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Unitil Corp (UTL)
NYSE:UTL
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Unitil (UTL) AI Stock Analysis

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UTL

Unitil

(NYSE:UTL)

Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$52.00
▲(5.86% Upside)
Unitil's overall score is driven by strong earnings call performance and strategic acquisitions, which are offset by technical weaknesses and financial performance concerns. The valuation is reasonable, providing some support to the stock.

Unitil (UTL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Unitil Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnitil Corporation (UTL) is a public utility holding company that provides electricity and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers primarily in New England. The company operates through its subsidiaries, offering regulated utility services in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Unitil focuses on delivering reliable energy solutions while also investing in infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency programs to meet the evolving needs of its customers and promote sustainable practices.
How the Company Makes MoneyUnitil generates revenue primarily through the sale of electricity and natural gas. Its revenue model is based on a regulated utility model, where the company earns income by charging customers for energy consumption and is compensated for the delivery of this energy through established rates approved by state regulatory agencies. Key revenue streams include residential and commercial utility rates, as well as additional revenue from energy efficiency programs and services. Unitil may also benefit from investments in infrastructure improvements, which can lead to increased operational efficiency and further revenue opportunities. Strategic partnerships with local governments and energy organizations may also enhance its service offerings and contribute to its earnings.

Unitil Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 04, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -4.92%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 04, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong financial performance with significant growth in adjusted net income and earnings per share. The company is making progress in regulatory reviews and acquisitions, which are expected to drive future growth. There is also legislative support for natural gas, which is favorable for Unitil's operations. However, there are concerns with increased operating and maintenance expenses, higher depreciation, and an expected slight net loss in Q3 2025. Overall, the positive aspects slightly outweigh the negative ones.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Adjusted Net Income and Earnings Growth
Unitil announced adjusted net income of $4.7 million and adjusted earnings of $0.29 per share for Q2 2025, representing an increase of $0.4 million or $0.02 per share compared to Q2 2024. For the first 6 months of 2025, adjusted net income was $33.1 million or $2.03 per share, an increase of $1.6 million or $0.07 per share compared to the same period in 2024.
Progress in Regulatory Reviews and Acquisitions
The regulatory review of the Maine natural gas and Aquarion acquisitions is progressing on schedule, with no objections from the Office of the Public Advocate. The acquisitions are expected to close by the end of 2025 and are anticipated to accelerate rate base growth to approximately 10% annually through 2029.
Policy and Legislative Support for Natural Gas
Maine passed fuel choice legislation, preserving the rights of consumers to choose natural gas, which is seen as a reliable and affordable option. New Hampshire passed similar legislation in 2021, covering about 85% of Unitil's natural gas customers.
Completion of Utility Scale Solar Project
Unitil completed its first utility scale solar project in Kingston, New Hampshire, representing a significant investment that will benefit customers and communities for years to come.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Rollout
The replacement of Unitil's AMI system is progressing as planned, with 60% of meters replaced in Massachusetts. The project will continue into 2026 with a $40 million capital investment.
Negative Updates
Increased Operating and Maintenance Expenses
Operation and maintenance expenses increased by $7.1 million compared to the same period in 2024, due to higher utility operating costs, labor costs, and professional fees.
Higher Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $7.4 million due to higher depreciation rates and additional utility plant in service.
Expected Slight Net Loss in Q3 2025
Unitil expects a slight net loss in the third quarter of 2025, although full-year earnings are still expected to be in line with guidance.
Company Guidance
During the Q2 2025 earnings conference call, Unitil Corporation reported adjusted net income of $4.7 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.29, marking an increase of $0.4 million or $0.02 per share compared to Q2 2024. For the first half of 2025, adjusted net income was $33.1 million or $2.03 per share, representing a $1.6 million or $0.07 per share increase from the previous year. The company affirmed its long-term guidance for earnings growth, dividend growth, and rate base growth, with expectations of approximately 10% annual rate base growth through 2029, driven by ongoing acquisitions. Unitil also discussed strategic updates, including the regulatory review of Maine Natural Gas and Aquarion acquisitions, which are on track to close by the end of 2025. Additionally, the company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet and credit profile, with a current 5-year capital budget of approximately $1 billion. Despite a projected slight net loss in Q3, Unitil reaffirmed its full-year 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.01 to $3.17 per share.

Unitil Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Unitil shows strong operational cash flows and a stable balance sheet, but recent income statement challenges, including zero net income and negative EBITDA, indicate potential risks. Continued investment is evident, but profitability needs improvement.
Income Statement
60
Neutral
The income statement shows a declining revenue trend, with a notable dip in 2023. Gross profit margin was approximately 32.83% in 2023, indicating strong cost control. However, net income dropped to zero in 2024, raising concerns about profitability. Previously, EBIT and EBITDA margins were around 15.63% and 28.85% in 2023 respectively, showing efficient operations, but the recent zero EBIT and negative EBITDA indicate financial struggles.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39 in 2023, suggesting some financial leverage but manageable levels. The equity ratio was 29.29%, indicating a stable asset base. However, the absence of data for 2024 limits a comprehensive assessment of recent financial health.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a positive operating cash flow trend, with $125.9M in 2024. However, free cash flow remains negative due to high capital expenditures, suggesting heavy investment or expansion. The operating cash flow to net income ratio was robust in prior years, but net income concerns in 2024 need attention.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue493.80M494.80M557.10M563.20M473.30M418.60M
Gross Profit206.60M196.60M183.00M169.00M161.80M149.80M
EBITDA182.16M174.90M160.70M143.50M134.30M123.30M
Net Income47.10M47.10M45.20M41.40M36.10M32.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.89B1.79B1.67B1.59B1.54B1.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments8.50M6.30M6.50M9.00M6.50M6.00M
Total Debt818.20M755.80M681.60M611.80M570.10M586.30M
Total Liabilities1.36B1.28B1.18B1.12B1.09B1.09B
Stockholders Equity532.80M512.50M489.30M467.60M448.50M389.20M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-42.10M-44.00M-34.00M-24.40M-7.20M-46.90M
Operating Cash Flow143.70M125.90M107.00M97.70M107.80M75.70M
Investing Cash Flow-257.20M-169.90M-141.00M-122.10M-115.00M-122.60M
Financing Cash Flow119.20M43.80M31.50M26.90M7.70M47.70M

Unitil Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price49.12
Price Trends
50DMA
51.26
Negative
100DMA
53.49
Negative
200DMA
54.13
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.60
Positive
RSI
41.70
Neutral
STOCH
29.60
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For UTL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 49.12 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 50.46, below the 50-day MA of 51.26, and below the 200-day MA of 54.13, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.60 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 41.70 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 29.60 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for UTL.

Unitil Risk Analysis

Unitil disclosed 17 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Unitil reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 2 New Risks
1.
The Company has made and may make acquisitions and may pursue other strategic transactions, which could impact the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Q4, 2024
2.
Potential tariffs could adversely affect the Company's business and financial results. Q4, 2024

Unitil Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$3.44B12.0817.13%2.38%-3.69%-8.25%
74
Outperform
$3.42B15.157.93%4.68%3.78%7.48%
72
Outperform
$3.04B16.826.91%5.15%2.41%-9.85%
69
Neutral
$3.11B23.6310.75%2.13%8.47%12.76%
67
Neutral
$17.91B18.758.12%3.40%7.32%12.41%
62
Neutral
$800.27M16.869.04%3.61%-2.78%-3.07%
50
Neutral
$1.96B-1.53%-11.75%96.86%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UTL
Unitil
49.12
-7.66
-13.49%
AVA
Avista
37.51
1.14
3.13%
HE
Hawaiian Electric
11.37
-2.00
-14.96%
MGEE
MGE Energy
84.61
-0.92
-1.08%
NWE
Northwestern
56.04
5.38
10.62%
OTTR
Otter Tail
82.10
-5.06
-5.81%

Unitil Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Unitil’s Subsidiary Secures $32M Note Purchase Agreement
Neutral
Jul 14, 2025

On July 8, 2025, Bangor Natural Gas Company, a subsidiary of Unitil Corporation, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with CoBank, ACB, and United of Omaha Life Insurance Company. This agreement involved issuing $32 million in Senior Unsecured Notes, with the proceeds intended to refinance existing debt and support general corporate purposes. The offering was made to institutional investors under an exemption from registration requirements, and the notes are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. This move is part of Bangor’s strategy to manage its financial obligations and support its corporate objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (UTL) stock is a Hold with a $59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Unitil stock, see the UTL Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Unitil Enters $50 Million Stock Distribution Agreement
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

On June 3, 2025, Unitil Corporation entered into a Distribution Agreement with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. to sell up to $50 million of its common stock through various methods, including at-the-market offerings. This agreement allows Unitil to strategically manage its capital needs and funding sources, potentially impacting its financial operations and market positioning. The company may also engage in forward stock purchase transactions, although it is not obligated to make any sales under this agreement. The arrangement provides flexibility in managing its stock sales and funding, which could influence its stakeholder engagements and future growth strategies.

The most recent analyst rating on (UTL) stock is a Hold with a $59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Unitil stock, see the UTL 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: Aug 07, 2025