Is California Water Service Group a Buy?

California Water Service Group (CWT), through its various subsidiaries, operates as a water utility, delivering essential water services and related offerings across several states, including California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. The company's operations encompass the entire water supply chain, from procuring, storing, treating, and rigorously testing water to its widespread distribution and ultimate sale. This water is utilized for a diverse array of purposes, spanning domestic consumption, industrial processes, public use, agricultural irrigation, and crucial fire protection. The group serves a substantial customer base, catering to approximately 494,500 connections across 100 communities in California. Moreover, on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawaii, it manages roughly 6,200 water and wastewater customer hookups. In Washington, approximately 36,400 connections receive service in locations such as Tacoma, Olympia, Graham, Spanaway, Puyallup, and Gig Harbor. New Mexico communities like Belen, Los Lunas, Indian Hills, and Elephant Butte are served by roughly 8,600 water and wastewater connections. Beyond its core regulated utility functions, California Water Service Group provides various non-regulated, water-related services. These include the management of water systems for both municipal and private entities, the operation of recycled water distribution networks, and specialized services such as water system operation, meter reading, and billing for external companies and public bodies. Furthermore, it generates income by leasing communication antenna sites on its land to telecommunications companies, and it manages the billing of optional third-party insurance schemes for its residential clients. Laboratory services are also part of its offerings. Lastly, the organization handles wastewater collection and purification processes. Established in 1926, the company's corporate headquarters are situated in San Jose, California.