tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Pure Cycle (PCYO)
NASDAQ:PCYO
US Market

Pure Cycle (PCYO) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
75 Followers

Top Page

PCYO

Pure Cycle

(NASDAQ:PCYO)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$13.00
▲(14.04% Upside)
PCYO scores well primarily on financial strength (very conservative balance sheet and strong reported profitability), supported by generally constructive technicals and a positive earnings call with reiterated FY2026 guidance. The main constraints on the score are cash-flow predictability/earnings conversion, valuation that is not obviously cheap (P/E ~20.6), and business timing volatility (notably oil & gas water and dependence on longer-dated interchange-driven upside).
Positive Factors
Balance sheet strength
Exceptionally low leverage and a large equity base provide durable financial flexibility for Pure Cycle. This supports continued investment in water infrastructure, land development and share repurchases while reducing bankruptcy risk and enabling the company to fund multi-year projects without reliance on external debt.
Recurring revenue growth
A 22% CAGR in metered water customers strengthens the recurring revenue mix, improving predictability and supporting stable cash flows over time. Durable customer growth in utilities underpins long-term service fees and creates a base for cross-selling rentals and development-related utility services.
Significant unused capacity
Very low utilization versus installed water capacity gives Pure Cycle scalable supply to capture new residential, commercial or industrial demand without heavy incremental capex. This latent capacity is a structural advantage that can accelerate revenue growth as regional demand or large customers materialize.
Negative Factors
Cash flow volatility
Moderate cash conversion and historical volatility in operating and free cash flow reduce confidence in earnings sustainability and the company’s ability to self-fund development. Irregular cash generation can constrain timing of capex, development milestones and limit organic funding for commercial build-outs over multi-year horizons.
Interchange permitting dependency
A material portion of future commercial value and public‑improvement receivables depends on interchange permitting and construction. Delays or municipal setbacks would push out realization of higher‑margin commercial revenues and materially extend the timeline for value capture tied to Phase 3 development.
Industrial water revenue lumpiness
Reliance on oil & gas water deliveries creates quarter-to-quarter revenue swings and forecasting difficulty. Structural cyclicality in fracking activity can amplify volatility in margins and cash flow, complicating capital planning and reducing predictability of utility segment contributions over multi-year timelines.

Pure Cycle (PCYO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Pure Cycle Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPure Cycle Corporation (PCYO) is a water resource management company based in the United States, primarily focused on the development of water supply and wastewater treatment solutions. The company operates in the water utilities sector and specializes in providing high-quality water services to municipalities and residential communities. Its core products and services include water supply, treatment, and distribution, as well as wastewater management, ensuring sustainable and efficient water use in various markets.
How the Company Makes MoneyPure Cycle generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily by charging municipalities and residential developers for water supply and treatment services. The company often enters into long-term contracts with these clients, providing stable and recurring revenue. Additionally, PCYO may earn money through the sale of water rights and by providing consulting services related to water management. Significant partnerships with local governments and developers enhance its market reach and provide opportunities for project-based revenue. The company's earnings are also influenced by regulatory factors and demand for water resources in its operational regions.

Pure Cycle Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 30, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
Next Earnings Date:Apr 15, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed predominantly positive operational and financial progress: a record and profitable Q1 (>$9M revenue, ~$6.2M gross profit), accelerated land development (Phase 2D ahead of schedule), strong recurring water customer growth (22% CAGR), and expansion of single-family rentals. Management reiterated FY2026 guidance ($26M–$30M revenue; $0.43–$0.52 EPS) and highlighted substantial unused water capacity and strategic opportunities (commercial parcels, data center interest). Notable risks include quarter-to-quarter volatility in industrial water (oil & gas) revenues, reliance on interchange permitting/construction to unlock larger commercial value, and some near-term guidance uncertainty for FY2027. Overall, the positive operating execution and visibility on key value drivers materially outweigh the timing and execution risks discussed.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Q1 Revenue and Profitability
Q1 revenue of just over $9.0M and gross profit of about $6.2M; company reported continued streak of profitable quarters and significant increases in net income and EPS. Management stated Q1 represented ~1/3 of the fiscal year forecast and ~37% of full-year guidance, indicating a strong start to FY2026.
Land Development Acceleration (Phase 2D & 2E)
Phase 2D: ~80% of roads complete and 5–6 months ahead of schedule due to favorable weather; 2 new national homebuilders added to the portfolio; Phase 2B ~85% built out; Phase 2E planned at ~159 lots with grading to start in March, supporting continued lot delivery and monetization.
Recurring Water Revenue Growth
Recurring water customer base growing at a 22% CAGR, strengthening recurring revenue profile and demonstrating continued customer growth for metered water/wastewater services.
Single-Family Rental Expansion
Single-family rental segment: 19 homes completed and fully leased; ~40 additional units under contract with phased delivery planned (~4–5 units/month starting in May) to drive recurring rental revenue and asset appreciation.
Substantial Water Capacity and Low Utilization
System capacity cited at ~2,800 acre-feet annual production capacity while only ~150 acre-feet were used in the quarter (company noted using only ~3% of overall water portfolio), indicating significant unused capacity to support future industrial or residential demand.
Strengthening Asset Values and Tap Fee Trends
Tap fees increased roughly 6%–7% annually over prior years to around $42,000 per connection; historical water purchase price cited at ~$9,700/acre-foot vs. recent transactions north of $20,000/acre-foot, indicating material appreciation in water-related assets.
Balance Sheet, Capital Allocation and Shareholder Actions
Management emphasized a strong balance sheet, ongoing reinvestment into all three segments (land, water, rentals) and continuation of a share buyback program while protecting liquidity for development.
Permitting Progress and Interchange Expansion
Expanded/amended interchange access permit with CDOT; management expects permit submittal in spring, bid later in year, construction in 2027 and completion by early 2028—critical to unlock commercial parcels and Phase 3 value (public improvement receivable ~ $50M).
High-Margin Industrial Water Opportunity (Oil & Gas)
Oil & gas water deliveries are high-margin and management expects activity to ramp as fracking begins later in the year; management cited pads with ~10–20 wells and indicated visibility of 20–35 wells on certain pads, which could materially boost industrial water revenue.
Negative Updates
Water Segment Softness and Timing Variability
Water segment was softer in Q1 due to timing of building permits, tap fee recognition and a temporary gap in oil & gas deliveries; company emphasized oil & gas demand is variable and can cause quarter-to-quarter revenue swings.
Oil & Gas Revenue Volatility
Industrial water revenue (oil & gas) is lumpy and dependent on rig and frack schedules; management noted revenues can go from 0 to 100 in days—this creates uncertainty and contributed to a broad guidance range for the year.
Guidance Uncertainty for Near-Term Years
Management declined to provide detailed FY2027 EPS guidance and indicated FY2027 is unlikely to be a breakout year; meaningful upside expected only after interchange completion and commercial development (more pronounced in 2028), contributing to medium-term visibility risk.
Dependence on Interchange Permitting and Construction
Commercial build-out and Phase 3 monetization are dependent on interchange upgrade; timeline includes multi-stage permitting and construction in 2027 with completion early 2028—any delays could stall higher-value commercial revenues.
Cautious Appetite for Water Acquisitions
Management is selective about water acquisitions (focused on strategic, adjacent assets); while water prices have risen, the company signaled limited near-term acquisition activity, which could limit inorganic growth options for water operations.
Monetization Trade-offs for Large Industrial Users
Potential clients like data centers could consume water allocations equivalent to hundreds of homes (management cited an example of ~700 homes), creating trade-offs between higher-volume industrial customers and long-term residential monetization; pricing/contract structure remains to be determined.
Concentration of Value in Future Commercial AV
Material portion of future value depends on commercial assessed value and public improvement reimbursements (~$50M receivable); that value realization is tied to municipal actions, tax incentives and successful commercial leasing/sales, which introduces execution risk.
Company Guidance
Management reiterated FY2026 guidance of $26–$30 million and EPS of $0.43–$0.52 after a record Q1 that produced just over $9.0M of revenue and about $6.2M of gross profit, representing roughly one‑third of the fiscal‑year forecast (YTD net income/EPS ~37% of full‑year guidance). Operationally, Phase 2D roads are ~80% complete (5–6 months ahead), Phase 2B is ~85% built out, Phase 2C is complete and Phase 2E is ~159–160 lots with grading planned for March; single‑family rentals count 19 completed/rented homes, 40 under contract and a planned cadence of ~4–5 units/month starting in May. Water capacity is ~2,800 acre‑feet annually (about 150 AF used, ~3% utilization), tap fees have grown ~6–7% annually to north of ~$42,000, aggregate pretax margin on taps is ~50% (near‑term margins higher due to excess capacity), and the long‑run opportunity cited is ~60,000 taps (~$2.4B revenue potential with ~$1.2B estimated build cost). Management expects oil & gas deliveries and fracking to ramp (citing pad activity of ~20–35 wells), reiterated that FY2027 is unlikely to be a breakout year (implying below ~$0.75/sh), and outlined interchange permitting in early H1 with construction contracting in 2027 and completion around early 2028 to unlock commercial value and ~ $50M of public‑improvement receivables.

Pure Cycle Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong overall financial quality driven by an exceptionally conservative balance sheet (very low leverage) and strong reported profitability. The main offset is weaker and more volatile cash-flow conversion and historical cash-flow inconsistency, which reduces confidence in earnings durability.
Income Statement
78
Positive
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue grew ~13% with very strong profitability (gross margin ~59% and net margin ~57%), and EBIT margin remains healthy. However, growth has been choppy across recent annual periods (including revenue declines in 2023 and 2025 annual data), and some historical margins look unusually elevated, suggesting earnings can be influenced by non-recurring items and may be less predictable than a typical steady regulated profile.
Balance Sheet
92
Very Positive
Balance sheet is a clear strength: leverage is extremely low (TTM debt-to-equity ~0.003) with a large equity base and expanding asset/equity levels over time. Returns on equity are solid in TTM (~11.9%) and have generally improved versus earlier years, though they have varied meaningfully year to year, indicating profitability can swing even with low balance-sheet risk.
Cash Flow
56
Neutral
Cash generation is the main mixed area. In TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), operating cash flow is positive (~$6.5M) and free cash flow is positive (~$3.0M), but free cash flow declined (~-19%) and cash conversion is only moderate (operating cash flow is ~0.57x net income and free cash flow is ~46% of net income). Prior years show material volatility, including periods of negative operating cash flow and negative free cash flow, which raises confidence risk around the durability of cash generation.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue26.09M28.75M14.59M23.00M17.13M
Gross Profit16.03M19.76M8.04M16.37M10.72M
EBITDA20.19M18.17M8.58M14.92M28.36M
Net Income13.11M11.61M4.70M9.62M20.11M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets162.28M147.35M133.22M129.23M117.18M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments21.93M22.11M26.01M34.89M20.12M
Total Debt6.79M7.04M7.28M4.10M121.00K
Total Liabilities19.54M17.65M14.98M16.23M14.44M
Stockholders Equity142.74M129.70M118.23M113.00M102.74M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.69M-461.00K-10.15M11.78M560.00K
Operating Cash Flow13.16M2.21M-2.34M17.45M3.46M
Investing Cash Flow-9.65M-4.73M-9.24M-6.67M-2.90M
Financing Cash Flow-491.00K-612.00K2.85M3.99M87.00K

Pure Cycle Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price11.40
Price Trends
50DMA
11.26
Positive
100DMA
11.10
Positive
200DMA
10.70
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.04
Negative
RSI
58.52
Neutral
STOCH
85.96
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PCYO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 11.4 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 11.18, above the 50-day MA of 11.26, and above the 200-day MA of 10.70, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.04 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 58.52 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 85.96 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for PCYO.

Pure Cycle Risk Analysis

Pure Cycle disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Pure Cycle reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Pure Cycle 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
$280.17M20.459.62%-9.25%12.89%
70
Outperform
$352.70M15.609.25%3.87%5.80%12.33%
69
Neutral
$489.91M24.388.58%2.68%3.63%-5.82%
68
Neutral
$596.79M35.628.10%1.40%-17.62%-54.25%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
58
Neutral
$254.44M54.136.30%3.56%7.06%-38.94%
55
Neutral
$575.12M-14.15-136.36%188.33%4.12%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PCYO
Pure Cycle
11.63
0.03
0.26%
ARTNA
Artesian Resources
34.10
4.40
14.81%
CDZI
Cadiz
6.92
1.48
27.21%
CWCO
Consolidated Water Co
37.46
11.27
43.03%
YORW
The York Water Company
33.94
3.13
10.16%
GWRS
Global Water Resources
8.85
-2.76
-23.74%

Pure Cycle Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Pure Cycle Adds Maran Representative to Board, Forms Committee
Positive
Jan 16, 2026

On January 14, 2026, Pure Cycle entered into a cooperation agreement with major shareholder Maran Capital Management, which holds about 14.7% of its common stock, to expand its board from seven to eight directors and appoint Maran President Daniel J. Roller as an independent director following the 2026 annual meeting. Roller, deemed independent under Nasdaq rules, was appointed that day, named chair of a newly formed Strategy and Capital Allocation Committee and added to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with Maran agreeing to customary standstill and voting commitments through a defined period and gaining the right to recommend a replacement director under certain circumstances. At the January 14, 2026 annual meeting, shareholders elected all incumbent director nominees, ratified the appointment of Forvis Mazars as auditor for fiscal 2026, approved executive compensation on an advisory basis, and backed holding say-on-pay votes annually, reinforcing the existing governance framework as the company brings in an influential shareholder representative to help shape strategy and capital allocation around its water, land development and rental assets.

The most recent analyst rating on (PCYO) stock is a Buy with a $12.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pure Cycle stock, see the PCYO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
Pure Cycle Posts Strong Quarterly Growth Driven by Sky Ranch
Positive
Jan 8, 2026

On January 7, 2026, Pure Cycle reported results for the quarter ended November 30, 2025, posting net income of about $4.6 million, up 16% from a year earlier, on revenue of $9.1 million, a 59% increase, marking its 26th consecutive profitable quarter and earnings of $0.19 per diluted share. Growth was driven largely by land development revenue at Sky Ranch, where the company completed remaining lots in Phase 2C, advanced Phase 2D with new homebuilder partners, and began platting 159 lots in Phase 2E, even as EBITDA declined 12% and water deliveries to oil and gas customers fell due to reduced drilling activity; Pure Cycle also expanded its single-family rental portfolio to 19 homes, continued share repurchases supported by $17.1 million in cash and $14.8 million in working capital, and highlighted coming community enhancements, including a charter high school and a new I-70 interchange, underscoring its strategy to balance growth in recurring utility and rental revenues with ongoing residential and commercial build-out at Sky Ranch.

The most recent analyst rating on (PCYO) stock is a Buy with a $13.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pure Cycle stock, see the PCYO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Pure Cycle Reports Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Nov 13, 2025

On November 12, 2025, Pure Cycle Corporation announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025, reporting a net income of $13.1 million, a 13% increase from the previous year. The company achieved this growth through its strategic partnerships with national homebuilders at Sky Ranch and a significant increase in oil and gas royalty income. Despite a 9% decrease in overall revenue, Pure Cycle’s diversified business model, including land development and water utilities, continues to deliver high-margin recurring revenues, positioning it as a leading land developer in the region.

The most recent analyst rating on (PCYO) stock is a Buy with a $12.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pure Cycle stock, see the PCYO 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: Jan 16, 2026