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H2O America (HTO)
NASDAQ:HTO

H2O America (HTO) AI Stock Analysis

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HTO

H2O America

(NASDAQ:HTO)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$55.00
â–²(6.16% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong profitability and a low-leverage balance sheet, partially offset by a significant free cash flow decline. Guidance and EPS growth commentary are constructive, while technicals show modestly positive momentum. Valuation is supportive with a moderate P/E and a solid dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Strong Profitability
High margins indicate efficient operations and a strong competitive position, supporting long-term financial stability and growth potential.
Infrastructure Investment
Significant infrastructure investments enhance service capacity and reliability, positioning the company for future growth and market expansion.
Leadership Transition
Leadership continuity with Andrew F. Walters as chair ensures strategic stability and continued focus on long-term goals and customer service.
Negative Factors
Free Cash Flow Decline
Significant decline in free cash flow limits financial flexibility and may hinder the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Regulatory Uncertainties
Regulatory uncertainties can delay strategic acquisitions, impacting growth plans and potentially affecting the company's market position.
Increased Operating Expenses
Rising operating expenses, driven by inflationary pressures, can erode profitability margins and affect long-term financial performance.

H2O America (HTO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

H2O America Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionH2O America, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company engages in the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water and wastewater services; and supplies groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from Santa Clara Valley Water District. It also offers non-tariffed services, including water system operations, maintenance agreements, and antenna site leases; contracted services, sewer operations, and other water related services; and a Linebacker protection plan for public drinking water customers in Connecticut and Maine. In addition, the company provides water services to approximately 232,000 connections that serve approximately one million people residing in portions of the cities of San Jose and Cupertino and in the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and the Town of Los Gatos, and adjacent unincorporated territories in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California; water service to approximately 142,000 service connections, which serve a population of approximately 463,000 people in 81 municipalities with a service area of approximately 275 square miles in Connecticut and Maine and approximately 3,000 wastewater connections in Southbury, Connecticut; approximately 29,000 service connections that serve approximately 88,000 people in a service area comprising more than 271 square miles in the region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas and approximately 1,000 wastewater connections. Further, it owns undeveloped land in California; and commercial properties and parcels of land in Connecticut. The company was formerly known as SJW Group and changed its name to H2O America in May 2025. H2O America was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyH2O America generates revenue through multiple key streams, including the sale of water filtration and purification products directly to consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company also earns income from service contracts for the maintenance and installation of its systems, as well as ongoing support services. Significant partnerships with retailers and distributors enhance H2O America's market reach, allowing for broader distribution of its products. Additionally, H2O America may engage in research and development collaborations with environmental agencies and technology firms, which can lead to grants, funding, and shared revenue from jointly developed solutions.

H2O America Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 28, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 26, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial results and successful rate case approvals, indicating robust performance and strategic growth. However, challenges in Texas due to drought and increased operating expenses present notable concerns.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
SJW Group reported a 41% increase in net income from the first quarter of 2024 and a 12% increase in revenue to $167.6 million, driven by rate increases in California and Connecticut.
Successful Rate Cases and Approvals
San Jose Water's 2025 to 2027 general rate case was effective January 1. Connecticut Water's infrastructure and conservation adjustment and water revenue adjustment filings were approved. Texas Water's second system improvement charge application is pending.
Capital Investments and Growth Strategy
In Q1, $78 million was invested in water and wastewater utility infrastructure across four states. The 2025 capital plan is a 34% increase over 2024, with a focus on a $2 billion five-year capital plan.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Implementation
The ongoing AMI project is a $100 million initiative aimed at reducing operating costs and improving billing accuracy.
S&P Credit Outlook Improvement
S&P raised the credit outlook for SJW Group to stable, highlighting the company's focus on maintaining its A category credit rating.
Negative Updates
Texas Drought Challenges
Significant and persistent drought in Texas affects water supply resilience. A multi-phase project is required to address these challenges, indicating ongoing operational and financial pressures.
Higher Operating and Water Production Expenses
Water production expenses increased by 14%, driven by increased wholesaler costs and higher production volumes. Operating expenses rose by 4% due to customer credit losses, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Company Guidance
During SJW Group's first quarter 2025 financial results call, the company provided guidance that highlighted several key metrics. SJW Group reported a 41% increase in net income on a GAAP basis compared to the first quarter of 2024. Earnings per diluted share were $0.49, with adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share at $0.50. The company also affirmed its 2025 guidance range for adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.90 to $3.00 and maintained its long-term earnings growth rate target of 5% to 7% through 2029, expecting to be in the top half of the range. Additionally, SJW Group reported a 12% increase in revenue to $167.6 million, largely driven by rate increases in California and Connecticut. The company invested $78 million in water and wastewater utility infrastructure across four states in the first quarter and is on track to meet its 2025 capital plan, which represents a 34% increase over the 2024 actual spend. The company emphasized its focus on maintaining affordability while pursuing a robust $2 billion five-year capital plan to ensure reliable service and high-quality water.

H2O America Financial Statement Overview

Summary
H2O America demonstrates strong profitability and revenue growth, supported by efficient operations. However, the company faces challenges with negative free cash flow and moderate leverage. Continued focus on improving cash flow and managing debt levels will be crucial for sustaining financial health.
Income Statement
H2O America shows consistent revenue growth with a TTM increase of 2.88%. The company maintains strong profitability with a gross profit margin of 56.73% and a net profit margin of 13.03%. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 23.56% and 38.37% respectively, indicating efficient operations. However, the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years, which could be a concern if the trend continues.
Balance Sheet
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 1.28, reflecting a moderate level of leverage, which has improved from previous years. Return on equity is stable at 7.39%, but there is room for improvement. The equity ratio stands at 30.24%, suggesting a balanced capital structure, though slightly lower than ideal for the industry.
Cash Flow
Operating cash flow is positive, but the free cash flow remains negative, with a TTM free cash flow to net income ratio of -1.15. While there is a positive growth in free cash flow, the negative figures indicate potential liquidity challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.63 suggests adequate cash generation relative to net income, but improvements are needed in free cash flow management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue804.22M748.44M670.36M620.70M573.69M564.53M
Gross Profit460.81M425.12M388.43M357.17M318.57M316.58M
EBITDA314.19M289.38M265.23M246.82M219.66M215.77M
Net Income109.28M93.97M84.99M73.83M60.48M61.52M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.58B4.66B4.35B3.76B3.49B3.31B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments11.31M11.11M9.72M12.34M10.91M5.27M
Total Debt1.90B1.83B1.75B1.66B1.60B1.54B
Total Liabilities2.06B3.29B3.11B2.64B2.46B2.39B
Stockholders Equity1.52B1.37B1.23B1.11B1.03B917.16M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow115.42M-185.11M-99.89M-78.04M-123.77M-110.92M
Operating Cash Flow222.74M195.53M190.83M166.20M130.04M104.05M
Investing Cash Flow-476.96M-340.10M-322.27M-244.33M-260.00M-214.26M
Financing Cash Flow261.56M145.96M128.82M78.35M132.81M101.53M

H2O America Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price51.81
Price Trends
50DMA
47.88
Positive
100DMA
48.30
Positive
200DMA
49.76
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.88
Negative
RSI
70.66
Negative
STOCH
83.99
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HTO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 51.81 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 49.75, above the 50-day MA of 47.88, and above the 200-day MA of 49.76, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.88 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 70.66 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 83.99 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HTO.

H2O America Risk Analysis

H2O America disclosed 43 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. H2O America reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

H2O America Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$1.85B16.407.65%3.40%11.39%13.86%
70
Outperform
$2.83B21.6913.73%2.64%10.28%13.56%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
65
Neutral
$2.60B19.068.19%2.88%-2.60%-33.78%
62
Neutral
$1.35B57.602.48%2.62%-4.60%-67.28%
59
Neutral
$948.07M21.709.27%2.67%6.24%3.35%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HTO
H2O America
51.81
7.14
15.98%
AWR
American States Water
74.32
3.92
5.57%
CWT
California Water Service
44.58
2.84
6.80%
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
52.80
4.04
8.29%
WTTR
Select Energy Services
11.28
-2.49
-18.08%

H2O America Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
H2O America Advances Major Quadvest Texas Utility Acquisition
Positive
Dec 29, 2025

On December 29, 2025, H2O America announced that its Texas subsidiary, The Texas Water Company, received appraised fair market values from three Public Utility Commission of Texas-appointed appraisers for the assets of Quadvest LP, a regulated investor-owned water and wastewater utility serving the Houston metropolitan area. Under Texas’ fair market value statute, the agreed purchase price of $483.6 million will serve as the ratemaking rate base, and TWC plans to file a Sale-Transfer-Merger application with the state regulator by mid-January to seek approval of the acquisition and certification of the rate base, marking a key step toward expanding H2O America’s footprint in the Texas water and wastewater market and potentially enhancing its regulatory and earnings profile as it targets a mid-2026 close.

The most recent analyst rating on (HTO) stock is a Hold with a $51.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on H2O America stock, see the HTO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
H2O America Announces Board Chair Retirement
Neutral
Dec 15, 2025

On December 9, 2025, H2O America announced that Eric W. Thornburg, the non-executive Chair of the Board of Directors, will retire effective January 31, 2026. His departure is amicable, with no disagreements regarding company operations. The Board thanked Mr. Thornburg for his service, including his previous role as President and CEO. Andrew F. Walters, the current CEO, will assume the role of Chair of the Board following Mr. Thornburg’s retirement.

The most recent analyst rating on (HTO) stock is a Hold with a $51.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on H2O America stock, see the HTO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 31, 2025