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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) Stock Fundamental Analysis

USA - NYSE:CWT - US1307881029 - Common Stock

45.85 USD
+0.06 (+0.13%)
Last: 11/14/2025, 8:04:00 PM
45.85 USD
0 (0%)
After Hours: 11/14/2025, 8:04:00 PM
Fundamental Rating

3

We assign a fundamental rating of 3 out of 10 to CWT. CWT was compared to 15 industry peers in the Water Utilities industry. While CWT is still in line with the averages on profitability rating, there are concerns on its financial health. CWT is valied quite expensively at the moment, while it does show a decent growth rate.


Dividend Valuation Growth Profitability Health

5

1. Profitability

1.1 Basic Checks

In the past year CWT was profitable.
CWT had a positive operating cash flow in the past year.
CWT had positive earnings in each of the past 5 years.
Each year in the past 5 years CWT had a positive operating cash flow.
CWT Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFCWT Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFYearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 100M -100M 200M

1.2 Ratios

With a Return On Assets value of 2.52%, CWT is not doing good in the industry: 60.00% of the companies in the same industry are doing better.
CWT's Return On Equity of 8.21% is in line compared to the rest of the industry. CWT outperforms 46.67% of its industry peers.
CWT has a Return On Invested Capital of 3.26%. This is in the lower half of the industry: CWT underperforms 60.00% of its industry peers.
Measured over the past 3 years, the Average Return On Invested Capital for CWT is below the industry average of 4.87%.
The last Return On Invested Capital (3.26%) for CWT is above the 3 year average (2.65%), which is a sign of increasing profitability.
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA 2.52%
ROE 8.21%
ROIC 3.26%
ROA(3y)2.35%
ROA(5y)2.54%
ROE(3y)7.53%
ROE(5y)8.34%
ROIC(3y)2.65%
ROIC(5y)2.93%
CWT Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICCWT Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICYearly ROA, ROE, ROIC 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2 4 6 8 10

1.3 Margins

CWT has a Profit Margin (13.71%) which is in line with its industry peers.
CWT's Profit Margin has improved in the last couple of years.
CWT has a worse Operating Margin (21.11%) than 60.00% of its industry peers.
CWT's Operating Margin has improved in the last couple of years.
CWT has a Gross Margin of 70.17%. This is in the better half of the industry: CWT outperforms 73.33% of its industry peers.
In the last couple of years the Gross Margin of CWT has grown nicely.
Industry RankSector Rank
OM 21.11%
PM (TTM) 13.71%
GM 70.17%
OM growth 3Y15.39%
OM growth 5Y9.23%
PM growth 3Y12.91%
PM growth 5Y15.82%
GM growth 3Y2.57%
GM growth 5Y1.83%
CWT Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsCWT Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsYearly Profit, Operating, Gross Margins 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 20 40 60

1

2. Health

2.1 Basic Checks

The Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is below the Cost of Capital (WACC), so CWT is destroying value.
Compared to 1 year ago, CWT has more shares outstanding
The number of shares outstanding for CWT has been increased compared to 5 years ago.
Compared to 1 year ago, CWT has an improved debt to assets ratio.
CWT Yearly Shares OutstandingCWT Yearly Shares OutstandingYearly Shares Outstanding 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 10M 20M 30M 40M 50M
CWT Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsCWT Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsYearly Total Debt VS Total Assets 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B

2.2 Solvency

Based on the Altman-Z score of 0.86, we must say that CWT is in the distress zone and has some risk of bankruptcy.
CWT's Altman-Z score of 0.86 is on the low side compared to the rest of the industry. CWT is outperformed by 60.00% of its industry peers.
CWT has a Debt/Equity ratio of 0.88. This is a neutral value indicating CWT is somewhat dependend on debt financing.
CWT has a Debt to Equity ratio of 0.88. This is in the better half of the industry: CWT outperforms 73.33% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.88
Debt/FCF N/A
Altman-Z 0.86
ROIC/WACC0.44
WACC7.46%
CWT Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFCWT Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFYearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 500M 1B 1.5B

2.3 Liquidity

A Current Ratio of 0.53 indicates that CWT may have some problems paying its short term obligations.
Looking at the Current ratio, with a value of 0.53, CWT is doing worse than 80.00% of the companies in the same industry.
CWT has a Quick Ratio of 0.53. This is a bad value and indicates that CWT is not financially healthy enough and could expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
CWT's Quick ratio of 0.50 is on the low side compared to the rest of the industry. CWT is outperformed by 73.33% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Current Ratio 0.53
Quick Ratio 0.5
CWT Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesCWT Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesYearly Current Assets VS Current Liabilites 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 100M 200M 300M 400M 500M

4

3. Growth

3.1 Past

The earnings per share for CWT have decreased strongly by -33.82% in the last year.
CWT shows a strong growth in Earnings Per Share. Measured over the last years, the EPS has been growing by 20.08% yearly.
Looking at the last year, CWT shows a very strong growth in Revenue. The Revenue has grown by 30.48%.
The Revenue has been growing slightly by 7.73% on average over the past years.
EPS 1Y (TTM)-33.82%
EPS 3Y18.6%
EPS 5Y20.08%
EPS Q2Q%0%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)30.48%
Revenue growth 3Y9.44%
Revenue growth 5Y7.73%
Sales Q2Q%3.9%

3.2 Future

CWT is expected to show a small growth in Earnings Per Share. In the coming years, the EPS will grow by 0.68% yearly.
Based on estimates for the next years, CWT will show a small growth in Revenue. The Revenue will grow by 4.01% on average per year.
EPS Next Y-28.27%
EPS Next 2Y-10.69%
EPS Next 3Y-5.53%
EPS Next 5Y0.68%
Revenue Next Year-1.55%
Revenue Next 2Y2.82%
Revenue Next 3Y2.8%
Revenue Next 5Y4.01%

3.3 Evolution

When comparing the EPS growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is decreasing.
The Revenue growth rate is decreasing: in the next years the growth will be less than in the last years.
CWT Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesCWT Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesYearly Revenue VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 200M 400M 600M 800M 1B
CWT Yearly EPS VS EstimatesCWT Yearly EPS VS EstimatesYearly EPS VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 1 2 3

3

4. Valuation

4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio

A Price/Earnings ratio of 20.02 indicates a rather expensive valuation of CWT.
CWT's Price/Earnings ratio is a bit cheaper when compared to the industry. CWT is cheaper than 73.33% of the companies in the same industry.
CWT's Price/Earnings ratio indicates a valuation a bit cheaper than the S&P500 average which is at 25.89.
The Price/Forward Earnings ratio is 17.58, which indicates a rather expensive current valuation of CWT.
Based on the Price/Forward Earnings ratio, CWT is valued a bit cheaper than 73.33% of the companies in the same industry.
When comparing the Price/Forward Earnings ratio of CWT to the average of the S&P500 Index (34.59), we can say CWT is valued slightly cheaper.
Industry RankSector Rank
PE 20.02
Fwd PE 17.58
CWT Price Earnings VS Forward Price EarningsCWT Price Earnings VS Forward Price Earnings ChartPrice Earnings - Forward Price Earnings PE FPE 20 40 60 80

4.2 Price Multiples

Based on the Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio, CWT is valued cheaply inside the industry as 86.67% of the companies are valued more expensively.
Industry RankSector Rank
P/FCF N/A
EV/EBITDA 11.03
CWT Per share dataCWT EPS, Sales, OCF, FCF, BookValue per sharePer Share Data Per Share 0 10 20

4.3 Compensation for Growth

A cheap valuation may be justified as CWT's earnings are expected to decrease with -5.53% in the coming years.
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)1
EPS Next 2Y-10.69%
EPS Next 3Y-5.53%

5

5. Dividend

5.1 Amount

CWT has a Yearly Dividend Yield of 2.62%. Purely for dividend investing, there may be better candidates out there.
Compared to an average industry Dividend Yield of 3.39, CWT has a dividend in line with its industry peers.
Compared to an average S&P500 Dividend Yield of 2.36, CWT has a dividend comparable with the average S&P500 company.
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 2.62%

5.2 History

On average, the dividend of CWT grows each year by 7.26%, which is quite nice.
CWT has paid a dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
CWT has not decreased their dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
Dividend Growth(5Y)7.26%
Div Incr Years34
Div Non Decr Years34
CWT Yearly Dividends per shareCWT Yearly Dividends per shareYearly Dividends per share 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

5.3 Sustainability

52.43% of the earnings are spent on dividend by CWT. This is a bit on the high side, but may be sustainable.
CWT's earnings are growing slower than its dividend. This means the dividend growth is not sustainable.
DP52.43%
EPS Next 2Y-10.69%
EPS Next 3Y-5.53%
CWT Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendCWT Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendYearly Income VS Free CF VS Dividend 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 100M -100M
CWT Dividend Payout.CWT Dividend Payout, showing the Payout Ratio.CWT Dividend Payout.PayoutRetained Earnings

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP

NYSE:CWT (11/14/2025, 8:04:00 PM)

After market: 45.85 0 (0%)

45.85

+0.06 (+0.13%)

Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorUtilities
GICS IndustryGroupUtilities
GICS IndustryWater Utilities
Earnings (Last)10-30 2025-10-30/bmo
Earnings (Next)02-25 2026-02-25/amc
Inst Owners90.79%
Inst Owner Change0.08%
Ins Owners0.64%
Ins Owner Change-0.41%
Market Cap2.73B
Revenue(TTM)1.04B
Net Income(TTM)135.84M
Analysts87.5
Price Target56.36 (22.92%)
Short Float %1.39%
Short Ratio2.53
Dividend
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 2.62%
Yearly Dividend1.12
Dividend Growth(5Y)7.26%
DP52.43%
Div Incr Years34
Div Non Decr Years34
Ex-Date11-10 2025-11-10 (0.3)
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)2
Avg EPS beat(2)33.96%
Min EPS beat(2)25.08%
Max EPS beat(2)42.83%
EPS beat(4)3
Avg EPS beat(4)32.7%
Min EPS beat(4)-2.57%
Max EPS beat(4)65.43%
EPS beat(8)5
Avg EPS beat(8)32.34%
EPS beat(12)6
Avg EPS beat(12)-966.51%
EPS beat(16)7
Avg EPS beat(16)-731.07%
Revenue beat(2)1
Avg Revenue beat(2)0.75%
Min Revenue beat(2)-6.26%
Max Revenue beat(2)7.75%
Revenue beat(4)3
Avg Revenue beat(4)1.4%
Min Revenue beat(4)-6.26%
Max Revenue beat(4)7.75%
Revenue beat(8)6
Avg Revenue beat(8)5.45%
Revenue beat(12)7
Avg Revenue beat(12)-0.01%
Revenue beat(16)8
Avg Revenue beat(16)-2.22%
PT rev (1m)0%
PT rev (3m)-0.27%
EPS NQ rev (1m)-4.51%
EPS NQ rev (3m)-2.51%
EPS NY rev (1m)-3.73%
EPS NY rev (3m)-0.75%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)0%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)0%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-1.17%
Revenue NY rev (3m)1.09%
Valuation
Industry RankSector Rank
PE 20.02
Fwd PE 17.58
P/S 2.76
P/FCF N/A
P/OCF 10.62
P/B 1.65
P/tB 1.69
EV/EBITDA 11.03
EPS(TTM)2.29
EY4.99%
EPS(NY)2.61
Fwd EY5.69%
FCF(TTM)-3.84
FCFYN/A
OCF(TTM)4.32
OCFY9.42%
SpS16.63
BVpS27.77
TBVpS27.15
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)1
Graham Number37.83
Profitability
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA 2.52%
ROE 8.21%
ROCE 4.44%
ROIC 3.26%
ROICexc 3.29%
ROICexgc 3.31%
OM 21.11%
PM (TTM) 13.71%
GM 70.17%
FCFM N/A
ROA(3y)2.35%
ROA(5y)2.54%
ROE(3y)7.53%
ROE(5y)8.34%
ROIC(3y)2.65%
ROIC(5y)2.93%
ROICexc(3y)2.68%
ROICexc(5y)2.97%
ROICexgc(3y)2.71%
ROICexgc(5y)3.01%
ROCE(3y)3.47%
ROCE(5y)3.91%
ROICexgc growth 3Y11.66%
ROICexgc growth 5Y6.46%
ROICexc growth 3Y11.75%
ROICexc growth 5Y6.29%
OM growth 3Y15.39%
OM growth 5Y9.23%
PM growth 3Y12.91%
PM growth 5Y15.82%
GM growth 3Y2.57%
GM growth 5Y1.83%
F-Score5
Asset Turnover0.18
Health
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.88
Debt/FCF N/A
Debt/EBITDA 4.19
Cap/Depr 346.39%
Cap/Sales 49.05%
Interest Coverage 3.55
Cash Conversion 73.65%
Profit Quality N/A
Current Ratio 0.53
Quick Ratio 0.5
Altman-Z 0.86
F-Score5
WACC7.46%
ROIC/WACC0.44
Cap/Depr(3y)313.97%
Cap/Depr(5y)300.14%
Cap/Sales(3y)44.14%
Cap/Sales(5y)41.42%
Profit Quality(3y)N/A
Profit Quality(5y)N/A
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)-33.82%
EPS 3Y18.6%
EPS 5Y20.08%
EPS Q2Q%0%
EPS Next Y-28.27%
EPS Next 2Y-10.69%
EPS Next 3Y-5.53%
EPS Next 5Y0.68%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)30.48%
Revenue growth 3Y9.44%
Revenue growth 5Y7.73%
Sales Q2Q%3.9%
Revenue Next Year-1.55%
Revenue Next 2Y2.82%
Revenue Next 3Y2.8%
Revenue Next 5Y4.01%
EBIT growth 1Y10.29%
EBIT growth 3Y26.29%
EBIT growth 5Y17.67%
EBIT Next Year54.16%
EBIT Next 3Y23.89%
EBIT Next 5Y18.3%
FCF growth 1Y-35.29%
FCF growth 3YN/A
FCF growth 5YN/A
OCF growth 1Y34.44%
OCF growth 3Y7.87%
OCF growth 5Y11.5%

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP / CWT FAQ

What is the fundamental rating for CWT stock?

ChartMill assigns a fundamental rating of 3 / 10 to CWT.


What is the valuation status of CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) stock?

ChartMill assigns a valuation rating of 3 / 10 to CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT). This can be considered as Overvalued.


How profitable is CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) stock?

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) has a profitability rating of 5 / 10.


What is the valuation of CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP based on its PE and PB ratios?

The Price/Earnings (PE) ratio for CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) is 20.02 and the Price/Book (PB) ratio is 1.65.


Can you provide the dividend sustainability for CWT stock?

The dividend rating of CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GRP (CWT) is 5 / 10 and the dividend payout ratio is 52.43%.