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SJW Corp (SJW)
NASDAQ:SJW

SJW (SJW) AI Stock Analysis

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SJ

SJW

(NASDAQ:SJW)

Rating:80Outperform
Price Target:―
SJW's overall stock score reflects strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, supported by stable technical indicators. The consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and strategic investments contribute significantly to this score. Despite some challenges, such as rising costs and geographical issues like the Texas drought, SJW is well-positioned within its industry. Valuation and technical analysis suggest reasonable pricing, with potential for growth, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stability in the regulated utilities sector.
Positive Factors
Earnings Growth
1Q25 adjusted EPS of $0.50 increased 39% YoY driven by the timing of rate relief primarily from the California general rate case.
Financial Performance
SJW maintained its $2.90-$3.00 2025 EPS forecast and reaffirmed its target 5%-7% non-linear EPS CAGR guidance.
Negative Factors
Financing Risks
There are financing risks, including a forecasted need for $425 million in equity over the 2025-2029 period, which is about 25% of the current market cap.
M&A Risks
There is risk to SJW if the Aquarion deal is not approved, as SJW is seen as the natural best alternative.

SJW (SJW) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

SJW Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSJW Group, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility services in the United States. It engages in the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water and wastewater services. The company also provides non-tariffed services, including water system operations, maintenance agreements, and antenna site leases; contracted services and sewer operations to water utilities; and a Linebacker protection plan for public drinking water customers in Connecticut and Maine. Its water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The company offers water service to approximately 231,000 connections that serve approximately one million people residing in portions of the cities of San Jose and Cupertino, as well as 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. In addition, it provides water service to approximately 140,000 connections, which serve approximately 456,000 people in 81 municipalities with a service area comprising approximately 269 square miles throughout Connecticut and Maine, as well as approximately 24,000 connections that serve approximately 70,000 people in a service area comprising approximately 266 square miles in the region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas; and approximately 3,000 wastewater connections in Southbury, Connecticut. Further, the company owns undeveloped land in California and Tennessee; and owns and operates commercial buildings and warehouse properties in Tennessee. The company was formerly known as SJW Corp. and changed its name to SJW Group in November 2016. SJW Group was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.
How the Company Makes MoneySJW generates revenue by charging customers for water and wastewater services based on consumption and service fees. These charges are regulated and approved by public utility commissions, ensuring they are fair and sufficient to cover operational costs and provide a reasonable return on investment. The company's earnings are also supported by infrastructure investments and maintenance, which are factored into the rate base and approved rates. Additionally, SJW may engage in strategic partnerships or acquisitions to expand its service areas and customer base, which can further contribute to its revenue streams.

SJW Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 28, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 2.77%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong financial performance with significant increases in net income, revenue, and earnings per share. Successful rate case approvals and substantial capital investments were key highlights. However, the persistent drought in Texas and increased water production expenses posed challenges. Overall, the positive aspects significantly outweighed the lowlights.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Significant Increase in Net Income
SJW Group reported a nearly 41% increase in net income from the first quarter of 2024 on a GAAP basis, reflecting strong financial performance and execution of growth strategies.
Revenue Growth
The company reported revenue of $167.6 million, marking a 12% increase over the $149.4 million reported in 2024, primarily due to rate increases in California and Connecticut.
Successful Rate Case Approvals
San Jose Water's 2025 to 2027 general rate case was delivered on time and effective January 1, with Connecticut Waters' filings also approved.
Strong Earnings per Share
Earnings per diluted share stood at $0.49, with adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share at $0.50, affirming the company's strong financial position.
Capital Investment and Growth Strategy
In Q1, $78 million was invested in water and wastewater utility infrastructure across four states, and the company is on track to meet its 2025 capital plan.
Negative Updates
Texas Drought Impact
Texas service area experienced significant and persistent drought, affecting water systems and necessitating a multiphase, multiyear project to enhance system reliability.
Increased Water Production Expenses
Water production expenses increased by 14% in the quarter, primarily driven by higher costs from water wholesalers and increased production volumes.
Company Guidance
During the SJW Group First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Call, several key metrics and guidance were highlighted. SJW Group reported a 41% increase in net income compared to the first quarter of 2024, with a GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.49 and an adjusted non-GAAP EPS of $0.50. Revenue for the quarter was $167.6 million, marking a 12% increase from $149.4 million in the same period the previous year. The company affirmed its 2025 guidance range for adjusted diluted EPS of $2.90 to $3, alongside a 5% to 7% earnings growth rate through 2029, expecting to be in the top half of this range. They also maintained their $473 million capital plan for 2025 and planned equity issuances of $120 million to $140 million. Additionally, SJW Group highlighted ongoing projects such as the $100 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure project and a $2 billion five-year capital plan.

SJW Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income Statement
Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
766.66M748.44M670.36M620.70M573.69M564.53M
Gross Profit
435.35M425.12M388.43M357.17M318.57M316.58M
EBIT
178.49M170.50M149.44M130.98M111.16M117.67M
EBITDA
296.86M289.38M265.23M246.82M219.66M215.77M
Net Income Common Stockholders
98.82M93.97M84.99M73.83M60.48M61.52M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
23.70M11.11M9.72M12.34M10.91M5.27M
Total Assets
4.73B4.66B4.35B3.76B3.49B3.31B
Total Debt
1.86B1.83B1.75B1.66B1.60B1.54B
Net Debt
1.84B1.82B1.74B1.64B1.58B1.53B
Total Liabilities
3.33B3.29B3.11B2.64B2.46B2.39B
Stockholders Equity
1.40B1.37B1.23B1.11B1.03B917.16M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-203.65M-185.11M-99.89M-78.04M-123.77M-110.92M
Operating Cash Flow
187.49M195.53M190.83M166.20M130.04M104.05M
Investing Cash Flow
-350.58M-340.10M-322.27M-244.33M-260.00M-214.26M
Financing Cash Flow
182.24M145.96M128.82M78.35M132.81M101.53M

SJW Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price54.56
Price Trends
50DMA
53.32
Negative
100DMA
51.37
Negative
200DMA
53.76
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.24
Positive
RSI
35.05
Neutral
STOCH
2.75
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SJW, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 54.56 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 54.03, above the 50-day MA of 53.32, and above the 200-day MA of 53.76, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.24 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.05 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 2.75 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SJW.

SJW Risk Analysis

SJW disclosed 36 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SJW 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

SJW Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
SJSJW
80
Outperform
$1.88B18.407.49%2.94%12.34%11.78%
75
Outperform
$346.94M16.169.04%3.66%8.31%21.97%
72
Outperform
$1.01B23.599.80%2.40%16.02%18.29%
AWAWR
69
Neutral
$3.01B24.1013.95%2.38%6.79%5.96%
64
Neutral
$8.59B10.394.24%4.64%4.07%-13.04%
CWCWT
63
Neutral
$2.76B20.348.67%2.59%3.83%-8.75%
58
Neutral
$464.84M23.618.63%2.72%3.45%-19.90%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SJW
SJW
50.10
-0.53
-1.05%
AWR
American States Water
78.14
9.47
13.79%
ARTNA
Artesian Resources
33.61
0.68
2.06%
CWT
California Water Service
46.33
0.15
0.32%
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
56.58
6.91
13.91%
YORW
The York Water Company
32.28
-2.92
-8.30%

SJW Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
SJW Group Appoints Ann P. Kelly as CFO
Neutral
Apr 1, 2025

On March 31, 2025, SJW Group announced the appointment of Ann P. Kelly as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective July 1, 2025, succeeding Andrew F. Walters, who will become the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Kelly’s compensation package includes an annual base salary of $480,000, a target annual incentive of 55% of her salary, and a long-term incentive opportunity of $350,000, alongside a relocation reimbursement of up to $75,000.

Executive/Board Changes
SJW Group Announces New CEO and Leadership Changes
Neutral
Mar 3, 2025

On February 26, 2025, SJW Group announced significant leadership changes effective July 1, 2025, as Andrew F. Walters will become the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Eric W. Thornburg, who will retire but continue as non-executive Chair of the Board. The Executive Compensation Committee outlined Walters’ compensation, including a base salary of $685,000 and various incentive opportunities. Additionally, Bruce Hauk will take on the role of President alongside his current position as Chief Operating Officer, and Kristen Johnson will become President of the Shared Services organization, with both receiving adjusted compensation packages.

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.