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. The following sections include a discussion of results for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Unless otherwise provided herein, the comparative results for the year ended December 31, 2023 with for the year ended December 31, 2022 may be found in “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Business Strategy
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 applicable state public utility commissions; and
(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.
Regional Regulated Activities
SJW Group’s regulated utility operation is conducted through SJWC, CWC, TWC and MWC. 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. CWC and TWC also provide 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
Non-tariffed services provided by SJW Group’s subsidiaries include water system operations, maintenance agreements, antenna site leases under agreements with municipalities and other utilities, wholesale water service to adjacent utilities, wastewater services, and 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.
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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.
Reportable Segment
Together, SJWC, excluding the Cupertino service concession arrangement operations, CWC, MWC and TWC are referred to as “Water Utility Services,” which is our single reportable segment. Other business activities that are not separately reportable segments are SJWC’s Cupertino service concession arrangement operations, TWOS, TWR, NEWUS, SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. and are collectively referred to as “Other Services.”
Critical Accounting Estimates
SJW Group has identified accounting estimates delineated below as estimates 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 estimates 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 regulatory assets for incurred costs that are deemed probable of recovery from customers. Also, Water Utility Services recognizes regulatory liabilities for amounts expected to be refunded to customers in the rate-making process and for amounts collected in advance of the related expenditures. Regulatory assets or liabilities are also recognized for special revenue programs such as WCMA and WRA in accordance with guidance on alternative revenue programs under ASC Topic 980, 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. The WCMA allows SJWC to track revenue, net of related water costs, associated with reduced sales due to water conservation and associated calls for water use reduction. SJWC records the lost revenue captured in the WCMA balancing accounts, including amounts related to a 20-basis point reduction in the authorized return on equity per the terms of the WCMA. Applicable drought surcharges collected are used to offset the revenue losses tracked in the WCMA. WRA, a decoupling mechanism authorized by PURA for CWC, mitigates risks associated with changes in demand. The WRA is used to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the most recent general rate case and allows the company to implement a surcharge or sur-credit as necessary to recover or refund the revenues approved in the general rate case. The WRA allows the company to defer, as a regulatory asset or liability, the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings. Application of ASC Topic 980, including determining whether recovery is probable, requires significant judgement by management and includes assessing evidence that may exist prior to regulatory authorization, including regulatory rules and decisions, historical ratemaking practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate the recovery or refund is probable. The regulatory assets and liabilities recorded by Water Utility Services primarily relate to asset removal costs, the recognition of deferred income taxes for ratemaking versus tax accounting purposes, balancing and memorandum accounts, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and employee benefit costs. The disallowance of any asset in future ratemaking, including regulatory assets, would require Water Utility Services to immediately recognize the impact of the costs for financial reporting purposes. There were no material disallowances recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
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Recognition of Balancing and Memorandum Accounts
Balancing and memorandum accounts are primarily 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 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.
Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items in California: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, group health insurance, 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 and group health insurance balancing accounts are intended to capture the difference between actual 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. The MWRAM 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.
SJWC also maintains memorandum accounts to track 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.
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 performed an impairment analysis as of October 1, 2024. The qualitative assessment found no indicators of impairment and therefore SJW Group did not perform the quantitative impairment test. No impairments occurred during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 or 2022.
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;
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•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, pension costs, and group health insurance expenses 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, CWC 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. The intended purpose of WICA is to enable the acceleration of the rate of replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing water system infrastructure to mitigate the effect of decay of aging water systems and promote conservation measures. In order to incentivize water utilities to conserve water, the Connecticut State Legislature created WRA in Connecticut in 2013. With the passage, CWC is no longer incentivized to sell more water and can encourage conservation of precious resources, removing financial disincentives to pursue water conservation.
Pursuant to Texas regulation, TWC 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 has implemented its first SIC. The SIC allows TWC 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 that was adopted by the PUCT in 2021 and 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, MWC 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 2024 and 2023, company-funded capital improvements were $353,029 and $271,772, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $451,000 in 2025 and $1,900,000 over the next 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 2024 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement
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our ongoing capital investment programs in the future. See discussion below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information on capital expenditures.
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.
In April 2024, the EPA issued new national primary drinking water regulations for six PFAS substances. The regulations impose maximum contaminant levels and monitoring requirements for the nation’s water system for six PFAS chemicals under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The final regulation requires water systems to comply with PFAS monitoring and reporting requirements by 2027, and to comply with the maximum contaminant levels by 2029. SJW Group estimates capital expenditures of approximately $300,000 for PFAS treatment based on finalized maximum contaminant levels. See discussion below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information on capital expenditures.
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 2024, production expenses accounted for 51% of our total operating expenses. Price increases associated with these production inputs would adversely impact our results of operations until rate relief is granted. However, for SJWC, the FCBA mitigates the cost of the water supply from changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources which affect the overall mix of the water supply.
Customer Growth
Customer growth in 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. We did not have any cash outflows for business acquisitions in 2024. During 2023 and 2022, we had cash outflows of 7,537 and $433, respectively, for business acquisitions 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 our results of operations.
The following is the change in customer usage in 2024 compared to 2023:
•SJWC residential usage increased 6.7% and business usage increased 5.8%.
•TWC residential and business usage decreased 13.0%.
•CWC residential usage increased 1.1% and business usage increased 2.9%.
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•MWC residential usage increased 3.4% and business usage increased 14.6%.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, SJWC’s residential usage was lower by 9.3% and business usage was higher by 2.6%, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2022-2024 general rate case. SJWC’s service area is currently under a voluntary 15% reduction of water consumption from its water wholesaler. To address the difference between conservation usage and authorized usage in the rate case, the CPUC has approved the activation of the WCMA. The WCMA is a temporary revenue protection mechanism, due to the voluntary 15% water reduction request, which tracks the divergence between authorized versus actual consumption in a balancing account for future recovery.
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.
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 2025. 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. CWC and MWC believe that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2025 with their existing water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water in reservoirs and purchased water treated by neighboring water utilities. TWC expects to meet customer demand for 2025 with TWC’s water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA.
Results of Operations
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.
Overview
SJW Group’s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $93,967, compared to $84,987 for the same period in 2023. This represents an increase of $8,980 or 11%, from 2023. The increase in net income was primarily driven by rate increases in California and Connecticut, higher customer usage, decreases in the allowance for credit losses, lower income tax expense attributable to a tax accounting method change, partially offset by higher water production expenses, higher administrative and general expenses, and higher depreciation and amortization expense primarily related to new utility plant additions.
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Operating Revenue
SJW Group has a single reportable segment, Water Utility Services. All other business activities not separately reportable are included in “Other Services.” Effective in the fourth quarter of 2024, management updated its segment presentation and no longer presents a separate reportable segment for Real Estate Services. Prior period information has been recast to conform to the current period presentation. Operating revenue for the Water Utility Services reportable segment and Other Services was as follows:
Operating Revenue
The change in consolidated operating revenue was due to the following factors:
Water Utility Services:
Increase in customers 2,532 — % 3,929 — %
Rate increases for:
Service and other revenue 7,642 2 % — — %
____________________
(1) Consists of rate increases specifically associated with changes in the water supply costs that are passed through to customers.
(2) Primarily associated with general rate cases and related annual escalation adjustments, infrastructure surcharges, and cost of capital adjustments.
(3) Excludes portion attributable to rate increases, which are shown in the rate increase lines above.
2024 vs. 2023
The revenue increase consists of $80,535 from Water Utility Services offset by a decrease of $2,459 from Other Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates in California and Connecticut, which resulted in an additional $36,076 in revenue, an increase in rates of $26,057 attributable to water supply costs that are passed through to customers, an increase of $14,861 due to higher usage, an increase of $2,532 from new customers, and increases in services and other revenue of $7,642, partially offset by decreases of $6,633 in other regulatory mechanisms and a decrease of $2,459 in Other Services. The decrease in Other Services is primarily attributable to lower real estate activity.
2023 vs. 2022
The revenue increase consists of $49,045 from Water Utility Services and $620 from Other Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates in California and Maine which resulted in $23,045 of additional revenue, an increase in rates of $22,320 attributable to water supply costs that are passed through to customers, an increase of $3,929 from new customers, and regulatory mechanisms of $5,684, partially offset by decreases of $5,933 due to lower usage.
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Water Utility Services’ Operating Revenue and Customer Counts
The following tables present operating revenues and the number of customers by customer group of Water Utility Services:
Operating Revenue by Customer Group
Service and other revenue 7,642 — —
Number of Customers
Operating Expense
Operating expense is summarized below:
Operating Expense
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The change in consolidated operating expenses was due to the following factors:
Water production expenses:
Change in surface water use $ 5,181 1 %
Change in new customers (156) — %
Balancing and memorandum account cost recovery (4,492) (1) %
Total water production expenses 35,822 7 %
Administrative and general 7,174 2 %
Property taxes and other non-income taxes 1,453 — %
Depreciation and amortization 6,987 1 %
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 acres of watershed in the Santa Cruz mountains. SJWC’s FCBA mitigates the cost of the water supply from changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources which 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.
CWC’s water sources vary among the individual systems, but overall, approximately 60% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 40% from wells. In addition, CWC has water supply agreements to supplement its water supply with RWA and MDC that expire in 2058 and 2053, respectively.
TWC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA. TWC has long-term agreements with the GBRA, which expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide TWC with an aggregate of 7,602 acre-feet of water per year from Canyon Lake at prices that may be adjusted periodically by GBRA. TWC also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTCPUA 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. Forty active production wells located in a Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, a regulated portion of the Trinity aquifer, are charged a groundwater pump tax based upon usage.
In August 2023, SJWTX Holdings Inc.’s unregulated subsidiary, TWR, acquired eight wells and the water rights of KTR, for a total cost of $40,061. During the third quarter of 2024, TWC purchased these assets from TWR for use in utility operations. Accordingly, SJW Group reclassified $28,386 related to indefinite lived water rights from other intangible assets to utility plant intangible assets and $11,684 from nonutility property to utility plant. These wells have been projected to yield an additional 6,000 acre-feet per year or more. TWC staff is currently working on acquiring easements and routing of the waterline and infrastructure needed to get this water into our Triple Peak water system to serve existing customers and planned new developments.
The Texas service area is currently experiencing drought conditions that result in water usage restrictions for customers. Significant future capital investment of transmission main and storage facilities in addition to developing additional supply sources is planned for 2025 and beyond.
Water sources at MWC vary among the individual systems, but overall, approximately 90% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 10% from wells. MWC has a water supply agreement with the Kennebec Water District expiring in 2040.
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The following table presents the sources of water supply:
Source of Water Supply
(billion gallons)
Reclaimed water 0.8 0.8
The percentages of water supply by source excluding reclaimed water by state is presented below:
Purchased Water Groundwater Surface Water
Water production in 2024 increased by 1.7 billion gallons from 2023. The changes are primarily attributable to changes in consumption by customers driven primarily by weather conditions in our service areas.
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 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $7.194 million, $6.411 million, and $5.644 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $6.840 million, $6.058 million, and $5.290 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
CWC has an agreement with 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 50 years upon becoming effective. In addition, CWC 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, $3.1 million per billion gallons as of December 31, 2024. CWC has an agreement with MDC to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of 50 years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. CWC has agreed to purchase 0.28 billion gallons of water annually from MDC at the published retail rate, three dollars and eighty cents per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2024.
MWC 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. MWC guarantees a minimum consumption of 0.05 billion gallons of water annually. Water sales to MWC are billed at a wholesale discount of twenty cents per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was one dollar and fifty-one cents per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2024.
The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.
Water production expenses
Water production expenses increased $25,035 due to higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction, energy price charges and other production expenses, $10,254 due to higher customer usage, and an increase of $5,181 as a result of decreased availability of California surface water in 2024 compared to 2023, offset by a decrease of $4,492 in water production balancing and memorandum accounts for the FCBA.
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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.
Administrative and general expense increased $7,174 in 2024, or 2% of total operating expenses from 2023, primarily due to expenses associated with certain acquisition evaluation and due diligence activities of $3,393, and an increase for pension expense, contracted work, and inflationary increases, offset by decreases in the allowance for credit losses of $6,082 and higher allocations to construction activities.
Maintenance Expense
Maintenance expenses increased $5,572 in 2024 or 1% of total operating expenses from 2023, primarily due to higher maintenance expenses related to contracted work for others, security expenses, and adjustments to certain regulatory assets as a result of the final decision in the Connecticut general rate case.
Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes
Property taxes and other non-income taxes for 2024 increased $1,453 from 2023. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in property taxes due to utility plant additions and payroll taxes due to increases in wages and headcount.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6,987 in 2024 from 2023. The increases were primarily due to increases in depreciation related to new utility plant additions.
Other Income and Expense
The change in other (expense) income in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to lower income from certain service and other activities, an increase in interest expense due to higher average balances and interest rates, and higher charitable contributions, offset by higher benefits from the non-service component of pension cost.
SJW Group’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 4.12% and 3.97% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 6.44% and 6.29% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense for 2024 was $8,970, compared to $5,956 in 2023. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 9% for 2024 and 7% for 2023. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the year-over-year effect of the higher uncertain tax position reserve release in 2023 and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments in 2024, partially offset by the benefit of a tax accounting method change in 2024.
Please refer to Note 7, “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to actual income tax expense.
Other Comprehensive Income
The change in other comprehensive income in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the change in the benefit obligation for CWC’s supplemental executive retirement plan primarily as a result of changes in the discount rate and the unrealized gain on its investments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Management believes that the collection rate for its accounts receivables will continue to improve as service disconnections return to normal. On December 28, 2023, SJWC submitted the application through the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program to relieve outstanding payment delinquencies for customer accounts greater than 60-days past due as of December 31, 2022. We received $9,130 in the second quarter of 2024 under the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program.
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 2024, SJW Group and its subsidiaries obtained $185,329 in funds from new long-term debt and $85,008 in funds from equity issuances. From these amounts, SJW Group funded its 2024 capital expenditure programs, refinanced certain short and long-term borrowings, and funded working
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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 $52,132 during the year ended December 31, 2024.
In 2024, the common dividends declared and paid on SJW Group’s common stock represented 55% of net income. Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 325 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 57 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 2024, SJW Group generated cash flow from operations of $195,526 compared to $190,831 in 2023. 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 2024 by $4,695. The increase was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) an increase of $36,057 due to higher net income adjusted for non-cash items, (2) an increase of $4,060 attributable to tax accruals, and (3) an increase of $2,568 for other assets and liabilities, offset by (4) an up-front service concession fee payments related to Cupertino for $23,900, and (5) a decrease in collections against our regulatory assets and liabilities, which generated a decrease of $14,090.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $17,823 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of an increase in company-funded capital expenditures of $81,257, an increase for developer-funded capital expenditures of $7,324, and an increase of $1,333 in utility plant retirement costs, offset by higher proceeds from sales of assets of $40,339 (primarily from the sale of SJW Land Company’s Tennessee real estate assets), lower additions to nonutility assets of $24,215, and a decrease of $7,537 in business acquisitions year over year.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $17,140 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of increase in cash proceeds from long-term debt, an increase in cash receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction and issuances of common stock, partially offset by an increase in the amount of net repayments on our lines of credit, and an increase in payments of dividends. 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, 2024. Drawdowns on our lines of credit are restricted by our funded debt not exceeding a percentage 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.
Budgeted Capital Expenditures
Water Utility Services has budgeted 2025 capital expenditures of approximately $451,000, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances. The 2025 budget is comprised of as follows:
Budgeted CapitalExpenditures2025
Total capital expenditures $ 451,000
The 2025 capital expenditures budget is concentrated in main replacements. 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 $1,900,000 in capital expenditures, which includes replacement of pipes and mains, maintaining water systems, and installing approximately $300,000 in PFAS treatment. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future respective state regulatory utility commissions’ approval.
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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.
In addition to these capital expenditures, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $105,000 over the next five years, including $22,000 in 2025, in capitalizable costs associated with cloud-based computing arrangements.
Sources of Capital
SJW Group’s ability to finance future construction programs and sustain dividend payments depends on its ability to maintain or increase internally generated funds and attract external financing. The level of future earnings and the related cash flow from operations is dependent, in large part, upon 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, 2024, and 2023 are as follows:
Maturity Date Line Limit Amounts Outstanding Unused Portion Amounts Outstanding
Syndicated credit agreement: August 2, 2029
In August 2024, SJW Group, SJWC, TWC, and CTWS entered into an amendment to its $300,000 credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank and a syndicate of banks, which provided, among other matters, for an extension of the maturity date from August 2, 2028 to August 2, 2029.
CTWS does not intend to renew its $40,000 credit agreement following repayment at maturity in 2025.
Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 6.44% and 6.29% for the years ended of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants on their lines of credit.
For additional information on SJW Group’s lines of credit, see Note 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
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Long-term Financing Arrangements
SJW Group’s 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, 2024:
Issuance (Repayment) Activity Date Maturity Date
SJWC:
CTWS:
CWC:
MWC:
TWC:
On November 15, 2023, CWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $25,000 of its 6.46% Senior Notes, Series 2023 (“Series 2023 Notes”). The Series 2023 Notes are unsecured obligations of CWC and are due on January 15, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year. The closing of the notes purchase agreement occurred on January 22, 2024.
On July 31, 2024, SJWC entered into and closed a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $75,000 of its 5.63% Senior Notes, Series Q (“Series Q Notes”). The Series Q Notes are unsecured obligations of SJWC and are due on July 31, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 31st and July 31st of each year.
On July 31, 2024, CWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $50,000 of its 5.78% Senior Notes, Series 2024 (“Series 2024 Notes”). The Series 2024 Notes are unsecured obligations of CWC and are due on July 31, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 31st and July 31st of each year. The closing of the notes purchase agreement occurred in August 2024.
On December 6, 2024, MWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $15,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.47%. The note is an unsecured obligation of MWC due on November 20, 2054. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year.
On December 6, 2024, TWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.47%. The note is an unsecured obligation of TWC due on November 20, 2054. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year. In January 2025, TWC amended the existing master loan agreement to modify one of the financial covenants. All of the other terms and conditions remain the same.
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
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in the outstanding debt becoming immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2024, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants related to its long-term debt agreements.
For additional information, see Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Equity Financing Arrangements
In March 2023, SJW Group entered into Amendment No. 1 to the equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”), dated November 17, 2021, between SJW Group and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, pursuant to which the company offered and sold 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 $240,000. The Equity Distribution Agreement was replaced by a new equity distribution agreement in October 2024, as discussed below. Through the Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group issued and sold 3,151,433 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $67.80 for a total net proceeds of $208,838 over the life of the agreement.
On October 29, 2024, SJW Group entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “New Equity Distribution Agreement”) with BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities 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 $200,000. Since the inception of the New Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group has issued and sold 375,513 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $55.46 for a total net proceeds of $20,167 and has $179,175 of aggregate gross sales price of shares remaining to issue under the New Equity Distribution Agreement as of December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, SJW Group issued and sold a total of 1,522,289 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $57.15 per share and received $85,008 in net proceeds under the aforementioned equity distribution agreements.
Credit Rating
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 2024 and 2023 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our ongoing capital investment programs in the future. SJW Group, CTWS and CWC were put on negative watch on September 19, 2023. Standard & Poor’s noted the change in outlook is due to recent regulatory and legislative developments in Connecticut that are not consistent with Standard & Poor’s view of the regulatory framework for investor-owned utilities.
The following table are the current Standard & Poor’s Rating Service assigned company ratings:
Entity Rating Outlook
SJW Group A- Negative
SJWC A Stable
CTWS A- Negative
CWC A- Negative
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.
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SJW Group’s contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Total Contractual Obligations Due in
Less than1 Year 1-3Years 3-5Years After5 Years
Connecticut Innovations Revenue Bonds, CWC 22,050 — — 22,050 —
___________________________________
(1) As of December 31, 2024, advances for construction were $155,397 of which $64,920 was related to non-refundable advances for construction and $31,983 was related to advances which are refundable based on service connections made.
(2) The timing of payments on the seller financing shown in the table above reflects management’s current estimate. The actual timing of payments will be based upon the actual quantities of groundwater produced from the acquired wells.
With regard to uncertain tax positions, no such amounts are reflected in the table above since 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, 2024, 2023 and 2022, SJWC purchased from Valley Water 17.0 billion gallons ($117,698), 18.3 billion gallons ($111,173) and 18.2 billion gallons ($96,793), respectively, of contract water. On June 12, 2024, Valley Water Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 23% through June 30, 2025. 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 18.9 billion gallons ($135,975) of water at the current contract water rate of $7.19 million per billion gallons in the year ending December 31, 2025. 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 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $7.194 million, $6.411 million, and $5.644 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $6.840 million, $6.058 million, and $5.290 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, 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.
CWC has an agreement with 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 50 years upon becoming effective. CWC 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, CWC 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 ($3.1 million per billion gallons as of December 31, 2024). CWC 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 50 years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the
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agreement were placed in service. CWC has agreed to purchase 0.28 billion gallons of water annually from MDC. The rate charged by the MDC at December 31, 2024 were three dollars and eighty cents per hundred cubic feet.
MWC 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. MWC guarantees a minimum consumption of 50 million gallons of water annually. Water sales to MWC are billed at a wholesale discount of twenty cents per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was one dollar and fifty-one cents per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2024.
TWC 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 TWC with 7,602 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided GBRA gives TWC a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment. TWC also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTCPUA 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 2024, SJWC and CTWS contributed $8,007 and $7 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. In 2025, SJWC and CTWS expect to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $6,680 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 $2,176 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.
CWC’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, CWC is committed to pay approximately $1,332, annually to former officers and directors.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and new accounting pronouncements issued and pending adoption.
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. SJW Group’s subsidiaries sponsor noncontributory pension and other postretirement plans for its employees. Pension and other postretirement costs and the funded status of the plans may be 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.
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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, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024, 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, 2024, 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, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for the 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 the 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.
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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 generally accepted accounting principles 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 consolidated balance sheets 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 the uncertain outcomes of future regulatory decisions, auditing these judgements required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and the rate setting process due to 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 impact of rate regulation include 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, and controls over relevant computations impacting certain regulatory asset or liability balances.
•We read regulatory orders issued by the Commissions to the Company, regulatory statutes, 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.
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•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.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Jose, California
February 27, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
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SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,
Assets
Utility plant:
Nonutility properties and real estate investments 1,314 13,350
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 98 194
Net nonutility properties and real estate investments 1,216 13,156
Current assets:
Accounts receivable:
Assets held for sale — 40,850
Other assets:
Other intangible asset — 28,386
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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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 1,960 1,791
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt 3,648 48,975
Accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power 25,118 24,479
Current regulatory liabilities 1,122 3,059
Commitments and contingencies
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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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)
Other (expense) income:
Interest on long-term debt and other interest expense (71,390) (66,144) (58,062)
Other comprehensive income:
Earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Number ofShares Amount
Unrealized loss 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)
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax effect of $166 — — — — 530 530
Adjustment to pension benefit plans, net of taxes of $80 — — — — (216) (216)
Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units 67,164 — (2,259) — — (2,259)
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax effect of $(163) — — — — (442) (442)
Adjustment to pension benefit plans, net of taxes of $0 — — — — 611 611
Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units 41,023 — (1,212) — — (1,212)
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31 (in thousands)
Operating activities:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (2,362) (2,114) (1,551)
Loss (gain) on sale of nonutility properties and other assets 572 — (6,197)
Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenue (12,663) (10,869) (8,222)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 4,241 492 (1,388)
Tax receivable and payable, and other accrued taxes (18,355) (22,415) (11,954)
Up-front service concession payments (23,900) — —
Investing activities:
Additions to utility plant:
Additions to nonutility assets and real estate investments (29) (24,244) (631)
Payments for business acquisitions — (7,537) (433)
Cost to retire utility plant, net of salvage (3,430) (2,097) (2,520)
Financing activities:
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,391 (2,621) 225
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for:
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Proceeds receivable from sale of real estate investments $ 2,801 — —
Accrued selling expenses on sale of real estate investments $ 2,177 — —
Seller financing in asset acquisition, net of discount $ — 15,400 —
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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SJW GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data and where otherwise noted)
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 one variable interest entity in which one SJW Group subsidiary is the primary beneficiary. 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.
SJW Group is a holding company that conducts its business through the following wholly owned subsidiaries: San Jose Water Company (“SJWC”), SJWTX Holdings, Inc., SJW Land Company, SJWNE LLC, and National Water Utility Service, LLC (“NWU”). SJWTX Holdings, Inc. is a holding company for its wholly owned subsidiaries, SJWTX, Inc., doing business as The Texas Water Company (“TWC”), Texas Water Operation Services, LLC (“TWOS”) and Texas Water Resources, LLC (“TWR”). SJWNE LLC is the holding company for Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (“CTWS”) whose wholly owned subsidiaries are The Connecticut Water Company (“CWC”), The Maine Water Company (“MWC”), New England Water Utility Services, Inc. (“NEWUS”), and Chester Realty, Inc. NWU is the contracting entity for shared services among the SJW Group affiliates formed in October 2024. SJW Group, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily provides water utility and other related services in California, Connecticut, Maine and Texas. SJW Group has business in property management and real estate investment activity conducted by SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc.
TWC is a public utility in the business of providing water service in Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Medina and Travis Counties in the growing region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. TWC additionally provides wastewater service in Comal and Kendall counties. TWC also holds a 25% equity interest in Acequia Water Supply Corporation (“Acequia”). Acequia has been determined to be a variable interest entity within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810—“Consolidation” with TWC as the primary beneficiary. As a result, Acequia has been consolidated with TWC. TWOS was created for non-tariffed service operations and TWR was formed to hold wholesale water supply assets.
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.
Note 2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Depreciable Utility Plant and Equipment
The major components of depreciable plant and equipment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
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Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining service lives of groups of assets. The estimated service lives of depreciable plant and equipment are as follows:
Useful Lives
Source of supply 20 to 100 years
Pumping plant 5 to 70 years
Water treatment plant 5 to 62 years
Transmission and distribution plant 10 to 100 years
General plant 5 to 68 years
For the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, depreciation expense as a percentage of the beginning of the year balance of depreciable plant was 2.9%, 2.9% and 3.3%, respectively. Depreciation expense for utility plant for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $111,575, $104,325 and $99,413, respectively. The cost of utility plant retired (less salvage) is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized. To the extent SJW Group recovers retirement costs through rates during the life of the associated asset and before the costs are incurred, these amounts result in a regulatory liability being reported based on the amounts previously recovered through customer rates until the costs to retire those assets are incurred.
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction (“AFUDC”)
AFUDC represents the capitalized costs of borrowed funds or a return on equity funds used to finance utility plant under construction and is capitalized as part of construction work in progress. AFUDC is recorded to the extent approved by the respective states’ utility regulators and is recovered through water rates as the utility plant depreciates. The amount of AFUDC debt capitalized in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $3,524, $2,900 and $4,703, respectively. Interest on long-term debt is presented net of AFUDC debt capitalized on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The amount of AFUDC equity capitalized in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $2,362, $2,114 and $1,551, respectively, reflected in “Other, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, ranging from 5 to 70 years. Indefinite-lived intangibles assets are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. (see Note 8, “Intangible Assets”).
Nonutility Properties and Real Estate Investments
Nonutility properties and real estate investments are recorded at cost and consist primarily of land and buildings. Net gains and losses from the sale of nonutility properties and real estate investments are recorded as a component of other (expense) income and operating expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Nonutility property is property that is neither used nor useful in providing water utility services to customers and is excluded from rate base for rate-setting purposes. SJWC recognizes gain or loss on the disposition of nonutility property in accordance with California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) Code Section 790, whereby the net proceeds are reinvested back into property that is useful in providing water utility services to customers. CTWS and TWC do not have regulatory restrictions on the use of proceeds from the sale of nonutility property. There is no depreciation associated with Water Utility Services nonutility property as it is all undeveloped land.
The major components of nonutility properties and real estate investments are as follows as of December 31:
Wholesale water supply assets — 8,465
Buildings and improvements 399 748
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 98 194
Depreciation on buildings and improvements for real estate investments is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 7 to 39 years.
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In March 2023, SJW Land Company entered into a broker agreement to sell its warehouse buildings and land property located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company reclassified the Tennessee properties from held-and-used to held-for-sale at March 31, 2023. The company recorded the Tennessee properties at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less cost to sell, and also stopped recording depreciation on assets held for sale. SJW Group’s broker provided the estimated fair value of the Tennessee properties. No impairment was recorded as the estimated fair value less cost to sell exceeded carrying value.
In 2024, in two separate transactions, SJW Land Company completed the sale of the Tennessee properties for an aggregate of $44,000. The net pre-tax loss associated with these transactions for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $969 and is included in the “Other, net” line on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. A portion of the proceeds from these sales totaling $2,801 is being held in escrow pending completion of certain post-closing obligations. Following these two transactions, SJW Group does not have any other assets classified as held for sale.
The sale of the Tennessee properties does not represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on SJW Group; therefore, the sale does not qualify for treatment as a discontinued operation.
The following represents the major components of the Tennessee warehouse building and land property recorded in assets held-for-sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023:
Buildings and improvements 44,950
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 17,270
On October 29, 2021, SJWC sold two nonutility properties located in San Jose, California for $13,150. For the year ended December 31, 2022, SJW Group recognized the pre-tax gain on the sale of nonutility properties of $7,230, after selling expenses of $277 for one of the properties sold, and a gain of $5,442 which was deferred in 2021 pending the CPUC review. On February 15, 2022, the CPUC review was complete and SJWC recognized the deferred gain on sale of nonutility property in 2022.
In August 2023, a non-regulated subsidiary, TWR, acquired eight wells and the associated water rights of KT Water Resources, LLC, as discussed in Note 14, “Acquisitions.” In connection with a transaction in the third quarter of 2024, TWC purchased these assets from TWR for use in utility operations. Accordingly, SJW Group reclassified $28,386 related to indefinite-lived water rights from other intangible assets to utility plant intangible assets and $11,684 from nonutility property to utility plant.
Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions
SJW Group applies the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 805—“Business Combinations” for the accounting related to business and asset acquisitions. First, SJW Group applies the guidance in Topic 805 to determine whether a transaction represents a business combination or an acquisition of assets. If the transaction is a business combination, Topic 805 requires SJW Group to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. If the transaction is an acquisition of assets, the cost of the transaction, including transaction costs, is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis without recognition of goodwill. While SJW Group uses best available estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, such estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. For business combinations, Topic 805 provides for a measurement period from the acquisition date of up to one year, during which we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Accounting for business combinations and asset acquisitions requires SJW Group to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date, including estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed and pre-acquisition contingencies. Although SJW Group believes that the assumptions and estimates we make are reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the acquired company’s management and are inherently uncertain. Events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired include, but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from services; historical and expected customer attrition rates and anticipated growth in revenue from acquired
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customers; the expected use of the acquired assets; and discount rates. See Note 14, “Acquisitions” for further information on business combinations and asset acquisitions.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
In accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 360—“Property, Plant and Equipment,” the long-lived assets of SJW Group, including property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances or events indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. In assessing qualitative factors, SJW Group considers the impact of these key factors: change in industry and competitive environment, financial performance, and other relevant company-specific events. When such changes in circumstances or events occur, the company assesses recoverability by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through the undiscounted expected future cash flows. To the extent an impairment exists, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value with a corresponding charge to operations in the period in which the impairment is identified. No impairments occurred during 2024 and 2023.
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. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, are not amortized but are 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 indefinite-lived intangible assets below their carrying amount. In performing impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, 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. As of October 1, 2024, SJW Group performed qualitative assessments of both goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and found no indicators of impairment and therefore did not perform quantitative impairment tests.No impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets occurred during 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consisted of cash on deposit with banks and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is SJW Group’s best estimate of credit losses in its existing accounts receivable and is determined based on current expected losses. The estimate is based on historical loss information adjusted for current conditions. Accounts balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered or is over a certain number of days outstanding. During the second quarter of 2024, SJW Group recorded a reduction to its allowance for credit losses of $7,822, of which $3,960 resulted in a reduction to regulatory assets and $3,862 was recorded through administrative and general expense ($2,782 net of tax or $0.08 per diluted share).
Financial Instruments and Investments
The following instruments are not measured at fair value on the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets but require disclosure of fair values: cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and lines of credit. The estimated fair value of such instruments approximates their carrying value as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of such financial instruments are determined using the income approach based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The fair value of these instruments would be categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, which would be categorized as Level 1. The fair value of long-term debt is discussed in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt” and pension plan assets in Note 11, “Benefit Plans.”
SJW Group has investments in company owned life insurance which are valued at cash surrender value of the policies as reported by the insurer. The value of these contracts is based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds that actively redeem shares, are observable and measurable, and are presented in “Investments” on SJW Group’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the value of the company owned life insurance was $8,944 and $8,220, respectively, of which $4,294 and $3,937, respectively, was related to assets to fund CTWS’ supplemental retirement plan agreements. See discussion on pension plans in Note 11, “Benefit Plans.”
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Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the effect of temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current tax rates in effect. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.
To the extent permitted by the regulators, investment tax credits resulting from public utility plant additions are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related property. In addition, investment tax credits resulting from other asset additions are recognized in the year the property is put in service.
Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of Construction
In California, advances for construction received after 1981 are primarily refunded ratably over 40 years. In Connecticut and Maine, advances for construction are refunded as services are connected to the main over periods not exceeding 15 years and in Texas advances for construction are non-refundable.Estimated refunds for the next five years and thereafter are shown below:
Estimated Refunds
As of December 31, 2024, advances for construction totaled $155,397 including $64,920 in non-refundable advances and $31,983 in advances that will be refunded based on service connections made, though the timing of these refunds cannot be estimated. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of the advances for construction refunded ratably over 40 years is $43,718 and $40,915, respectively.
Contributions in aid of construction represent funds or property received from developers that are not refundable under applicable regulations. Depreciation applicable to utility plant constructed with these contributions is charged to contributions in aid of construction.
Asset Retirement Obligation
SJW Group’s asset retirement obligation is recorded as a liability included in other non-current liabilities. It reflects principally the retirement costs of wells and other anticipated clean-up costs, which by law, must be remediated upon retirement.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the asset retirement obligation is as follows:
Estimated future retirement costs $ 4,303 4,198
Discount rate 6 % 6 %
Retirement obligation, present value $ 887 862
Revenue
SJW Group recognizes revenue under ASC Topic 606—“Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for metered revenue of Water Utility Services, which includes billings to customers based on meter readings plus an estimate of water used between the customers’ last meter reading and the end of the accounting period. SJW Group satisfies its performance obligation upon delivery of water to the customer at which time the customer consumes the benefits provided by the company. The customer is generally billed on a quarterly, monthly, or bi-monthly basis after water delivery has occurred. The customer is charged both a service charge which is based upon meter size and covers a portion of the fixed costs of furnishing water to the customer and a consumption charge based on actual water usage. Unbilled revenue from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period is estimated based on the most recent usage patterns, production records and the effective tariff rates. As the company has the right to bill for services that it has provided, SJW Group estimates the dollar value of deliveries during the unbilled period and recognizes the associated revenue. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which may result in an adjustment to revenue when billed in a subsequent period.
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SJW Group also recognizes revenue under ASC Topic 980-605-25—“Alternative Revenue Programs.” Under programs established by the CPUC and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority of Connecticut (“PURA”), allowing for automatic adjustment of future rates, the company recognizes revenue when it is objectively determinable, probable of recovery and expected to be collected within 24 months of the year-end in which the revenue is recognized. A reserve, based on an estimate of actual usage over the recovery period, is recorded for any amounts SJW Group estimates will not be collected within the 24-month period. SJW Group’s alternative revenue programs include SJWC’s Water Conservation Memorandum Account (“WCMA”) and CWC’s Water Rate Adjustment mechanism (“WRA”). See further discussion on WCMA and WRA in Note 3, “Regulatory Matters.”
SJW Group’s revenues also reflect the impact of other balancing and memorandum accounts and other regulatory mechanisms that are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 980—“Regulated Operations.” Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized 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. See further discussion in Note 3, “Regulatory Matters.”
SJW Group also recognizes revenue from rental income, which represents lease rental income. Tenants pay monthly in accordance with lease agreements and SJW Group recognizes the income ratably over the lease term as this is the most representative of the pattern in which the benefit is expected to be derived from SJW Group’s underlying asset.
Detail of SJW Group’s revenue components are as follows for the years ended December 31:
Revenue also includes a surcharge collected from regulated customers that is paid to the CPUC. This surcharge is recorded both in operating revenue and administrative and general expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the surcharge was $3,668, $4,085 and $6,121, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
SJW Group calculates the fair value of service-based and performance-based restricted stock awards based on the grant date fair value of the company’s stock price reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be declared on outstanding shares.
SJW Group utilizes the Monte Carlo valuation model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions, to compute the fair value of market-vesting restricted stock units.
The compensation cost for service-based restricted stock awards is charged to income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. For performance-based stock awards, compensation expense is charged to income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period based on expected attainment of performance targets. Changes in the estimates of the expected attainment of performance targets will result in a change in the number of shares that are expected to vest which may cause a cumulative catch up for the amount of share-based compensation expense during each reporting period in which such estimates are altered. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated using income available to common stockholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock including both shares outstanding and shares potentially issuable in connection with restricted common stock awards under SJW Group’s long-term incentive plans, shares potentially issuable under the performance stock plans assumed through the business combination with CTWS, and shares potentially issuable under SJW Group’s employee stock purchase plans. Restricted common stock units of 8,075, 14,193 and 25,127 as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as their effect would have been antidilutive.
Related-Party Transaction
The Force for Good Foundation, established in 2024, is a non-consolidated not-for-profit corporation funded by SJW Group that plans to make contributions to selected charitable organizations. For the year ended December 31, 2024, SJW Group made
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contributions of $3,000, which are included as an expense in the “Other, net” line of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
New Accounting Standards
Note 3.Regulatory Matters
Regulation
Water Utility Services, excluding non-tariffed activities, are subject to rate regulation based on cost recovery and meets the criteria of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations under ASC Topic 980, which affects the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. SJW Group’s consolidated financial statements reflect the actions of regulators in the rate-
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making process. The rate-making process is 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.
Water Utility Services, excluding non-tariffed activities, recognizes regulatory assets for incurred costs that are deemed probable of recovery from customers. Also, Water Utility Services recognizes regulatory liabilities for amounts expected to be refunded to customers in the rate-making process and for amounts collected in advance of the related expenditures. Regulatory assets or liabilities are also recognized for special revenue programs such as WCMA and WRA in accordance with guidance on alternative revenue programs under ASC Topic 980. Application of ASC 980, including determining whether recovery is probable, requires significant judgment by management and includes assessing evidence that may exist prior to regulatory authorization, including regulatory rules and decisions, historical ratemaking practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate that recovery or refund is probable.
If the regulated utility determines that it is no longer probable that regulatory assets or liabilities would be recovered or refunded through the regulatory process, or if the utility ceased to be subject to rate regulation, the affected regulatory assets and liabilities would be derecognized with a corresponding adjustment to income in the period in which that determination was made.
SJWC has established balancing accounts for the purpose of tracking the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. SJWC’s Full Cost Balancing Account (“FCBA”) tracks water supply costs and energy consumption. The Monterey Water Revenue Adjustment (“MWRAM”) balancing account 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.
SJWC also maintains memorandum accounts to track 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 WCMA allows SJWC to track lost revenue, net of related water costs, associated with reduced sales due to water conservation and associated calls for water use reduction, both mandatory and voluntary. SJWC records the lost revenue captured in the WCMA balancing accounts, including amounts related to a 20-basis point reduction in the authorized return on equity per the terms of the WCMA. Applicable drought surcharges collected are used to offset the revenue losses tracked in the WCMA. Mandatory water conservation requirements from Santa Clara Valley Water District (“Valley Water”) ended on April 11, 2023, which also ended SJWC’s Mandatory Conservation Plan, that included drought allocations and surcharges. On October 2, 2023, the CPUC approved the continuation of WCMA and Water Conservation Expense Memorandum Account under the voluntary call for conservation effective April 20, 2023. All balancing accounts and memorandum accounts not included for recovery or refund in current customer rates will be reviewed by the CPUC in SJWC’s next general rate case or at the time an individual account balance reaches a threshold of 2% of authorized revenue, whichever occurs first. On December 19, 2024, the CPUC issued General Rate Case Decision No. 24-12-077, which approved a recovery of $15,792 in balancing and memorandum accounts from customers through a 12-month surcharge effective January 1, 2025.
CWC has been authorized by PURA to utilize WRA, a decoupling mechanism, to mitigate risks associated with changes in demand. The WRA is used to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the most recent general rate case and allows the company to implement a surcharge or sur-credit as necessary to recover or refund the revenues approved in the general rate case. The WRA allows the company to defer, as a regulatory asset or liability, the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings.
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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of December 31:
Regulatory assets:
Unrecognized pensions and other postretirement benefits (b) (q) 3,177 24,593
Business combinations debt premium (c) (q) 12,313 14,855
Employee benefit costs (d) (q) 6,370 9,815
Customer Assistance Program (“CAP”) balancing account (f) 6,599 5,457
Catastrophic event memorandum accounts (“CEMA”) (g) 986 4,819
2022 general rate case interim memorandum account (h) 3,392 4,571
Revenue adjustment mechanisms (n) (q) 5,024 —
Water supply costs (i) — 583
Less: current regulatory asset (k) 18,172 4,276
Total regulatory assets, less current portion $ 224,055 235,910
Regulatory liabilities:
Future income tax benefits due to customers (m) 84,128 88,610
Unrecognized pensions and other postretirement benefits (b) 27,872 20,196
Employee benefit costs (d) 1,137 —
Revenue adjustment mechanisms (n) 1,122 5,536
Water supply costs (i) 3,386 —
Less: current regulatory liabilities (p) 1,122 3,059
Total regulatory liabilities, less current portion $ 483,719 461,108
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(a)Consists primarily of temporary income tax differences that are flowed through to customers, which will be recovered in future rates as these temporary differences reverse. The company expects to recover regulatory assets related to plant depreciation income tax temporary differences over the lives of the plant assets, which are between 5 to 100 years.
(b)Represents actuarial losses and gains and prior service cost that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for certain pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
(c)Consists of debt fair value adjustments recognized through purchase accounting for the completed merger with CTWS in 2019.
(d)Includes deferrals of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, cost of accrued benefits for vacation, and group health insurance.
(e)MWRAM is described in the previous section.
(f)Represents costs associated with SJWC’s CAP.
(g)The CPUC has authorized water utilities to activate CEMA accounts in order to track savings and costs related to SJWC’s response to catastrophic events, which includes external labor and materials, increases in bad debt from suspension of shutoffs for non-payment, waived deposits and reconnection fees, and divergence from actual versus authorized usage. The balances primarily relate to expenses associated with SJWC’s response to COVID-19, including bad debt.
(h)Represents the difference between revenues collected in interim rates in effect as of January 1, 2022 and revenues that would result from rates authorized in SJWC’s 2022 general rate case retroactive to January 1, 2022.
(i)Reflects primarily SJWC’s FCBA which tracks differences in actual water supply costs compared to amounts assumed in base rates, including applicable changes and variations in costs and quantities that affect the overall mix of the water supply.
(j)Other includes other balancing and memorandum accounts and regulatory mechanisms, deferred costs for certain information technology activities, asset retirement obligations, tank painting, well reconditioning and rate case expenses.
(k)As of December 31, 2024, primarily relates to SJWC’s balancing and memorandum account surcharge in accordance with Decision No. 24-12-077 and the current portion of CWC’s deferred well redevelopment and rate case costs. As of December 31, 2023, primarily relates to the current portion of MWRAM.
(l)Represents amounts collected in rates from customers for estimated costs to retire assets at the end of their expected useful lives before the costs are incurred.
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(m)On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act included a reduction in the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The rate reduction was effective on January 1, 2018 and resulted in a regulatory liability for the excess deferred income taxes. The benefit of amortization of excess deferred income taxes flows back to the customers under current normalization rules and agreed upon methods with the commissions.
(n)Consists of WRA and WCMA, which are described in the previous section.
(o)Other includes other balancing and memorandum accounts, other regulatory mechanisms and accrued tank painting costs.
(p)Primarily relates to the current portion of WRA.
(q)Generally not earning a return either by interest on the regulatory asset or as a component of rate base at the allowed rate of return.
Note 4.Capitalization
SJW Group is authorized to issue 70,000,000 shares of common stock of $0.001 par value per share. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, 33,629,169 and 32,023,004, respectively, shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock of $0.001 par value per share were authorized for SJW Group. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.
In March 2023, SJW Group entered into Amendment No. 1 to the equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”), dated November 17, 2021, between SJW Group and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, pursuant to which the company offered and sold 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 $240,000. The Equity Distribution Agreement was replaced by a new equity distribution agreement in October 2024, as discussed below. Through the Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group issued and sold 3,151,433 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $67.80 for a total net proceeds of $208,838 over the life of the agreement.
On October 29, 2024, SJW Group entered into an equity distribution agreement (the, “New Equity Distribution Agreement”) with BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities 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 $200,000. Since the inception of the New Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group has issued and sold 375,513 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $55.46 for a total net proceeds of $20,167 and has $179,175 of aggregate gross sales price of shares remaining to issue under the New Equity Distribution Agreement as of December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, SJW Group issued and sold a total of 1,522,289 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $57.15 per share and received $85,008 in net proceeds under the aforementioned equity distribution agreements.
Note 5.Lines of Credit
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, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Maturity Date Line Limit Amounts Outstanding Unused Portion Amounts Outstanding
Syndicated credit agreement: August 2, 2029
SJW Group, SJWC, TWC, and CTWS have 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 dated August 2, 2022. Proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be used for refinancing existing debt, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement had a maturity date of August
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2, 2027. On August 2, 2023, SJW Group, SJWC, TWC, and CTWS entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank which provided for, among other matters, an extension of the maturity date from August 2, 2027 to August 2, 2028. On August 2, 2024, SJW Group, SJWC, TWC, and CTWS entered into the Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank which provided for, among other matters, an extension of the maturity date from August 2, 2028 to August 2, 2029.
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, each of SJW Group, SJWC, TWC, 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 the Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement and hereinafter referred to as “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 includes a financial covenant that requires each of the borrowers to maintain its funded debt to capitalization ratio at or below 70%.
On October 31, 2022, CTWS and Citizens Bank, National Association, entered into a fifth modification to the amended and restated revolving credit facility of $10,000 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.
The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2024 was 6.08% compared to 6.48% at December 31, 2023.
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. 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, 2024, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants on the lines of credit.
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Note 6.Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt as of December 31 was as follows:
SJWC:
CWC:
TWC:
MWC:
Unamortized debt premium and discount, net (56) 1,583
Unamortized debt issuance costs (9,216) (9,350)
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(a)Senior notes held by institutional investors are unsecured obligations of SJW Group, SJWC, CWC, TWC and MWC and require interest-only payments until maturity. To minimize issuance costs, the companies’ debt has primarily been placed privately.
(b)Debt does not contain a stated interest rate but is discounted using an effective rate of 5.61%.
The following is a table of the consolidated company’s schedule of principal payments:
Year
The estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1,490,024 and $1,394,412, respectively, and was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates for similar financial instruments of the
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same duration and creditworthiness of the company. As of December 31, 2024, $1,473,393 of the total fair value of long-term debt would be categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, and $16,631 would be categorized as Level 3. As of December 31, 2023, $1,378,683 of the total fair value of long-term debt was categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, and $15,729 was categorized as Level 3.
SJWC
On July 14, 2022, SJWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain affiliates of New York Life Insurance, Metropolitan Life Insurance, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, and John Hancock Life Insurance (collectively the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $70,000 of its 4.85% Senior Notes, Series P (“Series P Notes”) to the Purchasers. The Series P Notes are unsecured obligations of SJWC and are due on February 1, 2053. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1st and August 1st of each year. The closing of the note purchase agreement occurred on January 25, 2023.
On July 31, 2024, SJWC entered into and closed a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $75,000 of its 5.63% Senior Notes, Series Q (“Series Q Notes”). The Series Q Notes are unsecured obligations of SJWC and are due on July 31, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 31st and July 31st of each year.
CWC
On November 15, 2023, CWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain affiliates of American United Life Insurance, The State Life Insurance, Mutual of Omaha Insurance, and United of Omaha Life Insurance, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $25,000 of its 6.46% Senior Notes, Series 2023 (“Series 2023 Notes”). The Series 2023 Notes are unsecured obligations of CWC and are due on January 15, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year. The closing of the notes purchase agreement occurred on January 22, 2024.
On July 31, 2024, CWC entered into a note purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the company sold an aggregate principal amount of $50,000 of its 5.78% Senior Notes, Series 2024 (“Series 2024 Notes”). The Series 2024 Notes are unsecured obligations of CWC and are due on July 31, 2054. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 31st and July 31st of each year. The closing of the notes purchase agreement occurred in August 2024.
TWC and TWR
In August 2023, TWR closed on an asset acquisition that included an obligation for a post-closing production payment of $29,000 to the seller over a period of up to 29 years. The repayment schedule is based on the quantity of groundwater produced from the acquired wells, subject to certain provisions in the purchase agreement. The difference between the gross obligation of $29,000 and the fair value at the date of acquisition is reflected as a debt discount and is being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the obligation. During the third quarter of 2024, TWC assumed the obligation in connection with an asset purchase agreement pursuant to which TWC acquired all of the net assets of TWR.
On December 6, 2024, TWC issued a promissory note to a national cooperative bank under an existing master loan agreement for a principal amount of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.47%. This note is an unsecured obligation of TWC due on November 20, 2054. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of January, April, July and October of each year. In January 2025, TWC amended the existing master loan agreement to modify one of the financial covenants. All of the other terms and conditions remain the same.
MWC