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Unitil Corp (UTL)
NYSE:UTL
US Market

Unitil (UTL) AI Stock Analysis

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Unitil

(NYSE:UTL)

Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$58.00
▲(10.43%Upside)
Unitil's overall stock score reflects strong future growth potential through strategic acquisitions and reasonable valuation. However, financial performance concerns, including declining profitability and increased operating expenses, weigh on the score. Technical indicators suggest caution due to bearish momentum.

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 energy for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Operating primarily in New England, Unitil's core services include electricity distribution, natural gas distribution, and utility-related services. The company is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy solutions and is actively involved in enhancing infrastructure to support sustainable energy practices.
How the Company Makes MoneyUnitil makes money primarily through the sale and distribution of electricity and natural gas to its customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. The company's revenue model is based on regulated utility operations, where rates are approved by state regulatory commissions, ensuring a stable and predictable income stream. Key revenue streams include residential, commercial, and industrial energy sales. The company also earns through infrastructure investments, which are often incentivized by regulatory frameworks that allow for adjustments in rates. Additionally, Unitil may engage in partnerships for energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects, further contributing to its revenue.

Unitil Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 06, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -11.37%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance with significant growth in adjusted net income and strategic acquisitions, although there were notable increases in operating and interest expenses.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Adjusted Net Income Increase
Unitil announced an adjusted net income of $28.4 million and adjusted earnings per share of $1.74 for Q1 2025, representing an increase of $1.2 million or $0.05 per share compared to Q1 2024.
Acquisition Expansions
Completed the acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas and announced agreements to acquire Maine Natural Gas and three water utilities, supporting long-term rate base and earnings growth.
Gas Adjusted Gross Margin Growth
Gas adjusted gross margin was $70.9 million for Q1 2025, an increase of $9.9 million or approximately 16.2% compared to Q1 2024, driven by higher distribution rates and customer growth.
Electric Customer Growth
Added approximately 970 electric customers compared to Q1 2024, contributing to a 1.5% increase in Electric adjusted gross margin.
Negative Updates
Increased Operating Expenses
Operation and maintenance expenses increased by $4.4 million, reflecting higher utility operating costs, labor costs, and professional fees.
Higher Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $1.8 million, primarily due to higher levels of long-term debt and higher interest on regulatory liabilities.
Rate Case Filing
Filed a distribution rate case with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission with a proposed revenue requirement increase of $18.5 million, which may affect future rates.
Company Guidance
During the first quarter of 2025, Unitil Corporation reported an adjusted net income of $28.4 million and adjusted earnings per share of $1.74, marking an increase of $1.2 million or $0.05 per share from the first quarter of 2024. The company is reaffirming its long-term guidance for earnings growth, dividend growth, and rate base growth. Unitil anticipates that recent acquisitions will support earnings growth towards the upper end of the 5% to 7% range over the next five years. The acquisitions, including Bangor Natural Gas and Maine Natural Gas, are expected to add approximately 15,000 customers and contribute to a customer growth rate of 4% to 5%. Additionally, the acquisition of three water utilities is projected to accelerate rate base growth to about 10% annually through 2029. The company continues to maintain strong credit metrics and liquidity, with a focus on effectively financing both core operations and acquisitions.

Unitil Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Unitil's financial performance shows strong operational cash flows and a stable balance sheet, but challenges in profitability with zero net income and negative EBITDA for 2024. Continued investment is evident, indicating potential for future growth, yet immediate profitability improvements are necessary.
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 Revenue486.90M494.80M557.10M563.20M473.30M418.60M
Gross Profit163.60M196.60M183.00M169.00M161.80M149.80M
EBITDA174.36M174.90M160.70M143.50M134.30M123.30M
Net Income47.40M47.10M45.20M41.40M36.10M32.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.89B1.81B1.67B1.59B1.54B1.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments10.20M6.30M6.50M9.00M6.50M6.00M
Total Debt821.20M755.80M681.60M611.80M570.10M586.30M
Total Liabilities1.36B1.28B1.18B1.12B1.09B1.09B
Stockholders Equity534.10M512.50M489.30M467.60M448.50M389.20M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-30.90M-44.00M-34.00M-24.40M-7.20M-46.90M
Operating Cash Flow151.40M125.90M107.00M97.70M107.80M75.70M
Investing Cash Flow-253.50M-169.90M-141.00M-122.10M-115.00M-122.60M
Financing Cash Flow106.00M43.80M31.50M26.90M7.70M47.70M

Unitil Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price52.52
Price Trends
50DMA
54.49
Negative
100DMA
55.25
Negative
200DMA
55.65
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.54
Negative
RSI
46.31
Neutral
STOCH
62.01
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 52.52 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 52.54, below the 50-day MA of 54.49, and below the 200-day MA of 55.65, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.54 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 46.31 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 62.01 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
73
Outperform
$3.34B11.3518.38%2.64%-2.68%-3.73%
AVAVA
72
Outperform
$3.07B16.237.25%5.14%3.14%-2.66%
69
Neutral
$3.29B25.4910.62%2.02%6.03%6.15%
NWNWE
68
Neutral
$3.22B13.658.27%5.08%4.31%19.33%
67
Neutral
$16.52B17.144.47%3.56%4.76%6.13%
UTUTL
63
Neutral
$853.99M17.919.07%3.45%-5.57%-2.26%
HEHE
50
Neutral
$1.89B-67.93%-7.58%-819.97%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UTL
Unitil
52.52
2.66
5.33%
AVA
Avista
38.36
6.42
20.10%
HE
Hawaiian Electric
10.98
3.24
41.86%
MGEE
MGE Energy
90.05
15.78
21.25%
NWE
Northwestern
52.47
6.05
13.03%
OTTR
Otter Tail
79.69
-4.13
-4.93%

Unitil Corporate Events

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.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Unitil Announces Acquisition of Aquarion Water Companies
Positive
May 12, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Unitil Corporation announced a definitive agreement to acquire Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts, Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, and Abenaki Water Co. from the Aquarion Water Authority for $100 million, including assumed debt. This acquisition, expected to close in late 2025, will expand Unitil’s operations into water utilities, serving around 23,000 customers across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The transaction is anticipated to be earnings accretive, supporting Unitil’s long-term growth strategy. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The most recent analyst rating on (UTL) stock is a Hold with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Unitil stock, see the UTL Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Unitil’s Annual Shareholders Meeting Highlights Growth
Positive
Apr 30, 2025

On April 30, 2025, Unitil Corporation will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Hampton, New Hampshire, where the CEO will present to shareholders. The company has demonstrated strong financial and operational performance, with record net income and top-ranked customer satisfaction. Unitil’s strategic focus on infrastructure investments and regulatory support positions it for sustainable growth and a compelling investor value proposition.

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: May 13, 2025