10-K 1 sjw2017q410k.htm FORM 10-K Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number: 001-8966
SJW GROUP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
77-0066628
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
110 West Taylor Street, San Jose, California
 
95110
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
408-279-7800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company,” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  ý    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨ Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $796 million based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Outstanding at February 12, 2018
 
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
 
20,557,554
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on April 25, 2018, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K where indicated.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
PART I
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
PART II
 
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
PART III
 
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
PART IV
 
 
 
Item 15.





PART I

Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to future events and future results of SJW Group and its subsidiaries that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about SJW Group and its subsidiaries and the industries in which SJW Group and its subsidiaries operate and the beliefs and assumptions of the management of SJW Group. Such forward-looking statements are identified by words including “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intends”, “seeks”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “should”, “will”, and variation of such words, and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this report under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere, and in other reports SJW Group files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), specifically the most recent report on Form 10-Q and reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, each as it may be amended from time to time.
SJW Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this report, including the forward-looking statements, to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this report.

Item 1.
Business
General Development of Business
SJW Corp. was incorporated in California on February 8, 1985. On November 15, 2016, SJW Corp. changed its state of incorporation from the state of California to the state of Delaware and changed its name to SJW Group. SJW Group is a holding company with three subsidiaries:
San Jose Water Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, with its headquarters located at 110 West Taylor Street in San Jose, California 95110, was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1866. As part of a reorganization on February 8, 1985, San Jose Water Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Corp. and subsequently SJW Group on November 15, 2016. San Jose Water Company is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 230,000 connections that serve a population of approximately one million people in an area comprising approximately 139 square miles in the metropolitan San Jose, California area.
SJWTX, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, was incorporated in the State of Texas in 2005. SJWTX, Inc. is doing business as Canyon Lake Water Service Company (“CLWSC”). CLWSC is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 14,000 connections that serve approximately 42,000 people. CLWSC’s service area comprises more than 244 square miles in western Comal County and southern Blanco County in the growing region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. SJWTX, Inc. has a 25% interest in Acequia Water Supply Corporation (“Acequia”). The water supply corporation has been determined to be a variable interest entity within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation” with SJWTX, Inc. as the primary beneficiary. As a result, Acequia has been consolidated with SJWTX, Inc.
SJW Land Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, was incorporated in 1985. SJW Land Company owns undeveloped land and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee. SJW Land also has a 70% limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. The partnership owned a commercial building in California which was sold by the partnership on April 6, 2017. See Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of the sales transaction.
Texas Water Alliance Limited (“TWA”), was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group undertaking activities necessary to develop a water supply project in Texas. On February 22, 2016, SJW Group entered into an agreement with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (“GBRA”), pursuant to which SJW Group agreed to sell all of its equity interests in TWA for $31.0 million in cash (the “TWA Agreement”). The transaction closed with GBRA on November 16, 2017. See Note 13 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion of the sales transaction.
Together, San Jose Water Company, CLWSC and TWA, up to the date of sale, are referred to as “Water Utility Services.”
SJW Land Company and its consolidated variable interest entity, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P., which operates commercial building rentals, are collectively referred to as “Real Estate Services.”

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Regulation and Rates
San Jose Water Company’s rates, service and other matters affecting its business are subject to regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”).
Generally, there are three types of rate adjustments that affect San Jose Water Company’s revenue collection: general rate adjustments, cost of capital adjustments, and offset rate adjustments. General rate adjustments are authorized in general rate case decisions, which usually authorize an initial rate adjustment followed by two annual escalation adjustments. General rate applications are normally filed and processed during the last year covered by the most recent general rate case as required by the CPUC in order to avoid any gaps in regulatory decisions on general rate adjustments.
Cost of capital adjustments are rate adjustments resulting from the CPUC’s usual tri-annual establishment of a reasonable rate of return for San Jose Water Company’s capital investments.
The purpose of an offset rate adjustment is to compensate utilities for changes in specific pre-authorized offsettable capital investments or expenses, primarily for purchased water, groundwater extraction, purchased power and pensions. Pursuant to Section 792.5 of the California Public Utilities Code, a balancing account must be maintained for each expense item for which such revenue offsets have been authorized. Memorandum accounts 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 such as the memorandum account for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) (the “Tax Act”). The purpose of a balancing and memorandum account is to track the under-collection or over-collection associated with such expense changes.
On February 25, 2016, the CPUC passed Resolution W-5074 which affirmed San Jose Water Company’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan in Schedule 14.1 with water allocations and drought surcharges. Schedule 14.1 is the tariff that includes the drought allocations and drought surcharges in effect for residential customers and for dedicated landscape services. San Jose Water Company originally implemented Schedule 14.1 in June 2015 in response to the Governor’s Executive Order B-29-15, and orders by the State Water Board and the CPUC. San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letters 491 and 493 on June 24, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, with the CPUC to revise the Tariff Rule 14.1. The applicable tariffs were revised to reflect Santa Clara Valley Water District (“SCVWD”) conservation standard of a 20% reduction from 2013 usage levels. With these advice letters, San Jose Water Company proposed to ease the existing drought allocations and existing drought rules. San Jose Water Company’s requested changes were approved by the CPUC with an effective date of July 1, 2016. Subsequently, with the improved water supply outlook, the allocation and drought surcharge program was suspended effective February 1, 2017.
On November 15, 2016, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 498 with the CPUC requesting a revenue increase of $13.2 million, or 3.8%, for the 2017 escalation year included in the 2015 General Rate Case.  This request was approved and the new rates became effective on January 1, 2017. 
On January 6, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 501 with the CPUC requesting authorization to implement a sales reconciliation mechanism to better conform to water forecasts authorized in the last general rate case to recorded consumption for the period of October 2015 through September 2016. The CPUC has ordered all Class A and B water utilities that have a five percent or greater divergence between authorized and actual sales during declared drought years to consider requesting a sales reconciliation mechanism to better conform to sale forecasts authorized in the last general rate case to recorded consumption. On May 3, 2017, the CPUC rejected the filing citing the end of the drought and the improved California water supply conditions. On May 10, 2017, San Jose Water Company formally requested the CPUCs review of the rejection. The request was rejected by the CPUC on January 11, 2018, due to the improved water supply conditions.
San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 505 on January 27, 2017 with the CPUC to suspend its allocation program and all drought surcharges in Schedule 14.1, Water Shortage Contingency Plan with Staged Mandatory Reductions and Drought Surcharges.  However, Schedule 14.1, and all of the water use restrictions defined therein, remain in effect in light of the call for continued conservation by the SCVWD and the State Water Resources Control Board.  The allocations and drought surcharges were suspended effective February 1, 2017.
On February 17, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 506 with the CPUC requesting authorization to increase its revenue requirement by $5.3 million via a rate base offset for calendar year 2016 plant additions related to the Montevina Water Treatment Plant upgrade project. The bill for a residential customer using 15 CCF per month will increase by $1.52, or 1.5% per month. The advice letter was approved and new rates became effective March 20, 2017.
As required by the CPUC, on April 3, 2017 San Jose Water Company filed an application requesting authority to increase its authorized Cost of Capital for the period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The cost of capital determination is a triannual regulatory process in which the CPUC determines a regulated water utility's cost of long-term debt and common stock and the components of its authorized capital structure. If approved by the CPUC as originally filed, San Jose Water Company’s annual revenues would have increased by approximately $7.6 million or about 2.1% in 2018. On February 6, 2018, the CPUC issued a proposed decision in the proceeding. The proposed decision provides for a reduction to San Jose Water Company’s authorized return on equity from 9.43% to 8.30% and its overall return on rate base from 8.09% to

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7.19%. The proposal is subject to change until a final CPUC decision is determined at the full CPUC meeting currently scheduled for March 22, 2018. If the proposal is approved without change, the reduction in authorized revenue requirement would be approximately $10 million for 2018 which could have a material adverse impact on SJW Group’s net income.
On May 2, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 508 with the CPUC to reinstate surcharges to recover the remaining $1.0 million balance from the 2014 Mandatory Conservation Revenue Adjustment Memorandum Account (“MCRAMA”) and to recover the remaining $2.2 million balance from the 2015 WCMA. The under-collections will be recovered via surcharges of $0.08 per CCF and $0.1441 per CCF on the existing quantity rate for the 2014 MCRAMA and the 2015 WCMA, respectively. This request was approved on June 1, 2017. San Jose Water Company anticipates collection of the remaining amounts in less than 12 months.
On May 26, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 509 with the CPUC requesting authorization to increase revenues by $12.4 million, or approximately 3.46%. The increase is intended to offset the increases to purchased potable water, purchased ground water, and purchased recycled water charges implemented by San Jose Water Company’s water wholesaler effective July 1, 2017. This request was approved on June 26, 2017.
On June 6, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 510 with the CPUC requesting authorization to issue a surcredit totaling $1.8 million to refund service charge rate changes as a result of a change in billing practice effective January 1, 2017.  The refund period covers prorated service charge rate changes that occurred from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016. On August 11, 2017, the CPUC rejected Advice Letter No. 510 citing the formal complaint filed by some customers and served to San Jose Water Company by the CPUC over the same issue. A pre-hearing conference was held on the formal complaint on September 12, 2017, where the parties agreed to suspend the proceeding.
On September 29, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 512 with the CPUC requesting authorization to re-implement a surcharge to recover the under-collected balance of $11.5 million remaining from the 2012 General Rate Case true-up due to the delayed 2012 General Rate Case Application decision. Actual sales were substantially lower than the CPUC authorized sales estimate used to calculate the surcharge amount over the three-year recovery period. San Jose Water Company is seeking to recover the remaining under-collected balance. This request was withdrawn on January 5, 2018, and the recovery of the remaining under-collected balance was requested as part of our 2018 General Rate Case Application.
On November 15, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 513/513A with the CPUC requesting a revenue increase of $15.7 million, or 4.22%, for the 2018 escalation year included in the 2015 General Rate Case. This request was approved and the new rates became effective on January 1, 2018.
On November 29, 2017, San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 514 with the CPUC requesting to adjust the Utilities Reimbursement Account User Fees as directed by CPUC Resolution M-4832. The reimbursement fee was reduced from 1.44% to 1.40%. This request was approved and the new fee became effective on January 1, 2018.
San Jose Water Company filed Advice Letter No. 515 on December 28, 2017 with the CPUC requesting authorization to establish the 2018 Tax Accounting Memorandum Account. This memorandum account will capture any changes to revenue requirement resulting from the impact of the Tax Act bill signed into law December 22, 2017. This request became effective on January 1, 2018.
On January 4, 2018, San Jose Water Company filed General Rate Case Application No. 18-01-004 requesting authority for an increase of revenue of $34.3 million, or 9.76%, in 2019, $14.2 million, or 3.70%, in 2020 and $20.6 million, or 5.17%, in 2021. The application also includes requests to recover $20.7 million from balancing and memorandum accounts, the establishment of a Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism and Sales Reconciliation Mechanism, and a shift to greater revenue collection in the service charge. The application is a year-long review process and the new rates, if approved, are expected to be effective January 1, 2019.
CLWSC is subject to the economic regulation of the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (“PUCT”). The PUCT authorize rate increases after the filing of an Application for a Rate/Tariff Change. Rate cases may be filed as they become necessary, provided there is no current rate case outstanding. Further, rate cases may not be filed more frequently than once every 12 months.
Please also see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Financial Information about Industry Segments
See Note 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for information regarding SJW Group’s business segments.
Description of Business
General
The principal business of Water Utility Services consists of the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water. San Jose Water Company provides water services to approximately 230,000 connections

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that serve approximately one million people residing in portions of the cities of San Jose and Cupertino and in the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and the Town of Los Gatos, and adjacent unincorporated territories, all in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California. San Jose Water Company distributes water to customers in accordance with accepted water utility methods. CLWSC provides water service to approximately 14,000 connections that serve approximately 42,000 people in a service area comprising more than 244 square miles in the growing region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. TWA had water lease arrangements with certain landowners in Gonzales County, Texas. TWA’s groundwater production and transportation permits were approved by the groundwater district in Gonzales County in January of 2013. On February 22, 2016, SJW Group entered into an agreement with GBRA, pursuant to which SJW Group agreed to sell all of its equity interests in TWA to GBRA. On November 16, 2017, the transaction closed and TWA is no longer part of the Water Utility Services following the closing. SJW Land Company owns an undeveloped real estate property, commercial and warehouse properties in Tennessee and holds a 70% limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P.
San Jose Water Company also provides non-tariffed services under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. These non-tariffed services include water system operations, maintenance agreements and antenna site leases.
In October 1997, San Jose Water Company commenced operation of the City of Cupertino municipal water system under the terms of a 25-year lease. The system is adjacent to the San Jose Water Company service area and has approximately 4,600 service connections. Under the terms of the lease, San Jose Water Company paid an upfront $6.8 million concession fee to the City of Cupertino that is being amortized over the contract term. San Jose Water Company assumed responsibility for all maintenance and operating costs of the system, while receiving all payments for water service.
Among other things, operating results from the water business fluctuate according to the demand for water, which is often influenced by seasonal conditions, such as impact of drought, summer temperatures or the amount and timing of precipitation in Water Utility Services’ service areas. Revenue, production expenses and income are affected by changes in water sales and the availability of surface water supply. Overhead costs, such as payroll and benefits, depreciation, interest on long-term debt, and property taxes, remain fairly constant despite variations in the amount of water sold. As a result, earnings are highest in the higher demand, warm summer months and lowest in the lower demand, cool winter months.
Water Supply
San Jose Water Company’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from the SCVWD under the terms of a master contract with SCVWD expiring in 2051. Purchased water provides approximately 40% to 50% of San Jose Water Company’s annual production. San Jose Water Company pumps approximately 40% to 50% of its water supply from the underground basin and pays a groundwater extraction charge to SCVWD. Surface supply, which during a normal rainfall year satisfies about 6% to 8% of San Jose Water Company’s annual water supply needs, provides approximately 1% of its water supply in a dry year and approximately 14% in a wet year. In dry years, the decrease in water from surface run-off and diversion and the corresponding increase in purchased and pumped water, increases production expenses substantially.
The pumps and motors at San Jose Water Company’s groundwater production facilities are propelled by electric power. San Jose Water Company has installed standby power generators at 33 of its strategic water production sites and manages a fleet of 21 portable generators deployed throughout the distribution system for power outages at remaining pumping facilities. In addition, the commercial office and operations control centers are outfitted with standby power equipment that allow critical distribution and customer service operations to continue during a power outage. SCVWD has informed San Jose Water Company that its filter plants, which deliver purchased water to San Jose Water Company, are also equipped with standby generators. In the event of a power outage, San Jose Water Company believes it will be able to prevent an interruption of service to customers for a limited period by pumping water using generator power and by using purchased water from SCVWD.
In 2017, the level of water in the Santa Clara Valley groundwater basin, which is managed by the SCVWD, experienced an increase due to: (1) a reduction in groundwater pumping by various water retailers in the region, and (2) a substantial increase in groundwater recharge efforts on the part of the SCVWD. As reported by the SCVWD at the end of 2017, the groundwater level in the Santa Clara Plain was 7 feet higher compared to the same time in 2016, and 27 feet higher than the five-year average. The total groundwater storage at the end of 2017 was within the lower range of Stage 1 (Normal) of the SCVWD’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan. On January 1, 2018, SCVWD’s 10 reservoirs were 27% full with 45,478 acre-feet of water in storage. As of December 31, 2017, San Jose Water Company’s Lake Elsman were 89.9% full with 5,533 acre-feet of water, approximately 227.8% of the five-year seasonal average. In addition, the rainfall at San Jose Water Company’s Lake Elsman was measured at 8.64 inches for the period from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, which is 49.5% of the five-year average. Local surface water is a less costly source of water than groundwater or purchased water and its availability significantly impacts San Jose Water Company’s results of operations. A retrofit project at San Jose Water Company’s Montevina Water Treatment Plant is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2018 and will begin full operations of treating local surface water. San Jose Water Company believes that its various sources of water supply will be sufficient to meet customer demand in 2018.

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In response to the severe drought in California in 2015 and 2016, SCVWD announced a call for 30% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering of ornamental landscapes two days a week through June 30, 2016. While the drought condition improved in late 2016 and 2017, the SCVWD reduced its conservation target from 30% to 20% and also increased the number of outdoor watering days from two to three effective July 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. On January 24, 2017, the SCVWD announced that they were maintaining their call for 20% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering for ornamental landscapes to no more than three days a week effective February 1, 2017.
In 2015, San Jose Water Company was authorized by the CPUC to activate Stage 3 of Tariff Rule 14.1 which is a water shortage contingency plan with mandatory water usage reductions and drought surcharges resulting from usage above customer allocations. Tariff Rule 14.1 focuses primarily on restrictions of outdoor watering which accounts for 50% of a typical customer’s water usage. Effective July 1, 2016, San Jose Water Company implemented its CPUC approved water shortage contingency plan with mandatory water usage reductions and drought surcharges to reflect the SCVWD’s call for 20% conservation. The drought surcharges were not recorded as revenue. Rather, they were recorded in a regulatory liability account authorized by the CPUC to track lost revenues resulting from conservation. The amount recorded in the surcharge account was being used to offset future rate increases that would otherwise be necessary to recover lost revenue due to drought conservation efforts. San Jose Water Company suspended its allocation and drought surcharge program provided for in Schedule 14.1, Water Shortage Contingency Plan with Staged Mandatory Reductions and Drought Surcharges on February 1, 2017. On June 13, 2017, the SCVWD adopted Resolution 17-43 to encourage making water conservation a way of life in California through recommendations on watering schedules and a call for customers to achieve a 20% reduction in water use as compared to 2013. In addition to the SCVWD’s resolution, the mandatory water use restrictions set forth by the State Water Resources Control Board’s Emergency Regulations remain in effect. San Jose Water Company is continually working to maintain compliance with the various drought rules and regulations and is also working with local governments as well as the SCVWD to communicate consistent messages to the public about use restrictions and related matters associated with the recent drought.
California also faces long-term water supply challenges. San Jose Water Company actively works with SCVWD to meet the challenges by continuing to educate customers on responsible water use practices and conducting long-range water supply planning.
SJW Group and San Jose Water Company provide additional information on their websites relating to customer water usage. The websites are accessible at www.sjwater.com and www.sjwgroup.com. SJW Group intends to update the websites as appropriate during the period in which the water shortage contingency plan of SCVWD remains in effect. The information on our websites is not incorporated by reference to or part of this report.
CLWSC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA. CLWSC has long-term agreements with the GBRA, which expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide CLWSC with an aggregate of 6,900 acre-feet of water per year from Canyon Lake at prices that may be adjusted periodically by GBRA.
Please also see further discussion under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Franchises
Franchises granted by local jurisdictions permit Water Utility Services to construct, maintain, and operate water distribution systems within the streets and other public properties of a given jurisdiction. San Jose Water Company holds the necessary franchises to provide water in portions of the cities of San Jose and Cupertino and in the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno and Saratoga, the Town of Los Gatos and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. None of the franchises have a termination date, other than the franchise for the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, which terminates in 2020.
CLWSC holds the franchises for water and wastewater services to the City of Bulverde and the City of Spring Branch, which terminates in 2029 and 2036, respectively. The unincorporated areas that CLWSC serves in Comal and Blanco Counties do not require water service providers to obtain franchises.
Seasonal Factors
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. Demand for water is generally lower during the cooler and rainy winter months. Demand increases in the spring when the temperature rises and rain diminishes.
Competition
San Jose Water Company and CLWSC are public utilities regulated by the CPUC and PUCT, respectively, and operate within a service area approved by the regulators. The statutory laws provide that no other investor-owned public utility may operate in the public utilities’ service areas without first obtaining from the regulator a certificate of public convenience and

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necessity. Past experience shows such a certificate will be issued only after demonstrating that service in such area is inadequate.
California law also provides that whenever a public agency constructs facilities to extend utility service to the service area of a privately-owned public utility, like San Jose Water Company, such an act constitutes the taking of property and is conditioned upon payment of just compensation to the private utility.
Under the California law, municipalities, water districts and other public agencies have been authorized to engage in the ownership and operation of water systems. Such agencies are empowered to condemn properties operated by privately-owned public utilities upon payment of just compensation and are further authorized to issue bonds (including revenue bonds) for the purpose of acquiring or constructing water systems. To the company’s knowledge, no municipality, water district or other public agency has pending any proceeding to condemn any part of its water systems.
Environmental Matters
Water Utility Services’ produces potable water in accordance with all applicable county, state and federal environmental rules and regulations. Additionally, public utilities are subject to environmental regulation by various other state and local governmental authorities.
Water Utility Services is currently in compliance with all of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (the “EPA”) surface water treatment performance standards, drinking water standards for disinfection by-products and primary maximum contaminant levels. These standards have been adopted and are enforced by the California State Water Board, Division of Drinking Water and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for San Jose Water Company and CLWSC, respectively.
Other state and local environmental regulations apply to our Water Utility Services’ operations and facilities. These regulations relate primarily to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and discharges to the environment. In 2008, as part of routine replacement of infrastructure, San Jose Water Company identified legacy equipment containing elemental mercury which was released into the surrounding soil. San Jose Water Company has determined the release posed no risk of contamination to the water supply, notified the appropriate authorities and remediated the affected area. San Jose Water Company also identified 10 other potentially affected sites. Eight of these sites have been remediated and San Jose Water Company is continuing its assessment of the remaining sites in conjunction with its infrastructure replacement program. SJW Group believes there will be no material financial impact related to this matter. In 2016, San Jose Water Company began performing hazardous materials site assessments and remediation prior to the construction phase of capital projects. The site assessments are performed to remove any legacy materials and to obtain site closures from the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health under its Voluntary Cleanup Program.
San Jose Water Company is a permittee under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (“NPDES”) for drinking water system discharges to Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”). An unplanned non-compliant discharge under the NPDES permit took place on September 10, 2017. The event has been reported to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Control Board and San Jose Water Company has been notified that enforcement action has been pursued by the agency. Although this matter has not been resolved, San Jose Water Company believes that that there will be no material financial impact related to this matter.
San Jose Water Company is currently in compliance with all state and local regulations governing hazardous materials, point and non-point source discharges and the warning provisions of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Please also see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, SJW Group had 411 full-time employees, of whom 368 were San Jose Water Company employees and 43 were CLWSC employees. At San Jose Water Company, 134 were executive, administrative or supervisory personnel, and 234 were members of unions. On December 1, 2016 and November 8, 2016, San Jose Water Company reached three-year collective bargaining agreements with the Utility Workers of America, representing the majority of all employees, and the International Union of Operating Engineers, representing certain employees in the engineering department, respectively, covering the period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The agreements include a 3.5% wage increase in 2017, 3% in 2018 and 4% in 2019 for union workers. As of December 31, 2017, CLWSC had 43 employees, of whom 9 were exempt and 34 were non-exempt employees. Non-exempt employees are subject to overtime but are not represented by a union.

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Officers of the Registrant
Name
Age
 
Offices and Experience
D.R. Drysdale
62
 
San Jose Water Company—Vice President, Information Systems. Mr. Drysdale has served as Vice President of Information Systems since 2000. From 1998 to 1999, Mr. Drysdale was Director of Information Systems. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Drysdale was Data Processing Manager. Mr. Drysdale joined San Jose Water Company in 1992.
A.R. Gere
51
 
San Jose Water Company—President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Gere has served as President since April 2016 and as Chief Operating Officer since April 2015. From 2013 to April 2015, Mr. Gere was Vice President of Operations. From 2008 to 2013, Mr. Gere was Chief of Operations. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Gere was Director of Maintenance. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Gere was Director of Operations and Water Quality. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Gere was Manager of Operations and Water Quality.  Mr. Gere has been with San Jose Water Company since 1995.
C.S. Giordano
61
 
San Jose Water Company—Vice President, Engineering. Mr. Giordano has served as Vice President of Engineering since April 2013. From June 2007 to April 2013, Mr. Giordano was Chief Engineer. From August 2000 to June 2007, Mr. Giordano was Director of Engineering and Construction. From January 1994 to August 2000, Mr. Giordano was Assistant Chief Engineer. Mr. Giordano has been with San Jose Water Company since 1994.
P. L. Jensen
58
 
San Jose Water Company—Executive Vice President. Mr. Jensen has served as Executive Vice President for San Jose Water Company since April 2017 and as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for SJWTX, Inc. since September 2015. Mr. Jensen served as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs of San Jose Water Company from October 2011 to April 2017. From July 2007 to October 2011, Mr. Jensen was Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. From 1995 to July 2007, Mr. Jensen was Director of Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Jensen has been with San Jose Water Company since 1995.
J.P. Lynch
58
 
SJW Group—Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Lynch has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 2010. He is also Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of San Jose Water Company, SJW Land Company, and SJWTX, Inc. Mr. Lynch served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Texas Water Alliance Limited from October 2010 until November 16, 2017. Prior to joining the Corporation, Mr. Lynch was an Audit Partner with KPMG LLP. Mr. Lynch was with KPMG LLP for 26 years. Mr. Lynch is a certified public accountant.
S. Papazian
42
 
SJW Group—General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Ms. Papazian has served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for SJW Group and San Jose Water Company since April 2014. From February 2005 to April 2014, Ms. Papazian was Corporate Secretary and Attorney. She is also Corporate Secretary of SJW Land Company and SJWTX, Inc. From 2009 until 2017, Ms. Papazian served as Secretary of Texas Water Alliance Limited. She was admitted to the California State Bar in January 2000 and thereafter was an Associate Attorney at The Corporate Law Group from March 2000 until February 2005.
C.A. Rayer
48
 
San Jose Water Company—Vice President, Operations. Mr. Rayer has served as Vice President of Operations since March 2016 and as Director of Operations from 2014 until March 2016. From 2006 to 2014, Mr. Rayer was the Manager of Operations and from 2001 to 2006, he served as the Operations Superintendent. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Rayer worked in various capacities for San Jose Water Company.
J.B. Tang
47
 
San Jose Water Company—Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Tang has served as Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs since April 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Tang served as Vice President of Corporate Communications from October 2014 to April 2017. From 2012 to October 2014, Mr. Tang was Director of Government Relations and Corporate Communications. From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Tang was Manager of Government Relations and Corporate Communications.
E.W. Thornburg
57
 
SJW Group—President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Thornburg has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SJW Group and SJW Land Company and Chief Executive Officer of San Jose Water Company and SJWTX, Inc. since November 6, 2017. He has served on the Board of Directors of SJW Group, San Jose Water Company, SJW Land Company and SJWTX, Inc. since November 6, 2017. Prior to joining the Corporation, Mr. Thornburg served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (“CTWS”) since 2006, and Chairman of the Board of CTWS since 2007.  Mr. Thornburg served as President of Missouri-American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works Corporation from 2000 to 2004.  From July 2004 to January 2006, he served as Central Region Vice President-External Affairs for American Water Works Corporation.

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W.L. Avila-Walker
54
 
SJW Group—Controller. Ms. Avila-Walker has served as Controller of San Jose Water Company since September 2009. Ms. Avila-Walker is also Controller of SJW Group since October 2014. From August 2008 to September 2009, Ms. Avila-Walker served as Director of Compliance of San Jose Water Company. From May 2005 to May 2008, Ms. Avila-Walker served as Director of Reporting and Finance of San Jose Water Company.
A.F. Walters
47
 
San Jose Water Company—Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Walters has served as Chief Administrative Officer since January 31, 2014. Prior to joining San Jose Water Company, Mr. Walters was a managing director and a senior acquisitions officer in the Infrastructure Investments Group of JP Morgan Asset Management from January 2009 to June 2013.
Mr. Gere, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Papazian, Mr. Thornburg and Mr. Walters are considered Executive Officers as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
SJW Group’s revenue and expense are derived substantially from Water Utility Services’ operations located in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California and Comal and Blanco Counties in the State of Texas.
Available Information
SJW Group’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, are made available free of charge through SJW Group’s website at http://www.sjwgroup.com, as soon as reasonably practicable, after SJW Group electronically files such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. The content of SJW Group’s website is not incorporated by reference to or part of this report.
You may also obtain a copy of any of these reports directly from the SEC. You may read and copy any material we file or furnish with the SEC at their Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The phone number for information about the operation of the Public Reference Room is 1-800-732-0330. Because we electronically file our reports, you may also obtain this information from the SEC internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Investors should carefully consider the following risk factors and warnings before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing SJW Group and its subsidiaries. Additional risks that SJW Group and its subsidiaries does not yet know of or that it currently thinks are immaterial may also impair its business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, SJW Group and its subsidiaries’ business, operating results or financial condition could be materially harmed. In such case, the trading price of SJW Group and its subsidiaries’ common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Investors should also refer to the other information set forth in this Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Our business is regulated and may be adversely affected by changes to the regulatory environment.
San Jose Water Company and CLWSC are regulated public utilities. The operating revenue of San Jose Water Company and CLWSC is generated primarily from the sale of water at rates authorized by the CPUC and the PUCT, respectively. The CPUC and PUCT set rates that are intended to provide revenues sufficient to recover normal operating expenses, provide funds for replacement of water infrastructure and produce a fair and reasonable return on stockholder common equity. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, “Regulation and Rates” for a discussion of the most recent regulatory proceedings affecting the rates of San Jose Water Company and CLWSC. Consequently, our revenue and operating results depend upon the rates which the CPUC and PUCT authorize.
In our applications for rate approvals, we rely upon estimates and forecasts to propose rates for approval by the CPUC or PUCT. No assurance can be given that our estimates and forecasts will be accurate or that the CPUC or PUCT will agree with our estimates and forecasts and approve our proposed rates. To the extent our authorized rates may be too low, revenues may be insufficient to cover Water Utility Services’ operating expenses, capital requirements and SJW Group’s historical dividend rate. In addition, delays in approving rate increases may negatively affect our operating results and our operating cash flows.
In addition, policies and regulations promulgated by the regulators govern the recovery of capital expenditures, the treatment of gains from the sale of real utility property, the offset of production and operating costs, the recovery of the cost of debt, the optimal equity structure, and the financial and operational flexibility to engage in non-tariffed operations. If the regulators implement policies and regulations that will not allow San Jose Water Company and CLWSC to accomplish some or all of the items listed above, Water Utility Services’ future operating results may be adversely affected. Further, from time to time, the commissioners at the CPUC and the PUCT may change. Such changes could lead to changes in policies and

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regulations and there can be no assurance that the resulting changes in policies and regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act includes significant reform of the current income tax code including lowering the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The SEC issued guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides for up to a one year period in which to complete the required analysis and income tax accounting for the Tax Act. SAB 118 describes three scenarios associated with a company’s status of accounting for income tax reform (1) a company is complete with its accounting for certain effects of tax reform, (2) a company is able to determine a reasonable estimate for certain effects of tax reform and records that estimate as a provisional amount, or (3) a company is not able to determine a reasonable estimate and therefore continues to apply the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the Tax Act being effective.
In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), SJW Group has recorded the revaluation of deferred taxes and related impacts using the new corporate tax rate in its December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements. The amounts recorded are based on information known and reasonable estimates used as of December 31, 2017, but are subject to change based on a number of factors, including further actions of regulators, SJW Group filing its tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2017, and completion of SJW Group’s interim and annual consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2018.
Furthermore, the CPUC has directed us to establish a memorandum account to capture all the impacts of the Tax Act, including the benefit of the reduction in the federal statutory income tax rate on regulated revenue requirement. The CPUC has also indicated that the net benefit of Tax Act should be passed on to the ratepayers. San Jose Water Company has established a memorandum account to capture the tax benefit and expenses related to the Tax Act. The memorandum account is subject to review and approval by the CPUC. The PUCT has directed water utilities, including CLWSC, to report the difference between revenues collected under existing rates and revenues that would have been collected had existing rates been set using the new federal statutory income tax rate. The PUCT has indicated they may require regulated entities to file a new rate case if it is determined that they are earning more than their authorized revenue requirement.
If the CPUC disagrees with our calculation of the memorandum account or the CPUC or PUCT disagrees with our implementation of the rules and regulation under the Tax Act, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations.
Recovery of regulatory assets is subject to adjustment by the regulatory agency and could impact the operating results of Water Utility Services.
Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by FASB ASC Topic 980—“Regulated Operations.” In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services record deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recovered in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits were incurred. Please refer to Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a summary of net regulatory assets. If the assessment of the probability of recovery in the ratemaking process is incorrect and the applicable ratemaking body determines that a deferred cost is not recoverable through future rate increases, the regulatory assets or liabilities would need to be adjusted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a result the enactment of the Tax Act, the Water Utility Services are required to re-evaluate and re-assess their deferred tax assets and liabilities in future periods. Please refer to Note 5 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion on the effect of the Tax Act on net regulatory assets. Such re-evaluation may reduce our ability to realize deferred tax balances, which may adversely affect our cash flow or increase our tax liabilities.
Changes in water supply, water supply costs or the mix of water supply could adversely affect the operating results and business of Water Utility Services.
San Jose Water Company’s supply of water primarily relies upon three main sources: water purchased from SCVWD, surface water from its Santa Cruz Mountains watershed, and pumped underground water. Changes and variations in quantities from each of these three sources affect the overall mix of the water supply, thereby affecting the cost of the water supply. Surface water is the least costly source of water. If there is an adverse change to the mix of water supply and San Jose Water Company is not allowed by the CPUC to recover the additional or increased water supply costs, its operating results may be adversely affected.
SCVWD receives an allotment of water from state and federal water projects. If San Jose Water Company has difficulties obtaining a high quality water supply from SCVWD due to availability, environmental, legal or other restrictions (see also Part I, Item 1, “Water Supply”), it may not be able to fully satisfy customer demand in its service area and its operating results and business may be adversely affected. Additionally, the availability of water from San Jose Water Company’s Santa Cruz Mountains watershed depends on the weather and fluctuates with each season. In a normal year, surface water supply provides 6% to 8% of the total water supply of the system. In a season with little rainfall, such as the record

11



drought conditions in 2015 and most of 2016, water supply from surface water sources may be low, thereby causing San Jose Water Company to increase the amount of water purchased from outside sources at a higher cost than surface water, thus increasing water production expenses. When drought conditions occur, we may be required to rely more heavily on purchased water than surface water, which would increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, San Jose Water Company’s ability to use surface water is subject to regulations regarding water quality and volume limitations. If new regulations are imposed or existing regulations are changed or given new interpretations, the availability of surface water may be materially reduced. A reduction in surface water could result in the need to procure more costly water from other sources, thereby increasing overall water production expenses and adversely affecting our operating results.
Because the extraction of water from the groundwater basin and the operation of the water distribution system require a significant amount of energy, increases in energy prices could increase operating expenses of San Jose Water Company. The cost of energy is beyond our control and can change unpredictably and substantially based on load supply and demand. Therefore, San Jose Water Company cannot be certain that it will be able to contain energy costs into the future.
San Jose Water Company continues to utilize Pacific Gas & Electric’s time of use rate schedules to minimize its overall energy costs primarily for groundwater pumping. Optimization and energy management efficiency is achieved through the implementation of software applications that control pumps based on demand and cost of energy. An increase in demand or a reduction in the availability of surface water or import water could result in the need to pump more water during peak hours which may adversely affect the operating results of San Jose Water Company.
San Jose Water Company has been granted certain balancing accounts by the CPUC to track various water supply expenses and revenues. There is no assurance that the CPUC will allow recovery or refund of these balances when submitted by San Jose Water Company.
CLWSC’s primary water supply is 6,900 acre-feet of water which is pumped from Canyon Lake at three lake intakes or delivered as treated water from GBRA’s Western Canyon Pipeline, in accordance with the terms of its contracts with the GBRA, which are long-term take-or-pay contracts. This supply is supplemented by groundwater pumped from wells. While the contract provides a committed long-term water supply for future demand, CLWSC customers currently do not use the volume of water allowed under the contracts which increases the cost of water for existing customers, and there is no assurance that future demands up to the committed supply volume will occur. Texas faces long-term water supply constraints similar to California as described above. (See also Part I, Item 1, “Water Supply”).
Fluctuations in customer demand for water due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather, and lifestyle can adversely affect operating results.
Water Utility Services’ operations are seasonal, thus quarterly fluctuation in results of operations may be significant. Rainfall and other weather conditions also affect the operations of Water Utility Services. Water consumption typically increases during the third quarter of each year when weather tends to be warm and dry. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of water supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues. Furthermore, certain lifestyle choices made by customers can affect demand for water. For example, a significant portion of residential water use is for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. If there is a decreased desire by customers to maintain landscaping for their homes or restrictions are placed on outside irrigation, residential water demand would decrease, which would result in lower revenues.
Conservation efforts and construction codes, which require the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, could diminish water consumption and result in reduced revenue. In addition, in time of drought, water conservation may become a regulatory requirement that impacts the water usage of our customers. For example, in response to the severe drought in California in 2015 and 2016, the SCVWD extended their call for 30% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering of ornamental landscapes two days a week through June 30, 2016. While the drought condition improved in late 2016 and 2017, the SCVWD reduced its conservation target from 30% to 20% and also increased the number of outdoor watering days from two to three effective July 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. On January 24, 2017, the SCVWD maintained their call for 20% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering for ornamental landscapes to no more than three days a week, effective February 1, 2017. On June 13, 2017, the SCVWD adopted Resolution 17-43 to encourage making water conservation a way of life in California through recommendations on watering schedules and a call for customers to achieve a 20% reduction in water use as compared to 2013. (See also Part I, Item 1, “Water Supply”).
The implementation of mandatory conservation measures has resulted and is expected to result in lower water usage by our customers which may adversely affect our results of operation. If the current conservation measures continue, or if new measures are imposed in response to drought conditions in the future, we may experience fluctuations in the timing of or a reduction in customer revenue. Furthermore, while the CPUC approved WCMA memorandum accounts which would allow us to recover revenue reductions due to water conservation activities and certain conservation related costs, such memorandum accounts are subject to a review and approval process by the CPUC, which can be lengthy, and there is no assurance that we

12



will be able to recover in a timely manner all or some of the revenue and costs recorded in the memorandum accounts. If drought conditions ease and the State Water Resources Control Board and the SCVWD no longer mandate water conservation, the Company may no longer be allowed to recover revenue lost due to continued conservation activities under the WCMA account and would therefore be exposed to differences between actual and authorized usage. This could result in lower revenues.
A contamination event or other decline in source water quality could affect the water supply of Water Utility Services and therefore adversely affect our business and operating results.
Water Utility Services is required under environmental regulations to comply with water quality requirements. Through water quality compliance programs, Water Utility Services continually monitors for contamination and pollution of its sources of water. In addition, a watershed management program provides a proactive approach to minimize potential contamination activities. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will continue to comply with all applicable water quality requirements. In the event a contamination is detected, Water Utility Services must either commence treatment to remove the contaminant or procure water from an alternative source. Either of these results may be costly, may increase future capital expenditures and there can be no assurance that the regulators would approve a rate increase to enable us to recover the costs arising from such remedies. In addition, we could be held liable for consequences arising from hazardous substances in our water supplies or other environmental damages. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
Water Utility Services is subject to litigation risks concerning water quality and contamination.
Although Water Utility Services has not been and is not a party to any environmental and product-related lawsuits, there is no guarantee that such lawsuits will not occur in the future. If Water Utility Services is subject to an environmental or product-related lawsuit, they might incur significant legal costs and it is uncertain whether it would be able to recover the legal costs from ratepayers or other third parties. Although Water Utility Services has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage, pollution liability is excluded from this coverage and our excess liability coverage.  A pollution liability policy is in place, but is subject to exclusions and limitations. Costs for defense are included within the limit of insurance on the pollution liability policy. In addition, any complaints or lawsuits against us based on water quality and contamination may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and trading price of our common stock.
Water Utility Services is subject to possible litigation or regulatory enforcement action concerning water discharges to WOTUS.
Regulatory actions and fines related to discharges of water to WOTUS against other water utilities have increased in frequency in recent years. If Water Utility Services is subject to a litigation or regulatory enforcement action, it might incur significant costs in fines and restoration efforts, and it is uncertain whether Water Utility Services would be able to recover some or all of such costs from ratepayers or other third parties. In addition, any litigation or regulatory action against us regarding a water discharge and/or resulting environmental impact may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.
New or more stringent environmental regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect its business.
Water Utility Services’ 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.
New or more stringent environmental and water quality regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditure.
Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA relating to the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Water Utility Services is currently in compliance with all of the primary maximum contaminant levels promulgated to date. Additional or more stringent requirements may be adopted by each state. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will be able to continue to comply with all water quality requirements.
Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements in order to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. New or more stringent environmental standards could be imposed that will raise Water Utility Services’ operating costs, including requirements for 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

13



disinfection by-products. There are currently limited regulatory mechanisms and procedures available to the Company for the recovery of such costs and there can be no assurance that such costs will be fully recovered.
Water Utility Services rely on information technology and systems that are key to business operations. A system malfunction, security breach, cyber attacks or other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which could adversely affect business operations.
Information technology is key to the operation of Water Utility Services, including but not limited to payroll, general ledger activities, outsourced bill preparation and remittance processing, providing customer service and the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to operate our distribution system. Among other things, system malfunctions, computer viruses and security breaches could prevent us from operating or monitoring our facilities, billing and collecting cash accurately and timely analysis of financial results. In addition, we collect, process, and store sensitive data from our customers and employees, including personally identifiable information, on our networks. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed without our authorization, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen which could result in legal claims or proceedings, violation of privacy laws or damage to our reputation and customer relationships. Our profitability and cash flow could be affected negatively in the event these systems do not operate effectively or are breached. In addition, we may not be able to develop or acquire information technology that is competitive and responsive to the needs of our business, and we may lack sufficient resources to make the necessary upgrades or replacements of our outdated existing technology to allow us to continue to operate at our current level of efficiency.
The water utility business requires significant capital expenditures that are dependent on our ability to secure appropriate funding. If SJW Group is unable to generate sufficient operating cash flows and obtain sufficient capital or if the rates at which we borrow increase, there would be a negative impact on our results of operations.
The water utility business is capital-intensive. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization of the system will grow at an increasing rate as components reach the end of their useful lives. SJW Group funds capital expenditures through a variety of sources, including cash received from operations, funds received from developers as contributions or advances, borrowings through the lines of credit, and equity or debt financing. We cannot provide any assurance that the historical sources of funds for capital expenditures will continue to be adequate or that the cost of funds will remain at levels permitting us to earn a reasonable rate of return. A significant change in any of the funding sources could impair the ability of Water Utility Services to fund its capital expenditures, which could impact our ability to grow our utility asset base and earnings. Any increase in the cost of capital through higher interest rates or otherwise could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our ability to raise capital through equity or debt may be affected by the economy and condition of the debt and equity markets. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets or deteriorations in the strength of financial institutions could adversely affect SJW Group’s ability to draw on its line of credit, issue long-term debt or sell its equity. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase SJW Group’s cost of capital. Furthermore, equity financings may result in dilution to our existing stockholders and debt financings may contain covenants that restrict the actions of SJW Group and its subsidiaries. The Companys senior note borrowings include certain affirmative covenants regarding a maximum debt to equity ratio and an interest coverage requirement. In the event the Company exceeds the maximum debt to equity ratio or interest coverage requirement, we may be restricted from issuing future debt. In addition, the pollution control revenue bonds issued on behalf of the Company contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for a loan agreement relating to revenue bonds, including, among other things, certain disclosure obligations, the tax exempt status of the interest on the bonds, and limitations and prohibitions on the transfer of projects funded by the loan proceeds and assignment of the loan agreement. In the event the Company violates any of these covenants, an event of default may occur and all amounts due under such bonds may be called by the Trustee, which would have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial conditions.
We operate in areas subject to natural disasters or that may be the target of terrorist activities.
We operate in areas that are prone to earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters. A significant seismic event in northern California, where the majority of our operations are concentrated, or other natural disaster in northern California or Texas could adversely impact our ability to deliver water to our customers and our costs of operations. A major disaster could damage or destroy substantial capital assets. Our California and Texas based regulators have historically allowed utilities to establish catastrophic event memorandum accounts as a possible mechanism to recover costs. However, we can give no assurance that our regulators, or any other commission would allow any such cost recovery mechanism in the future.
In light of the potential threats to the nation’s health and security due to terrorist attacks, we have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness of threats to our water supply. We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies. These costs may be significant.

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While some of these costs are likely to be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the CPUC and PUCT will approve a rate increase to recover all or part of such costs and, as a result, the Company’s operating results and business may be adversely affected. Further, despite these tightened security measures, we may not be in a position to control the outcome of terrorist events should they occur.
A failure of our reservoirs, storage tanks, mains or distribution networks could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation.
We distribute water through an extensive network of mains and store water in reservoirs and storage tanks located across our service areas. A substantial portion of Water Utility Services distribution system was constructed during the period from 1945 to 1980. A failure of major mains, reservoirs, or tanks could result in injuries and damage to residential and/or commercial property for which we may be responsible, in whole or in part. The failure of major mains, reservoirs or tanks may also result in the need to shut down some facilities or parts of our water distribution network in order to conduct repairs. Such failures and shutdowns may limit our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and to meet the water delivery requirements prescribed by governmental regulators, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and reputation. Any business interruption or other losses might not be covered by insurance policies or be recoverable in rates, and such losses may make it difficult for us to secure insurance in the future at acceptable rates.
SJW Land Company has real estate holdings that are subject to various business and investment risks.
SJW Land Company owns real estate in two states. The risks in investing directly in real estate vary depending on the investment strategy and investment objective and include the following:
Liquidity risk—real estate investments are illiquid. The lag time to build or reduce the real estate portfolio is long.
Obsolescence risk—real estate property is location specific. Location obsolescence can occur due to a decline of a particular sub-market or neighborhood. Functional obsolescence can also occur from physical depreciation, wear and tear, and other architectural and physical features which could be curable or incurable.
Market and general economic risks—real estate investment is tied to overall domestic economic growth and, therefore, carries market risk which cannot be eliminated by diversification. Generally, all property types benefit from national economic growth, though the benefits range according to local factors, such as local supply and demand and job creation. Because real estate leases are typically staggered and last for multiple years, there is generally a delayed effect in the performance of real estate in relation to the overall economy. This delayed effect can insulate or deteriorate the financial impact to SJW Land Company in a downturn or an improved economic environment.
Vacancy rates can climb and market rents can be impacted and weakened by general economic forces, therefore affecting income to SJW Land Company.
The value of real estate can drop materially due to a deflationary market, decline in rental income, market cycle of supply and demand, long lag time in real estate development, legislative and governmental actions, environmental concerns, increases in rates of returns demanded by investors, and fluctuation of interest rates, eroding any unrealized capital appreciation and, potentially, invested capital.
A drop in the value of a real estate property or increase in vacancy could result in reduced future cash flows to amounts below the property’s current carrying value and could result in an impairment charge.
Concentration/Credit risk—the risk of a tenant declaring bankruptcy and seeking relief from its contractual rental obligation could affect the income and the financial results of SJW Land Company. This risk is most prevalent in a recessionary environment.
The success of SJW Land Company’s real estate investment strategy depends largely on ongoing local, state and federal land use development activities and regulations, future economic conditions, the development and fluctuations in the sale of the undeveloped properties, the ability to identify the developer/potential buyer of the available-for-sale real estate, the timing of the transaction, favorable tax law, and the ability to maintain and manage portfolio properties. There is no guarantee that we will be able to execute the strategy successfully and failure to do so may aversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.
Dividends on our common stock will only be paid if and when declared by our Board of Directors. Our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, applicable regulations and other factors, including the timeliness and adequacy of rate increases, will determine both our ability to pay dividends on common stock and the amount of the dividends declared by our

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Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.
The price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.
The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and unrelated to our financial results. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include volatility of the general stock market or the utility index, regulatory developments, general economic conditions and trends, actual or anticipated changes or fluctuations in our results of operations, actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities analysts, actual or anticipated developments in our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally, litigation involving us or our industry, and major catastrophic events or sales of large blocks of our stock. Furthermore, we believe that stockholders invest in public stocks in part because they seek reliable dividend payments. If there is an over supply of stock of public utilities in the market relative to demand by such investors, the trading price of our common stock may decrease. Additionally, if interest rates rise above the dividend yield offered by our common stock, demand for our stock and its trading price may also decrease.
Our business strategy, which includes acquiring water systems and expanding non-tariffed services, will expose us to new risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our business strategy focuses on the following:
(1)Regional regulated water utility operations;
(2)
Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the CPUC in California and the PUCT in Texas; and
(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.
As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time to time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. However, we cannot be certain we will be successful in identifying and consummating any strategic business combination or acquisitions relating to such opportunities. In addition, the execution of our business strategy will expose us to different risks than those associated with the current utility operations. We expect to incur costs in connection with the execution of this strategy and any integration of an acquired business could involve significant costs, the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities related to the acquired assets, the diversion of management’s time and resources, the potential for a negative impact on SJW Group’s financial position and operating results, entering markets in which SJW Group has no or limited direct prior experience and the potential loss of key employees of any acquired company. Any future 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.
We must continue to attract and retain qualified technical and managerial personnel in order to succeed.
Our future success depends largely upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, operational and financial managers. There is a significant competition for such personnel in our industry. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or the inability to hire and retain experienced management personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, as our management team has knowledge of our industry and customers and would be difficult to replace. We try to ensure that we offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as opportunities for continued development, and we continually strive to recruit and train qualified personnel and retain key employees. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we require to grow and operate profitably.
Adverse investment returns and other factors may increase our pension costs and pension plan funding requirements.
A substantial number of our employees are covered by a defined benefit pension plan. Our pension costs and the funded status of the plan are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, applicable mortality tables, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation. Any change in such factors could result in an increase in future pension costs and an increase in our pension liability, requiring an increase in plan contributions which may adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our business and operating results.
As of December 31, 2017, 234 of our 411 total employees were union employees. Most of our unionized employees are represented by the Utility Workers of America, except certain employees in the engineering department who are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers.

16



We may experience difficulties and delays in the collective bargaining process to reach suitable agreements with union employees, particularly in light of increasing healthcare and pension costs. In addition, changes in applicable law and regulations could have an adverse effect on management’s negotiating position with the unions. Labor actions, work stoppages or the threat of work stoppages, and our failure to obtain favorable labor contract terms during future negotiations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also make it more difficult for stockholders to influence our policies or may reduce the rights of stockholders.
In November 2016, SJW Group changed its state of incorporation from California to Delaware. SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of SJW Group. These provisions could also make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include but are not limited to the following:
Authorizing Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock;
Prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
Limiting the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders to only stockholders holding not less than 20% of outstanding voting power; and
Requiring advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals.
These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by stockholders of SJW Group to replace or remove its current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”) govern SJW Group. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time without the consent of the Board of Directors.
Furthermore, SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that a state or federal court located within Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum (unless the company consents in writing to the selection of an alternate forum) for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SJW Group, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of SJW Group to the company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Such “exclusive forum” provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with SJW Group or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

Item 2.
Properties
The properties of San Jose Water Company consist of a unified water production system located in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California. In general, the property is comprised of franchise rights, water rights, necessary rights-of-way, approximately 7,000 acres of land held in fee (which is primarily non-developable watershed), impounding reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 2.256 billion gallons, 2,470 miles of transmission and distribution mains, distribution storage of approximately 248 million gallons, wells, boosting facilities, diversions, surface water treatment plants, equipment, office buildings and other property necessary to provide water service to its customers.
San Jose Water Company maintains all of its properties in good operating condition in accordance with customary practice for a water utility. San Jose Water Company’s groundwater pumping stations have a production capacity of approximately 186 million gallons per day and the present capacity for taking purchased water is approximately 90 million gallons per day. The surface water collection system has a physical delivery capacity of approximately 36 million gallons per day. During 2017, a maximum and average of 139 million gallons and 97 million gallons of water per day, respectively, were delivered to the system.
CLWSC maintains a service area that covers approximately 244 square miles located in the southern region of the Texas hill country in Comal and Blanco counties. Our service area surrounds an 8,200 surface acre reservoir (Canyon Lake). Production wells are located in a Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District regulated portion of the Trinity aquifer and have the ability to pump a combined 3.55 billion gallons annually. CLWSC has contracts for 2 billion gallons of untreated surface water and 235 million gallons of treated surface water from the GBRA annually. CLWSC owns and operates three surface water treatment plants with a combined production capacity of 9 million gallons per day. CLWSC has 614 miles of transmission and distribution mains and maintains 61 storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 7.4 million gallons. CLWSC owns and operates three wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 95,000 gallons per day.

17



Water Utility Services hold all of its principal properties in fee simple, subject to current tax and assessment liens, rights-of-way, easements, and certain minor defects in title which do not materially affect their use.
As of December 31, 2017, SJW Land Company owns approximately 55 acres of property in the state of Tennessee. SJW Land Company also had owned approximately five undeveloped acres of land and two acres of land with a commercial property primarily in the San Jose metropolitan area. SJW Land Company also owns a 70% limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P, which owned one of the two commercial properties located in California. SJW Land Company consolidates its limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. as a variable interest entity within the scope of ASC Topic 810. On April 6, 2017, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. sold all of its interests in the commercial building and land the partnership owned and operated. In addition, SJW Land Company sold the undeveloped land located in San Jose, California on April 6, 2017. See also Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.
The following table is a summary of SJW Land Company properties described previously:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% for Year Ended
December 31, 2017
of SJW Land Company
Description
 
Location
 
Acreage
 
Square Footage
 
Revenue
 
Expense
Commercial building*
 
San Jose, California
 
2

 
28,000

 
3
%
 
4
%
Warehouse building
 
Knoxville, Tennessee
 
30

 
361,500

 
40
%
 
40
%
Commercial building
 
Knoxville, Tennessee
 
15

 
135,000

 
57
%
 
56
%
Undeveloped land and parking lot
 
Knoxville, Tennessee
 
10

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Undeveloped land*
 
San Jose, California
 
5

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

* On April 6, 2017, SJW Land Company sold the California properties. Revenue and expense amounts are through the sale closing date. Amounts presented for the California properties exclude the gain on sales of the properties. See Note 1, “Real Estate Investments,” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the sales transaction.

Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
SJW Group and its subsidiaries is subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. There are no pending legal proceedings to which SJW Group or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any of its properties is the subject, that are expected to have a material effect on SJW Group’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
None.

 

18



PART II

Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
SJW Group’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SJW. Information as to the high and low sales prices for SJW Group’s common stock for each quarter in the 2017 and 2016 fiscal years is contained in the section captioned “Market price range of stock” in the tables set forth in Note 15 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8.
As of December 31, 2017, there were 363 record holders of SJW Group’s common stock.
Dividends
Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 297 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 50 years. Additional information as to the cash dividends paid on common stock in 2017 and 2016 is contained in the section captioned “Dividend per share” in the tables set forth in Note 15 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8. Future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors after consideration of various financial, economic and business factors.
Five-Year Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the changes in the cumulative stockholder return on SJW Group’s common stock with the cumulative total return on a Water Utility Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index during the last five years ended December 31, 2017. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2012 in SJW Group’s common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends.

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among SJW Group, a Water Utility Index and the S&P 500 Index
chart-c6b82dca8998570f822a01.jpg

The following descriptive data of the performance graph is supplied in accordance with Rule 304(d) of Regulation S-T (numbers represent U.S. dollars ($)):
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
SJW Group
100

 
115

 
127

 
121

 
233

 
270

Water Utility Index
100

 
120

 
148

 
167

 
204

 
262

S&P 500 Index
100

 
132

 
151

 
153

 
171

 
208


19



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

20



Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL REVIEW
SJW Group and Subsidiaries
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
$
389,225

 
339,706

 
305,082

 
319,668

 
276,869

Operating expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased water
86,456

 
72,971

 
61,089

 
47,280

 
63,225

Power
7,295

 
6,102

 
6,121

 
9,865

 
7,619

Groundwater extraction charges
47,817

 
32,088

 
31,240

 
53,678

 
37,927

Other production expenses
15,203

 
13,167

 
12,178

 
11,929

 
12,073

Administrative and general
55,011

 
48,038

 
47,131

 
40,573

 
43,714

Maintenance
17,430

 
17,476

 
14,956

 
14,474

 
13,548

Property taxes and other non-income taxes
13,642

 
12,123

 
11,667

 
11,086

 
10,317

Depreciation and amortization
48,292

 
44,625

 
40,740

 
37,905

 
35,039

Total operating expense
291,146

 
246,590

 
225,122

 
226,790

 
223,462

Operating income
98,079

 
93,116

 
79,960

 
92,878

 
53,407

Interest expense, other income and expense
(1,586
)
 
(6,735
)
 
(18,806
)
 
(16,101
)
 
(16,888
)
Income before income taxes
96,493

 
86,381

 
61,154

 
76,777

 
36,519

Provision for income taxes
35,393

 
33,542

 
23,272

 
24,971

 
14,135

Net income before noncontrolling interest
61,100

 
52,839

 
37,882

 
51,806

 
22,384

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,896

 

 

 

 

SJW Group net income
$
59,204

 
52,839

 
37,882

 
51,806

 
22,384

Dividends paid
$
21,332

 
16,559

 
15,885

 
15,177

 
14,443

CONSOLIDATED PER SHARE DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share - diluted
2.86

 
2.57

 
1.85

 
2.54

 
1.12

Dividends paid
1.04

 
0.81

 
0.78

 
0.75

 
0.73

Book value per common share
22.57

 
20.61

 
18.83

 
17.75

 
14.71

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility plant and intangible assets
$
1,792,323

 
1,666,381

 
1,524,422

 
1,413,151

 
1,314,191

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
553,059

 
520,018

 
487,659

 
450,137

 
415,453

Net utility plant
1,239,264

 
1,146,363

 
1,036,763

 
963,014

 
898,738

Net real estate investment
45,081

 
50,459

 
61,434

 
62,201

 
67,819

Total assets
1,458,001

 
1,443,376

 
1,337,325

 
1,269,304

 
1,109,986

Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
463,209

 
421,646

 
383,783

 
360,155

 
321,175

Long-term debt, less current portion
431,092

 
433,335

 
377,187

 
384,365

 
334,997

Total capitalization
$
894,301

 
854,981

 
760,970

 
744,520

 
656,172

OTHER STATISTICS—WATER UTILITY SERVICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average revenue per connection
$
1,594

 
1,402

 
1,263

 
1,328

 
1,159

Investment in gross utility plant per connection
$
7,340

 
6,874

 
6,311

 
5,869

 
5,499

Connections at year-end
244,133

 
242,421

 
241,555

 
240,773

 
238,977

Miles of main at year-end
3,082

 
3,069

 
3,031

 
2,939

 
2,920

Water production (million gallons)
38,584

 
35,847

 
36,535

 
44,649

 
49,638

Maximum daily production (million gallons)
148

 
136

 
130

 
173

 
187

Population served (estimate)
1,100,200

 
1,092,600

 
1,089,000

 
1,085,000

 
1,077,000


21



Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except where otherwise noted)
Description of Business
SJW Group is a publicly traded company and is a holding company with three subsidiaries:
San Jose Water Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 230,000 connections that serve a population of approximately one million people in an area comprising approximately 139 square miles in the metropolitan San Jose, California area.
SJWTX, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, doing business as Canyon Lake Water Service Company, is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 14,000 connections that serve approximately 42,000 people. CLWSC’s service area comprises more than 244 square miles in western Comal County and southern Blanco County in the growing region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. SJWTX, Inc. has a 25% interest in Acequia Water Supply Corporation. Acequia has been determined to be a variable interest entity within the scope of ASC Topic 810 with SJWTX, Inc. as the primary beneficiary. As a result, Acequia has been consolidated with SJWTX, Inc.
SJW Land Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, owns undeveloped land in the states of California and Tennessee, owns and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee and has a 70% limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. SJW Land Company also had owned land and a commercial property in California. 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. has been determined to be a variable interest entity within the scope of ASC Topic 810 with SJW Land Company as the primary beneficiary. As a result, 444 West Santa Clara Street L.P. has been consolidated with SJW Land Company. On April 6, 2017, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. sold all of its interests in the commercial building and land the partnership owned and operated. In addition, SJW Land Company sold the undeveloped land located in San Jose, California on April 6, 2017.
Texas Water Alliance Limited, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, was undertaking activities that were necessary to develop a water supply project in Texas. In connection with the project, TWA had water lease arrangements with certain landowners in Gonzales County, Texas and had obtained groundwater production and transportation permits from the groundwater district in Gonzales County. On February 22, 2016, SJW Group entered into an agreement with the GBRA, pursuant to which SJW Group agreed to sell all of its equity interests in TWA to GBRA for $31,000 in cash (the “TWA Agreement”). On November 16, 2017, the transaction closed.
Business Strategy for Water Utility Services
SJW Group focuses its business initiatives in three strategic areas:
(1)
Regional regulated water utility operations;
(2)
Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the CPUC in California and the PUCT in Texas; and
(3)
Out-of-region water and utility related services.
Regional Regulated Activities
SJW Group’s regulated utility operation is conducted through San Jose Water Company and CLWSC. 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.
The United States water utility industry is largely fragmented and is dominated by municipal-owned water systems. The water industry is regulated, and provides a life-sustaining product. This makes water utilities subject to lower business cycle risks than non-tariffed industries.
Regional Non-tariffed Activities
Operating in accordance with guidelines established by the CPUC, San Jose Water Company provides non-tariffed services, such as water system operations, maintenance agreements and antenna site leases under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. CLWSC provides non-tariffed wholesale water service to adjacent utilities.
San Jose Water Company also seeks appropriate non-tariffed business opportunities that complement its existing operations or that allow it to extend its core competencies beyond existing operations. San Jose Water Company 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.

22



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 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.
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 future 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. SJW Land Company owns undeveloped land in Tennessee and owns and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee. SJW Land Company also owns a limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. The partnership owned a commercial building in San Jose, California. On April 6, 2017, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. sold all of its interests in the commercial building and land the partnership owned and operated. In addition, SJW Land Company sold the undeveloped land located in San Jose, California on April 6, 2017. SJW Land Company manages its remaining acquired income producing and other properties until such time a determination is made to reinvest proceeds from sale of such properties. SJW Land Company’s real estate investments diversify SJW Group’s asset base.
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 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” SJW Group’s critical accounting policies are as follows:
Revenue Recognition
SJW Group recognizes its regulated and non-tariffed revenue when services have been rendered, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 605—“Revenue Recognition.”
Metered revenue of Water Utility Services includes billing 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. Water Utility Services read the majority of its customers’ meters on a bi-monthly basis and records its revenue based on its meter reading results. 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which may result in an adjustment to operating revenue in the period which the revision to Water Utility Services’ estimates is determined. San Jose

23



Water Company also recognizes balancing and memorandum accounts in its revenue 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.
Revenues also include a surcharge collected from regulated customers that is paid to the CPUC. This surcharge is recorded both in operating revenues and administrative and general expenses.
SJW Group recognizes its non-tariffed revenue based on the nature of the non-tariffed business activities. Revenue from San Jose Water Company’s non-tariffed utility operations, maintenance agreements or antenna site leases are recognized when services have been rendered. Revenue from SJW Land Company properties is generally recognized ratably over the term of the leases.
Balancing and Memorandum Accounts
The purpose of a balancing account is to track the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. Pursuant to Section 792.5 of the California Public Utilities Code, a balancing account must be maintained for expense items for which revenue offsets have been authorized.
Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, and general rate case 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 by the CPUC due to delayed rate case decisions.
San Jose Water Company also maintains memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC such as the memorandum account for the Tax Act. The drought surcharge memorandum account tracks monies received from drought surcharges. The amount collected will offset future surcharges that would be necessary to recover lost revenue due to drought conservation efforts. The Monterey Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism tracks the difference between the revenue received for actual metered sales through the tiered volumetric rate and the revenue that would have been received with the same actual metered sales if a uniform rate would have been in effect.
Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized by San Jose Water Company when it is probable that future recovery of previously incurred costs or future refunds that are to be credited to customers will occur through the ratemaking process. In addition, in the case of special revenue programs such as the WCMA, San Jose Water Company follows the requirements of ASC Topic 980-605-25—“Alternative Revenue Programs” in determining revenue recognition, including the requirement that such revenues will be collected within 24 months of the year-end in which the revenue is recorded. A reserve is recorded for amounts SJW Group estimates will not be collected within the 24-month period. This reserve is based on an estimate of actual usage over the recovery period, offset by applicable drought surcharges. In assessing the probability criteria for balancing and memorandum accounts between general rate cases, San Jose Water Company 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 the Company’s general rate case proceedings by assessing temporary surcredits and/or surcharges. In the case where the Company’s balancing or memorandum-type accounts that have been authorized by the CPUC reach certain thresholds or have termination dates, the Company 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.
Recognition of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by ASC Topic 980. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services, to the extent applicable, records deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits are incurred. Accounting for such costs and credits is based on management’s judgment and prior historical ratemaking practices, and it occurs when management determines that it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the future revenue of Water Utility Services through the ratemaking process. The regulatory assets and liabilities recorded by Water Utility Services, in particular, San Jose Water Company, primarily relate to the recognition of deferred income taxes for ratemaking versus tax accounting

24



purposes, balancing and memorandum accounts, postretirement pension benefits, medical costs, accrued benefits for vacation and asset retirement obligations that have not been passed through in rates. The Company adjusts the related asset and liabilities for these items through its regulatory asset and liability accounts at year-end, except for certain postretirement benefit costs and balancing and memorandum accounts which are adjusted monthly. The disallowance of any asset in future ratemaking, including deferred regulatory assets, would require San Jose Water Company to immediately recognize the impact of the costs for financial reporting purposes. No disallowances were recognized during the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015.
Pension Plan Accounting
San Jose Water Company offers a Retirement Plan, Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan and certain postretirement benefits other than pension to its employees. Accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits requires assumptions about the discount rate applied to expected benefit obligations, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases expected to be received by the employees, mortality, turnover and medical costs. Plan assets are marked to market at each reporting date. See assumptions and disclosures detailed in Note 10 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Income Taxes
SJW Group estimates its federal and state income taxes as part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements. The process involves estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, including the evaluation of the treatment acceptable in the water utility industry and regulatory environment. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included on the balance sheet. If actual results, due to changes in the regulatory treatment, or significant changes in tax-related estimates or assumptions or changes in law, differ materially from these estimates, the provision for income taxes will be materially impacted.
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; and
Weather conditions, seasonality and sources of water supply.
Economic Utility Regulation
Water Utility Services is generally subject to economic regulation by CPUC and PUCT 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.
San Jose Water Company 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 such as the memorandum account for the Tax Act. Rate recovery for the balances in these memorandum accounts is generally allowed in a subsequent general rate case. San Jose Water Company also maintains balancing accounts to track changes in purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges and pension costs for later rate recovery.
Regulatory risk is mitigated in California 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.
Pursuant to Texas regulation, CLWSC employs a historical test year. Additionally, rate cases may be filed as necessary, provided there is no current rate case outstanding. Further, rate cases may not be filed more frequently than once every 12 months.

25



Infrastructure Investment
The water utility business is capital-intensive. In 2017 and 2016, Company-funded capital improvements were $141,213 and $129,134, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $119,690 in 2018 and $760,820 over the next five years for capital improvements, subject to CPUC and PUCT approval. SJW Group funds these expenditures through a variety of sources, including cash received from operations, debt and equity issuances and borrowings. SJW Group relies upon a line of credit, which will expire on June 1, 2021, 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 2017 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future.
Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Standards
Water Utility Services’ operations are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies. Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA of the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements enabling it to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. We incur substantial costs associated with compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality regulation to which our Water Utility Services is 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 has 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 2017, production expenses accounted for approximately 54% 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 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had cash outflows of $1,149, $1,070 and $991, respectively, for acquisitions and water rights which we believe will allow us 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. San Jose Water Company residential usage increased 8.1% from 2016 to 2017 and decreased 3.2% from 2015 to 2016. San Jose Water Company business usage increased 2.7% and 3.1% from 2016 to 2017 and from 2015 to 2016, respectively. In addition, 2017 residential and business usage was 15.2% and 9.4%, respectively, lower than the amount authorized in our 2016-2018 general rate case. Residential usage and business usage in 2016 was 21.9% and 7.5%, respectively, lower than the amount authorized in our 2016-2018 general rate case. CLWSC residential and business usage increased 8% from 2016 to 2017 and 1.8% from 2015 to 2016.
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

26



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.
In response to the severe drought in California in 2015 and 2016, SCVWD announced a call for 30% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering of ornamental landscapes two days a week through June 30, 2016. While the drought condition improved in late 2016 and 2017, the SCVWD reduced its conservation target from 30% to 20% and also increased the number of outdoor watering days from two to three effective July 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. On January 24, 2017, the SCVWD maintained their call for 20% conservation and restrictions on outdoor watering for ornamental landscapes to no more than three days a week effective February 1, 2017.
In 2015, San Jose Water Company was authorized by the CPUC to activate Stage 3 of Tariff Rule 14.1 which is a water shortage contingency plan with mandatory water usage reductions and drought surcharges resulting from usage above customer allocations. Tariff Rule 14.1 focuses primarily on restrictions of outdoor watering which accounts for 50% of a typical customer’s water usage. Effective July 1, 2016, San Jose Water Company implemented its CPUC approved water shortage contingency plan with mandatory water usage reductions and drought surcharges to reflect the SCVWD’s call for 20% conservation. The drought surcharges were not recorded as revenue. Rather, they were recorded in a regulatory liability account authorized by the CPUC to track lost revenues resulting from conservation. The amount recorded in the surcharge account was being used to offset future rate increases that would otherwise be necessary to recover lost revenue due to drought conservation efforts. San Jose Water Company suspended its allocation and drought surcharge program provided for in Schedule 14.1, Water Shortage Contingency Plan with Staged Mandatory Reductions and Drought Surcharges on February 1, 2017. At the end of the second quarter of 2017, San Jose Water Company had no balance remaining in the drought surcharge account to offset future rate increases related to drought conservation efforts. On June 13, 2017, the SCVWD adopted Resolution 17-43 to encourage making conservation a way of life in California through recommendations on watering schedules and a call for customers to achieve a 20% reduction in water use as compared to 2013. In addition to the SCVWD’s resolution, the mandatory water use restrictions set forth by the State Water Resources Control Board’s Emergency Regulations remain in effect. San Jose Water Company is continually working to maintain compliance with the various drought rules and regulations and is also working with local governments as well as the SCVWD to communicate consistent messages to the public about use restrictions and related matters associated with the recent drought.
San Jose Water Company 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 imported water purchased from the SCVWD, will be sufficient to meet customer demand for 2018. In addition, San Jose Water Company actively works with the SCVWD 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. CLWSC believes that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2018 with their water supply which consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA.

Results of Operations
Among other things, water sales are seasonal in nature and influenced by weather conditions. The timing of precipitation and climatic conditions can cause seasonal water consumption by customers to vary significantly. Revenue is generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater and lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall curtail water usage and sales.
See Item 1, “Business” for a discussion of the California drought and political and regulatory activities that have occurred in response to ongoing drought conditions.
Overview
SJW Group’s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $59,204, compared to $52,839 for the same period in 2016. This represents an increase of $6,365 or 12%, from 2016. The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in operating revenue as a result of higher rates and increased usage, partially offset by a decrease of $8,767 in true-up revenue from the decision on the 2015 General Rate Case recorded in the prior year and an increase in higher water production expenses due to price increases. The increase in net income also includes an increase of $12,499 in the pre-tax gain on sale of equity interests in TWA and a pre-tax gain of $6,903, reduced by noncontrolling interest’s gain of $1,896, on the sale of the limited partnership properties and undeveloped land in San Jose, California, which were offset by the $3,197 pre-tax gain on the sale of 159,151 shares of California Water Service Group and the $9,981 pre-tax gain on the sale of SJW Land Company’s Arizona property recorded in the prior year.

27



Operating Revenue
Operating revenue by segment was as follows:
Operating Revenue

 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Water Utility Services
$
383,523

 
332,989

 
298,094

Real Estate Services
5,702

 
6,717

 
6,988

 
$
389,225

 
339,706

 
305,082


The change in consolidated operating revenues was due to the following factors:
 
2017 vs. 2016
Increase/(decrease)
 
2016 vs. 2015
Increase/(decrease)
Water Utility Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumption changes
$
15,416

 
5
 %
 
$
(184
)
 
 %
Increase in customers
1,169

 
 %
 
628

 
 %
Rate increases
41,137

 
13
 %
 
28,561

 
10
 %
Recycled
515

 
 %
 
731

 
 %
Balancing and memorandum accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     2015 General Rate Case true-up
(8,767
)
 
(3
)%
 
6,830

 
2
 %
     Water Conservation Memorandum Account
179

 
 %
 
(3,384
)
 
(1
)%
     All other
885

 
 %
 
1,713

 
1
 %
Real Estate Services
(1,015
)
 
 %
 
(271
)
 
 %
 
$
49,519

 
15
 %
 
$
34,624

 
12
 %
2017 vs. 2016
The revenue increase consists of $50,534 from Water Utility Services offset by a decrease of $1,015 from Real Estate Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in rates as approved in 2017 which resulted in $41,137 of additional revenue. The Company also recognized a net increase of $15,416 due to increased water usage. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $8,767 in true-up revenue resulting from the decision on the 2015 General Rate Case recognized in 2016. In addition, new customers, and certain balancing and memorandum accounts also contributed to the increase.
The revenue decrease for Real Estate Services was primarily the result of lower rental income due to the sale of SJW Land Company’s Arizona property and the sale of the limited partnership properties in San Jose.
2016 vs. 2015
The revenue increase consists of $34,895 from Water Utility Services offset by a decrease of $271 from Real Estate Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in rates as approved in 2016 which resulted in $28,561 of additional revenue. The Company also recognized a net increase of $6,830 in true-up revenue resulting from the 2012 general rate case decision recognized in 2015 offset by true-up revenue recorded in 2016 related to the 2015 general rate case decision. In addition, new customers, recycled water revenue and certain balancing and memorandum accounts also contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue recognized related to the WCMA and a decrease in usage.
The revenue decrease for Real Estate Services was primarily the result of lower rental income due to the sale of SJW Land Company’s Arizona property.

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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
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Residential and business
$
331,837

 
278,941

 
251,617

Industrial
1,987

 
1,519

 
1,446

Public authorities
16,448

 
13,422

 
11,764

Others
11,066

 
9,218

 
8,536

Balancing and memorandum accounts
22,185

 
29,889

 
24,731

 
$
383,523

 
332,989

 
298,094

Number of Customers

 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Residential and business
238,231

 
236,689

 
235,883

Industrial
75

 
76

 
76

Public authorities
1,349

 
1,360

 
1,368

Others
4,478

 
4,296

 
4,228

 
244,133

 
242,421

 
241,555

Operating Expense
Operating expense by segment was as follows:
Operating Expense

 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Water Utility Services
$
284,688

 
240,716

 
218,687

Real Estate Services
3,688

 
4,074

 
4,079

All Other
2,770

 
1,800

 
2,356

 
$
291,146

 
246,590

 
225,122


The change in consolidated operating expenses was due to the following factors:
 
 
2017 vs. 2016
Increase/(decrease)
 
2016 vs. 2015
Increase/(decrease)
Water production expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in surface water supply
$
5,880

 
2
%
 
$
(2,512
)
 
(1
)%
Change in usage and new customers
9,618

 
4
%
 
(830
)
 
 %
Purchased water and groundwater extraction charge and energy price increase
16,945

 
7
%
 
17,042

 
7
 %
Total water production expenses
32,443

 
13
%
 
13,700

 
6
 %
Administrative and general
6,973

 
3
%
 
907

 
 %
Maintenance
(46
)
 
%
 
2,520

 
1
 %
Property taxes and other non-income taxes
1,519

 
1
%
 
456

 
 %
Depreciation and amortization
3,667

 
1
%
 
3,885

 
3
 %
 
$
44,556

 
18
%
 
$
21,468

 
10
 %

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Sources of Water Supply
San Jose Water Company’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from the SCVWD under the terms of a master contract with SCVWD expiring in 2051. Surface water is the least expensive source of water. Changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources affect the overall mix of the water supply, thereby affecting the cost of the water supply. In addition, the water rates for purchased water and the groundwater extraction charge may be increased by the SCVWD at any time. If an increase occurs, then San Jose Water Company would file an advice letter with the CPUC seeking authorization to increase revenues to offset the rate increase.
CLWSC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA. CLWSC has long-term agreements with the GBRA, which expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide CLWSC with an aggregate of 6,900 acre-feet of water per year from Canyon Lake at prices that may be adjusted periodically by GBRA.
The following table presents the sources of water supply for Water Utility Services:
 
Source of Water Supply
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(million gallons) (MG)
Purchased water
22,913

 
21,474

 
21,338

Groundwater
14,444

 
11,271

 
13,005

Surface water
620

 
2,465

 
1,553

Reclaimed water
607

 
637

 
639

 
38,584

 
35,847

 
36,535

Average water production expense per MG
$
4,063

 
3,468

 
3,028

Water production in 2017 for Water Utility Services increased 2,737 million gallons from 2016. Water production in 2016 for Water Utility Services decreased 688 million gallons from 2015. The changes are primarily attributable to changes in consumption by customers and are consistent with the changes in the related water production expenses.
The contract water rates for San Jose Water Company are determined by SCVWD. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with SCVWD’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for SCVWD’s fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $3.9, $3.6 and $3.1 per million gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $3.6, $3.3, and $2.7 per million gallons for SCVWD’s fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
Unaccounted-for water for 2017 and 2016 approximated 8.5% and 7.8%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through the system, partially offset by Water Utility Services’ main replacements and lost water reduction programs.
The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.
Water production expenses
2017 vs. 2016
Water production expenses increased $16,945 due to higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges, $9,618 due to an increase in customer usage and $5,880 due to an decrease in the use of available surface water in 2017 compared to 2016. Effective July 2017, SCVWD increased the unit price of purchased water by approximately 9% and the groundwater extraction charge by approximately 10%.
2016 vs. 2015
Water production expenses increased $17,042 due to higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges. These increases were offset by $2,512 due to an increase in the use of available surface water in 2016 compared to 2015 and $830 due to a decrease in customer usage. Effective July 2016, SCVWD increased the unit price of purchased water by approximately 18% and the groundwater extraction charge by approximately 20%.
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.

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2017 vs. 2016
Administrative and general expense increased $6,973 in 2017, or 15%, in comparison to 2016. The increase consisted primarily of: (1) $3,290 increase in salaries and wages, (2) $1,427 increase in regulatory fees as a result of increased revenue, (3) $1,433 due to an increase in contracted work primarily related to the recycled water retrofit program and executive recruitment, (4) $359 increase in salary deferral contribution, (5) $304 increase in software maintenance contracts, and (6) $160 increase in miscellaneous expenses.
2016 vs. 2015
Administrative and general expense increased $907 in 2016, or 2%, in comparison to 2015. The increase consisted primarily of: (1) $517 due to an increase in contracted work primarily related to the recycled water retrofit program and information governance initiative, (2) $463 increase in software maintenance contracts, (3) $438 increase in salaries, and (4) $184 increase in miscellaneous expenses, offset by (5) $695 decrease in pension expense as a result of an increasing discount rate coupled with an increase in return on pension plan assets.
Maintenance Expense
Maintenance expense decreased $46 in 2017, or less than 1%, in comparison to 2016, and increased $2,520 in 2016, or 17%, in comparison to 2015. The decrease in 2017 consisted primarily of: (1) a $1,346 decrease in uninsured losses due to the reserve recorded in 2016 for an obsolete work order, offset by (2) an increase of $808 in contracted work primarily related to station clean-up and disposal services, (3) $328 increase in fleet repairs and maintenance expenses and (4) $189 increase in salaries and wages. The increase in 2016 consisted primarily of: (1) $1,515 increase in uninsured losses primarily related to a reserve for an obsolete work order, (2) $562 increase in salaries and (3) $332 increase in contract work and paving costs for asphalt repair.
Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes
Property taxes and other non-income taxes for 2017 and 2016 increased $1,519 and $456 from prior years, respectively. The increases were primarily a result of increased utility plant. The increase in 2017 also included $427 in Delaware franchise tax as a result of reincorporation that occurred in November 2016. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2018 for property taxes and other non-income taxes due to increases in utility plant.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3,667 in 2017, or 8%, in comparison to 2016, and increased $3,885 in 2016, or 10%, in comparison to 2015. The increase in both years was due to increases in utility plant. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2018 for depreciation expense due to increases in utility plant.
Other Income and Expense
The change in other (expense) income in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to a $12,501 pre-tax gain on sale of the equity interests in TWA and a pre-tax gain of $6,903, reduced by the noncontrolling interest’s gain of $1,896, on the sale of limited partnership properties and undeveloped land in San Jose, California, compared to the $3,197 pre-tax gain on the sale of 159,151 shares of California Water Service Group and the $9,981 pre-tax gain on the sale of SJW Land Company’s Arizona property recorded in the prior year.
The change in other (expense) income in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to a $9,981 gain on the sale of our SJW Land Company Arizona property compared to the gain on sale recorded in prior year of a portfolio of San Jose Water Company non-utility properties. In addition, the sale of 159,151 shares of common stock of California Water Service Group in 2016 contributed $3,197 to the increase.
SJW Group’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the mortgages and the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 6.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and 6.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense for 2017 was $35,393, compared to $33,542 in 2016. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 37% for 2017, 39% for 2016 and 38% for 2015. The effective consolidated income tax rate for 2017 is lower primarily due to a tax benefit of $2,357 related to revaluation of deferred taxes on non-regulated activities as a result of the reduction in federal statutory income tax rate in the Tax Act from 35% to 21%. A similar event did not occur in 2016 or 2015.
On July 24, 2017, SJW Group received notification that the California Franchise Tax Board completed its audit of SJW Group’s refund claims for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. SJW Group received a refund of $1,294 from the California Franchise Tax Board in the third quarter of 2017 which includes a net operating loss carryback refund of $404.

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On February 5, 2018, SJW Group received notification from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts regarding an audit of the Texas Franchise Tax Report for the tax year 2015. SJW Group is in the process of providing a response to the audit questionnaire.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act includes significant reform of the current income tax code including lowering the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The SEC issued guidance in SAB 118 which provides for up to a one year period in which to complete the required analysis and income tax accounting for the Tax Act. SAB 118 describes three scenarios associated with a company’s status of accounting for income tax reform (1) a company is complete with its accounting for certain effects of tax reform, (2) a company is able to determine a reasonable estimate for certain effects of tax reform and records that estimate as a provisional amount, or (3) a company is not able to determine a reasonable estimate and therefore continues to apply the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the Tax Act being effective.
In accordance with GAAP, SJW Group has recorded the revaluation of deferred taxes and related impacts using the new corporate tax rate in its December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements. The amounts recorded are based on information known and reasonable estimates used as of December 31, 2017, but are subject to change based on a number of factors, including further actions of regulators, SJW Group filing its tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2017, and completion of SJW Group’s interim and annual consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2018.
Under GAAP, the net deferred tax liabilities are required to be revalued during the period in which the new tax legislation is enacted. Accordingly, the Company revalued its deferred tax assets and liabilities in the fourth quarter of 2017. As stated above, SJW Group recorded a tax benefit of $2,357 related to revaluation of deferred taxes on non-regulated operations due to the tax rate reduction. However, for regulated operations, which are governed by state public utility commissions, the lower tax rate benefits are expected to flow back to customers under current normalization rules and agreed-upon methods with the commissions. The revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities of the regulated operations resulted in a decrease in net deferred tax liabilities and an increase in regulatory liabilities of $83,666.
SJW Group anticipates subsequent regulations and interpretations to be released associated with the Tax Act that will provide additional guidance on the application of the law; however, SJW Group currently estimates that the effective income tax rate for 2018 will be in the range of 26% to 28% compared to approximately 37% for 2017. Such estimated range is based on management’s current assumptions with respect to, among other things, SJW Group’s earnings and tax deductions. SJW Group’s actual effective tax rate in 2018 may differ from management’s estimate. The reduced applicable tax rate is expected to result in overall lower tax expense beginning in 2018. However, the benefit associated with regulatory activities are expected to flow back to ratepayers as directed by the CPUC and PUCT, with no impact to net income.
Please refer to Note 5, “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of actual to expected income tax expense.
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Other comprehensive income in 2017 was $679, net of tax, due to a change in the market value of our investment in California Water Service Group. Other comprehensive loss in 2016 was $787, net of tax, due to a change in the market value of our investment in California Water Service Group stock of $955 and the recognition of unrealized holding gains of $1,742 that was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income due to the sale of California Water Service Group stock during the year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Water Utility Services bills the majority of its customers’ on a bi-monthly basis. Payments from customers are impacted by the general economic conditions in the areas where SJW Group operates. Payment delinquencies are mitigated by service interruptions due to non-payment. Because California is a high cost of living state, it is possible that Californians may migrate to other states with a lower cost-of-living. As of December 31, 2017, the change in the number of customers has been minimal and write-offs for uncollectible accounts have been less than 1% of total revenue, unchanged from the prior year. Management believes it can continue to collect its accounts receivable balances at its historical collection rate.
Funds collected from Water Utility Services’ customers are used to pay for water production expenses, in addition to all costs associated with general operations. Funds were also generated from borrowings on the line of credit and sale of utility and non-utility properties owned by SJW Group, San Jose Water Company, and SJW Land Company. From these amounts, SJW Group paid cash dividends of approximately $21,332 and funded its 2017 working capital and capital expenditure program.
The condition of the capital and credit markets or the strength of financial institutions could impact SJW Group’s ability to draw on its line of credit, issue long-term debt or sell its equity. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit

32



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 key risk, we believe that based on our 2017 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future.
In 2017, the common dividends declared and paid on SJW Group’s common stock represented 36% of net income. Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 297 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 50 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 2017, SJW Group generated cash flow from operations of approximately $101,112 compared to $114,571 in 2016 and $98,154 in 2015. 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, gains on the sale of assets, and changes in working capital items. Cash flow from operations decreased in 2017 by approximately $13,500. The decrease was primarily by a combination of the following factors: (1) a decrease in the collection of the balancing and memorandum accounts of $20,300, and (2) other noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities from less damage reserves and deferred tax adjustments of $4,700, offset by a decrease of (1) collections of previously billed and accrued receivables by $3,700, (2) payments of amounts previously invoiced and accrued, which increased by $3,200, (3) net collection of taxes receivable by $2,800, and (4) general working capital and net income, adjusted for non-cash items, which increased by $1,800. Cash flow from operations increased in 2016 by approximately $16,900. This increase was caused primarily by a combination of the following factors: (1) recognition and collection of the balancing and memorandum accounts of $17,900, (2) a net increase in the collection of taxes receivable by $2,600, and (3) general working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items, which increased by $2,400, offset by (1) a decrease in collections of previously billed and accrued receivables by $6,100.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
In 2017, SJW Group used approximately $141,200 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $7,900 for developer funded capital expenditures, $3,400 in utility plant retirement costs, $1,100 for acquisitions and rights to provide water service, and $100 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $28,600 from the sale of our equity interests in TWA, and $11,200 from the sale of real estate investments owned by SJW Land Company and 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. In 2016, SJW Group used approximately $129,100 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $13,100 for developer funded capital expenditures, $3,400 in utility plant retirement costs, $1,000 for acquisitions and rights to provide water service, and $300 for real estate investments related to the leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $20,300 from the sale of real estate investments owned by SJW Land Company and San Jose Water Company, and $4,500 of cash proceeds from the sale of California Water Service Group stock.
Water Utility Services budgeted capital expenditures for 2018, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances is as follows:
 
Budgeted Capital
Expenditures
2018
Water treatment
$
1,268

 
1
%
Source of supply
7,652

 
6
%
Reservoirs and tanks
11,985

 
10
%
Pump stations and equipment
5,278

 
4
%
Equipment and other
15,037

 
13
%
Recycled water, green and alternative energy projects
9,626

 
8
%
Distribution system
68,844

 
58
%
 
$
119,690

 
100
%
The 2018 capital expenditures budget is concentrated in main replacements. Included in the distribution system budgeted capital expenditures of $68,844 is approximately $48,043 that is planned to be spent to replace Water Utility Services’ pipes and mains.
Water Utility Services’ capital expenditures are incurred in connection with normal upgrading and expansion of existing facilities and to comply with environmental regulations. Over the next five years, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $760,820 in capital expenditures. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future CPUC and PUCT approval. Capital expenditures have the effect of increasing utility plant rate base on which Water Utility Services earns a

33



return. Water Utility Services actual capital expenditures may vary from their 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.
A substantial portion of San Jose Water Company’s distribution system was constructed during the period from 1945 to 1980. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization of this part of the system will grow at an increasing rate as these 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, 2017 decreased by approximately $32,000 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of a decrease in long-term debt net borrowings and a decrease in contributions in aid of construction in the current year, partially offset by an increase in the amount of net borrowings on our lines of credit and other changes, net. SJW Group’s cash management policy includes the issuance of long-term debt to pay down borrowings on the lines of credit. As such, 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 the line of credit tend to be high.
SJW Group, SJW Land Company, SJWTX, Inc. and San Jose Water Company have unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $145,000 as of December 31, 2017. 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 the 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—Water Utility Services and SJW Group and its Subsidiaries” below.
Sources of Capital
Water Utility Services
San Jose Water Company’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, on the timing and outcome of regulatory proceedings.
San Jose Water Company’s financing activity is designed to achieve a capital structure consistent with regulatory guidelines of approximately 49% debt and 51% equity. As of December 31, 2017, San Jose Water Company’s long-term debt and equity were approximately 46% and 54%, respectively. The average borrowing rate of San Jose Water Company’s long-term debt was 6.2% as of December 31, 2017.
Funding for San Jose Water Company’s future capital expenditure program is expected to be provided primarily through internally-generated funds, the issuance of new long-term debt, the issuance of equity or the sale of all or part of our investment in California Water Service Group, all of which will be consistent with the regulator’s guidelines.
SJW Group has outstanding a $50,000 unsecured senior note as of December 31, 2017. The senior note has terms and conditions that restrict SJW Group from issuing additional funded debt if: (1) the funded consolidated debt would exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization; and (2) the minimum net worth of SJW Group becomes less than $175,000 plus 30% of Water Utility Services cumulative net income, since June 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2017, SJW Group was not restricted from issuing future indebtedness as a result of these terms and conditions.
San Jose Water Company has outstanding $250,000 of unsecured senior notes as of December 31, 2017. The senior note agreements of San Jose Water Company generally have terms and conditions that restrict San Jose Water Company from issuing additional funded debt if: (1) the funded debt would exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization, and (2) net income available for interest charges for the trailing 12-calendar-month period would be less than 175% of interest charges. As of December 31, 2017, San Jose Water Company was not restricted from issuing future indebtedness as a result of these terms and conditions.
On December 15, 2016, San Jose Water Company entered into a loan agreement with the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (“CPCFA”). The CPCFA simultaneously entered into an indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee pursuant to which the CPCFA issued $70,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% fixed rate revenue bonds. The CPCFA loaned the proceeds of the bond issuance to San Jose Water Company pursuant to the loan agreement. The terms of the revenue bonds provide for interest only payments until maturity, which is November 1, 2046.
San Jose Water Company also has obligations pursuant to loan agreements with the CPCFA supporting $120,000 in aggregate principal amount of CPCFA revenue bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The loan agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for loan agreements relating to revenue bonds, containing, among other things, certain disclosure obligations, the tax exempt status of the interest on the bonds and limitations, and prohibitions on the transfer

34



of projects funded by the loan proceeds and assignment of the loan agreements. As of December 31, 2017, San Jose Water Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
SJWTX, Inc. has outstanding $15,000 of a senior note as of December 31, 2017. The senior note agreement has terms and conditions that restrict SJWTX, Inc. from issuing additional funded debt if: (1) the funded debt would exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization, and (2) net income available for interest charges for the trailing 12-calendar-month period would be less than 175% of interest charges. In addition, SJW Group is a guarantor of SJWTX, Inc.’s senior note which has terms and conditions that restrict SJW Group from issuing additional funded debt if: (1) the funded consolidated debt would exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization, and (2) the minimum net worth of SJW Group becomes less than $125,000 plus 30% of Water Utility Services cumulative net income, since December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2017, SJWTX, Inc. and SJW Group were not restricted from issuing future indebtedness as a result of these terms and conditions.
As of December 31, 2017, the SJW Group and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all of their debt covenants.
Real Estate Services
On April 6, 2017, SJW Land Company’s variable interest entity, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P., paid in full an outstanding mortgage loan as part of the sale of the partnership’s real property. The mortgage loan was due in 2021 and was being amortized over 20 years at an interest rate of 5.68%. The mortgage loan was secured by the partnership’s real property and was non-recourse to SJW Land Company.
SJW Group and its Subsidiaries
SJW Group and its subsidiaries consolidated long-term debt was 50% of total capitalization as of December 31, 2017. Management believes that SJW Group is capable of obtaining future long-term capital to fund regulated and non-tariffed growth opportunities and capital expenditure requirements.
On June 1, 2016, San Jose Water Company entered into a $125,000 Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides an unsecured credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $10,000. Proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of June 1, 2021.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments, asset sales, and fundamental changes. The Credit Agreement also includes certain financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a maximum funded debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio.
On June 1, 2016, SJW Group and SJW Land Company (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into a $15,000 credit agreement with the Lender (the “SJW Group Credit Agreement”), which provides an unsecured credit facility to the Borrowers with a letter of credit sublimit of $5,000. The SJW Group Credit Agreement matures on June 1, 2021. Borrowings under the SJW Group Credit Agreement bear interest under the same terms and conditions as those in the Credit Agreement.
In addition, on June 1, 2016, SJW Group, as guarantor, and SJWTX, Inc. (the “Borrower”), entered into a $5,000 credit agreement with the Lender (the “SJWTX Credit Agreement”), which provides an unsecured credit facility to the Borrower with a letter of credit sublimit of $1,000. The SJWTX Credit Agreement matures on June 1, 2021.
As of December 31, 2017, SJW Group. and its subsidiaries had unsecured bank lines of credit, allowing aggregate short-term borrowings of up to $145,000, of which $15,000 was available to SJW Group and SJW Land Company under a single line of credit, $5,000 was available to SJWTX, Inc. under a second line of credit, and $125,000 was available to San Jose Water Company under a third line of credit. At December 31, 2017, SJW Group and its subsidiaries had available unused short-term bank lines of credit of $120,000. These lines of credit bear interest at variable rates and expire on June 1, 2021. The cost of borrowing on SJW Group’s short-term credit facilities has averaged 2.3% as of December 31, 2017. The SJW Group and SJWTX, Inc. unsecured bank lines of credit have the following affirmative covenants calculated with the financial statements of SJW Group, on a consolidated basis: (1) the funded debt cannot exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization, and (2) net income available for interest charges for the trailing 12-calendar-month period cannot be less than 175% of interest charges. As of December 31, 2017, SJW Group and SJWTX, Inc. were in compliance with all covenants. San Jose Water Company’s unsecured bank lines of credit have the following affirmative covenants: (1) the funded debt cannot exceed 66-2/3% of total capitalization, and (2) net income available for interest charges for the trailing 12-calendar-month period cannot be less than 175% of interest charges. As of December 31, 2017, San Jose Water Company was in compliance with all covenants.
On February 22, 2016, SJW Group entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the GBRA pursuant to which SJW Group agreed to sell all of its equity interests in TWA to GBRA for $31,000 in cash (the “TWA Agreement”). On November 16, 2017, the sales transaction closed. As provided in the Agreement, GBRA held back $3,000 (“Holdback Amount”) from the payment of the purchase price at the closing, which amount will be paid to SJW Group on June 30, 2021, subject to reduction under certain conditions. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain on sale of $12,501, excluding the Holdback Amount.

35



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, 2017 are as follows:
 
Total
 
Contractual Obligations Due in
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
3-5
Years
 
After
5 Years
Senior notes, Water Utility Services
$
265,000

 

 
10,000

 
20,000

 
235,000

Advances for construction, San Jose Water Company*
66,168

 
2,766

 
5,532

 
5,532

 
52,338

California Pollution Control Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, San Jose Water Company
120,000

 

 

 

 
120,000

Senior note, SJW Group
50,000

 

 

 

 
50,000

Total contractual cash obligation
$
501,168

 
2,766

 
15,532

 
25,532

 
457,338

Total interest on contractual obligations
$
408,031

 
25,485

 
50,812

 
44,958

 
286,776

* As of December 31, 2017, advances for construction was $83,695 of which $17,527 was related to non-refundable advances for construction.
In regards to uncertain tax positions, we are unable to predict the timing of tax settlements as tax audits can involve complex issues and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation.
San Jose Water Company purchases water from SCVWD 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 SCVWD. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, San Jose Water Company purchased from SCVWD 20,172 million gallons ($76,106), 18,241 million gallons ($61,645) and 18,482 million gallons ($52,553), respectively, of contract water. In accordance with the reduction of treated water deliveries approved by the SCVWD Board of Directors on June 14, 2016, the contractual delivery schedule was reduced by 20% through January 31, 2017. On January 31, 2017, SCVWD Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 10% through June 30, 2018. Based on current prices and estimated deliveries, San Jose Water Company is committed to purchase from SCVWD a minimum of 90% of the reduced delivery schedule, or 19,748 million gallons ($77,271) of water at the current contract water rate of $3.9 per million gallons in the year ending December 31, 2018. Additionally, San Jose Water Company purchases non-contract water from SCVWD on an “as needed” basis if the water supply is available. The contract water rates for San Jose Water Company are determined by SCVWD. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with SCVWD’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for SCVWD’s fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $3.9, $3.6 and $3.1 per million gallons, respectively.
San Jose Water Company also pumps water from the local groundwater basin. There are no delivery schedules or contractual obligations associated with the purchase of groundwater. SCVWD determines the groundwater extraction charge and it is applied on a per unit basis. In addition to the SCVWD groundwater extraction charge, San Jose Water Company also incurs power costs to pump the groundwater from the basin.
San Jose Water Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and provides health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2017, San Jose Water Company contributed $8,301 and $702 to the pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan, respectively. In 2018, San Jose Water Company expects to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $7,593 to the pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan. The amount of required contributions for years thereafter is not actuarially determinable.
San Jose Water Company’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, San Jose Water Company is committed to pay approximately $1,584 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.
CLWSC purchases water from GBRA under terms of agreements expiring in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide CLWSC with 6,900 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided they give CLWSC a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment.
444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P.
SJW Land Company owns a 70% limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P., a real estate limited partnership. A real estate development firm owns the remaining 30% limited partnership interest. A commercial building was

36



constructed on the property of 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. and was leased to an international real estate firm. SJW Land Company consolidates its limited partnership interest in 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. as a variable interest entity within the scope of ASC Topic 810. On January 10, 2017, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. entered in a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of all of its interests in the commercial building and land the partnership owns and operates for a purchase price of $11,000. The sales transaction closed on April 6, 2017 and SJW Land Company and the noncontrolling interest recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of real estate investments of $4,427 and $1,896, respectively.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in generally accepted accounting principles. The updated guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of our revenue transactions. SJW Group will adopt the new revenue standard in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new standard requires certain changes to the recognition of balancing and memorandum account revenue and related costs. However, these changes are not expected to have a material impact on on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Concurrently, the company will implement ASU 2017-10, “Identifying the Customer in a Service Concession Arrangement.”
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall” which will significantly change the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. In addition, the standard requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income instead of through other comprehensive income. The updated guidance affects the accounting for our equity investment in California Water Service Group stock classified as an available-for-sale security (see Note 14 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”). The update is effective for SJW Group beginning in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which supersedes the lease requirements in “Leases (Topic 840).” This ASU requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease payment liability for most leases in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. ASU 2016-02 also makes some changes to lessor accounting and aligns with the new revenue recognition guidance. This ASU will be effective for the company in the first quarter of 2019 and earlier adoption is permitted. The company does not anticipate the adoption of this standard will have a material impact to the consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” This ASU affects entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. ASU 2016-09 identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classifications on the statement of cash flows and forfeiture rate calculations. SJW Group adopted this standard as of the first quarter of 2017. ASU 2016-09 requires recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income statement, which resulted in the recognition of $500 in income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Prior to adoption, these amounts were recognized as additional paid-in capital. SJW Group did not have any unrecognized excess tax benefits to reclassify upon adoption of this standard. The ASU also requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be prospectively excluded from assumed future proceeds in the calculation of diluted shares when calculating diluted earnings per shares using the treasury stock method. The effect of this change on diluted earnings per share was immaterial. In addition, excess income tax benefits from share-based compensation are now classified as cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows, prospectively. Further, ASU 2016-09 requires, on a retrospective basis, that employee taxes paid for withheld shares be classified as cash flows from financing activities rather than cash flows from operating activities. As such, the consolidated statements of cash flows for SJW Group for the periods presented have been reclassified to reflect this change. The change resulted in an increase to cash flows from operating activities and a decrease to cash flows from financing activities of $818, $499, and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. SJW Group has elected to account for actual forfeitures as they occur upon adoption of the new guidance. Management determined that the cumulative effect adjustment required under the new guidance was immaterial and therefore SJW Group did not record an adjustment.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which modifies existing guidance and is intended to reduce diversity in practice with respect to accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets. The ASU requires that the current and deferred income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets be immediately recognized. Prior guidance allowed the entities to defer the consolidated tax consequences of an intercompany transfer of an asset other than inventory to a future period and amortize those tax consequences over time. ASU 2016-16 is effective for us in the first quarter of 2018, and adoption does not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

37



In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs,” which requires employers to present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The standard only allows the service cost component to be eligible for asset capitalization. Employers will present the other components of net periodic benefit costs separately from the line item(s) that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income, if one is presented. This ASU became effective for the company in the first quarter of 2018. If we had adopted the updated guidance as of January 1, 2017, the company estimates that approximately $1,000 of pension costs would have been recognized as expense instead of being capitalized.

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. San Jose Water Company sponsors a noncontributory pension plan for its employees. Pension costs and the funded status of the plan are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation. SJW Group also owned 100,000 shares of common stock of California Water Service Group as of December 31, 2017, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and is therefore exposed to the risk of fluctuations and changes in equity prices.
SJW Group has no derivative financial instruments, financial instruments with significant off-balance sheet risks, or financial instruments with concentrations of credit risk.


38



Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and Board of Directors
SJW Group:
Opinions on the Consolidated 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, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, SJW Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 U.S. 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1933.

San Francisco, California
February 27, 2018

39



SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Assets
 
 
 
Utility plant:
 
 
 
Land
$
17,831

 
17,923

Depreciable plant and equipment
1,714,228

 
1,554,016

Construction in progress
45,851

 
70,453

Intangible assets
14,413

 
23,989

 
1,792,323

 
1,666,381

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
553,059

 
520,018

 
1,239,264

 
1,146,363

Real estate investments
56,213

 
62,193

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
11,132

 
11,734

 
45,081

 
50,459

Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
7,799

 
6,349

Restricted cash

 
19,001

Accounts receivable:
 
 
 
Customers, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $190 and $200 in 2017 and 2016, respectively
17,305

 
16,361

Income tax
7,981

 
9,796

Other
1,118

 
3,383

Accrued unbilled utility revenue
27,905

 
24,255

Current regulatory assets, net

 
16,064

Other current assets
4,750

 
4,402

 
66,858

 
99,611

Other assets:
 
 
 
Investment in California Water Service Group
4,535

 
3,390

Net regulatory assets, less current portion
99,554

 
135,709

Other
2,709

 
7,844

 
106,798

 
146,943

 
$
1,458,001

 
1,443,376














See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

40



SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 36,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 20,520,856 shares in 2017 and 20,456,225 shares in 2016
$
21

 
21

Additional paid-in capital
84,866

 
81,715

Retained earnings
376,119

 
338,386

Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,203

 
1,524

Total stockholders’ equity
463,209

 
421,646

Long-term debt, less current portion
431,092

 
433,335

 
894,301

 
854,981

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Lines of credit
25,000

 
14,200

Current portion of long-term debt

 
125

Accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power
14,382

 
10,846

Accounts payable
22,960

 
18,739

Accrued interest
6,869

 
6,309

Accrued property taxes and other non-income taxes
1,904

 
1,681

Accrued payroll
6,011

 
4,696

Other current liabilities
7,926

 
6,977

 
85,052

 
63,573

Deferred income taxes
85,795

 
205,203

Advances for construction
83,695

 
84,815

Contributions in aid of construction
160,830

 
151,576

Postretirement benefit plans
72,841

 
70,177

Regulatory liability
62,476

 

Other noncurrent liabilities
13,011

 
13,051

Commitments and contingencies

 

 
$
1,458,001

 
1,443,376















See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

41



SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31 (in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating revenue
$
389,225

 
339,706

 
305,082

Operating expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Production Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased water
86,456

 
72,971

 
61,089

Power
7,295

 
6,102

 
6,121

Groundwater extraction charges
47,817

 
32,088

 
31,240

Other production expenses
15,203

 
13,167

 
12,178

Total production expenses
156,771

 
124,328

 
110,628

Administrative and general
55,011

 
48,038

 
47,131

Maintenance
17,430

 
17,476

 
14,956

Property taxes and other non-income taxes
13,642

 
12,123

 
11,667

Depreciation and amortization
48,292

 
44,625

 
40,740

Total operating expense
291,146

 
246,590

 
225,122

Operating income
98,079

 
93,116

 
79,960

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
(22,610
)
 
(20,205
)
 
(20,925
)
Mortgage and other interest expense
(319
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(1,261
)
Gain on sale of equity interests in Texas Water Alliance Limited and utility property
12,499

 

 

Gain on sale of real estate investments
6,903

 
10,419

 
1,886

Gain on sale of California Water Service Group stock

 
3,197

 

Dividend income
75

 
87

 
174

Other, net
1,866

 
1,400

 
1,320

Income before income taxes
96,493

 
86,381

 
61,154

Provision for income taxes
35,393

 
33,542

 
23,272

Net income before noncontrolling interest
61,100

 
52,839

 
37,882

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,896

 

 

SJW Group net income
$
59,204

 
52,839

 
37,882

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized income (loss) on investment, net of taxes of $466 in 2017, $657 in 2016, and ($141) in 2015
679

 
955

 
(206
)
Reclassification adjustment for gain realized on investment, net of taxes of $1,198 in 2016

 
(1,742
)
 

SJW Group comprehensive income
$
59,883

 
52,052

 
37,676

SJW Group earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
—Basic
$
2.89

 
2.59

 
1.86

—Diluted
$
2.86

 
2.57

 
1.85

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
—Basic
20,506,960

 
20,439,957

 
20,360,663

—Diluted
20,685,118

 
20,588,973

 
20,515,643



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

42



SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Number of
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balances, December 31, 2014
20,286,840

 
21

 
76,844

 
280,773

 
2,517

 

 
360,155

Net income

 

 

 
37,882

 

 

 
37,882

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax effect of $300

 

 

 
(436
)
 

 

 
(436
)
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax effect of ($141)

 

 

 

 
(206
)
 

 
(206
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
1,603

 
(114
)
 

 

 
1,489

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units
61,791

 

 
(111
)
 

 

 

 
(111
)
Employee stock purchase plan
33,318

 

 
895

 

 

 

 
895

Dividends paid ($0.78 per share)

 

 

 
(15,885
)
 

 

 
(15,885
)
Balances, December 31, 2015
20,381,949

 
21

 
79,231

 
302,220

 
2,311

 

 
383,783

Net income

 

 

 
52,839

 

 

 
52,839

Unrealized income on investment, net of tax effect of $657

 

 

 

 
955

 

 
955

Reclassification adjustment for gain realized on investment, net of tax effect of $1,198

 

 

 

 
(1,742
)
 

 
(1,742
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
1,691

 
(114
)
 

 

 
1,577

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units
44,062

 

 
(161
)
 

 

 

 
(161
)
Employee stock purchase plan
30,214

 

 
954

 

 

 

 
954

Dividends paid ($0.81 per share)

 

 

 
(16,559
)
 

 

 
(16,559
)
Balances, December 31, 2016
20,456,225

 
21

 
81,715

 
338,386

 
1,524

 

 
421,646

Net income

 

 

 
59,204

 

 
1,896

 
61,100

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 
(1,896
)
 
(1,896
)
Unrealized income on investment, net of tax effect of $466

 

 

 

 
679

 

 
679

Share-based compensation

 

 
2,643

 
(139
)
 

 

 
2,504

Issuance of restricted and deferred stock units
36,888

 

 
(707
)
 

 

 

 
(707
)
Employee stock purchase plan
27,743

 

 
1,215

 

 

 

 
1,215

Dividends paid ($1.04 per share)

 

 

 
(21,332
)
 

 

 
(21,332
)
Balances, December 31, 2017
20,520,856

 
21

 
84,866

 
376,119

 
2,203

 

 
463,209
















See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

43



SJW Group and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31 (in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income before noncontrolling interest
$
61,100

 
52,839

 
37,882

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
50,501

 
46,295

 
42,330

Deferred income taxes
(436
)
 
4,803

 
15,625

Share-based compensation
2,643

 
1,691

 
1,603

Gain on sale of Texas Water Alliance Limited and utility property
(12,499
)
 

 

Gain on sale of real estate investments
(6,903
)
 
(10,419
)
 
(1,886
)
Gain on sale of California Water Service Group stock

 
(3,197
)
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled utility revenue
(1,702
)
 
(5,377
)
 
735

Accounts payable and other current liabilities
2,888

 
(337
)
 
1,550

Accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power
3,536

 
3,683

 
1,133

Tax receivable and accrued taxes
2,164

 
(680
)
 
(3,297
)
Postretirement benefits
(769
)
 
(349
)
 
(117
)
Regulatory asset related to balancing and memorandum accounts
(979
)
 
19,297

 
1,429

Other noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
741

 
5,468

 
1,950

Other changes, net
827

 
854

 
(783
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
101,112

 
114,571

 
98,154

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to utility plant:
 
 
 
 
 
Company-funded
(141,213
)
 
(129,134
)
 
(96,012
)
Contributions in aid of construction
(7,842
)
 
(13,086
)
 
(10,762
)
Additions to real estate investment
(116
)
 
(328
)
 
(1,097
)
Payments for business/asset acquisition and water rights
(1,149
)
 
(1,070
)
 
(991
)
Cost to retire utility plant, net of salvage
(3,356
)
 
(3,361
)
 
(3,673
)
Proceeds from sale of Texas Water Alliance Limited and utility property
28,623

 

 

Proceeds from sale of real estate investments
11,179

 
20,341

 
1,925

Proceeds from sale of California Water Service Group stock

 
4,509

 

Net cash used in investing activities
(113,874
)
 
(122,129
)
 
(110,610
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings from lines of credit
56,500

 
62,075

 
97,000

Repayments of lines of credit
(45,700
)
 
(82,475
)
 
(75,600
)
Long-term borrowings

 
50,999

 

Long-term borrowings held as restricted cash

 
19,001

 

Repayments of long-term borrowings
(2,717
)
 
(16,599
)
 
(633
)
Payment to noncontrolling interest
(1,896
)
 

 

Debt issuance costs

 
(1,275
)
 

Dividends paid
(21,332
)
 
(16,559
)
 
(15,885
)
Receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction
12,581