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Item 1A.Risk Factors

Investors should carefully consider the following risk factors and warnings before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing SJW Group and its subsidiaries. Additional risks that SJW Group and its subsidiaries does not yet know of or that it currently thinks are immaterial may also impair its business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, SJW Group and its subsidiaries’ business, operating results or financial condition could be materially affected. In such case, the trading price of SJW Group’s common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Investors should also refer to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

Risks Relating To Regulatory and Legal Matters

Our business is regulated and may be adversely affected by changes to the regulatory environment.

Our Water Utility Services are regulated public utilities. The operating revenue of SJWC, Connecticut Water, SJWTX and Maine Water is generated primarily from the sale of water at rates authorized by the CPUC, PURA, PUCT and MPUC (the “Regulators”). The Regulators set rates that are intended to provide revenues sufficient to recover normal operating expenses, provide funds for replacement of water infrastructure and produce a fair and reasonable return on stockholder common equity. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, “Regulation and Rates” for a discussion of the most recent regulatory proceedings affecting the rates of our regulated operations. Consequently, our revenue and operating results depend substantially upon the rates the Regulators authorize.

In our applications for rate approvals, we rely upon estimates and forecasts to propose rates for approval by the Regulators. No assurance can be given that our estimates and forecasts will be accurate or that the Regulators will agree with our estimates and forecasts and approve our proposed rates. To the extent our authorized rates may be too low, revenues may be insufficient to cover Water Utility Services’ operating expenses, capital requirements and SJW Group’s historical dividend rate. In addition, delays in approving rate increases may negatively affect our operating results and operating cash flows.

In addition, policies and regulations promulgated by the Regulators govern the recovery of capital expenditures, the treatment of gains from the sale of real utility property, the offset of production and operating costs, the recovery of the cost of debt, the optimal equity structure, and the financial and operational flexibility to engage in non-tariffed operations. If the regulators implement policies and regulations that will not allow SJWC, Connecticut Water, SJWTX and Maine Water to accomplish some or all of the items listed above, Water Utility Services’ future operating results may be adversely affected. Further, from time to time, the commissioners at the Regulators may change. Such changes could lead to changes in policies and regulations and there can be no assurance that the resulting changes in policies and regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

If the CPUC disagrees with our calculation of SJWC’s memorandum and balancing accounts, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations. Under a 2007 Connecticut law, PURA authorizes regulated water companies to use a rate adjustment mechanism, known as WICA, for eligible projects completed and in service for the benefit of the customers. Maine legislature enacted a law that allows Maine Water expedited recovery of investments in water systems infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution, through WISC, similar to WICA in Connecticut. There is no guarantee that these regulatory authorities will approve our applications to recover all or a portion of our capital expenditure or infrastructure investment through such rate adjustment mechanisms, and their failure to do so will adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

Recovery of regulatory assets is subject to adjustment by regulatory agencies and could impact the operating results of Water Utility Services.

Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by FASB ASC Topic 980—“Regulated Operations.” In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services record deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recovered or refunded in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits were incurred. Please refer to Note 3 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a summary of net regulatory assets. If the assessment of the probability of recovery in the ratemaking process is incorrect and the applicable ratemaking body determines that a deferred cost is not recoverable through future rate increases, the regulatory assets would need to be adjusted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Streamflow regulations in Connecticut could potentially impact our ability to serve our customers.

In December 2011, regulations concerning the flow of water in Connecticut’s rivers and streams were adopted. As promulgated, the regulations require that certain downstream releases be made from seven of Connecticut Water’s eighteen active reservoirs no later than ten years following the adoption of stream classifications by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). Currently, downstream releases are made at two locations. The next streamflow releases will be initiated by October 2024 and will affect two additional reservoirs. No groundwater supply wells are affected by the regulations.

DEEP has finalized stream classifications in all areas of Connecticut where Connecticut Water maintains and operates sources of supply. The Company remains engaged in the process in order to minimize impact to our available water supply. Although modified from prior versions, the regulations still have the potential to lower our safe yield, raise our capital and operating expenses and adversely affect our revenues and earnings. Although costs associated with the regulations may be recovered in the form of higher rates and Connecticut law allows for a WICA surcharge to recover capital improvement costs necessary to achieve compliance with the regulations, there can be no assurance PURA would approve rate increases to enable us to recover all such costs and surcharges.

Water Utility Services is subject to litigation risks concerning water quality and contamination.

Although Water Utility Services is not a party to any environmental and product-related lawsuits, there is no guarantee that such lawsuits will not occur in the future. Any environmental or product-related lawsuit may require us to incur significant legal costs and we may not be able to recover the legal costs from ratepayers or other third parties. Although Water Utility Services has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage, pollution liability is excluded from this coverage and our excess liability coverage. Pollution liability coverage is in place for the majority of the SJW Group locations and operations, but is subject to exclusions and limitations. In addition, any complaints or lawsuits against us based on water quality and contamination may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and trading price of our common stock.

Water Utility Services is subject to possible litigation or regulatory enforcement action concerning water discharges to Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”).

Regulatory actions and fines related to discharges of water to WOTUS against other water utilities have increased in frequency in recent years. If Water Utility Services is subject to a litigation or regulatory enforcement action, it might incur significant costs in fines and restoration efforts, and it is uncertain whether Water Utility Services would be able to recover some or all of such costs from ratepayers or other third parties. In addition, any litigation or regulatory enforcement action against us regarding a water discharge and/or resulting environmental impact may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.

New or more stringent environmental regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect its business.

Water Utility Services are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies.

New or more stringent environmental and water quality regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures.

Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA relating to the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates, from time to time, nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Additional or more stringent requirements may be adopted by each state. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will be able to continue to comply with all water quality requirements.

Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements in order to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. New or more stringent environmental standards could be imposed that will raise Water Utility Services’ operating costs and capital expenditures, including requirements for increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants, additional procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products, and more comprehensive measures to monitor, reduce or eliminate known or newly identified contaminants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are currently limited regulatory mechanisms and procedures available to us for the recovery of such costs and there can be no assurance that such costs will be fully recovered and failure to do so may adversely affect our operating results.

The impact of climate change and climate change laws and regulations have been passed and are being proposed that require compliance with greenhouse gas emissions standards, as well as other climate change initiatives, which could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect our business.

Climate change is receiving ever increasing attention worldwide. Many scientists, legislators, and others attribute global warming to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Climate change laws and regulations enacted and proposed limit greenhouse gases emissions from covered entities and require additional monitoring/reporting. We produce a corporate social responsibility report, which provides an overview of our energy usage and greenhouse emissions. At this time, the existing greenhouse gases laws and regulations are not expected to materially harm Water Utility Services’ operations or capital expenditures. While regulation on climate change could change in light of the current federal administration’s agenda, the uncertainty of future climate change regulatory requirements still remains. We cannot predict the potential impact of future laws and regulations on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Although these future expenditures and costs for regulatory compliance may be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the various state utility commissions that govern our business would approve rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs.

Climate change may also impact water supply. For example, severity of drought conditions may impact the availability of water to all Water Utility Services and rising sea levels may impact the availability of groundwater to Water Utility Services.

We may be at risk for litigation under the principle of inverse condemnation for activities in the normal course of business which have a damaging effect on private property.

Under the California legal doctrine of inverse condemnation, a public utility taking or damaging private property can be responsible to the property owners for compensation, even when damage occurs through no fault or negligence of the utility company and regardless of whether the damage could be foreseen. Based upon existing California case law, SJWC could be sued under the doctrine of inverse condemnation and held liable if its facilities, operations or property, such as mains, fire hydrants, power lines and other equipment, or wildfires in our Santa Cruz mountain watershed result in damage to private property.

A court finding of inverse condemnation does not obligate the CPUC to allow SJWC to recover damage awards or pass on costs to ratepayers. Insurance coverage for inverse condemnation may not be available or may not be sufficient. SJWC’s liquidity, earnings, and operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover the costs of paying claims for damages caused by the operation and maintenance of our property from customers or through insurance.

Our water utility property and systems are subject to condemnation and other proceedings through eminent domain.

State laws in jurisdictions where we operate, including California, Connecticut, Texas and Maine, allow municipalities, water districts and other public agencies to own and operate water systems. These agencies are empowered to condemn water systems or real property owned by privately owned public utilities in certain circumstances and in compliance with state and federal laws. In general, if a public agency exercises its eminent domain power to take possession of private property, the government is required to pay just compensation to owners of such property. In the event of eminent domain or condemnation proceedings against our water utility property or systems, we may incur substantial attorney’s fees, consultant and expert fees and other costs in considering a challenge to such proceeding and/or its valuation for just compensation, as well as fees and costs in any subsequent litigation if necessary. If the public agency prevailed and acquired our utility property, we would no longer have access to the condemned property or water system, neither would we be entitled to any portion of revenue generated from the use of such asset going forward. Furthermore, if public agencies succeed in acquiring our assets, there is a risk that we will not receive adequate compensation for the assets taken or be able to recover all charges associated with the condemnation of such assets, which may adversely affect our business operations and financial conditions.

Risks Relating To Business Operations

Fluctuations in customer demand for water due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather, and lifestyle can adversely affect operating results.

Water Utility Services are seasonal, thus quarterly fluctuation in results of operations may be significant. Rainfall and other weather conditions also affect Water Utility Services. Water consumption typically increases during the third quarter of each year when weather tends to be warm and dry. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of water supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues. Furthermore, certain lifestyle choices made by customers can affect demand for water. For example, a significant portion of residential water use is for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. If there is a decreased desire by customers to maintain landscaping for their homes or restrictions are placed on outside irrigation, residential water demand would decrease, which would result in lower revenues.

Conservation efforts and construction codes, which require the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, could diminish water consumption and result in reduced revenue. In addition, in time of drought, water conservation may become a regulatory requirement that impacts the water usage of our customers. On July 8, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a drought emergency in fifty California Counties, including Santa Clara County. SJWC has activated our Water Shortage Contingency Plan to achieve the 15% conservation target. On July 9, 2021 Valley Water, the water supply agency for Santa Clara County, declared a water shortage emergency and requested its retailers enact conservation measures to achieve a mandatory 15% reduction compared to 2019 water consumption. SJWC has activated our Water Shortage Contingency Plan to achieve the 15% conservation target.

On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resource Control Board (“State Water Board”) adopted emergency water use regulations that prohibit certain outdoor wasteful water practices. SJWC’s drought response through our Water Shortage Contingency Plan includes the same restrictions on wasteful water practices. On June 10, 2022, the State Water Board’s Second Water Conservation Emergency Declaration of 2022 became effective. This declaration prohibits the use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. SJWC is currently collaborating with our wholesaler and utility peers to engage and inform customers. Both water conservation emergency declarations will remain in effect for one year.

The implementation of mandatory or voluntary conservation measures during the current drought has resulted and is expected to result in lower water usage by our customers which may adversely affect our results of operation. If the current conservation measures continue, or if new measures are imposed in response to drought conditions in the future, we may experience fluctuations in the timing of or a reduction in customer revenue.

Furthermore, the CPUC may approve memorandum accounts, such as a WCMA, to allow companies to recover revenue reductions due to water conservation activities and certain conservation related costs. However, collection of such memorandum accounts is subject to a review and approval process by CPUC, which can be lengthy, and there is no assurance that we will be able to recover in a timely manner all or some of the revenue and costs recorded in the memorandum accounts. When drought conditions ease and the California State Water Board and Valley Water no longer mandate water conservation, the company may no longer be allowed to recover revenue lost due to continued conservation activities under the WCMA account and would therefore be exposed to differences between actual and authorized usage. This could result in lower revenues.

Similar to SJWC, Connecticut Water and Maine Water have also been impacted by increased water conservation, as well as the use of more efficient household fixtures and appliances among residential users. There has been a trend of declining per customer residential water usage in Connecticut and Maine over the last several years. CTWS’s regulated businesses at Maine Water are heavily dependent on revenue generated from rates it charges to its residential customers for the volume of water they use. The rates Connecticut Water and Maine Water charge for its water is regulated by PURA in Connecticut and MPUC in Maine, and CTWS’s water services subsidiaries may not unilaterally adjust their rates to reflect changes in demand. A declining volume of residential water usage may have a negative impact on our operating revenues in the future if regulators do not reflect usage declines in the rate setting design process. Although the legislatures in Maine and Connecticut have provided legislation for water utilities to implement revenue adjustment mechanisms to allow for recovery of authorized rates where conservation has occurred and consumption has declined and such a mechanism has been approved by PURA and implemented for Connecticut Water, this mechanism has yet to be implemented at Maine Water.

A contamination event or other decline in source water quality could affect the water supply of Water Utility Services and therefore adversely affect our business and operating results.

Water Utility Services is required under drinking water regulations to comply with water quality requirements. Through water quality compliance programs, Water Utility Services monitors for contamination and pollution of its sources of water. In addition, a watershed management program provides a proactive approach to minimize potential contamination activities. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will continue to comply fully with all applicable water quality requirements or detect contamination timely or at all. In addition, our facilities and infrastructure, including water towers, reservoirs and wells, may be subject to vandalism, break-ins or attacks, which may cause contamination or damage to our water supply. While we have taken measures to maintain physical security of our facilities, there is no guarantee that such measures will be effective to prevent such events.In the event a contamination is detected, Water Utility Services must either commence treatment to remove the contaminant or procure water from an alternative source. Either of these results may be costly, may increase future capital expenditures and there can be no assurance that the regulators would approve a rate increase to enable us to recover the costs arising from such remedies. In addition, we could be held liable for consequences arising from hazardous substances or contamination in our water supplies or other environmental damages and our reputation may be harmed by the public disclosures or media reports of these events. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.

Operating under contract water and waste systems subject us to risks.

Water Utility Services operates a number of water and wastewater systems under operation and maintenance contracts. Pursuant to these contracts, such systems are operated according to the standards set forth in the applicable contract, and it is generally the responsibility of the owner of the system to undertake capital improvements over which we may not have control. We may not be able to convince the owner to make needed improvements in order to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Although violations and fines incurred by water and wastewater systems may be the responsibility of the owner of the system under these contracts, such non-compliance events may reflect poorly on us as the operator of the system and harm our reputation, and in some cases, may result in liability to the same extent as if we were the owner.

Water Utility Services rely on information technology and systems that are key to business operations. A system malfunction, security breach, cyber-attacks or other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which could adversely affect business operations.

Information technology is key to the operation of the Water Utility Services, including but not limited to payroll, general ledger activities, outsourced bill preparation and remittance processing, providing customer service and the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to operate our distribution system. Among other things, system malfunctions, computer viruses and security breaches could prevent us from operating or monitoring our facilities, billing and collecting cash accurately and timely analysis of financial results. In addition, we collect, process, and store sensitive data from our customers and employees, including personally identifiable information, on our networks. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed without our authorization, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen which could result in legal claims or proceedings, violation of privacy laws or damage to our reputation and customer relationships. Our profitability and cash flow could be affected negatively in the event these systems do not operate effectively or are breached. In addition, we may not be able to develop or acquire information technology that is competitive and responsive to the needs of our business, and we may lack sufficient resources to make the necessary upgrades or replacements of our outdated existing technology to allow us to continue to operate at our current level of efficiency.

In addition, we must comply with privacy rights regulations such as The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), a state statute that became effective January 1, 2020, which enhances the privacy rights and consumer protections for California residents. Among other things, the CCPA establishes statutory damages for victims of data security breaches, and provides

additional rights for consumers to obtain their data from any business that has their personally identifying information. On January 1, 2023 the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) took effect. The CPRA amended the CCPA to create new rights for consumers and impose additional obligations on businesses. We will also be subject to Connecticut’s Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring (the “Connecticut Privacy Act”), a similar law that takes effect July 1, 2023. Implementing regulations have not yet been finalized under the CPRA and no regulations are expected pursuant to the Connecticut Privacy Act, creating a significant amount of uncertainty. Despite our efforts to comply with these laws, we may fail to do so which may lead to investigations, claims, and proceedings by governmental entities and private parties, damages for breach, and cause us to incur other significant costs, penalties, and other liabilities, as well as harm to our reputation.

A failure of our reservoirs, storage tanks, mains or distribution networks could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation.

We distribute water through an extensive network of mains and store water in reservoirs and storage tanks located across our service areas. The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. A failure of major mains, reservoirs, or tanks could result in injuries and damage to residential and/or commercial property for which we may be responsible, in whole or in part. The failure of major mains, reservoirs or tanks may also result in the need to shut down some facilities or parts of our water distribution network in order to conduct repairs. Such failures and shutdowns may limit our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and to meet the water delivery requirements prescribed by governmental regulators, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and reputation. We also own and operate numerous dams in California, Connecticut and Maine, and a failure of such dams could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation. Any business interruption or other losses might not be covered by existing insurance policies or be recoverable in rates, and such losses may make it difficult for us to secure insurance in the future at acceptable rates. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.

Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by high inflation.

Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve increases in the rates we charge our customers. There is no guarantee that any future rate increase requests will be approved and granted in a timely manner and/or will be sufficient to cover costs for the impact of high inflation. The existence of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, shipping costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced and may continue to experience, cost increases. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation, if these measures are not effective, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of operations and when the cost of inflation is incurred.

SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. have real estate holdings that are subject to various business and investment risks.

SJW Land Company owns real estate in California and Tennessee, and Chester Realty, Inc. owns real estate in Connecticut. The risks of investing directly in real estate vary depending on the investment strategy and investment objective and include the following:

•Market and general economic risks—real estate investment is tied to overall domestic economic growth and, therefore, carries market risk which cannot be eliminated by diversification. Generally, all property types benefit from national economic growth, though the benefits range according to local factors, such as local supply and demand and job creation. Because real estate leases are typically staggered and last for multiple years, there is generally a delayed effect in the performance of real estate in relation to the overall economy. This delayed effect can insulate or deteriorate the financial impact to SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. in a downturn or an improved economic environment.

•Vacancy rates can climb and market rents can be impacted and weakened by general economic forces, therefore affecting income to SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc.

•A decrease in the value of a real estate property or increase in vacancy could result in reduced future cash flows to amounts below the property’s current carrying value and could result in an impairment charge.

The value of real estate can decrease materially due to a deflationary market, decline in rental income, market cycle of supply and demand, long lag time in real estate development, legislative and governmental actions, environmental concerns, increases in rates of returns demanded by investors, and fluctuation of interest rates, eroding any unrealized capital appreciation and, potentially, invested capital.

The success of SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc.’s real estate investment strategy depend largely on ongoing local, state and federal land use development activities and regulations, future economic conditions, the development and fluctuations in the sale of the undeveloped properties, the ability to identify the developer/potential buyer of the available-for-sale real estate, the timing of the transaction, favorable tax law, and the ability to maintain and manage portfolio properties. There is no guarantee that we will be able to execute the strategy successfully and failure to do so may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our business and operating results.

As of December 31, 2022, 215 of our 757 total employees were union members. Most of our unionized employees are represented by the OWUA, except certain employees in the engineering department who are represented by the OE. Only employees at SJWC are union members. The current three-year bargaining agreements expired on December 31, 2022 and a tentative agreement has been negotiated and will begin in 2023 for the upcoming period, 2023 through 2025. Acceptance of the OE and the OWUA bargaining agreements are anticipated in the first quarter of 2023.

We may experience difficulties and delays in the collective bargaining process to reach suitable agreements with union employees, particularly in light of increasing healthcare and pension costs. In addition, changes in applicable law and regulations could have an adverse effect on management’s negotiating position with the unions. Labor actions, work stoppages or the threat of work stoppages, and our failure to obtain favorable labor contract terms during future negotiations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

If we fail to maintain safe work sites, we can be exposed to not only people impacts but also to financial losses such as penalties and other liabilities.

Our safety record is critical to our reputation because our business operation involves inherently dangerous activities. We maintain health and safety standards to protect our employees, customers, vendors and the public. Although we intend to adhere to such health and safety standards and aim for zero injuries, it is difficult to avoid accidents at all times.

Our business sites, including construction and maintenance sites, often place our employees and others in close proximity with large pieces of heavy equipment, moving vehicles, pressurized water, underground trenches and vaults, chemicals and other regulated materials. On many sites we are responsible for safety and, accordingly, must implement safety procedures. If we fail to implement such procedures or if the procedures we implement are ineffective or are not followed by our employees or others, or if accidents occur outside of our control, our employees and others may be injured or die. Unsafe work sites also have the potential to increase employee turnover and raise our operating costs. Any of the foregoing could result in financial losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, our operations can involve the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, which, if improperly handled, stored or disposed of, could subject us to penalties or other liabilities. We are also subject to regulations dealing with occupational health and safety. Although we maintain functional employee groups whose primary purpose is to ensure we implement effective health, safety, and environment work procedures throughout our organization, including construction sites and maintenance sites, the failure to comply with such regulations or procedures could subject us to a liability.

Risks Relating To Our Finances and Corporate Matters

We may not have sufficient cash flow or capital resources to fund capital expenditures of our water utility business.

The water utility business is capital-intensive. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization of the system will grow at an increasing rate as components reach the end of their useful lives. SJW Group’ subsidiaries fund capital expenditures through a variety of sources, including cash received from operations, funds received from developers as contributions or advances, borrowings through lines of credit and debt financings, as well as equity financings by SJW Group. We cannot provide any assurance that the historical sources of funds for capital expenditures will continue to be adequate or that the cost of funds will remain at levels permitting us to earn a reasonable rate of return. A significant change in any of the funding sources could impair the ability of Water Utility Services to fund its capital expenditures, which could impact our ability to grow our utility asset base and earnings. Any increase in the cost of capital through higher interest rates or otherwise could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our ability to raise capital through equity or debt may be affected by the economy and condition of the debt and equity markets. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets or deterioration in the strength of financial institutions could adversely affect SJW Group’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt or sell its equity. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase SJW Group’s cost of capital. Furthermore, equity financings may result in dilution to our existing stockholders and debt financings may contain covenants that restrict the actions of SJW Group and its subsidiaries.

We have incurred substantial additional indebtedness that may reduce our business and operational flexibility and increase our borrowing costs.

We have incurred substantial indebtedness resulting in higher debt-to-equity ratio, which may have the effect, among other things, of: reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business, industry and economic conditions; increasing borrowing costs; placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry with less debt; potentially having an adverse effect on our issuer and issue ratings; requiring additional cash flow to be used to service debt instead of for other purposes; and potentially impairing our ability to obtain other financing.

In addition, the terms and conditions of such indebtedness, including financial covenants and restrictive covenants, may reduce our business flexibility and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The agreements governing the indebtedness contain covenants that impose significant operating and financial limitations and restrictions on us, including restrictions on the ability to enter particular transactions and engage in other activities that we may believe will be advisable or necessary for our business. In addition, failure to comply with any of the covenants in our existing or future debt agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other existing agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of indebtedness under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing such indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, we may not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations under our indebtedness, including principal and interest payments, which, if not cured, may cause an event of default.

The senior note borrowings of SJW Group, SJWC and SJWTX include certain financial covenants regarding a maximum debt to equity ratio and an interest coverage requirement. In the event the relevant borrower exceeds the maximum debt to equity ratio or interest coverage requirement, we may be restricted from issuing future debt. In addition, the pollution control revenue bonds issued on behalf of SJWC contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for a loan agreement relating to revenue bonds, including, among other things, certain disclosure obligations, the tax exempt status of the interest on the bonds, and limitations and prohibitions on the transfer of projects funded by the loan proceeds and assignment of the loan agreement.

CTWS and its subsidiaries are required to comply with certain covenants in connection with their various long term loan agreements. The most restrictive of these covenants are the requirements to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 60%. Additionally, Maine Water has restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. In the event that we violate any of these covenants, an event of default may occur and all amounts due under such loans, senior notes or bonds may come due, which would have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial conditions.

SJW Group has committed to certain “ring-fencing” measures which will enhance CTWS’s separateness from SJW Group, which may limit SJW Group’s ability to influence the management and policies of CTWS (beyond the limitations included in other existing governance mechanisms).

Pursuant to the agreements related to the acquisition of CTWS and commitments made by SJW Group as part of the application for PURA and MPUC approval of the acquisition of CTWS, SJW Group has instituted certain “ring-fencing” measures to enhance CTWS’s separateness from SJW Group and to mitigate the risk that CTWS would be negatively impacted in the event of a bankruptcy or other adverse financial developments affecting SJW Group or its non-ring-fenced affiliates. These commitments became effective upon the closing of the acquisition.

In order to satisfy the ring-fencing commitments, SJW Group formed SJWNE LLC a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“SPE”) to own the capital stock of CTWS. The SPE, CTWS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “CTWS Entities”) adopted certain measures designed to enhance their separateness from SJW Group, with the intention of mitigating the effects on the CTWS Entities of any bankruptcy of SJW Group and its affiliates other than the CTWS Entities (collectively, the “Non-CTWS Entities”). As a result of these ring-fencing measures, in certain situations, SJW Group will be restricted in its ability to access assets of the CTWS Entities as dividends or intracompany loans to satisfy the debt or contractual obligations of any Non-CTWS Entity, including any indebtedness or other contractual obligations of SJW Group. In addition, the ring-fencing structure may negatively impact SJW Group’s ability to achieve certain benefits, including synergies and economies of scale to reduce operating costs of the combined entity, that it anticipates will result from the merger. This ring-fencing structure also subjects SJW Group and the CTWS Entities to certain governance, operational and financial restrictions since the closing of the merger. Accordingly, SJW Group may be restricted in its ability to direct the management, policies and operations of the CTWS Entities, including the deployment or disposition of their respective assets, declarations of dividends, strategic planning and other important corporate issues. Further, the CTWS Entities’ directors have considerable autonomy and, as described in our commitments, have a duty to act in the best interest of the CTWS Entities consistent with the ring-fencing structure and applicable law, which may be contrary to SJW Group’s best interests or be in opposition to SJW Group’s preferred strategic direction for the CTWS Entities. To the extent they take actions that are not in SJW Group’s interests, our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected.

Our business strategy, which includes acquiring water systems and expanding non-tariffed services, will expose us to new risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business strategy focuses on the following:

(1)Regional regulated water utility operations;

(2)Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the Regulators; and

(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.

As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time to time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. However, we cannot be certain we will be successful in identifying and consummating any strategic business combination or acquisitions relating to such opportunities. In addition, the execution of our business strategy will expose us to different risks than those associated with the current utility operations. We expect to incur costs in connection with the execution of this strategy and any integration of an acquired business could involve significant costs, the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities related to the acquired assets, the diversion of management’s time and resources, the potential for a negative impact on SJW Group’s financial position and operating results, entering markets in which SJW Group has no or limited direct prior experience and the potential loss of key employees of any acquired company. Any strategic combination or acquisition we decide to undertake may also impact our ability to finance our business, affect our compliance with regulatory requirements, and impose additional burdens on our operations. Any businesses we acquire may not achieve sales, customer growth and projected profitability that would justify the investment. Any difficulties we encounter in the integration process, including the integration of controls necessary for internal control and financial reporting, could interfere with our operations, reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our internal controls. SJW Group cannot be certain that any transaction will be successful or that it will not materially harm operating results or our financial condition.

Adverse investment returns and other factors may increase our pension costs and pension plan funding requirements.

A substantial number of our employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans. Our pension costs and the funded status of the plans are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, applicable mortality tables, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation. Any change in such factors could result in an increase in future pension costs and an increase in our pension liabilities, requiring an increase in plan contributions which may adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.

SJW Group’s dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by legal and contractual requirements.

We anticipate to continue to pay a regular quarterly dividend, though any such determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, including limitations under Delaware law, restrictions in our credit agreements and other debt instruments that limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders and other factors the board of directors deems relevant. The board of directors of SJW Group may, in its sole discretion, change the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In addition, our subsidiaries may be subject to restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us, including under state law, pursuant to regulatory commitments and under their credit agreements and other debt instruments. In this regard, the CTWS Entities are limited from paying dividends to us in certain circumstances under PURA and MPUC regulatory commitments. Any inability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends may have a material and adverse effect on our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also make it more difficult for stockholders to influence our policies or may reduce the rights of stockholders.

SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of SJW Group. These provisions could also make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Authorizing Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock;

•Prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;

•Limiting the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders to only stockholders holding not less than 20% of outstanding voting power; and

•Requiring advance notification of stockholder nomination of directors and proposals.

These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by stockholders of SJW Group to replace or remove its current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”) govern SJW Group. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time without the consent of the Board of Directors.

Furthermore, SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that a state or federal court located within Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum (unless the company consents in writing to the selection of an alternate forum) for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SJW Group, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of SJW Group to the company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Such “exclusive forum” provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with SJW Group or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.

We may not be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs, or at all, to cover all losses incurred in our operations

We maintain insurance coverage as part of our overall legal and risk management strategy to minimize potential liabilities arising from our operations. Our insurance programs have varying coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and maximums, and our insurance coverages include, worker’s compensation, employer’s liability, damage to our property, general liability, pollution liability, cybersecurity, and automobile liability. Each policy includes either deductibles or self-insured retentions and policy limits for covered claims. As a result, we may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured. The insurance companies may also seek to challenge, reduce or deny any claims we submit, which may prevent us from recovering fully the losses we incurred. In addition, insurance companies may increase premium or deductible or reduce coverage limits based on factors that are beyond our control, including industry trends, financial conditions of insurance companies and catastrophic events such as wildfire, earthquake and pandemic. There can be no assurance that we can secure all necessary or appropriate insurance in the future, or that such insurance can be obtain at reasonable cost, or at all.

General Risk Factors

We operate in areas subject to natural disasters, and we may be the target of terrorist activities and other physical threats.

We operate in areas that are prone to earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weathers and other natural disasters. A significant seismic event in northern California, where the majority of our operations are concentrated, or other natural disaster in northern California, Connecticut, Texas or Maine could adversely impact our ability to deliver water to our customers and our costs of operations. A major disaster could damage or destroy our capital assets, harm our reputations and adversely affect our results of operations. The Regulators have historically allowed utilities to establish catastrophic event memorandum accounts as a possible mechanism to recover costs, such as the CEMA memorandum account in California. However, we can give no assurance that our regulators, or any other commission would allow any such cost recovery mechanism in the future.

In light of the potential threats to the nation’s health and security due to terrorist attacks, we have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness of threats to our water supply. We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. In addition, because our operation requires us to interact extensively with the general public, we may be subject to complaints, threats and potentially violent actions by our customers or the public, which may disrupt our business activities and damage our reputation.

We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies. These costs may be significant. While some of these costs are likely to be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the Regulators will approve a rate increase to recover all or part of such costs and, as a result, our operating results and business may be adversely affected. Further, despite these tightened security measures, we may not be in a position to control the outcome of terrorist events should they occur.

Our operations, liquidity, and earnings may be adversely affected by wildfires and risk of fire hazards.

It is possible that wildfires and other fire hazards may occur more frequently, be of longer duration or impact larger areas as a result of drought-damaged plants and trees, lower humidity or higher winds that might be occurring as result of changed weather patterns. The effects of these natural disasters in California’s drought-prone areas, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains,

the watershed where SJWC typically obtains approximately up to 10% of its water supply, may temporarily compromise its surface water supply resulting in disruption in our services and litigation which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

If our surface water supply is compromised, we may have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to substitute the flow of water from an alternative water source.

In addition, we may incur significant costs in order to treat the impacted source through expansion of our current treatment facilities, or development of new treatment methods. If we are unable to substitute water supply from an alternative water source, or to adequately treat the impacted water source in a cost-effective manner, there may be an adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, and financial condition. The costs we incur to secure an alternative water source or an increase in draws from our underground water system could be significant and may not be recoverable in rates.

Wildfires may destroy or cause damage to properties, facilities, equipment and other assets owned and operated by SJWC or result in personal injuries to our employees and personnel, which may cause temporary or permanent disruption to our water services. In such a case, we may be required to incur significant expenses to repair, replace or upgrade our assets, or to defend against costly litigation or disputes with third parties, any of which may adversely affect our business operations or financial conditions.

While we maintain a business insurance policy, such policy includes limitation and retention that may reduce, or in some cases eliminate, our ability to recover all or a substantial portion of the losses and damages due to wildfire. Our inability to rely fully on insurance coverage may negatively impact our results of operations. Losses by insurance companies resulting from wildfires in California may also cause insurance coverage for wildfire risks to become more expensive or unavailable under reasonable terms, and our insurance may be inadequate to recover all our losses incurred in a wildfire. Furthermore, we might not be allowed to recover in our rates any increased costs of wildfire insurance or the costs of any uninsured wildfire losses.

The price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.

The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and unrelated to our financial results. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include volatility of the general stock market or the utility index, regulatory developments, public announcement of material development in strategic transactions general economic conditions and trends, actual or anticipated changes or fluctuations in our results of operations, actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities analysts, actual or anticipated developments in our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally, litigation involving us or our industry, and major catastrophic event(s) or sales of large blocks of our stock. Furthermore, we believe that stockholders invest in public stocks in part because they seek reliable dividend payments. If there is an oversupply of stock of public utilities in the market relative to demand by such investors, the trading price of our common stock may decrease. Additionally, if interest rates rise above the dividend yield offered by our common stock, demand for our stock and its trading price may also decrease.

We must continue to attract and retain qualified technical and managerial personnel in order to succeed.

Our future success depends substantially upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, operational and financial managers. There is a significant competition for such personnel in our industry. Our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel depends on many factors, including but are not limited to, our ability to provide competitive compensation and benefit packages, availability of talents in our industry, general workforce trends and macroeconomic conditions. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or the inability to hire and retain experienced management personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, as our management team has knowledge of our industry and customers and would be difficult to replace. We try to ensure that we offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as conduct succession planning and provide opportunities for continued development, and we continually strive to recruit and train qualified personnel and retain key employees. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we require to grow and operate profitably.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.Properties

The properties of SJWC consist of a unified water production system located in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California. In general, the property is comprised of franchise rights, water rights, necessary rights-of-way, approximately 6,400 acres of land held in fee (which is primarily non-developable watershed), impounding reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 2.256 billion gallons, 2,491 miles of transmission and distribution mains, distribution storage of approximately 194 million gallons, wells, boosting facilities, diversions, surface water treatment plants, equipment, office buildings and other property necessary to provide water service to its customers.

SJWC maintains all of its properties in good operating condition in accordance with customary practice for a water utility. SJWC’s groundwater pumping stations have a production capacity of approximately 264 million gallons per day and the present capacity for taking purchased water is approximately 84 million gallons per day. The surface water collection system has a physical delivery capacity of approximately 35 million gallons per day. During 2022, a maximum and average of 120 million gallons and 92 million gallons of water per day, respectively, were delivered to the system.

The properties of CTWS consist of land, easements, rights (including water rights), buildings, reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 9.4 billion gallons, standpipes, dams, wells, supply lines, water treatment plants, pumping plants, 2,317 miles of transmission and distribution mains and other facilities and equipment used for the collection, purification, storage and distribution of water throughout Connecticut and Maine. In certain cases, Connecticut Water and Maine Water are or may be a party to limited contractual arrangements for the provision of water supply from neighboring utilities.

Sources of water supply owned, maintained and operated by CTWS include 25 surface water reservoirs and 108 well fields. In addition, Connecticut Water and Maine Water have agreements with various neighboring water utilities to provide water, at negotiated rates, to our water systems. Collectively, these sources have the capacity to deliver approximately 84 million gallons of potable water daily to the 27 major operating systems. CTWS also owns, maintains and operates 50 small, non-interconnected satellite and consecutive water systems, that combined, have the ability to deliver about 3.5 million gallons of additional water per day to their respective systems. CTWS’s 30 water treatment plants have a combined treatment capacity of approximately 52 million gallons per day. In addition, CTWS owns and operates one wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 780,000 gallons per day.

SJWTX maintains a service area that covers approximately 268 square miles located in the southern region of the Texas hill country in Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Medina and Travis counties. The majority of the service area surrounds an 8,200 surface acre reservoir, Canyon Lake. SJWTX production wells have the ability to pump a combined 5.8 billion gallons annually. SJWTX has contracts for 2 billion gallons of untreated surface water and 235 million gallons of treated surface water from the GBRA annually, and 81 million gallons of treated surface water from LCRA. SJWTX owns and operates three surface water treatment plants with a combined production capacity of 9 million gallons per day. SJWTX has 764 miles of transmission and distribution mains and maintains 78 storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 12.4 million gallons. SJWTX owns and operates four wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 293,500 gallons per day.

Water Utility Services hold all of its principal properties in fee simple, subject to current tax and assessment liens, rights-of-way, easements, and certain minor defects in title which do not materially affect their use. A substantial portion of treatment, storage and distribution properties owned by Maine Water are subject to liens of mortgage or indentures that secure bonds, notes and other evidences of long-term indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2022, SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. own approximately 101 acres of property in the State of California, 55 acres of property in the State of Tennessee and 23 acres of property in State of Connecticut.

The following table is a summary of SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. properties described previously:

% for Year EndedDecember 31, 2022of Real Estate Services

Description Location Acreage Square Footage Revenue Expense

Commercial building Knoxville, Tennessee 15 135,000 47 % 57 %

Undeveloped land and parking lot Knoxville, Tennessee 10 N/A N/A N/A

Undeveloped land San Jose, CA 101 N/A N/A N/A

Commercial building Clinton, CT 22 9,000 1 % 1 %

Commercial building Guilford, CT 1 1,300 — % — %

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

SJW Group and its subsidiaries are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. There are no pending legal proceedings to which SJW Group or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any of its properties is the subject, that are expected to have a material effect on SJW Group’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

SJW Group’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SJW”. As of December 31, 2022, there were 291 record holders of SJW Group’s common stock, excluding those shares held in street or nominee name.

Five-Year Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the changes in the cumulative stockholder return on SJW Group’s common stock with the cumulative total return on a Water Utility Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index during the last five years ended December 31, 2022. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2017 in SJW Group’s common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends.

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

Among SJW Group, a Water Utility Index and the S&P 500 Index

The following descriptive data of the performance graph is supplied in accordance with Rule 304(d) of Regulation S-T (numbers represent U.S. dollars ($)):

The Water Utility Index is the 9 water company Water Utility Index (including CTWS up to the time of its merger with SJW Group) prepared by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. The above performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

Item 6.[Reserved]

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except where otherwise noted)

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with “Forward-Looking Statements,” Part 1, Item 1 “Business,” Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” and our consolidated financial statements and notes included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Strategy for Water Utility Services

SJW Group focuses its business initiatives in three strategic areas:

(1)Investing in regional regulated water utility operations to support the health, safety and quality of life of our customers;

(2)Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the CPUC in California, PURA in Connecticut, PUCT in Texas, and MPUC in Maine; and

(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.

Regional Regulated Activities

SJW Group’s regulated utility operation is conducted through SJWC, Connecticut Water, SJWTX and Maine Water. SJW Group plans and applies a diligent and disciplined approach to maintaining and improving its water system infrastructures and also seeks to acquire regulated water systems adjacent to or near its existing service territory. Connecticut Water and SJWTX also provides regulated wastewater services.

The United States water utility industry is largely fragmented and is dominated by municipal-owned water systems. The water industry is regulated, and provides a life-sustaining product. This makes water utilities subject to lower business cycle risks than non-tariffed industries.

Regional Non-tariffed Activities

Operating in accordance with guidelines established by the CPUC, SJWC provides non-tariffed services, such as water system operations, maintenance agreements and antenna site leases under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. SJWTX provides non-tariffed wholesale water service to adjacent utilities and non-tariffed wastewater services. CTWS provides non-tariffed services, such as water system operations and maintenance under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. Additionally, CTWS offers Linebacker©, an optional service line protection program covering a limited amount of the cost of repairs for leaking or broken water and wastewater service lines and in-home plumbing to eligible residential customers in Connecticut and water service lines to eligible residential customers in Maine.

SJW Group also seeks appropriate non-tariffed business opportunities that complement its existing operations or that allow it to extend its core competencies beyond existing operations. SJW Group seeks opportunities to fully utilize its capabilities and existing capacity by providing services to other regional water systems, which also will benefit its existing regional customers.

Out-of-Region Opportunities

SJW Group also from time to time pursues opportunities to participate in out-of-region water and utility related services, particularly regulated water and wastewater businesses. SJW Group evaluates out-of-region and out-of-state opportunities that meet SJW Group’s risk and return profile.

The factors SJW Group considers in evaluating such opportunities include:

•Potential profitability;

•Regulatory environment;

•Additional growth opportunities within the region;

•Water supply, water quality and environmental issues;

•Capital requirements;

•General economic conditions; and

•Synergy potential.

Real Estate Services

SJW Group’s real estate investment activity is conducted through SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. SJW Land Company owns undeveloped land in California and Tennessee and owns and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee. Chester Realty, Inc. owns and operates land and commercial buildings in the State of Connecticut. SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. manage its acquired income producing and other properties until such time a determination is made to reinvest proceeds from sale of such properties.

Critical Accounting Policies

SJW Group has identified accounting policies delineated below as the policies critical to its business operations and the understanding of the results of operations. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. SJW Group bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” SJW Group’s critical accounting policies are as follows:

Recognition of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by ASC Topic 980. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services, to the extent applicable, records deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits are incurred. Accounting for such costs and credits is based on management’s judgment and prior historical ratemaking practices, and it occurs when management determines that it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the future revenue of Water Utility Services through the ratemaking process. The regulatory assets and liabilities recorded by Water Utility Services primarily relate to the recognition of deferred income taxes for ratemaking versus tax accounting purposes, balancing and memorandum accounts, postretirement pension benefits, medical costs, accrued benefits for vacation and asset retirement obligations that have not been passed through in rates. The company primarily adjusts the related asset and liabilities for these items through its regulatory asset and liability accounts on a monthly basis. The disallowance of any asset in future ratemaking, including deferred regulatory assets, would require Water Utility Services to immediately recognize the impact of the costs for financial reporting purposes. No disallowances were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Recognition of Balancing and Memorandum Accounts

Balancing and memorandum accounts are utilized by our California operations. The purpose of a balancing account is to track the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. Pursuant to Section 792.5 of the California Public Utilities Code, a balancing account must be maintained for expense items for which revenue offsets have been authorized.

Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, and general rate case and cost of capital true-ups. The amount in the water production balancing accounts varies with the seasonality of the water utility business such that, during the summer months when the demand for water is at its peak, the account tends to reflect an under-collection, while during the winter months when demand for water is relatively lower, the account tends to reflect an over-collection. The pension balancing account is intended to capture the

difference between actual pension expense and the amount approved in rates by the CPUC. The general rate case true-up accounts are a result of revenue shortfalls authorized for collection or refund by the CPUC due to delayed rate case and cost of capital decisions.

SJWC also maintains memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC. The Monterey Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism tracks the difference between the revenue received for actual metered sales through the tiered volumetric rate and the revenue that would have been received with the same actual metered sales if a uniform rate would have been in effect.

Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized by SJWC when it is probable that future recovery of previously incurred costs or future refunds that are to be credited to customers will occur through the ratemaking process. In addition, in the case of special revenue programs such as the WCMA, SJWC follows the requirements of ASC Topic 980-605-25—“Alternative Revenue Programs” in determining revenue recognition, including the requirement that such revenues will be collected within 24 months of the year-end in which the revenue is recorded. A reserve is recorded for amounts SJW Group estimates will not be collected within the 24-month period. This reserve is based on an estimate of actual usage over the recovery period, offset by applicable drought surcharges. In assessing the probability criteria for balancing and memorandum accounts between general rate cases, SJWC considers evidence that may exist prior to CPUC authorization that would satisfy ASC Topic 980 subtopic 340-25 recognition criteria. Such evidence may include regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate that recovery or refund is probable. When such evidence provides sufficient support, the balances are recorded in SJW Group’s financial statements.

It is typical for the CPUC to incorporate any over-collected and/or under-collected balances in balancing or memorandum accounts into customer rates at the time rate decisions are made as part of SJWC’s general rate case proceedings by assessing temporary surcredits and/or surcharges. In the case where SJWC’s balancing or memorandum-type accounts that have been authorized by the CPUC reach certain thresholds or have termination dates, SJWC can request the CPUC to recognize the amounts in customer rates prior to the next regular general rate case proceeding by filing an advice letter.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. SJW Group first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In assessing the qualitative factors, SJW Group considers the impact of these key factors: change in industry and competitive environment, financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and other relevant Company-specific events. If SJW Group determines that as a result of the qualitative assessment it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value is less than carrying amount, then a quantitative test is performed. SJW Group’s goodwill is primarily associated with the 2019 acquisition of CTWS. SJW Group performed an impairment analysis as of October 1, 2022. The qualitative assessment found no indicators of impairment and therefore did not perform the quantitative impairment test. No impairments occurred during 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

SJW Group’s financial condition and results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors including the following:

•Economic utility regulation;

•Infrastructure investment;

•Compliance with environmental, health and safety standards;

•Production expenses;

•Customer growth;

•Water usage per customer;

•Weather conditions, seasonality and sources of water supply; and

•Merger and acquisition activities, if any.

Economic Utility Regulation

Water Utility Services is generally subject to economic regulation by the Regulators overseeing public utilities. Regulatory policies vary from state to state and may change over time. In addition, there may be regulatory lag between the time a capital investment is made, a consumption decrease occurs, or an operating expense increases and when those items are adjusted in utility rates.

SJWC employs a forward-looking test year and has been authorized to use several mechanisms to mitigate risks faced due to regulatory lag and new and changing legislation, policies and regulation. These include memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC. Rate recovery for the balances in these memorandum accounts is generally allowed in a subsequent general rate case. SJWC also maintains balancing accounts to track changes in purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges and pension costs for later rate recovery. Regulatory risk in California is mitigated by use of a forward-looking test year which allows the return on and return of utility plant on a forecasted basis as it is placed in service, and in some cases interim rate relief is allowed in the event of regulatory lag. The CPUC permits its regulated utilities to acquire other utilities if the proposed sale and asset purchase transaction is determined to be in the public interest. Under Public Utilities Code § 2720, the purchase price, subject to a reasonable test involving appraisals from the acquirer as well as the Public Advocates Office, represents the Fair Market Value. Upon CPUC approval, acquiring utilities can include the Fair Market Value in rate base.

Pursuant to Connecticut regulations, Connecticut Water employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Connecticut. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for pipeline replacement and conservation related projects, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved WICA that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain eligible pre-approved projects. Further to mitigate risks from variations in revenues from changes in customer usage, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved a WRA to provide for recovery of the company’s authorized revenues.

Pursuant to Texas regulation, SJWTX employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Texas, provided there is no current rate case outstanding. Further, rate cases may not be filed more frequently than once every 12 months. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for capital improvements, Texas seeks to implement its first SIC. The SIC will allow SJWTX to earn a return on some of its capital improvements made after 2020 through a surcharge to its customers. The SIC is a cost recovery mechanism recently adopted in Texas that avoids the immediate need for a general rate case. The PUCT permits the acquisition of utilities using a process termed the Fair Market Value. This process brings in three appraisers to determine the market value of a system which the acquiring utility can apply as the value of utility plant included in rate base. In addition, after recent legislation the PUCT adopted rules allowing the application of the Filed Rate Doctrine. This allows water utilities the option of applying their previously approved rates to the customers of newly acquired systems, which encourages consolidation by minimizing rate case expenses.

Pursuant to Maine regulations, Maine Water employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Maine. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for all infrastructure replacements (except meters), the Maine State Legislature has approved of WISC that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain pre-approved projects.

Infrastructure Investment

The water utility business is capital-intensive. In 2022 and 2021, company-funded capital improvements were $218,784 and $233,933, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $255,053 in 2023 and $1,353,390 over five years for capital improvements. SJW Group funds these expenditures through a variety of sources, including earnings received from operations, debt and equity financing, and other borrowings. SJW Group relies upon lines of credit to fund capital expenditures in the short term and has historically issued long-term debt to refinance our short-term debt. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a key risk, we believe that based on our successful 2022 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future.

Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Standards

Water Utility Services’ operations are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies. Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA of the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific

water treatment improvements enabling it to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Water Utility Services incur substantial costs associated with compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality regulation to which our water services are subject.

Environmental, health and safety and water quality regulations are complex and change frequently, and the overall trend has been that they have become more stringent over time. It is possible that new or more stringent environmental standards and water quality regulations could be imposed that will increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures. Future drinking water regulations may require increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants and procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products. In the past, Water Utility Services have generally been able to recover expenses associated with compliance related to environmental, health and safety standards, but future recoveries could be affected by regulatory lag and the corresponding uncertainties surrounding rate recovery.

Production Expenses

Water Utility Services’ operations require significant production inputs which result in substantial production expenses. These expenses include power, which is used to operate pumps and other equipment, purchased water and groundwater extraction charges. For 2022, production expenses accounted for approximately 48% of our total operating expenses. Price increases associated with these production inputs would adversely impact our results of operations until rate relief is granted.

Customer Growth

Customer growth in our Water Utility Services’ is driven by: (i) organic population growth within our authorized service areas and (ii) the addition of new customers to our regulated customer base by acquiring regulated water systems adjacent to or near our existing service territories. During 2022, we had cash outflows of $433 for business acquisitions and water rights which we believe will allow SJW Group to expand our regulated customer base. Before entering new regulated markets, we evaluate the regulatory environment to ensure that we will have the opportunity to achieve an appropriate rate of return on our investment while maintaining our high standards for quality, reliability and compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality standards.

Water Usage Per Customer

Fluctuations in customer demand for water could be due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather or lifestyle choices, all of which could affect Water Utility Services’ results of operations.

SJWC residential usage decreased 11.1% and 11.4% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. SJWC business usage decreased 5.7% and 2.7% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. Residential and business usage was lower by 12.50% and 2.40%, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2022-2024 general rate case. SJWC’s service area is currently under mandatory 15% reduction of 2019 water consumption since 2021. To address the difference between conservation usage and authorized usage in the rate case, the CPUC has approved the activation of the WCMA which tracks the divergence between authorized versus actual consumption in a balancing account for future recovery. SJWTX residential and business usage increased 8.5% from 2021 to 2022 and decreased 8.5% from 2020 to 2021. Connecticut Water residential usage decreased 0.5% and 10.2% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. Connecticut Water business usage increased 26% and 4% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. With the availability of the WRA in Connecticut, which allows for recovery of authorized revenues, decreases in consumption year to year do not present the same financial risk as in our other water utility services utilities. Maine Water residential usage decreased 5.4% and 0.2% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. Maine Water business usage increased 12.2% and 5.7% from 2021 to 2022 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively.

Weather Conditions, Seasonality and Sources of Water Supply

Our ability to meet the existing and future water demands of our customers depends on an adequate supply of water. Drought, governmental restrictions, overuse of sources of water, the protection of threatened species or habitats or other factors may limit the availability of ground and surface water. Also, customer usage of water is affected by weather conditions, in particular during the warmer months. Our water systems experience higher demand in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and increased usage by customers for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Water use restrictions may be imposed at a regional or state level and may affect our service areas regardless of our readiness to meet unrestricted customer demands. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues.

SJWC believes that its various sources of water supply, which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and purchased imported water, will be sufficient to meet customer demand for 2023. In addition, SJWC actively works with Valley Water to address California’s long-term water supply challenges by continuing to educate customers on responsible water use practices and to conduct long-range water supply planning. Connecticut Water and Maine Water believes that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2023 with their existing water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water in reservoirs and purchased water treated by neighboring water utilities. SJWTX believes that it will be able to meet customer demand for 2023 with their water supply which consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA.

Results of Operations

Among other things, water sales are seasonal in nature and influenced by weather conditions. The timing of precipitation and climatic conditions can cause seasonal water consumption by customers to vary significantly. Revenue is generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater and lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall curtail water usage and sales.

See Item 1, “Business” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for a discussion of SJW Group’s general business and regulatory activities as well the ongoing drought in California.

Overview

SJW Group’s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $73,828, compared to $60,478 for the same period in 2021. This represents an increase of $13,350 or 22%, from 2021. Consolidated net income in 2022 includes a gain on the sale of nonutility property of $5,557, offset by the impacts of $3,596 related to SJWC’s Order Instituting Investigation (“OII”) settlement and $2,200 related to depreciation on certain Cupertino concession assets.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue by segment was as follows:

Operating Revenue

The change in consolidated operating revenues was due to the following factors:

Water Utility Services:

Texas winter storm customer credits 839 — % (839) — %

Balancing and memorandum accounts:

Water Conservation Memorandum Account 798 — % 3,243 1 %

2022 GRC true-up memorandum account 20,650 4 % — — %

Other regulatory mechanisms (6,406) (1) % 2,491 — %

Real Estate Services 226 — % (153) — %

2022 vs. 2021

The revenue increase consists of $46,786 from Water Utility Services and $226 from Real Estate Services.

The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates which resulted in $38,706 of additional revenue, $20,650 increase in 2022 GRC true-up memorandum account in California, a net increase in revenue recognized from certain balancing and memorandum accounts of $2,052, an increase due to new customers of $5,082, and an increase of $839 from the winter storm credits in Texas recorded in the prior year, partially offset by a decreases of $14,302 due to lower usage and $6,406 in other regulatory mechanisms.

2021 vs. 2020

The revenue increase consists of $9,313 from Water Utility Services offset by a $153 decrease from Real Estate Services.

The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates which resulted in $25,179 of additional revenue, a net increase in revenue recognized from certain balancing and memorandum accounts of $3,941, an increase due to new customers of $2,896, and an increase in other regulatory mechanisms of $2,491, partially offset by a decrease in revenue of $24,702 due to lower usage and a decrease of $839 from the winter storm credits in Texas.

Water Utility Services’ Operating Revenue and Customer Counts

The following tables present operating revenues and number of customers by customer group of Water Utility Services:

Operating Revenue by Customer Group

Number of Customers

Operating Expense

Operating expense by segment was as follows:

Operating Expense

The change in consolidated operating expenses was due to the following factors:

Water production expenses:

Change in surface water supply $ (7,262) (2) % $ 3,897 1 %

Change in usage and new customers (15,311) (3) % (13,534) (3) %

Balance and memorandum account cost recovery (2,296) — % 1,302 — %

Total water production expenses 3,707 1 % 3,291 1 %

Balance and memorandum account cost recovery 1,496 — % 942 — %

Balance and memorandum account cost recovery — — % 1,219 — %

Property taxes and other non-income taxes 1,608 — % 1,078 — %

Impairment of long lived assets (2,211) — % 2,211 — %

Sale of nonutility property 1,297 — % (7,494) (2) %

Sources of Water Supply

SJWC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from Valley Water under the terms of a master contract with Valley Water expiring in 2051. Surface water is sourced from SJWC’s 6,400 acre of watershed in the Santa Cruz mountains. In 2022, SJWC’s general rate case decision approved the use of the Full Cost Balancing Account which mitigates the cost of the water supply from changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources affect the overall mix of the water supply. The water rates for purchased water and the groundwater extraction charge may be increased by Valley Water at any time. If an increase occurs, then SJWC would file an advice letter with the CPUC seeking authorization to increase revenues to offset the rate increase.

Connecticut Water’s water sources vary among the individual systems, but overall approximately 80% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 20% from wells. In addition, Connecticut Water has water supply agreements to supplement its water supply with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority and The Metropolitan District that expire in 2058 and 2053, respectively.

SJWTX’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA. SJWTX has long-term agreements with the GBRA, which expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide SJWTX with an aggregate of 7,650 acre-feet of water per year from Canyon Lake at prices that may be adjusted periodically by GBRA. SJWTX also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, to provide for 350 acre-feet of water per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.

Water sources at Maine Water vary among the individual systems, but overall approximately 90% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 10% from wells. Maine Water has a water supply agreement with the Kennebec Water District expiring in 2040.

The following table presents the sources of water supply for water utility services:

Source of Water Supply

(million gallons) (MG)

The percentages of water supply by source excluding reclaimed water by state is presented below:

Purchased Water Groundwater Surface Water

Water production in 2022 for water utility services decreased 1,708 million gallons from 2021. Water production in 2021 for water utility services decreased 2,563 million gallons from 2020. The changes are primarily attributable to changes in consumption by customers and are consistent with the changes in the related water production expenses.

The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $5.6, $5.0 and $4.5 per million gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $5.3, $4.6 and $4.2 per million gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. SJWC’s unaccounted-for water for 2022 and 2021 approximated 8.9% and 7.8%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through the system, partially offset by SJWC’s main replacements and water loss reduction programs.

Connecticut Water has an agreement with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (“RWA”) to purchase water from RWA. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. In addition, Connecticut Water is able, but under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then current wholesale rates per the agreement, $2.621 per million gallons as of December 31, 2022. Connecticut Water has an agreement with The Metropolitan District (“MDC”) to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of fifty years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. Connecticut Water has agreed to purchase 283 million gallons of water annually from MDC at the published retail rate, $4.09 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2022.

Maine Water has an agreement with the Kennebec Water District for potable water service. The agreement has been in place for 20 years and was extended on November 7, 2020 for a new term of up to 20 years. Maine Water guarantees a minimum consumption of 50 million gallons of water annually. Water sales to Maine Water are billed at a wholesale discount of $0.20 per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was $1.51 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2022.

CTWS’s unaccounted-for water for 2022 and 2021 approximated 14.2% and 14.3%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through CTWS’s systems, unadjusted for any required system flushing, partially offset by WICA and WISC main replacement programs and lost water reduction initiatives.

The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.

Water production expenses

2022 vs. 2021

Water production expenses increased $28,576 in higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges, offset by decreases of $15,311 due to lower customer usage, $7,262 as a result of increased availability of California surface water in 2022 compared to 2021, and $2,296 due to changes in water production balancing and memorandum accounts.

2021 vs. 2020

Water production expenses increased $11,626 in higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges, $3,897 as a result of decreased availability of California surface water in 2021 compared to 2020, and $1,302 due to changes in water production balancing and memorandum accounts, offset by a decrease of $13,534 due to a decrease in customer usage.

Administrative and General Expense

Administrative and general expenses include payroll related to administrative and general functions, all employee benefits charged to expense accounts, insurance expenses, legal fees, regulatory utility commissions’ expenses, expenses associated with being a public company, and general corporate expenses.

2022 vs. 2021

Administrative and general expense increased $8,072 in 2022, or 2% of the total operating expenses in 2021. The increase consisted primarily of $3,974 increase in compensation, $595 increase in materials and supplies, $576 in regulatory surcharge, $572 in uninsured losses, $446 in bank fees, $434 in corporate expenses, $316 in liability insurance, $314 in travel, $263 increase in uncollectible accounts, and $209 increase in telephone expenses.

2021 vs. 2020

Administrative and general expense increased $7,591 in 2021, or 2% of the total operating expenses in 2020. The increase consisted primarily of $1,928 in group health insurance costs, $1,542 increase in compensation, $1,229 increase in insurance expense, $1,108 increase in uncollectible accounts due to a credit recorded in 2020 for the Current Expected Credit Loss adoption, $1,104 increase in contracted work, and $703 increase in rate case expenses.

Maintenance Expense

Maintenance expense increased $4,703 in 2022, or 1% of the total operating expenses in 2021, and increased $3,873 in 2021, or 1% of the total operating expenses in 2020. The increase in 2022 was primarily due to increases of $3,680 in contract and materials expense related to the OII settlement agreement. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to increases of $2,402 in contract, repairs and maintenance, and materials expense as a result of increased leaks, $1,298 due to a favorable change in the probability assessment of regulatory recovery of a hydro-turbine generator project reserve established in a prior year, and $408 increase in compensation.

Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes

Property taxes and other non-income taxes for 2022 and 2021 increased $1,608, and $1,078 from the prior years, respectively. The increase in 2022 was primarily the result of increased property taxes due to utility plant additions, an increase in payroll taxes due to increases in wages and a one-time increase in transfer tax. The increase in 2021 was primarily a result of increased utility plant. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2023 for property taxes and other non-income taxes due to increases in utility plant.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $10,017 in 2022, or 2% of the total operating expenses in 2021, and increased $5,121 in 2021, or 1% of the total operating expenses in 2020. The increases were primarily due to increases in utility plant. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2023 for depreciation expense due to increases in utility plant.

Impairment of long-lived asset

Impairment of long-lived asset decreased $2,211 in 2022 in comparison to 2021, and increased the same amount in 2021 in comparison to 2020, due to the 2021 write-off of a customer care and billing system implementation in Texas.

Sale of nonutility properties

Gain on sale of nonutility properties decreased $1,297 in 2022 primarily due to the lower total value of sales of multiple vacant land properties located in California.

Other Income and Expense

The change in other (expense) income in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily due to a $3,000 pre-tax gain on sale from the release of a holdback amount by GBRA for the sale of Texas Water Alliance (“TWA”) recorded in 2021, an increase in other interest due to higher short term borrowing rates, and a decrease in investment income from retirement plan assets and life insurance policies, partially offset by a decrease in pension non-service cost due to an increase on the return of pension assets and an increase in the discount rate.

The change in other (expense) income in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to a $3,000 pre-tax gain on sale from the release of a holdback amount by GBRA for the sale of TWA recorded in 2017 and $1,704 decrease in pension non-service cost due to an increase on the return of pension assets and an increase in the discount rate.

SJW Group’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the mortgages and the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 4.0%, 4.1% and 4.3% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and 2020. Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 3.41%, 1.32% and 1.78% as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2022 was $8,496, compared to $8,369 in 2021. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 10% for 2022 and 12% for 2021. The effective income tax rate decreased from 2021 primarily due to tax accounting method change related to non-network repairs deduction.

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was signed into law. SJW Group has considered the income tax implications of the IRA in its estimated tax provision. The Act did not have a material impact to the year-end tax rate.

Please refer to Note 7, “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of actual to expected income tax expense.

Other Comprehensive Income

The change in other comprehensive income in 2022 and 2021 was primarily due to the change in the benefit obligation for Connecticut Water’s supplemental executive retirement agreements as a result of a change in the discount rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Water Utility Services bills the majority of its customers on a bi-monthly basis. Payments from customers are impacted by the general economic conditions in the areas where SJW Group operates. Payment delinquencies are mitigated by service interruptions due to non-payment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2022, the remaining state orders to suspend water service disconnections expired. As of December 31, 2022, the change in allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to slower collections on payments from customers. Impacts to allowance for doubtful accounts related to COVID-19 have been recorded for future recovery through the rate-making process. There is no guarantee that such recovery will be approved by the respective state regulatory utility commissions. On February 3, 2022, SJWC received $9,757 through the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program to relieve outstanding payment delinquencies for customer accounts greater that 60-days past due as of June 30, 2021. Bill credits were applied to the customer accounts filed in the state payment program that were still outstanding and the excess of $3,272 was returned to the State of California. Although the COVID-19 state moratoriums restrictions on water service disconnections from non-payment ended in February 2022 in California, there has been a delayed start to disconnections from non-payment. Write-offs for uncollectible accounts remain less than 1% of total revenue consistent with prior year. Management believes the collection rate will gradually return to pre-pandemic levels when service disconnections are fully active again to mitigate payment delinquencies.

Funds collected from Water Utility Services’ customers are used to pay for water production expenses, in addition to costs associated with general operations. Funds were also generated from borrowings. In 2022, SJW Group and its subsidiaries obtained $55,000 in funds from new long-term debt and $39,085 in fund from equity issuances. From these amounts, SJW Group funded its 2022 capital expenditure programs refinanced certain short and long-term borrowings, and funded working capital. See Note 4 and Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion on the equity and debt financing

activities of SJW Group. In addition, SJW Group paid cash dividends of approximately $43,582 during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The condition of the capital and credit markets or the strength of financial institutions could impact SJW Group’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt, sell its equity or earn interest income. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase SJW Group’s cost of capital. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a risk, we believe that based on our 2022 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future. The current Standard & Poor’s Rating Service assigned company rating for SJW Group is an A-, with a stable outlook, for SJWC is an A, with a stable outlook, and for CTWS is an A- with a stable outlook.

In 2022, the common dividends declared and paid on SJW Group’s common stock represented 59% of net income. Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 317 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 55 years. While historically SJW Group has generally paid dividends equal to approximately 50% to 60% of its net income, SJW Group cannot guarantee that this trend will continue in the future.

Cash Flow from Operations

In 2022, SJW Group generated cash flow from operations of approximately $166,200 compared to $130,000 in 2021 and $104,051 in 2020. Cash flow from operations is primarily generated by net income from revenue producing activities, adjusted for non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gains on the sale of assets, and other changes in working capital items. Cash flow from operations increased in 2022 by approximately $36,200. The increase was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) an increase in general working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items increase by $31,600, and (2) an increase in collections against our regulatory assets which generated an increase of $16,300, offset by (3) payments of previously invoiced and accrued payables or amounts, increased by $6,200, and (4) net collection of taxes receivable was $5,500 less than in prior year. Cash flow from operations increased in 2021 by approximately $26,000. The increase was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) increase in collections of previously billed and accrued receivables by $13,000, (2) an increase in general working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items increase by $6,800, (3) payments of previously invoiced and accrued payables or amounts, decreased by $5,200, and (4) a $5,000 up-front service concession payment that occurred in the previous year, offset by (5) an increase in accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power of $4,000.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

In 2022, SJW Group used approximately $218,800 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $22,900 for developer funded capital expenditures, $2,500 in utility plant retirement costs, $600 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and $400 for ongoing business and asset acquisition activities in Texas. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $1,000 from the sale of various nonutility properties during the year. In 2021, SJW Group used approximately $234,000 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $23,600 for SJWTX’s acquisition of Kendall West Utility and Bandera East Utility, $17,100 for developer funded capital expenditures, $2,800 in utility plant retirement costs, and $800 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $18,200 from the sale of TWA, real estate investments and nonutility properties.

Water Utility Services budgeted capital expenditures for 2023, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances is estimated as follows:

Budgeted CapitalExpenditures2023

Wastewater treatment 1,136 — %

Reservoirs and tanks 17,521 7 %

Pump stations and equipment 14,945 6 %

The 2023 capital expenditures budget is concentrated in main replacements. Included in the distribution system budgeted capital expenditures of $119,137 is approximately $89,412 that is planned to be spent to replace Water Utility Services’ pipes and mains.

Water Utility Services’ capital expenditures are incurred in connection with normal upgrading and expansion of existing facilities and to comply with environmental regulations. Over the next five years, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $1,353,390 in capital expenditures. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future approval from the Regulators. Capital expenditures have the effect of increasing utility plant rate base on which Water Utility Services earns a return. Water Utility Services’ actual capital expenditures may vary from projections due to changes in the expected demand for services, weather patterns, actions by governmental agencies and general economic conditions. Total additions to utility plant normally exceed company-financed additions as a result of new facilities construction funded with advances from developers and contributions in aid of construction.

The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization will occur as the components reach the end of their useful lives. In most cases, replacement cost will significantly exceed the original installation cost of the retired assets due to increases in the costs of goods and services and increased regulation.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased by approximately $54,500 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of decrease in cash proceeds from long-term debt and issuances of common stock, an increase in payments of dividends, and decreases in cash receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction, partially offset by an increase in the amount of net borrowings on our lines of credit. SJW Group’s cash management policy includes the issuance of long-term debt to pay down borrowings on our lines of credit. As such, during years when long-term borrowings are high, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be low and when long-term borrowings are low, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be high.

SJW Group and its subsidiaries have unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $350,000 as of December 31, 2022. Drawdowns on our lines of credit are restricted by our funded debt not exceeding a percent of total capitalization as defined in our debt covenants. SJW Group expects to periodically draw down on its lines of credit as dictated by our funding needs and subsequently repay such borrowings with cash from operations and issuance of long-term debt or equity. See also “Sources of Capital” below.

Sources of Capital

SJW Group’s regulated operations ability to finance future construction programs and sustain dividend payments depends on its ability to maintain or increase internally generated funds and obtain external financing through the issuance of new long-term debt or issuance of equity. The level of future earnings and the related cash flow from operations is dependent, in large part, on the timing and outcome of regulatory proceedings. SJW Group’s regulated operations financing activity is designed to achieve capital structures consistent with regulatory guidelines in the locations where the companies operate. See current authorized capital structures in Item 1, “Business” under “Regulation and Rates.”

Short-term Financing Arrangements

SJW Group and its subsidiaries have unsecured line of credit agreements where borrowings are used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. A summary of the line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2022, and 2021 are as follows:

Maturity Date Line Limit Amounts Outstanding Unused Portion Amounts Outstanding

Syndicated credit agreement: August 2, 2027

On August 2, 2022, SJW Group, SJWC, SJWTX, and CTWS entered into a $300,000 credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (“JP Morgan”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent, and a syndicate of banks. Proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be used for refinancing existing debt, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of August 2, 2027.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, each of SJW Group, SJWC, SJWTX, and CTWS is a borrower with several and not joint liability. Each borrower has an initial borrowing entitlement, or sublimit, which can be periodically adjusted from time to time as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The initial sublimit of each borrower is as presented in the table above.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternative Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement and hereinafter referred to as “ABR”) or Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). ABR borrowings (which are borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to ABR) will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to ABR plus the applicable rate. SOFR borrowings (which are borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to SOFR) will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SOFR plus the applicable rate. The applicable rate and pricing is variable depending on credit ratings of the borrower.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, asset sales, and fundamental changes. The Credit Agreement also includes a financial covenant that requires each of the borrowers to maintain its funded debt to capitalization ratio at or below 70%.

This Credit Agreement replaces the existing $140,000 credit agreement, dated April 23, 2021, between SJWC and JP Morgan and the existing $5,000 credit agreement, dated April 23, 2021, between SJWTX and JP Morgan, with SJW Group as guarantor, both of which were terminated upon entering into the Credit Agreement and were set to mature on December 31, 2023. In addition, on August 2, 2022, CTWS and Citizens Bank, National Association, entered into a fourth modification to the amended and restated revolving credit facility, dated December 18, 2019, as amended, pursuant to which the credit commitment was reduced from $75,000 to $10,000.

On October 31, 2022, CTWS and Citizens Bank, National Association, entered into a fifth modification to the amended and restated revolving credit facility to update the interest rate from London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the applicable rate to SOFR plus the applicable rate.

On February 6, 2023, CTWS modified its existing $40,000 credit agreement with CoBank to update the interest rate from LIBOR plus the applicable rate to SOFR plus the applicable rate.

On February 6, 2023, CTWS entered into a third amendment to the amended and restated promissory note and supplement with CoBank to update the one of the stated terms regarding one of interest rate options from LIBOR plus the applicable rate to SOFR plus the applicable rate. CTWS previously locked the interest rate under this agreement such that this amendment has no impact.

Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 3.41% and 1.32% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

All of SJW Group’s and subsidiaries lines of credit contain customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments, asset sales, and fundamental changes. All of the lines of credit also include certain customary financial covenants such as a funded debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2022, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants on their lines of credit.

Long-term Financing Arrangements

SJW Group and its subsidiaries long-term debt activities are for purposes of refinancing short-term borrowings, funding capital expenditures and working capital, and repayments of maturing long-term debt. The following table summarizes the long-term debt issuances and repayments for the year ended December 31, 2022:

Issuance (Repayment) Activity Date Maturity Date

SJWC:

CTWS:

Connecticut Water:

SJWTX:

Maine Water:

The debt and credit agreements of SJW Group and its subsidiaries contain various financial and other covenants. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in accelerated due dates and termination of the agreements. In addition, the credit agreements contain customary representations and warranties and are subject to customary events of default, which may result in the outstanding debt becoming immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2022, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants related to its long-term debt agreements.

Equity Financing Arrangements

On November 17, 2021, SJW Group entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, pursuant to which the company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, $0.001 par value per share, from time to time in “at-the-market” offerings, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $100,000. For the twelve months ended months ended December 31, 2022, SJW Group issued and sold a total of 529,736 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $75.49 per share and received approximately $39,179 in net proceeds under the Equity Distribution Agreement. Since the inception of the Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group has issued and sold 884,851 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $73.44 for a total net proceeds of $63,432 and has a remaining $35,012 under the Equity Distribution Agreement to issue into shares.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement/Contractual Obligations

SJW Group has no significant contractual obligations not fully recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheet or not fully disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW Group’s contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

Total Contractual Obligations Due in

Less than1 Year 1-3Years 3-5Years After5 Years

Connecticut Innovations Revenue Bonds, Connecticut Water 22,050 — — — 22,050

___________________________________

(1) As of December 31, 2022, advances for construction was $137,696 of which $46,380 was related to non-refundable advances for construction and $28,427 was related to advances which are refundable based on service connections made.

In regards to uncertain tax positions, we are unable to predict the timing of tax settlements as tax audits can involve complex issues and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. For further discussion on uncertain tax positions, please see Note 7 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Water Supply Agreements

SJWC purchases water from Valley Water under terms of a master contract expiring in 2051. Delivery schedules for purchased water are based on a contract year beginning July 1, and are negotiated every three years under terms of the master contract with Valley Water. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, SJWC purchased from Valley Water 18,183 million gallons ($96,793), 19,365 million gallons ($91,938) and 21,269 million gallons ($96,212), respectively, of contract water. On June 16, 2022, Valley Water Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 23% through June 30, 2023. Based on current prices and estimated deliveries, SJWC is committed to purchase from Valley Water a minimum of 90% of the reduced delivery schedule, or 18,864 million gallons ($106,463) of water at the current contract water rate of $5.6 per million gallons in the year ending December 31, 2023. Additionally, SJWC purchases non-contract water from Valley Water on an “as needed” basis if the water supply is available. The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $5.6, $5.0 and $4.5 per million gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $5.3, $4.6 and $4.2 per million gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

SJWC also pumps water from the local groundwater basin. There are no delivery schedules or contractual obligations associated with the purchase of groundwater. Valley Water determines the groundwater extraction charge and it is applied on a per unit basis. In addition to the Valley Water groundwater extraction charge, SJWC also incurs power costs to pump the groundwater from the basin.

Connecticut Water has an agreement with the RWA to purchase water. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. Connecticut Water will pay RWA $75 per year as part of a capacity agreement, for a total of 14 years, starting on the effective date of the agreement. In addition, Connecticut Water has the option, but is under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then current wholesale rates per the agreement ($2.6 per million gallons as of December 31, 2022). Connecticut Water has an agreement with the MDC to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of fifty years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. Connecticut Water has agreed to purchase 283 million gallons of water annually from MDC. The rate charged by the MDC at December 31, 2022 were $4.09 per hundred cubic feet.

SJWTX has long-term contracts with the GBRA. The agreements expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide SJWTX with 7,650 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided GBRA gives SJWTX a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment. SJWTX also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, for 350 acre-feet of water per each agreement per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.

Employee Benefit Arrangements

SJWC and CTWS sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2022, SJWC and CTWS contributed $11,712 and $626 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. In 2023, SJWC and CTWS expect to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $9,115 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The amount of required contributions for years thereafter is not actuarially determinable.

SJWC’s other benefit obligations include employees’ and directors’ postretirement benefits, an Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Special Deferral Election Plan and Deferral Election Program for non-employee directors. Under these benefit plans, SJWC is committed to pay approximately $1,750 annually to former officers and directors. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire.

CTWS’s other benefit obligations include employees’ postretirement benefits, supplemental executive retirement agreements and deferred compensation agreements and plan. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the contribution rates of employees into the deferred compensation plan and the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire. Under these benefit plans, CTWS is committed to pay approximately $1,334 annually to former officers and directors.

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently adopted accounting policies and new accounting pronouncements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

SJW Group is subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest rates, pension plan asset values, and equity prices. The exposure to changes in interest rates can result from the issuance of debt and short-term funds obtained through the company’s variable rate lines of credit. SJWC and Connecticut Water sponsor noncontributory pension plans for its employees. Pension costs and the funded status of the plans are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation.

SJW Group has no derivative financial instruments, financial instruments with significant off-balance sheet risks, or financial instruments with concentrations of credit risk.

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of SJW Group

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SJW Group and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Impact of Rate Regulation on the Financial Statements — Refer to Note 3 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company is subject to rate regulation by state utility regulatory agencies (the “Commissions”), which have jurisdiction with respect to the rates of the Company’s water and wastewater services. Management has determined it meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for the effects of cost-based rate regulation. Accounting for the economics of rate regulation impacts multiple financial statement line items and disclosures, such as depreciable utility plant; regulatory assets and liabilities; operating revenues; operation and maintenance expense; and depreciation expense.

The Commissions establish rates for the purpose of permitting the recovery of the cost of service and a return on investment. The Company’s rates are subject to regulatory ratemaking processes. The Company records deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits are incurred. Accounting for such costs and credits is based on management’s judgment and prior historical ratemaking practices, and it occurs when management determines that it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the future revenue of the Company through the ratemaking process.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments that underlie the Company’s financial statement line items and disclosure impacted by rate regulation and the high degree of subjectivity involved in assessing the impact of regulatory decisions on the financial statements. Management judgments include assessing the probability of (1) recovery in future rates of incurred costs and (2) the requirement to refund amounts to customers. Given that management’s accounting judgements are based on consideration of evidence, such as regulatory rules and decisions, past practice, and other facts and circumstances, and uncertain outcome of future regulatory decisions, auditing these judgements required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due its inherent complexities and pervasive impact on the financial statements.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the consideration of evidence, such as regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances, and the uncertain outcome of future regulatory decisions, that may impact the Company’s financial statement line items and disclosures impacted by rate regulation included the following, among others:

•We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the initial recognition of amounts as utility plant and regulatory assets or liabilities and the evaluation of the probability of (1) the recovery in future rates of costs incurred as utility plant and deferred as regulatory assets, and (2) a refund or a future reduction in rates that should be reported as regulatory liabilities. We also tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the probability of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.

•We read regulatory orders issued by the Commissions to the Company, regulatory statutes, interpretations, procedural memorandums, filings made by interveners, and other publicly available information to evaluate management’s determination of the accounting impacts of any new or revised regulatory decisions and their impact on measurement of related regulatory assets and liabilities.

•We obtained supporting documentation from management regarding the evidence, such as regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances, used in the measurement of regulatory assets and liabilities for compliance with the related orders. We reconciled the underlying data or inputs used in the measurement to rate decisions approved by the Commissions and tested the mathematical accuracy of the calculations.

•We obtained an analysis from management regarding probability of recovery for regulatory assets or refund or future reduction in rates for regulatory liabilities not yet addressed in a regulatory order to assess management’s assertion that amounts are probable of recovery or a future reduction in rates.

•We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded, and regulatory developments, were appropriate and consistent with the information obtained in our procedures.

Deloitte & Touche

San Jose, California

February 24, 2023

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

SJW Group and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

December 31,

Assets

Utility plant:

Real estate investments and nonutility properties 58,033 57,632

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 17,158 15,951

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents:

Restricted cash — 1,211

Accounts receivable:

Other assets:

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW Group and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

December 31,

Capitalization and Liabilities

Capitalization:

Stockholders’ equity:

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,477 (163)

Current liabilities:

Current portion of long-term debt 4,360 39,106

Accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power 19,707 17,200

Income tax payable 2,696 —

Commitments and contingencies

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW Group and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31 (in thousands, except share and per share data)

Operating expense:

Production Expenses:

Gain on sale of nonutility properties (6,197) (7,494) —

Impairment of long-lived asset — 2,211 —

Other (expense) income:

Gain on sale of Texas Water Alliance (“TWA”) — 3,000 —

Gain on sale of real estate investments — 927 948

Other comprehensive income:

Earnings per share

Weighted average shares outstanding

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW Group and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Number ofShares Amount

Unrealized income on investment, net of tax effect of $(247) — — — — (310) (310)

Adjustment to pension benefit plans, net of taxes of $(324) — — — — (880) (880)

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units 68,347 1 (1,864) — — (1,863)

Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax effect of $68 — — — — 185 185

Adjustment to pension benefit plans, net of taxes of $264 — — — — 716 716

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units 49,824 — (1,066) — — (1,066)

Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax effect of $(188) — — — — (511) (511)

Adjustment to pension benefit plans, net of taxes of $793 — — — — 2,151 2,151

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units 54,243 — (1,354) — — (1,354)

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW Group and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31 (in thousands)

Operating activities:

Allowance for equity funds used during construction (1,551) (1,926) (1,249)

Impairment of long-lived asset — 2,211 —

Accounts payable and other current liabilities (1,388) 4,843 (357)

Up-front service concession payment (1,600) — (5,000)

Other noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities 17,923 13,381 751

Investing activities:

Additions to utility plant:

Additions to real estate investment (631) (826) (435)

Payments for business/asset acquisitions (433) (23,587) —

Cost to retire utility plant, net of salvage (2,520) (2,781) (2,556)

Financing activities:

Long-term borrowings held as restricted cash — — 4,000

Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs 39,085 91,028 —

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 225 2,850 (8,675)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year 12,344 12,119 9,269

Less restricted cash, end of year — 1,211 4,000

Cash paid during the year for:

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SJW GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Note 1.Organization and Operations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of SJW Group, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and two variable interest entities in which two SJW Group subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. The accounting policies of SJW Group’s subsidiaries comply with the applicable uniform system of accounts prescribed by the respective regulators. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting policies of SJW Group’s subsidiaries comply with the applicable uniform system of accounts prescribed by the respective regulators and conform to generally accepted accounting principles for rate-regulated public utilities.

HTO US Equity

HTO · 10-K · period ended 2022-12-31

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.Properties

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.[Reserved]

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

HTO US Equity☆

HTO · 10-K · period ended 2022-12-31

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.Properties

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.[Reserved]

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

HTO US Equity