Global Water Resources, Inc. (GWRS) AI Stock Analysis
GWRS AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchGlobal Water Resources, Inc. (GWRS) is a regulated water resource management utility operating in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $60.1M in revenue with a profit margin of 5.2%. However, elevated capital expenditures of $67.3M in FY2025 drove free cash flow to -$47.2M, alongside a payout ratio of 111.5%.
- Market cap
- $230.1M
- Revenue (TTM)
- $60.1M
- P/E
- 79.9x fwd 62.1x
- 1Y return
- -23.4% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $10.30 28.9% vs last close
Bull case
- Quarterly financial momentum improved as revenue rose 24.8% and earnings expanded 62.6% year-over-year in the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
- The mean analyst price target of $10.30 represents 28.9% potential upside compared to the last close of $7.99.
- Trailing twelve-month operating margin reached 25.4%, outpacing the US-listed Utilities peer median of 22.6%.
Bear case
- Substantial capital expenditures of $67.3M in FY2025 resulted in negative free cash flow of -$47.2M.
- The stock trades at a forward P/E of 62.1x, well above the US-listed Utilities peer median of 17.2x.
- Dividends exceed net profits with an elevated payout ratio of 111.5%.
What Global Water Resources does
Global Water Resources, Inc. is a water resource management company specializing in the ownership, operation, and management of regulated utilities in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Phoenix, the company provides water, wastewater, and recycled water services to residential and commercial customers. As of December 31, 2020, Global Water Resources, Inc. served approximately 74,048 individuals across approximately 27,630 households. The utility emphasizes water conservation and resource sustainability through targeted infrastructure investments, technological upgrades, and service reliability across its growing regional customer base.
Growth and profitability
Between FY2020 and FY2025, revenue grew at a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 7.6%, expanding from $41.9M in FY2021 to $55.8M in FY2025. Annual net income peaked at $8.0M in FY2023 before declining to $5.8M in FY2024 and $3.0M in FY2025, which lowered the net margin to 5.3%. Gross margin decreased from 74.0% in FY2024 to 44.9% in FY2025, and operating margin contracted from 17.8% to 12.8%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 24.8% year-over-year, while quarterly earnings increased 62.6% year-over-year. For the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $60.1M with an operating margin of 25.4% and diluted earnings per share of $0.10.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Global Water Resources held $1.5M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $135.9M, resulting in net debt of $134.5M. Total assets stood at $484.2M, supported by shareholders' equity of $84.8M. The company reported a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60. Operating cash flow in FY2025 was $20.2M, but capital expenditures of $67.3M and dividends paid of $8.2M resulted in free cash flow of -$47.2M.
Valuation and performance
At a last close of $7.99, Global Water Resources carries a market capitalization of $230.1M and an enterprise value of $384.8M. The stock trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 79.9x and a forward P/E of 62.1x, compared to medians of 20.6x and 17.2x for its US-listed Utilities peers. Its enterprise value-to-EBITDA multiple is 14.0x, above the peer group median of 12.1x, while its price-to-sales ratio is 3.8x versus the peer median of 2.4x. Over the past year, the shares returned -23.4%, trailing the 16.8% return of the S&P 500 (SPY). Over five years, the stock returned -47.8% compared to 83.0% for the benchmark index.
GWRS dividend
Global Water Resources pays an annualized forward dividend of $0.30 per share distributed monthly, representing a dividend yield of 3.79%. The company has paid dividends for 11 consecutive years, delivering a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 0.8%. However, the payout ratio stands at 111.5% of net income. The last ex-dividend date was October 16, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage consists of 2 analyst ratings, comprising 1 Strong Buy and 1 Hold. The mean price target is $10.30, indicating 28.9% upside from the last close of $7.99. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts estimate revenue of $61.3M and earnings per share of $0.09, representing an estimated EPS decline of 35.7%. For the next fiscal year, consensus estimates forecast revenue of $62.9M and EPS of $0.13. The company beat EPS estimates in 2 of the last 4 quarters, with its next earnings release scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Short-term liquidity is constrained, indicated by a current ratio of 0.68 and cash reserves of $1.5M against total debt of $135.9M as of June 30, 2026.
- The 5-year share count increased 25.6%, showing past equity dilution used alongside debt financing.
- Earnings per share for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, are projected to decline 35.7% to $0.09.
- Gross margin compressed sharply from 74.0% in FY2024 to 44.9% in FY2025.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this GWRS AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Global Water Resources, Inc. (GWRS). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: GWRS income statement, GWRS balance sheet, GWRS key metrics, GWRS analyst forecast, GWRS chart. See the GWRS stock overview for the latest quote and news.
GWRS AI stock analysis FAQ
What dividend does Global Water Resources pay?
GWRS pays an annual forward dividend of $0.30 per share on a monthly schedule, yielding 3.79%. The company has maintained dividend payments for 11 consecutive years, though its payout ratio is 111.5%.
How much debt does GWRS carry?
As of June 30, 2026, Global Water Resources had total debt of $135.9M and cash and short-term investments of $1.5M, yielding net debt of $134.5M. Its debt-to-equity ratio stood at 1.60.
What are analysts forecasting for GWRS earnings?
Analysts estimate current fiscal year EPS of $0.09 on revenue of $61.3M, followed by next fiscal year estimates of $0.13 in EPS on revenue of $62.9M. The mean analyst price target is $10.30.
When does Global Water Resources report its next quarterly earnings?
The company's next earnings report date is scheduled for November 5, 2026.