H2O AMERICA (HTO) FY 2023 MD&A

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, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The comparative results for the year ended December 31, 2022 with for the year ended December 31, 2021 generally have not been included in this Form 10-K but 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, 2022.

Business Strategy for Water Utility Services

SJW Group focuses its business initiatives in three strategic areas:

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

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

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

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

Out-of-Region Opportunities

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

The factors SJW Group considers in evaluating such opportunities include:

•Potential profitability;

•Regulatory environment;

•Additional growth opportunities within the region;

•Water supply, water quality and environmental issues;

•Capital requirements;

•General economic conditions; and

•Synergy potential.

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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.

Real Estate Services

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Recognition of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by ASC Topic 980. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services, to the extent applicable, records 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, offset by applicable drought surcharges. 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. No disallowances were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Recognition of Balancing and Memorandum Accounts

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

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Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, and general rate case and cost of capital true-ups. The amount in the water production balancing accounts varies with the seasonality of the water utility business such that, during the summer months when the demand for water is at its peak, the account tends to reflect an under-collection, while during the winter months when demand for water is relatively lower, the account tends to reflect an over-collection. The pension balancing account is intended to capture the difference between actual pension expense and the amount approved in rates by the CPUC. The general rate case true-up accounts are a result of revenue shortfalls authorized for collection or refund by the CPUC due to delayed rate case and cost of capital decisions. 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. 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. Applicable drought surcharges collected are used to offset the revenue losses tracked in the WCMA.

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 sur-credits 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, 2023. The qualitative assessment found no indicators of impairment and therefore did not perform the quantitative impairment test. No impairments occurred during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

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

•Economic utility regulation;

•Infrastructure investment;

•Compliance with environmental, health and safety standards;

•Production expenses;

•Customer growth;

•Water usage per customer;

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

•Merger and acquisition activities, if any.

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Economic Utility Regulation

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

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

Pursuant to Connecticut regulations, 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. Further, to mitigate risks from variations in revenues from changes in customer usage, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved a WRA to provide for recovery of the company’s authorized revenues.

Pursuant to Texas regulation, 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 seeks to implement its first SIC. The SIC will allow 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 recently adopted in Texas that avoids the immediate need for a general rate case. The PUCT permits the acquisition of utilities using a process termed the Fair Market Value. This process brings in three appraisers to determine the market value of a system which the acquiring utility can apply as the value of utility plant included in rate base. In addition, after recent legislation the PUCT adopted rules allowing the application of the Filed Rate Doctrine. This allows water utilities the option of applying their previously approved rates to the customers of newly acquired systems, which encourages consolidation by minimizing rate case expenses.

Pursuant to Maine regulations, 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 2023 and 2022, company-funded capital improvements were $271,772 and $218,784, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $332,000 in 2024 and $1,621,000 over five years for capital improvements. SJW Group funds these expenditures through a variety of sources, including earnings received from operations, debt and equity financing, and other borrowings. SJW Group relies upon lines of credit to fund capital expenditures in the short term and has historically issued long-term debt to refinance our short-term debt. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a key risk, we believe that based on our successful 2023 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our ongoing capital investment programs in the future.

Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Standards

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

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

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

Production Expenses

Water Utility Services’ operations require significant production inputs which result in substantial production expenses. These expenses include power, which is used to operate pumps and other equipment, purchased water and groundwater extraction charges. For 2023, production expenses accounted for 49% of our total operating expenses. Price increases associated with these production inputs would adversely impact our results of operations until rate relief is granted.

Customer Growth

Customer growth in our Water Utility Services’ is driven by: (i) organic population growth within our authorized service areas and (ii) the addition of new customers to our regulated customer base by acquiring regulated water systems adjacent to or near our existing service territories. During 2023, we had cash outflows of $7,537 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 Water Utility Services’ results of operations.

The following is the change in customer usage in 2023 compared to 2022:

•SJWC residential usage decreased 2.9% and business usage decreased 0.8%.

•TWC residential and business usage decreased 8.8%.

•CWC residential usage decreased 7.9% and business usage decreased 3.3%.

•MWC residential usage decreased 7.3% and business usage decreased 14.3%.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, SJWC’s residential and business usage was lower by 15.0% and 3.2%, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2022-2024 general rate case. SJWC’s service area is currently under voluntary 15% reduction of water consumption. To address the difference between conservation usage and authorized usage in the rate case, the CPUC has approved the activation of the WCMA which tracks the divergence between authorized versus actual consumption in a balancing account for future recovery.

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

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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 2024. 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 believes that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2024 with their existing water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water in reservoirs and purchased water treated by neighboring water utilities. TWC believes that it will be able to meet customer demand for 2024 with their water supply which consists of groundwater from wells 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, 2023 was $84,987, compared to $73,828 for the same period in 2022. This represents an increase of $11,159 or 15%, from 2022. The increase in net income was primarily driven by rate filings in California and Maine, lower maintenance costs due in part to prior year incurred costs related to the Order of Instituting Investigation settlement agreement, and a decrease in income taxes due to the partial release of an uncertain tax position reserve, partially offset by higher water production expenses, higher debt interest expenses, increased allowances for credit losses, higher depreciation and amortization expense related to new utility plant additions, and a gain on sale of nonutility properties of $6,197 in 2022 that did not recur in 2023.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue by segment was as follows:

Operating Revenue

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

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The revenue increase consists of $49,586 from Water Utility Services and $79 from Real Estate Services.

The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates in California and Maine which resulted in $46,592 of additional revenue, an increase of $3,780 from new customers, balancing and memorandum accounts increases were primarily due to WCMA for $1,994 and $1,187 for all other balancing and memorandum accounts, and increases in other regulatory mechanisms by $1,875, partially offset by decreases of $6,624 due to lower usage.

Water Utility Services’ Operating Revenue and Customer Counts

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

Operating Revenue by Customer Group

Number of Customers

Operating Expense

Operating expense by segment was as follows:

Operating Expense

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

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. In 2022, SJWC’s general rate case decision approved the use of the Full Cost Balancing Account which mitigates the cost of the water supply from changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources 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 80% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 20% from wells. In addition, CWC has water supply agreements to supplement its water supply with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority and The Metropolitan District that expire in 2058 and 2053, respectively.

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 7,650 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 WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, to provide for 350 acre-feet of water per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies. 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. 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.

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 for water utility services:

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

Water production in 2023 for Water Utility Services decreased 2.0 billion gallons from 2022. The changes are primarily attributable to changes in consumption by customers driven primarily by weather conditions in California, Maine and Texas.

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 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $6.411 million, $5.644 million and $4.953 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $6.058 million, $5.290 million and $4.600 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. SJWC’s unaccounted-for water for 2023 and 2022 approximated 8.4% and 8.9%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through the system, partially offset by SJWC’s main replacements and water loss reduction programs.

CWC has an agreement with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (“RWA”) to purchase water from RWA. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. In addition, 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, 2023. CWC has an agreement with The Metropolitan District (“MDC”) to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of fifty years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. 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, 2023.

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, 2023.

CTWS’s unaccounted-for water for 2023 and 2022 approximated 13.1% and 14.2%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through CTWS’s systems, unadjusted for any required system flushing, partially offset by WICA and WISC main replacement programs and lost water reduction initiatives.

The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.

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Water production expenses

Water production expenses increased $31,767 in higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction, energy price charges and other production expenses and increased $12,869 in water production balancing and memorandum accounts for the Full Cost Balancing Account, offset by decreases of $11,510 as a result of increased availability of California surface water in 2023 compared to 2022 and $9,716 due to lower customer usage.

Administrative and General Expense

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

Administrative and general expense increased $3,252 in 2023, or 1% of the total operating expenses in 2022 primarily due to an increase in allowances for customer credit losses.

Maintenance Expense

Maintenance expenses decreased $5,005 or 1%, primarily due to prior year incurred costs related to the Order of Instituting Investigation settlement agreement. In addition, proactive asset management and advanced leak detection reducing emergency projects and replacing them with scheduled improvements that are no longer temporary in nature reduced maintenance expenses for the year.

Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes

Property taxes and other non-income taxes for 2023 increased $1,903 from 2022. The increase was primarily the result of increased property taxes due to utility plant additions, and an increase in payroll taxes due to increases in wages.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1,451 in 2023. The increases were primarily due to increases in depreciation related to new utility plant additions; partially offset by a $2,400 one-time impact related to amortization on certain Cupertino concession assets in 2022.

Sale of nonutility properties

Gain on sale of nonutility properties decreased $6,197 in 2023 primarily due to the recording of a non-recurring sale of non-utility properties in 2022, and no recorded gain on the sale of nonutility properties in 2023.

Other Income and Expense

The change in other (expense) income in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to an increase in interest expense due to an increase in long-term debt balances, higher interest rates on lines of credit borrowings and an increase in pension non-service cost, offset by the changes in the Rabbi Trust and life insurance policy values and a true-up on prior real estate sale transactions.

SJW Group’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 3.97% and 4.0% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 6.29% and 3.41% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2023 was $5,956, compared to $8,496 in 2022. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 7% for 2023 and 10% for 2022. The decrease in income tax expense and the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the partial release of an uncertain tax position reserve.

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 2023 compared to 2022 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.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Water Utility Services bills the majority of its customers on a bi-monthly basis. Management believes that the collection rate for its accounts receivables will increase as service disconnections gradually return to normal operations following the expiration of remaining state orders to suspend water service disconnections in 2022 that were instituted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 28, 2023, SJWC submitted the application to receive $10,237 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 anticipate the funds to be received in the first quarter of 2024 after the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program completes the review of this application.

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 2023, SJW Group and its subsidiaries obtained $70,000 in funds from new long-term debt and $80,659 in funds from equity issuances. From these amounts, SJW Group funded its 2023 capital expenditure programs, refinanced certain short and long-term borrowings, and funded working capital. See Note 4 and Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion on the equity and debt financing activities of SJW Group. In addition, SJW Group paid cash dividends of $47,905 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

In 2023, the common dividends declared and paid on SJW Group’s common stock represented 56% of net income. Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 321 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 56 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 2023, SJW Group generated cash flow from operations of approximately $190,800 compared to $166,200 in 2022. 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 2023 by approximately $24,600. The increase was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) an increase of $16,100 due to higher net income adjusted for non-cash items and general working capital changes, (2) an increase in collections against our regulatory assets and liabilities which generated an increase of $10,600, (3) an increase from postretirement benefits assets and obligations of $5,600, and (4) an increase from other noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities of $2,800, offset by (5) a decrease of $10,500 attributable to tax accruals compared to the prior period.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

In 2023, SJW Group used approximately $271,800 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $16,900 for developer funded capital expenditures, $24,200 and $7,537 for nonutility assets and business acquisitions, respectively, primarily for ongoing business and asset acquisition activities in Texas, and $2,100 in utility plant retirement costs. In 2022, SJW Group used approximately $218,800 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $22,900 for developer funded capital expenditures, $2,500 in utility plant retirement costs, $600 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and $400 for ongoing business and asset acquisition activities in Texas. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $1,000 from the sale of various nonutility properties during the year.

Water Utility Services has budgeted 2024 capital expenditures of approximately $332,000, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances. The 2024 budget is comprised of as follows:

The 2024 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 $1,621,000 in capital expenditures. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future approval from the Regulators. Capital expenditures have the effect of

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increasing utility plant rate base on which Water Utility Services earns a return. Water Utility Services’ actual capital expenditures may vary from projections due to changes in the expected demand for services, weather patterns, actions by governmental agencies and general economic conditions. Total additions to utility plant normally exceed company-financed additions as a result of new facilities construction funded with advances from developers and contributions in aid of construction.

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

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by approximately $50,500 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of increase in cash proceeds from long-term debt and issuances of common stock, partially offset by an increase in the amount of net borrowings 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, 2023. Drawdowns on our lines of credit are restricted by our funded debt not exceeding a percent of total capitalization as defined in our debt covenants. SJW Group expects to periodically draw down on its lines of credit as dictated by our funding needs and subsequently repay such borrowings with cash from operations and issuance of long-term debt or equity. See also “Sources of Capital” below.

Sources of Capital

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

Short-term Financing Arrangements

SJW Group and its subsidiaries have unsecured line of credit agreements where borrowings are used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. A summary of the line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2023, and 2022 are as follows:

Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 6.29% and 3.41% for the years ended of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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

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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, 2023, 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.”

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, 2023:

Additionally, on August 14, 2023, in connection with the KT Water Resources acquisition, TWR entered into a post-closing production payment obligation to pay a total amount of $29,000 to the seller over a period 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.

On January 22, 2024, CWC sold an aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 of its 6.46% Senior Notes, Series 2023 due January 1, 2054.

The debt and credit agreements of SJW Group and its subsidiaries contain various financial and other covenants. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in accelerated due dates and termination of the agreements. In addition, the credit agreements contain customary representations and warranties and are subject to customary events of default, which may result in the outstanding debt becoming immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2023, 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

On March 1, 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 (each a “Sales Agent” and, collectively, the “Sales Agents”), pursuant to which SJW Group increased the aggregate gross sales price of shares of SJW Group’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, that may be sold under the Equity Distribution Agreement from $100,000 to $240,000. For the year ended December 31, 2023, SJW Group issued and sold a total of 1,119,806 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $73.68 per share and received $80,659 in net proceeds under the Equity Distribution Agreement. Since the inception of the Equity Distribution Agreement, SJW Group has issued and sold 2,004,657 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $73.57 for a total net proceeds of $143,998 and has a remaining $92,509 under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

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 2023 and 2022 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.

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The following table are the current Standard & Poor’s Rating Service assigned company ratings:

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement/Contractual Obligations

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

SJW Group’s contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

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(1)     As of December 31, 2023, advances for construction were $146,582 of which $55,170 was related to non-refundable advances for construction and $30,437 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, 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, 2023, 2022 and 2021, SJWC purchased from Valley Water 18.3 billion gallons ($111,173), 18.2 billion gallons ($96,793) and 19.4 billion gallons ($91,938), respectively, of contract water. On June 16, 2022, Valley Water Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 23% through June 30, 2024. 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 ($121,182) of water at the current contract water rate of $6.41 million per billion gallons in the year ending December 31, 2024. 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 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $6.411 million, $5.644 million and $4.953 million per billion gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $6.058 million, $5.290 million and $4.600 million per billion gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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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 the RWA to purchase water. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. 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, 2023). 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 fifty 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. The rate charged by the MDC at December 31, 2023 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, 2023.

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 7,650 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided GBRA gives TWC a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment. TWC also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, for 350 acre-feet of water per each agreement per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.

Employee Benefit Arrangements

SJWC and CTWS sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2023, SJWC and CTWS contributed $11,145 and $920 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. In 2024, SJWC and CTWS expect to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $8,744 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The amount of required contributions for years thereafter is not actuarially determinable.

SJWC’s other benefit obligations include employees’ and directors’ postretirement benefits, an Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Special Deferral Election Plan and Deferral Election Program for non-employee directors. Under these benefit plans, SJWC is committed to pay approximately $1,909 annually to former officers and directors. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire.

CTWS’s other benefit obligations include employees’ postretirement benefits, supplemental executive retirement agreements and deferred compensation agreements and plan. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the contribution rates of employees into the deferred compensation plan and the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire. Under these benefit plans, CTWS is committed to pay approximately $1,678 annually to former officers and directors.

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently adopted accounting policies and new accounting pronouncements for the year ended December 31, 2023.