrophic damage to or destruction of property and equipment or environmental damage, and related legal proceedings, including those commenced by regulators, neighbors, or others. They may also result in an unanticipated interruption or suspension of our operations and the imposition of liability. The loss or shutdown over an extended period of operations at any of our treatment facilities or any losses relating to these risks could have a material adverse impact on our profitability, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by high inflation.

Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve increases in the rates we charge our customers. There is no guarantee that any future rate increase requests will be approved and granted in a timely manner and/or will be sufficient to cover costs for the impact of high inflation. The existence of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, shipping costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced and may continue to experience, cost increases. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation, if these measures are not effective, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of operations and when the cost of inflation is incurred.

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Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our business and operating results.

As of December 31, 2025, 242 of our 837 total employees were union members. Most of our unionized employees are represented by the UWUA, except certain employees in the engineering department who are represented by the OE. Only employees at SJWC are union members. Both of the 3-year union contracts were signed on December 31, 2025 and will expire December 31, 2028.

We may experience difficulties and delays in the collective bargaining process to reach suitable agreements with union employees, particularly in light of increasing healthcare and pension costs. In addition, changes in applicable law and regulations could have an adverse effect on management’s negotiating position with the unions. Labor actions, work stoppages or the threat of work stoppages, and our failure to obtain favorable labor contract terms during future negotiations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

If we fail to maintain safe work sites, we can be exposed to not only people impacts but also to financial losses such as penalties and other liabilities.

Our safety record is critical to our reputation because our business operation involves inherently dangerous activities. We maintain health and safety standards to protect our employees, customers, vendors and the public. Although we intend to adhere to such health and safety standards and aim for zero injuries, it is difficult to avoid accidents at all times.

Our business sites, including construction and maintenance sites, often place our employees and others in close proximity with large pieces of heavy equipment, moving vehicles, pressurized water, underground trenches and vaults, chemicals and other regulated materials. On many sites we are responsible for safety and, accordingly, must implement safety procedures. If we fail to implement such procedures or if the procedures we implement are ineffective or are not followed by our employees or others, or if accidents occur outside of our control, our employees and others may be injured or die. Unsafe work sites also have the potential to increase employee turnover 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.

In addition, our operations can involve the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, which, if improperly handled, stored or disposed of, could subject us to penalties or other liabilities. We are also subject to regulations dealing with occupational health and safety. Although we maintain functional employee groups whose primary purpose is to ensure we implement effective health, safety, and environment work procedures throughout our organization, including construction sites and maintenance sites, the failure to comply with such regulations or procedures could subject us to a liability.

Risks Relating To Our Finances and Corporate Matters

We may not have sufficient cash flow or capital resources to fund capital expenditures of our business, and our access to liquidity through the capital markets may be limited.

Our business is capital-intensive. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization of the system will grow at an increasing rate as components reach the end of their useful lives. In addition, EPA regulations impose maximum contaminant levels and monitoring requirements for the nation’s water systems for six PFAS chemicals under the SDWA and will require an increase in capital expenditures. We also will need to raise a significant amount of debt and equity capital to complete the pending transactions with Quadvest.

H2O America’s subsidiaries fund capital expenditures through a variety of sources, including cash received from operations, funds received from developers as contributions or advances, borrowings through lines of credit and debt financings, as well as equity financings by H2O America. We cannot provide any assurance that the historical sources of funds for capital expenditures will continue to be adequate or that the cost of funds will remain at levels permitting us to earn a reasonable rate of return. A significant change in any of the funding sources could impair the ability of Water Utility Services to fund its capital expenditures, which could impact our ability to grow our utility asset base and earnings. Any increase in the cost of capital through higher interest rates or otherwise could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our ability to raise capital through equity or debt may be affected by the economy and condition of the debt and equity markets. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets or deterioration in the strength of financial institutions could adversely affect H2O America’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt or sell its equity. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase H2O America’s cost of capital. Furthermore, equity financings may result in dilution to our existing stockholders and debt financings may contain covenants that restrict the actions of H2O America and its subsidiaries.

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We have incurred substantial additional indebtedness that may reduce our business and operational flexibility and increase our borrowing costs.

We have incurred substantial indebtedness and plan to incur substantial indebtedness in the future, including to complete the transactions with Quadvest, resulting in a higher debt-to-equity ratio, which may have the effect, among other things, of:

• reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business, industry and economic conditions;

• increasing borrowing costs;

• limiting growth through capital expenditures and acquisitions;

• placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry with less debt;

• potentially having an adverse effect on our issuer and issue ratings;

• requiring additional cash flow to be used to service debt instead of for other purposes; and

• potentially impairing our ability to obtain other financing.

Under certain circumstances, we may not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations under our indebtedness, including principal and interest payments, which, if not cured, may cause an event of default. In addition, the terms and conditions of such indebtedness, including financial covenants and restrictive covenants, may reduce our business flexibility and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The agreements governing the indebtedness contain covenants that impose significant operating and financial limitations and restrictions on us, including restrictions on the ability to enter particular transactions and engage in other activities that we may believe will be advisable or necessary for our business.

Our borrowings include certain financial covenants regarding a maximum debt to equity ratio and an interest coverage requirement for us and certain subsidiaries. In the event the relevant borrower exceeds the maximum debt to equity ratio or interest coverage requirement, we may be restricted from issuing future debt. Additionally, certain covenants include restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. Further, we have issued certain revenue bonds that contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for a loan agreement relating to revenue bonds, including, among other things, certain disclosure obligations, the tax exempt status of the interest on the bonds, and limitations and prohibitions on the transfer of projects funded by the loan proceeds and assignment of the loan agreement. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in our existing or future debt agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other existing agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of indebtedness under these agreements, which would have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial condition.

H2O America has committed to certain “ring-fencing” measures which will enhance CTWS’s separateness from H2O America, which may limit H2O America’s ability to influence the management and policies of CTWS (beyond the limitations included in other existing governance mechanisms).

Pursuant to the agreements related to the acquisition of CTWS and commitments made by H2O America as part of the application for PURA and MPUC approval of the acquisition of CTWS, H2O America has instituted certain “ring-fencing” measures to enhance CTWS’s separateness from H2O America and to mitigate the risk that CTWS would be negatively impacted in the event of a bankruptcy or other adverse financial developments affecting H2O America or its non-ring-fenced affiliates. These commitments became effective upon the closing of the acquisition.

In order to satisfy the ring-fencing commitments, H2O America formed H2O America NE LLC a wholly owned special purpose entity (“SPE”), to own the capital stock of CTWS. The SPE, CTWS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “CTWS Entities”) adopted certain measures designed to enhance their separateness from H2O America, with the intention of mitigating the effects on the CTWS Entities of any bankruptcy of H2O America and its affiliates other than the CTWS Entities (collectively, the “Non-CTWS Entities”). As a result of these ring-fencing measures, in certain situations, H2O America will be restricted in its ability to access assets of the CTWS Entities as dividends or intercompany loans to satisfy the debt or contractual obligations of any Non-CTWS Entity, including any indebtedness or other contractual obligations of H2O America. In addition, the ring-fencing structure may negatively impact H2O America’s ability to achieve certain benefits, including synergies and economies of scale to reduce operating costs of the combined entity, that it anticipates will result from the merger. This ring-fencing structure also subjects H2O America and the CTWS Entities to certain governance, operational and financial restrictions since the closing of the merger. Accordingly, H2O America may be restricted in its ability to direct the management, policies and operations of the CTWS Entities, including the deployment or disposition of their respective assets, declarations of dividends, strategic planning and other important corporate issues. Furthermore, the CTWS Entities’ directors have considerable autonomy and, as described in our commitments, have a duty to act in the best interest of the CTWS Entities consistent with the ring-fencing structure and applicable law, which may be contrary to H2O America’s best interests or be in

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opposition to H2O America’s preferred strategic direction for the CTWS Entities. To the extent they take actions that are not in H2O America’s interests, our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected.

Our business strategy, which includes acquiring water systems and expanding non-tariffed services, will expose us to new risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business strategy focuses on the following:

• Regional regulated water utility operations (includes water and wastewater);

• Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the applicable state public utility commissions; and

• Out-of-region water and utility related services.

As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time-to-time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. The proposed transactions with Quadvest are an example of this strategy. However, we cannot be certain we will be successful in identifying and consummating any strategic business combination or acquisitions relating to such opportunities. In addition, the execution of our business strategy will expose us to different risks than those associated with the current utility operations. We expect to incur costs in connection with the execution of this strategy and any integration of an acquired business could involve significant costs, the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities related to the acquired assets, the diversion of management’s time and resources, the potential for a negative impact on H2O America’s financial position and operating results, entering markets in which H2O America has no or limited direct prior experience and the potential loss of key employees of any acquired company. Any strategic combination or acquisition we decide to undertake may also impact our ability to finance our business, affect our compliance with regulatory requirements, and impose additional burdens on our operations. Any businesses we acquire may not achieve sales, customer growth and projected profitability that would justify the investment. Any difficulties we encounter in the integration process, including the integration of controls necessary for internal control and financial reporting, could interfere with our operations, reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our internal controls. H2O America cannot be certain that any transaction will be successful or that it will not materially harm operating results or our financial condition.

An impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

We have significant amounts of goodwill resulting from the acquisition of businesses. As of December 31, 2025, consolidated goodwill totaled $640.3 million, or 12% of our total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquired businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such events or circumstances could include changes in performance relative to expected operating results, significant negative industry or economic trends, including rising interest rates, or a significant decline in our stock price and/or market capitalization for a sustained period of time. If certain factors arise, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which an impairment of our goodwill is determined. Any such charge could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Adverse investment returns and other factors may increase our pension costs and pension plan funding requirements.

A substantial number of our employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans. Our pension costs and the funded status of the plans are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, applicable mortality tables, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation. Any change in such factors could result in an increase in future pension costs and an increase in our pension liabilities, requiring an increase in plan contributions which may adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

H2O America’s dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by legal and contractual requirements.

We anticipate continuing to pay a regular quarterly dividend, though any such determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, including limitations under Delaware law, restrictions in our credit agreements and other debt instruments that limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders, and other factors the board of directors deems relevant. The board of directors of H2O America may, in its sole discretion, change the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely.

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H2O America is a holding company that depends on cash flow from its subsidiaries to meet its financial obligations and pay dividends on its common stock.

As a holding company, we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries and our only significant assets are investments in those subsidiaries. This means that we are dependent on distributions of funds from our subsidiaries to meet H2O America’s debt service obligations and to pay dividends on our common stock. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and generally have no obligation to pay any amounts due on H2O America’s debt or to provide H2O America with funds for dividends. Our subsidiaries only pay dividends if and when declared by their respective boards of directors. Additionally, our subsidiaries may be subject to restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us, including under state law, pursuant to regulatory commitments, and under their credit agreements and other debt instruments. In this regard, the CTWS Entities are limited from paying dividends to us in certain circumstances under PURA and MPUC regulatory commitments. Furthermore, our right to receive cash or other assets in the unlikely event of liquidation or reorganization of any of our subsidiaries is generally subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary. Any inability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends may have a material and adverse effect on our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders, meet our financial obligations, or make additional investments.

Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also make it more difficult for stockholders to influence our policies or may reduce the rights of stockholders.

H2O America ’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of H2O America. These provisions could also make it more difficult for our stockholders to remove or replace directors or take other corporate actions. These provisions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Authorizing the Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock;

• Prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;

• Limiting the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders to only stockholders holding not less than 20% of outstanding voting power; and

• Requiring advance notification of stockholder nomination of directors and proposals.

In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”) govern H2O America. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time without the consent of the Board of Directors.

Furthermore, H2O America’s Certificate of Incorporation provides, unless the company consents in writing to the selection of an alternate forum, (a) a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of H2O America, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of H2O America to the company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine; and (b) the U.S. federal district courts is the sole and exclusive forum for any claim arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (unless such provision is deemed illegal, invalid or unenforceable, in which case the sole exclusive state court forum for any claim arising under the Securities Act of 1933 will be the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware). Such “exclusive forum” provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with H2O America or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits.

We may not be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs, or at all, to cover all losses incurred in our operations.

We maintain insurance coverage as part of our overall legal and risk management strategy to minimize potential liabilities arising from our operations. Our insurance programs have varying coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and maximums, and our insurance coverages include: worker’s compensation, employer’s liability, damage to our property, general liability, pollution liability, cybersecurity, and automobile liability. Each policy includes either deductibles or self-insured retentions and policy limits for covered claims. As a result, we may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured. The insurance companies may also seek to challenge, reduce or deny any claims we submit, which may prevent us from recovering fully the losses we incurred. In addition, insurance companies may increase premiums or deductibles or reduce coverage limits based on factors that are beyond our control, including industry trends, financial conditions of insurance companies and catastrophic events such as wildfire, earthquake and pandemic. There can be no assurance that we can secure all necessary or appropriate insurance in the future, or that such insurance can be obtained at reasonable cost, or at all.

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General Risk Factors

We operate in areas subject to natural disasters, and we may be the target of terrorist activities and other physical threats.

We operate in areas that are prone to earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather and other natural disasters. A significant seismic event in northern California, where the majority of our operations are concentrated, or other natural disaster in northern California, Connecticut, Texas or Maine could adversely impact our ability to deliver water to our customers and our costs of operations. A major disaster could damage or destroy our capital assets, harm our reputations and adversely affect our results of operations. The Regulators have historically allowed utilities to establish catastrophic event memorandum accounts as a possible mechanism to recover costs, such as the CEMA memorandum account in California. However, we can give no assurance that our regulators, or any other commission, would allow any such cost recovery mechanism in the future.

In light of the potential threats to the nation’s health and security due to terrorist attacks, we have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness of threats to our water supply. We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. In addition, because our operation requires us to interact extensively with the general public, we may be subject to complaints, threats and potentially violent actions by our customers or the public, which may disrupt our business activities and damage our reputation.

We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies. These costs may be significant. While some of these costs are likely to be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the Regulators will approve a rate increase to recover all or part of such costs and, as a result, our operating results and business may be adversely affected. Further, despite these tightened security measures, we may not be in a position to control the outcome of terrorist events should they occur.

Our operations, liquidity, and earnings may be adversely affected by wildfires and risk of fire hazards.

It is possible that wildfires and other fire hazards may occur more frequently, be of longer duration or impact larger areas as a result of drought-damaged plants and trees, lower humidity or higher winds that might be occurring as a result of changed weather patterns. The effects of these natural disasters in California’s drought-prone areas, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains, the watershed of which SJWC owns approximately 6,400 acres and where SJWC typically obtains approximately up to 10% of its water supply, may temporarily compromise its surface water supply resulting in disruption in our services and litigation which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

If our surface water supply is compromised, we may have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to substitute the flow of water from an alternative water source.

In addition, we may incur significant costs in order to treat the impacted source through expansion of our current treatment facilities, or development of new treatment methods. If we are unable to substitute water supply from an alternative water source, or to adequately treat the impacted water source in a cost-effective manner, there may be an adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, and financial condition. The costs we incur to secure an alternative water source or an increase in draws from our underground water system could be significant and may not be recoverable in rates.

Wildfires may destroy or cause damage to properties, facilities, equipment and other assets owned and operated by SJWC or result in personal injuries to our employees and personnel, which may cause temporary or permanent disruption to our water services. In such a case, we may be required to incur significant expenses to repair, replace or upgrade our assets, or to defend against costly litigation or disputes with third parties, any of which may adversely affect our business operations or financial conditions.

While we maintain a business insurance policy, such policy includes limitation and retention that may reduce, or in some cases eliminate, our ability to recover all or a substantial portion of the losses and damages due to wildfire. Our inability to rely fully on insurance coverage may negatively impact our results of operations. Losses by insurance companies resulting from wildfires may also cause insurance coverage for wildfire risks to become more expensive or unavailable under reasonable terms, and our insurance may be inadequate to recover all our losses incurred in a wildfire. Furthermore, we might not be allowed to recover in our rates any increased costs of wildfire insurance or the costs of any uninsured wildfire losses.

The price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.

The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and unrelated to our financial results. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include volatility of the general stock market or the utility index, regulatory developments, public announcement or market assumptions of material developments in strategic transactions, general economic conditions and trends, actual or anticipated changes or fluctuations in our results of operations, actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities

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analysts, actual or anticipated developments in our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally, litigation involving us or our industry, and major catastrophic event(s) or sales of large blocks of our stock. Furthermore, we believe that stockholders invest in public stocks in part because they seek reliable dividend payments. If there is an oversupply of stock of public utilities in the market relative to demand by such investors, the trading price of our common stock may decrease. Additionally, if interest rates rise above the dividend yield offered by our common stock, demand for our stock and its trading price may also decrease.

We must continue to attract and retain qualified technical and managerial personnel in order to succeed.

Our future success depends substantially upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, operational and financial managers. There is significant competition for such personnel in our industry. Our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel depends on many factors, including but are not limited to, our ability to provide competitive compensation and benefit packages, availability of talents in our industry, general workforce trends and macroeconomic conditions. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or the inability to hire and retain experienced management personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, as our management team has knowledge of our industry and customers and would be difficult to replace. We believe we offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as conduct succession planning and provide opportunities for continued development, and we continually strive to recruit and train qualified personnel and retain key employees. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we require to grow and operate profitably.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except where otherwise noted)

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with “Forward-Looking Statements,” Part 1, Item 1 “Business,” Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” and our consolidated financial statements and notes included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following sections include a discussion of results for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Unless otherwise provided herein, the comparative results for the year ended December 31, 2024 with for the year ended December 31, 2023 may be found in “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Business Strategy

H2O America focuses its business initiatives in three strategic areas:

(1) Investing in regional regulated water utility operations to support the health, safety and quality of life of our customers;

(2) Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the applicable state public utility commissions; and

(3) Out-of-region water and utility related services.

Regional Regulated Activities

H2O America’s regulated utility operation is conducted through SJWC, CWC, TWC and MWC. H2O America plans and applies a diligent and disciplined approach to maintaining and improving its water system infrastructures and also seeks to acquire regulated water systems adjacent to or near its existing service territory. CWC and TWC also provide regulated wastewater services.

The United States water utility industry is largely fragmented and is dominated by municipal-owned water systems. The water industry is regulated, and provides a life-sustaining product. This makes water utilities subject to lower business cycle risks than non-tariffed industries.

Regional Non-tariffed Activities

Non-tariffed services provided by H2O America’s subsidiaries include water system operations, maintenance agreements, antenna site leases under agreements with municipalities and other utilities, wholesale water service to adjacent utilities, wastewater services, and Linebacker ® , an optional service line protection program covering a limited amount of the cost of repairs for leaking or broken water and wastewater service lines and in-home plumbing to eligible residential customers in Connecticut and water service lines to eligible residential customers in Maine.

H2O America also seeks appropriate non-tariffed business opportunities that complement its existing operations or that allow it to extend its core competencies beyond existing operations. H2O America seeks opportunities to fully utilize its capabilities and existing capacity by providing services to other regional water systems, which also will benefit its existing regional customers.

Out-of-Region Opportunities

H2O America also from time to time pursues opportunities to participate in out-of-region water and utility related services, particularly regulated water and wastewater businesses. H2O America evaluates out-of-region and out-of-state opportunities that meet H2O America’s risk and return profile.

The factors H2O America considers in evaluating such opportunities include:

• Potential profitability;

• Regulatory environment;

• Additional growth opportunities within the region;

• Water supply, water quality and environmental issues;

• Capital requirements;

• General economic conditions; and

• Synergy potential.

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As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time-to-time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. The proposed transactions with Quadvest are an example of this strategy.

Quadvest acquisition

As previously disclosed, H2O America, through its indirect subsidiary, TWC, is set to acquire regulated systems owned by Quadvest, L.P. for $483,600, and TWOS will acquire systems owned by Quadvest Wholesale LLC for $56,400. Please see Note 1 4 “Acquisitions” for further discussion. On the completion of this acquisition, we expect Quadvest will bring operational scale, a strong development pipeline, and increased exposure to one of America’s fastest growing regions, Houston, TX. Quadvest brings a strong legacy of local relationships and reliable service. It has been providing water and sewer service in Southeast Texas for nearly 50 years through its operating entities.

On July 9, 2025, TWC filed a request with the PUCT to use FMV to support its acquisition of Quadvest, L.P. On August 7, 2025, the PUCT appointed three appraisers to determine the FMV. In December 2025 TWC, received the appraised FMV from the three PUCT appointed appraisers for the assets of Quadvest L.P. In accordance with Texas’ FMV statute, the purchase price of $483,600 will serve as the ratemaking rate base. TWC filed its STM application with the PUCT in January 2026.

Reportable Segment

Water Utility Services is our single reportable segment. Other business activities that are not separately reportable segments are SJWC’s City of Cupertino service concession arrangement operations, H2O America Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc, contract water and sewer operations and other water-related services provided by NEWUS and are collectively referred to as “Other Services.”

Critical Accounting Estimates

H2O America has identified accounting estimates delineated below as estimates critical to its business operations and the understanding of the results of operations. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. H2O America bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” H2O America’s critical accounting estimates are as follows:

Recognition of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

GAAP for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by ASC Topic 980. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services, to the extent applicable, records regulatory assets for incurred costs that are deemed probable of recovery from customers. Also, Water Utility Services recognizes regulatory liabilities for amounts expected to be refunded to customers in the ratemaking process and for amounts collected in advance of the related expenditures. Regulatory assets or liabilities are also recognized for special revenue programs such as WCMA and WRA in accordance with guidance on alternative revenue programs under ASC Topic 980, including the requirement that such revenues will be collected within 24 months of the year-end in which the revenue is recorded. A reserve is recorded for amounts H2O America estimates will not be collected within the 24-month period. This reserve is based on an estimate of actual usage over the recovery period. The WCMA allows SJWC to track revenue, net of related water costs, associated with reduced sales due to water conservation and associated calls for water use reduction. SJWC records the lost revenue captured in the WCMA balancing accounts, including amounts related to a 20-basis point reduction in the authorized return on equity per the terms of the WCMA. Applicable drought surcharges collected are used to offset the revenue losses tracked in the WCMA. WRA, a decoupling mechanism authorized by PURA for CWC, mitigates risks associated with changes in demand. The WRA is used to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the most recent general rate case and allows the company to implement a surcharge or sur-credit as necessary to recover or refund the revenues approved in the general rate case. The WRA allows the company to defer, as a regulatory asset or liability, the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings. Application of ASC Topic 980, including determining whether recovery is probable, requires significant judgement by management and includes assessing evidence that may exist prior to regulatory authorization, including regulatory rules and decisions, historical ratemaking practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate the recovery or refund is probable. The regulatory assets and liabilities recorded by Water Utility Services primarily relate to asset removal costs, the recognition of deferred income taxes for ratemaking versus tax accounting purposes, balancing and memorandum accounts, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and employee benefit costs. The disallowance of any asset in future ratemaking, including regulatory assets, would require Water Utility Services to immediately recognize the impact of the costs for financial reporting purposes. There were no material disallowances recognized during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

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Recognition of Balancing and Memorandum Accounts

Balancing and memorandum accounts are primarily utilized by our California operations. The purpose of a balancing account is to track the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. Pursuant to Section 792.5 of the California Public Utilities Code, a balancing account must be maintained for expense items for which revenue offsets have been authorized. Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized by SJWC when it is probable that future recovery of previously incurred costs or future refunds that are to be credited to customers will occur through the ratemaking process.

Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items in California: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, group health insurance, and general rate case and cost of capital true-ups. The amount in the water production balancing accounts varies with the seasonality of the water utility business such that, during the summer months when the demand for water is at its peak, the account tends to reflect an under-collection, while during the winter months when demand for water is relatively lower, the account tends to reflect an over-collection. The pension and group health insurance balancing accounts are intended to capture the difference between actual expense and the amount approved in rates by the CPUC. The general rate case true-up accounts are a result of revenue shortfalls authorized for collection or refund by the CPUC due to delayed rate case and cost of capital decisions. The MWRAM tracks the difference between the revenue received for actual metered sales through the tiered volumetric rate and the revenue that would have been received with the same actual metered sales if a uniform rate would have been in effect.

SJWC also maintains memorandum accounts to track impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC.

In assessing the probability criteria for balancing and memorandum accounts between general rate cases, SJWC considers evidence that may exist prior to CPUC authorization that would satisfy ASC Topic 980 subtopic 340-25 recognition criteria. Such evidence may include regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate that recovery or refund is probable. When such evidence provides sufficient support, the balances are recorded in H2O America’s financial statements.

It is typical for the CPUC to incorporate any over-collected and/or under-collected balances in balancing or memorandum accounts into customer rates at the time rate decisions are made as part of SJWC’s general rate case proceedings by assessing temporary surcredits and/or surcharges. In the case where SJWC’s balancing or memorandum-type accounts that have been authorized by the CPUC reach certain thresholds or have termination dates, SJWC can request the CPUC to recognize the amounts in customer rates prior to the next regular general rate case proceeding by filing an advice letter.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. H2O America first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In assessing the qualitative factors, H2O America considers the impact of these key factors: change in industry and competitive environment, financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and other relevant Company-specific events. If H2O America determines that as a result of the qualitative assessment it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value is less than carrying amount, then a quantitative test is performed. H2O America performed an impairment analysis as of October 1, 2025. The qualitative assessment found no indicators of impairment and therefore H2O America did not perform the quantitative impairment test. No impairments occurred during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 or 2023.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

H2O America’s financial condition and results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors including the following:

• Economic utility regulation;

• Infrastructure investment;

• Compliance with environmental, health and safety standards;

• Production expenses;

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• Customer growth;

• Water usage per customer;

• Weather conditions, seasonality and sources of water supply; and

• Merger and acquisition activities, if any.

Economic Utility Regulation

Water Utility Services is generally subject to economic regulation by the Regulators overseeing public utilities. Regulatory policies vary from state to state and may change over time. In addition, there may be regulatory lag between the time a capital investment is made, a consumption decrease occurs, or an operating expense increases and when those items are adjusted in utility rates.

SJWC employs a forward-looking test year and has been authorized to use several mechanisms to mitigate risks faced due to regulatory lag and new and changing legislation, policies and regulation. These include memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC. Rate recovery for the balances in these memorandum accounts is generally allowed in a subsequent general rate case. SJWC also maintains balancing accounts to track changes in purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pension costs, and group health insurance expenses for later rate recovery. Regulatory risk in California is mitigated by use of a forward-looking test year which allows the return on and return of utility plant on a forecasted basis as it is placed in service, and in some cases interim rate relief is allowed in the event of regulatory lag. The CPUC permits its regulated utilities to acquire other utilities if the proposed sale and asset purchase transaction is determined to be in the public interest. Under Public Utilities Code § 2720, the purchase price, subject to a reasonable test involving appraisals from the acquirer as well as the Public Advocates Office, represents the Fair Market Value. Upon CPUC approval, acquiring utilities can include the Fair Market Value in rate base.

Pursuant to Connecticut regulations, CWC employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Connecticut. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for pipeline replacement and conservation related projects, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved WICA that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain eligible pre-approved projects. The intended purpose of WICA is to enable the acceleration of the rate of replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing water system infrastructure to mitigate the effect of decay of aging water systems and promote conservation measures. In order to incentivize water utilities to conserve water, the Connecticut State Legislature created WRA in Connecticut in 2013. With the passage, CWC is no longer incentivized to sell more water and can encourage conservation of precious resources, removing financial disincentives to pursue water conservation.

Pursuant to Texas regulation, TWC employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Texas, provided it has been more than 12 months since TWC’s most recent application to change rates was filed. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for capital improvements, Texas implemented its first SIC in 2021. The SIC allows TWC to earn a return on some of its capital improvements made after 2020 through a monthly surcharge to its customers. An application for a SIC or SIC amendment may be filed once per year, and the initial approval of a SIC triggers a requirement to file a general rate case within four years of the date of approval. The PUCT permits the acquisition of utilities using FMV. This process brings in three appraisers to determine the market value of a system. The average of the three appraisals is then compared to the purchase price for the acquisition to determine the value of utility plant included in rate base. In addition, after recent legislation the PUCT adopted rules to allow a water utility to request to apply its current approved rates to the customers of newly acquired systems, which encourages consolidation and minimizes rate case expenses. During 2025, the Texas legislature passed House Bill 2712 which took effect on September 1, 2025 and allows water utilities to use future test year information for ratemaking purposes beginning with applications filed on or after September 1, 2026. The legislation was enacted to enable water utilities to seek rate recovery based on projected costs, encourage timely replacement of infrastructure and improve regulatory alignment with capital planning. Upon implementation of the law, water utilities will be able to utilize the future test year, historical test year or a combination of both when filing a general rate case.

Pursuant to Maine regulations, MWC employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Maine. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for all infrastructure replacements (except meters), the Maine State Legislature has approved of WISC that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain pre-approved projects.

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Infrastructure Investment

The water utility business is capital-intensive. In 2025 and 2024, company-funded capital improvements were $489,607 and $353,029, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $458,000 in 2026 which excludes amounts related to the Company’s previously announced acquisition of Quadvest L.P and $2,568,000 over the next five years for capital improvements inclusive of amounts related to the acquisition. In addition to these capital expenditures, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $100,000 over the next five years, including $25,000 in 2026, in capitalizable costs associated with cloud-based computing arrangements. H2O America funds these expenditures through a variety of sources, including earnings received from operations, debt and equity financing, and other borrowings. H2O America relies upon lines of credit to fund capital expenditures in the short term and has historically issued long-term debt to refinance our short-term debt. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a key risk, we believe that based on our successful 2025 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our ongoing capital investment programs in the future. See discussion below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information on capital expenditures.

Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Standards

Water Utility Services’ operations are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies. Under the federal SDWA, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA of the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements enabling it to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the SDWA. Water Utility Services incur substantial costs associated with compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality regulation to which our water services are subject.

In April 2024, the EPA issued new national primary drinking water regulations for six PFAS substances. The regulations impose maximum contaminant levels and monitoring requirements for the nation’s water system for six PFAS chemicals under the SDWA. The final regulation requires water systems to comply with PFAS monitoring and reporting requirements by 2027, and to comply with the maximum contaminant levels by 2029. H2O America estimates capital expenditures of approximately $400,000 for PFAS treatment based on finalized maximum contaminant levels. See discussion below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information on capital expenditures.

Environmental, health and safety, and water quality regulations are complex and change frequently, and the overall trend has been that they have become more stringent over time. It is possible that new or more stringent environmental standards and water quality regulations could be imposed that will increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures. Future drinking water regulations may require increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants and procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products. In the past, Water Utility Services have generally been able to recover expenses associated with compliance related to environmental, health and safety standards, but future recoveries could be affected by regulatory lag and the corresponding uncertainties surrounding rate recovery.

Production Expenses

Water Utility Services’ operations require significant production inputs which result in substantial production expenses. These expenses include power, which is used to operate pumps and other equipment, purchased water and groundwater extraction charges. For 2025, production expenses accounted for 50% of our total operating expenses. Price increases associated with these production inputs would adversely impact our results of operations until rate relief is granted. However, for SJWC, the FCBA mitigates the cost of the water supply from changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources which affect the overall mix of the water supply.

Customer Growth

Customer growth in Water Utility Services is driven by: (i) organic population growth within our authorized service areas and (ii) the addition of new customers to our regulated customer base by acquiring regulated water systems adjacent to or near our existing service territories. We did not have any cash outflows for business acquisitions in 2025 or 2024. During the third quarter of 2025 we announced our anticipated acquisitions of Quadvest L.P and South Central Water Company both of which are expected to close in the second half of 2026. During 2023, we had cash outflows of $7,537, for business acquisitions which we believe will allow H2O America to expand our regulated customer base. Before entering new regulated markets, we

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evaluate the regulatory environment to ensure that we will have the opportunity to achieve an appropriate rate of return on our investment while maintaining our high standards for quality, reliability and compliance with environmental, health and safety, and water quality standards.

Water Usage Per Customer

Fluctuations in customer demand for water could be due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather or lifestyle choices, all of which could affect our results of operations.

The following is the change in combined residential and business customer usage in 2025 compared to 2024:

Change in customer usage

SJWC

CWC

TWC

MWC

For the year ended December 31, 2025, SJWC’s residential usage was lower by 14.6% and business usage was higher by 2.5%, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2022-2024 general rate case. SJWC’s service area is currently under a voluntary 15% reduction of water consumption from its water wholesaler. To address the difference between conservation usage and authorized usage in the rate case, the CPUC has approved the activation of the WCMA. The WCMA is a temporary revenue protection mechanism, due to the voluntary 15% water reduction request, which tracks the divergence between authorized versus actual consumption in a balancing account for future recovery.

With the availability of the WCMA in California and the WRA in Connecticut, which allows for recovery of authorized revenues, decreases in consumption year to year do not present the same financial risk as in our other water utility services utilities.

Weather Conditions, Seasonality and Sources of Water Supply

Our ability to meet the existing and future water demands of our customers depends on an adequate supply of water. Drought, governmental restrictions, overuse of sources of water, the protection of threatened species or habitats or other factors may limit the availability of ground and surface water. Also, customer usage of water is affected by weather conditions, in particular during the warmer months. Our water systems experience higher demand in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and increased usage by customers for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Water use restrictions may be imposed at a regional or state level and may affect our service areas regardless of our readiness to meet unrestricted customer demands. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues.

SJWC believes that its various sources of water supply, which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and purchased imported water, will be sufficient to meet customer demand for 2026. In addition, SJWC actively works with Valley Water to address California’s long-term water supply challenges by continuing to educate customers on responsible water use practices and to conduct long-range water supply planning. CWC and MWC believe that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2026 with their existing water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water in reservoirs and purchased water treated by neighboring water utilities. TWC expects to meet customer demand for 2026 with TWC’s water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA.

Results of Operations

Water sales are seasonal in nature and influenced by weather conditions. The timing of precipitation and climatic conditions can cause seasonal water consumption by customers to vary significantly. Revenue is generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater and lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall curtail water usage and sales.

See Item 1 , “Business” and Item 1A , “Risk Factors” for a discussion of H2O America’s general business, regulatory activities, and information about water supply.

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Overview

H2O America’s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $102,578, compared to $93,967 for the same period in 2024. This represents an increase of $8,611 or 9%, from 2024. The increase in net income was primarily driven by higher revenue associated with rate increases in California and Connecticut partially offset by higher administrative and general expenses, higher water production expenses, lower customer usage, and higher depreciation and amortization expense primarily related to new utility plant additions.

Operating Revenue

Water Utility Services

Other Services

Total operating revenue

The change in consolidated operating revenue was due to the following factors:

Increase/(decrease)

Increase/(decrease)

Water Utility Services:

Consumption changes

Increase in customers

Rate increases for:

Pass-through water costs 1

All other increases 2

Regulatory mechanisms 3

Service and other revenue

Other Services

Total change in operating revenue

(1)    Consists of rate increases specifically associated with changes in the water supply costs that are passed through to customers.

(2)    Primarily associated with general rate cases and related annual escalation adjustments, infrastructure surcharges, and cost of capital adjustments.

(3)    Excludes portion attributable to rate increases, which are shown in the rate increase lines above.

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The revenue increase consists of $54,519 for Water Utility Services which is primarily due to a $44,134 increase in authorized rates in California, Connecticut and Texas, an increase in rates of $23,281 attributable to water supply costs that are passed through to customers, an increase of $1,452 from new customers, and increases in services and other revenue of $859, partially offset by decreases of $7,987 in other regulatory mechanisms, and a decrease of $7,220 due to lower usage.

The revenue decrease of $2,368 from Other Services is primarily attributable to lower real estate activity.

The revenue increase consists of $80,535 for Water Utility Services which is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates in California and Connecticut, which resulted in an additional $36,076 in revenue, an increase in rates of $26,057 attributable to water supply costs that are passed through to customers, an increase of $14,861 due to higher usage, an increase of $2,532 from new customers, and increases in services and other revenue of $7,642, partially offset by decreases of $6,633 in other regulatory mechanisms.

The revenue decrease of $2,459 from Other Services is primarily attributable to lower real estate activity.

Water Utility Services’ Operating Revenue and Customer Counts

The following tables present operating revenues and the number of customers by customer group of Water Utility Services:

Operating Revenue by Customer Group

Residential and business

Industrial

Public authorities

Others

Balancing and memorandum accounts and other regulatory mechanisms

Service and other revenue

Number of Customers

Residential and business

Industrial

Public authorities

Others

Operating Expense

Operating expense is summarized below:

Water Utility Services

Other Services

Unallocated Corporate

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The change in consolidated operating expenses was due to the following factors:

Increase/(decrease)

Increase/(decrease)

Water production expenses:

Change in surface water use

Change in usage

Change in new customers

Purchased water and groundwater extraction charge, energy price change and other production expenses, net

Balancing and memorandum account cost recovery

Total water production expenses

Administrative and general

Maintenance

Property taxes and other non-income taxes

Depreciation and amortization

The following table presents the sources of water supply:

Source of Water Supply

(billion gallons)

Purchased water

Groundwater

Surface water

Reclaimed water

Average water production expense per billion gallons

$6.247 million

$5.956 million

The percentages of water supply by source excluding reclaimed water by state is presented below:

Purchased Water

Groundwater

Surface Water

California

Connecticut

Maine

Texas

Water production in 2025 increased by 0.2 billion gallons from 2024. The changes are primarily attributable to increase in consumption by customers in Connecticut partially offset by decrease in consumption by customers in California.

The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2026, 2025 and 2024 was $7.872 million, $7.194 million, and $6.411 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $7.519 million, $6.840 million, and $6.058 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

CWC has an agreement with RWA to purchase water from RWA. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of 50 years upon becoming effective. In addition, CWC is able, but under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then-current wholesale rates per the agreement, $3.1 million per billion gallons as of December 31, 2025. CWC has an agreement with MDC to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on

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October 6, 2000 and has a term of 50 years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. CWC has agreed to purchase 0.28 billion gallons of water annually from MDC at the published retail rate, $3.91 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2025.

MWC had an agreement with the Kennebec Water District for potable water service. The agreement had previously been in place for 20 years prior to being renewed on November 7, 2020. The renewal contained an initial term of five years and the ability to renew for up to 20 years at Kennebec Water District’s option. In November 2025, the agreement was terminated and MWC transitioned from the previously negotiated rate to a standard tariff rate. MWC guarantees a minimum consumption of 0.05 billion gallons of water annually. Through November 2025, water sales to MWC were billed at a wholesale discount of $0.20 per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was $1.51 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2025.

The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.

Water production expenses

Water production expenses increased $19,139 in 2025 primarily related to increased water pass-through costs including purchased water, groundwater extraction charges and decreased availability of surface water, partially offset by decreased balancing and memorandum account cost recovery and lower customer usage.

SJWC was notified by Valley Water that the unit prices of purchased water and the groundwater extraction charge were increased by 9% and 10%, respectively, effective July 1, 2025. Effective July 1, 2024, Valley Water increased the unit price of purchased water by approximately 12% and the groundwater extraction charge by approximately 13% for SJWC.

Administrative and General Expense

Administrative and general expense increased $20,168 in 2025, or 3% of total operating expenses from 2024, The increase was primarily attributable to funds received from the California Extended Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program in the prior year, higher employee expenses, insurance and consulting work.

Maintenance Expense

Maintenance expenses increased $1,594 in 2025, primarily due to higher contracted work.

Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes

Property taxes and other non-income taxes increased $1,758 in 2025. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in property taxes due to utility plant additions and higher payroll taxes due to increases in wages and headcount.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2,468 in 2025. The increase was primarily due to new utility plant additions.

Other Income and Expense

The change in other (expense) income in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to higher income from the equity portion of the Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (“AFUDC”), and an increase in pension non-service credit, partially offset by an increase in interest expense related to higher debt balances partially offset by lower interest rates. AFUDC income increased due to higher construction work in progress balances from ongoing capital projects, resulting in greater capitalization of financing costs.

H2O America’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 4.38% and 4.12% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 5.34% and 6.44% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2025 was $12,355, compared to $8,970 in 2024. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 11% for 2025 and 9% for 2024. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a lower uncertain tax position reserve release and lower reversals of excess deferred income taxes, and the cumulative catch-up adjustment relating to the accounting method change filed in 2024 that resulted in reduced income tax expense for 2024, partially offset by higher flow through tax benefits.

Please refer to Note 7 , “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to actual income tax expense.

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On July 4, 2025, Public Law No. 119-21, referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), was signed into law. The OBBBA contains several changes to corporate taxation including the extension of key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others phased in through tax year 2027. The legislation may be subject to further clarification and the issuance of interpretive guidance. The Company evaluated the impact of the OBBBA tax legislation for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the impact was not material to the provision for income taxes and deferred tax balances.

Other Comprehensive Income

The change in other comprehensive income in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to the change in the benefit obligation for CWC’s supplemental executive retirement plan primarily as a result of changes in the discount rate.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

H2O America's net income and diluted EPS are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures representing GAAP earnings adjusted to exclude the effects of non-utility real estate transactions and costs associated with mergers and acquisition activities, if any. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided as additional information for investors to evaluate the performance of H2O America's business activities excluding these items. Management also believes these non-GAAP financial measures help investors and analysts better understand our actual results compared to our guidance on a non-GAAP basis. H2O America uses adjusted net income and/or adjusted diluted EPS as the primary performance measurements when communicating with analysts and investors regarding our outlook and results. Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS are also used internally to measure performance. However, these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, even when the same or similarly titled terms are used to identify such measures, limiting their usefulness for comparative purposes. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to the financial information prepared on a GAAP basis rather than an alternative to the respective GAAP financial measures.

The following tables reconcile Net Income, and EPS, all as defined under GAAP, to our non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:

Year ended December 31,

Reported GAAP Net Income

Adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale of real estate investments 1

Expense for merger and acquisition activities 2

Tax effect of above adjustments 3

Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)

Reported GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share

Adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale of real estate investments, net of tax

Expense for merger and acquisition activities, net of tax

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

1 Included in the "Other, net" line on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

2 Included in the "Administrative and general" line on the consolidated statements of income.

3 The tax effect on all adjustments is calculated at the applicable statutory rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Management asserts that the collection rate for its accounts receivables has improved as the ability to use service disconnections have returned to normal. On December 28, 2023, SJWC submitted the application through the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program to relieve outstanding payment delinquencies for customer accounts greater than 60-

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days past due as of December 31, 2022. We received $9,130 in the second quarter of 2024 under the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program.

Funds collected from Water Utility Services’ customers are used to pay for water production expenses, in addition to costs associated with general operations. Funds were also generated from borrowings. In 2025, H2O America and its subsidiaries obtained $185,167 in funds from new long-term debt and $122,808 in funds from equity issuances. From these amounts, H2O America funded its 2025 capital expenditure programs, refinanced certain short and long-term borrowings, and funded working capital. See Note 4 and Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion on the equity and debt financing activities of H2O America. In addition, H2O America paid cash dividends of $58,645 during the year ended December 31, 2025.

In 2025, the common dividends declared and paid on H2O America’s common stock represented 57% of net income. Dividends have been paid on H2O America’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 329 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 58 years. While historically H2O America has generally paid dividends equal to approximately 50% to 60% of its net income, H2O America cannot guarantee that this trend will continue in the future.

The following table provides a summary of our operating, investing and financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:

Net cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents—end of the year

Cash Flow from Operations

In 2025, H2O America generated cash flow from operations of $244,803 compared to $195,526 during 2024. Cash flow from operations are primarily generated by net income from revenue producing activities, adjusted for non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gains on the sale of assets, and other changes in working capital items.

In 2025, the increase in cash flows from operations was primarily attributable to higher net income, changes in working capital balances, changes in regulatory assets and liabilities, proceeds from the PFAS litigation settlement, and the absence of the prior year’s up-front service concession fee payments related to Cupertino.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $520,101 compared to $340,095 in 2024. This increase of $180,006 is primarily a result of (1) an increase in company-funded capital expenditures of $136,578, primarily driven by $73,766 of expenditures at TWC and $62,738 at SJWC, (2) proceeds from the sale of real estate investments decreased by $37,771 driven primarily by the prior‑year sale of H2O America Land Company’s Tennessee real estate assets. and (3) an increase for developer-funded capital expenditures of $5,967.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $284,870 compared to $145,960 in 2024. This increase of $138,910 is primarily a result of (1) decrease in long-term debt repayments of $45,114, (2) an increase in net proceeds from common stock equity offerings of $37,800, (3) an increase in cash receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction of $26,832, (4) an increase in net borrowings on the lines of credit of $20,969, and (5) an increase in proceeds from PFAS litigation settlement $16,949, partially offset by (6) an increase in payments of dividends of $6,513.

H2O America’s cash management policy includes the issuance of long-term debt to pay down borrowings on our lines of credit. As such, during years when long-term borrowings are high, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be low and when long-term borrowings are low, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be high.

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H2O America and its subsidiaries have unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $370,000 as of December 31, 2025. Drawdowns on our lines of credit are restricted by our funded debt not exceeding a percentage of total capitalization as defined in our debt covenants. H2O America expects to periodically draw down on its lines of credit as dictated by our funding needs and subsequently repay such borrowings with cash from operations and issuance of long-term debt or equity. See also “Sources of Capital” below.

Budgeted Capital Expenditures

Water Utility Services has budgeted 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $458,000, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances. Additionally, the 2026 budgeted capital expenditures exclude amounts pertaining to the Company’s previously announced acquisition of Quadvest, L.P. The table below illustrates the Company’s 2026 budgeted capital expenditures:

Budgeted Capital

Expenditures

SJWC

CWC

TWC

MWC

Total capital expenditures

The 2026 capital expenditures budget is concentrated on distribution system investments. Water Utility Services’ capital expenditures are incurred in connection with normal upgrading and expansion of existing facilities and to comply with environmental regulations. Over the next five years, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $2,568,000 in capital expenditures, which includes replacement of pipes and mains, maintaining water systems, and installing approximately $400,000 in PFAS treatment. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future respective state regulatory utility commissions’ approval. Capital expenditures have the effect of increasing utility plant rate base on which Water Utility Services earns a return. Water Utility Services’ actual capital expenditures may vary from projections due to changes in the expected demand for services, weather patterns, actions by governmental agencies and general economic conditions. Total additions to utility plant normally exceed company-financed additions as a result of new facilities construction funded with advances from developers and contributions in aid of construction.

The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization will occur as the components reach the end of their useful lives. In most cases, replacement cost will significantly exceed the original installation cost of the retired assets due to increases in the costs of goods and services and increased regulation.

In addition to these capital expenditures, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $100,000 over the next five years, including $25,000 in 2026, in capitalizable costs associated with cloud-based computing arrangements.

Sources of Capital

H2O America’s ability to finance future construction programs, execute on acquisitions and sustain dividend payments depends on its ability to maintain or increase internally generated funds and attract external financing. The level of future earnings and the related cash flow from operations is dependent, in large part, upon the timing and outcome of regulatory proceedings. H2O America’s regulated operations’ financing activity is designed to achieve capital structures consistent with regulatory guidelines

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in the locations where the companies operate. See current authorized capital structures in Item 1 , “Business” under “Regulation and Rates.”

Short-term Financing Arrangements

H2O America and its subsidiaries have unsecured line of credit agreements where borrowings are used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. A summary of the line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:

Maturity Date

Line Limit

Amounts Outstanding

Unused Portion

Amounts Outstanding

Syndicated credit agreement:

September 12, 2030

H2O America

SJWC

CTWS

CWC

MWC

SJWTX

Total syndicated credit agreement

SJWC credit agreement

June 11, 2026

CTWS credit agreement

August 2, 2028

CTWS credit agreement (1)

May 15, 2025

(1) On July 11, 2025, CTWS repaid the outstanding balance under this credit agreement and concurrently terminated this credit agreement.

Total outstanding borrowings under the unsecured lines of credit as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were $86,834 and $119,124, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2025, was 4.75% compared to 6.08% at December 31, 2024. Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 5.34% and 6.44% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, the unused portion of the lines of credit available for future borrowings was $283,166.

All of H2O America’s and subsidiaries’ lines of credit contain customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments, asset sales, and fundamental changes. All of the lines of credit also include certain customary financial covenants such as a funded debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2025, H2O America and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants on their lines of credit.

For additional information on H2O America’s lines of credit, see Note 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

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Long-term Financing Arrangements

H2O America’s and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt activities are for purposes of refinancing short-term borrowings, funding capital expenditures and working capital, and repayments of maturing long-term debt. The following table summarizes the long-term debt issuances and repayments for the year ended December 31, 2025:

Issuance (Repayment)

Activity Date

Maturity Date

SJWC:

Senior note, Series R, 5.83%

November 2025

November 2055

CTWS:

Bank term loan, 4.09%

December 2027

Bank term loan, 4.15%

August 2037

CWC:

Senior note, Series 2025, 6.08%

October 2025

November 2055

State revolving fund loan, 2.00%

July 2044

MWC:

State revolving fund loans, various series, 0.00%-2.58%

Bank term loan, 6.70%

July 2025

July 2055

TWC:

Bank term loan, 6.68%

September 2025

September 2055

MWC finances a portion of its capital improvement program through loans under state revolving fund programs, including the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund (“SDWSRF”). In 2024, MWC obtained MPUC approval to issue two First Mortgage Bonds through the Maine Municipal Bond Bank. The Series X Bond totaled $3,330, inclusive of $598 of principal forgiveness, resulting in a net loan of $2,732; the issuance was approved on August 22, 2024 and completed on October 1, 2024. The Series Y Bond totaled $3,596, inclusive of $1,258 of principal forgiveness, resulting in a net loan of $2,337; the issuance was approved on August 22, 2024 and completed on November 1, 2024. Each bond constitutes an unsecured obligation of MWC, with the Series X Bond maturing on April 1, 2044 and the Series Y Bond maturing on April 1, 2054, and each bears a fixed interest rate of 1%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing April 1, 2025.

On December 6, 2024, TWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.47%. The note is an unsecured obligation of TWC due on November 20, 2054. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year. In January 2025, TWC amended the existing master loan agreement to modify one of the financial covenants. All of the other terms and conditions remain the same.

On May 23, 2025, MWC submitted an application with MPUC seeking approval to issue unsecured notes in an amount up to $25,000. The MPUC granted approval on June 17, 2025. On July 10, 2025, MWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.70%. The note is an unsecured obligation of MWC due on July 20, 2055. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year.

On September 18, 2025, TWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $40,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.68%. This note is an unsecured obligation of TWC due on September 1, 2055. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year.

On October 28, 2025, CWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company agreed to sell an aggregate principal amount of $60,000 of its 6.08% Senior Notes, Series 2025 (“Series 2025 Notes”). The Series 2025 Notes are unsecured obligations of CWC and are due on November 1, 2055. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1st and November 1st of each year, commencing May 1, 2026.

On November 12, 2025, SJWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $55,000 of its 5.83% Senior Notes, Series R (“Series R Notes”). The Series R Notes are unsecured obligations of SJWC and are due on November 1, 2055. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1st and November 1st of each year, commencing May 1, 2026.

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The debt and credit agreements of H2O America and its subsidiaries contain various financial and other covenants. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in accelerated due dates and termination of the agreements. In addition, the credit agreements contain customary representations and warranties and are subject to customary events of default, which may result in the outstanding debt becoming immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2025, H2O America and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants related to its long-term debt agreements.

For additional information, see Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Equity Financing Arrangements

On October 29, 2024, H2O America entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “New Equity Distribution Agreement”) with BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, pursuant to which the company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, $0.001 par value per share, from time to time in “at-the-market” offerings, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $200,000. Since the inception of the New Equity Distribution Agreement, H2O America has issued and sold 2,763,359 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $52.39 for a total net proceeds of $142,975 and has $55,239 of aggregate gross sales price of shares remaining to issue under the New Equity Distribution Agreement as of December 31, 2025.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, H2O America issued and sold a total of 2,387,846 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $51.90 per share and received $122,806 in net proceeds under the New Equity Distribution Agreement.

Credit Rating

The condition of the capital and credit markets or the strength of financial institutions could impact H2O America’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt, sell its equity or earn interest income. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase H2O America’s cost of capital. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a risk, we believe that based on our 2025 and 2024 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our ongoing capital investment programs in the future. On July 15, 2025, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services revised the outlook for H2O America, CTWS and CWC from stable to negative following the announcement of the Quadvest acquisition.

The following table are the current Standard & Poor’s Rating Service assigned company ratings:

Entity

Rating

Outlook

H2O America

Negative

SJWC

Stable

CTWS

Negative

CWC

Negative

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement/Contractual Obligations

H2O America has no significant contractual obligations not fully recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheet or not fully disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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H2O America’s contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2025 are as follows:

Total

Contractual Obligations Due in

Less than

1 Year

Years

Years

After

5 Years

Senior notes, Water Utility Services

Bank term loans, Water Utility Services

Advances for construction, SJWC (1)

California Pollution Control Financing Authority Revenue Bond, SJWC

Connecticut Innovations Revenue Bonds, CWC

State revolving fund loans, CWC

State revolving fund loans, MWC

Senior notes, H2O America

Bank term loans, CTWS

Seller financing debt, TWC (2)

Total contractual cash obligation

Total interest on contractual obligations

(1)     As of December 31, 2025, advances for construction were $201,413 of which $108,311 was related to non-refundable advances for construction and $34,615 was related to advances which are refundable based on service connections made.

(2)    The timing of payments on the seller financing shown in the table above reflects management’s current estimate. The actual timing of payments will be based upon the actual quantities of groundwater produced from the acquired wells.

With regard to uncertain tax positions, no such amounts are reflected in the table above since we are unable to predict the timing of tax settlements as tax audits can involve complex issues and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. For further discussion on uncertain tax positions, please see Note 7 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Water Supply Agreements

SJWC purchases water from Valley Water under terms of a master contract expiring in 2051. Delivery schedules for purchased water are based on a contract year beginning July 1, and are negotiated every three years under terms of the master contract with Valley Water. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, SJWC purchased from Valley Water 15.9 billion gallons ($120,322), 17.0 billion gallons ($117,698) and 18.3 billion gallons ($111,173), respectively, of contract water. On June 3, 2025, Valley Water Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 23% through June 30, 2026. Based on current prices and estimated deliveries, SJWC is committed to purchase from Valley Water a minimum of 90% of the reduced delivery schedule, or 18.9 billion gallons ($148,795) of water at the current contract water rate of $7.87 million per billion gallons in the year ending December 31, 2026. Additionally, SJWC purchases non-contract water from Valley Water on an “as needed” basis if the water supply is available. The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2026, 2025 and 2024 was $7.872 million, $7.194 million, and $6.411 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $7.519 million, $6.840 million, and $6.058 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

SJWC also pumps water from the local groundwater basin. There are no delivery schedules or contractual obligations associated with the purchase of groundwater. Valley Water determines the groundwater extraction charge and it is applied on a per unit basis. In addition to the Valley Water groundwater extraction charge, SJWC also incurs power costs to pump the groundwater from the basin.

CWC has an agreement with RWA to purchase water. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of 50 years upon becoming effective. CWC has the option, but is under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then current wholesale rates per the agreement ($3.3 million per billion gallons as of December 31, 2025). CWC has an agreement with the MDC to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of 50 years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. CWC has agreed to purchase 0.28 billion gallons of water annually from MDC. The rate charged by the MDC at December 31, 2025 were $3.91 per hundred cubic feet.

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MWC had an agreement with the Kennebec Water District for potable water service. The agreement has been in place for 20 years and was extended on November 7, 2020 for a new term of up to 20 years. In November 2025, the agreement was terminated and MWC transitioned from the previously negotiated rate to a standard tariff rate. MWC guarantees a minimum consumption of 50 million gallons of water annually. Water sales to MWC are billed at a wholesale discount of $0.20 per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was $1.51 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2025.

TWC has long-term contracts with the GBRA. The agreements expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide TWC with 7,602 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided GBRA gives TWC a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment. TWC also has treated water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTCPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, for 350 acre-feet of water per each agreement per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.

Employee Benefit Arrangements

SJWC and CTWS sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2025, SJWC and CTWS contributed $5,675 and $7 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. In 2026, SJWC and CTWS expect to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $7,682 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The amount of required contributions for years thereafter is not actuarially determinable.

SJWC’s other benefit obligations include employees’ postretirement benefits, an Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Special Deferral Election Plan and Deferral Election Program for non-employee directors. Under these benefit plans, SJWC is committed to pay approximately $2,299 annually to former officers and directors. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire.

CWC’s other benefit obligations include employees’ postretirement benefits, supplemental executive retirement agreements and deferred compensation agreements and plan. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the contribution rates of employees into the deferred compensation plan and the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire. Under these benefit plans, CWC is committed to pay approximately $1,382, annually to former officers and directors.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and new accounting pronouncements issued and pending adoption.