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olivLaw · US equity research

Unitil Corporation UTL

Electric & Other Services Combined · SIC 4931 · Vertical: Electric & Other Services Combined (SIC 4931)

56.54USD+3.10% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

Unitil is a public utility holding company that distributes electricity and natural gas to customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, with revenue largely regulated. Recent gas acquisitions and an expansion into water gradually shift its profile, in a setting where infrastructure investment and regulator-approved rates matter a great deal for results.

The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, Unitil Corporation (UTL) stock was 56.54 USD (+3.10% on the day), with market capitalisation 1.0 bn USD, P/E 18.3 on diluted EPS of 3.09 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 3.32%, beta 0.08, 52-week range 47.48–56.54 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q3 2026): revenue of 112.6 m USD (+11.4% YoY), net income of -1.5 m USD, diluted EPS -0.08 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
1.0 bn USD
shares as of 30 Oct 2026
P/E (TTM)
18.3
Diluted EPS TTM 3.09 · TTM to 30 Sept 2026
E/P (TTM)
5.46%
TTM to 30 Sept 2026
Dividend yield
3.32%
DPS 12m 1.88
Beta (2y)
0.08
Volatility (1y) 20%
52-week range
47.4856.54

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
64.9
strong (55–70)
Bollinger (20, 2)
51.83 – 56.71
in the upper half of the band · %B 0.96 · band width 9.0%
SMA 50 / 200
53.07 / 52.52
uptrend (price > SMA50 > SMA200)
MACD (12, 26, 9)
0.91 / 0.73
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month+11.6%−1.1%+12.7 pp—
3 months+5.6%−0.5%+6.1 pp—
6 months+14.7%+4.4%+10.3 pp—
Year to date+16.7%+12.3%+4.4 pp—
1 year+16.0%+13.5%+2.5 pp+4.6%
3 years+19.2%+76.4%−57.3 pp+32.3%
5 years+30.4%+63.7%−33.3 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−11.7%
09 Apr 2026 → 01 Jun 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−30.6%
01 Jul 2022 → 02 Oct 2023
Compound annual growth (5y)
+5.5%
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q3 2026 · 30 Sept 2026

Revenue
112.6 m USD
+11.4% YoY
Net income
-1.5 m USD
unavailable YoY
Diluted EPS
-0.08
unavailable YoY
net / operating
-1.3% / 6.0%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26Q3 '26
Revenue127.5 m170.8 m102.6 m101.1 m161.5 m216.9 m117.0 m112.6 m
Operating income28.2 m46.2 m13.3 m7.0 m34.7 m55.9 m15.4 m6.8 m
Pre-tax income20.9 m37.0 m4.7 m-1.6 m25.4 m45.1 m5.8 m-3.2 m
Income tax5.3 m9.5 m700.0 k-1.3 m6.4 m11.9 m1.1 m-1.7 m
Net income15.6 m27.5 m4.0 m-300.0 k19.0 m33.2 m4.7 m-1.5 m
Diluted EPS0.97 ≈1.690.25-0.021.06 ≈1.850.26-0.08
Operating cash flow23.3 m52.1 m42.2 m ≈15.6 m ≈21.4 m50.1 m55.7 m ≈35.0 m ≈
Capex55.6 m32.6 m40.2 m ≈54.6 m ≈57.7 m32.4 m43.6 m ≈68.4 m ≈
Dividends paid6.9 m7.3 m7.3 m ≈7.4 m ≈8.1 m8.5 m8.6 m ≈8.6 m ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 53 percentile of its own 19-quarter history (min 15.5, median 17.9, max 22.9; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue444.1 m438.2 m418.6 m473.3 m563.2 m557.1 m494.8 m536.0 m
Revenue YoY+9.3%−1.3%−4.5%+13.1%+19.0%−1.1%−11.2%+8.3%
Net income33.0 m44.2 m32.2 m36.1 m41.4 m45.2 m47.1 m50.2 m
Net income YoY+13.8%+33.9%−27.1%+12.1%+14.7%+9.2%+4.2%+6.6%
Diluted EPSunavailableunavailable2.152.352.592.822.932.97
Diluted EPS YoYunavailableunavailableunavailable+9.3%+10.2%+8.9%+3.9%+1.4%
net %7.4%10.1%7.7%7.6%7.4%8.1%9.5%9.4%
Free cash flow-23.9 m-14.3 m-46.9 m-7.2 m-24.4 m-34.0 m-44.0 m-53.8 m

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
15.6 m USD
Financial debt
888.3 m USD
Net debt
872.7 m USD
Equity
609.6 m USD
Total assets
2.1 bn USD
Debt / equity
1.46x
Current ratio
0.56x
ROE
8.9%
ROA
2.6%
FCF margin
-10.0%

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
557.1 m
2024
494.8 m
2025
536.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Operating income
2023
87.1 m
2024
90.6 m
2025
101.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Interest expense
2023
34.9 m
2024
37.7 m
2025
43.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
58.4 m
2024
61.1 m
2025
65.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Income tax
2023
13.2 m
2024
14.0 m
2025
15.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Net income
2023
45.2 m
2024
47.1 m
2025
50.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
2.82
2024
2.93
2025
2.97

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
16.1 m
2024
16.1 m
2025
16.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
1.62
2024
1.70
2025
1.80

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
6.5 m
2024
6.3 m
2025
15.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Receivables
2023
75.0 m
2024
75.0 m
2025
98.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Current assets
2023
177.1 m
2024
188.8 m
2025
240.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Goodwill
2023
—
2024
0
2025
4.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Total assets
2023
1.7 bn
2024
1.8 bn
2025
2.1 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
47.7 m
2024
49.7 m
2025
62.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
162.0 m
2024
105.8 m
2025
255.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Long-term debt
2023
509.1 m
2024
638.4 m
2025
632.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
277.3 m
2024
228.7 m
2025
425.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Equity
2023
489.1 m †
2024
512.5 m †
2025
609.6 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
107.0 m
2024
125.9 m
2025
131.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Capex
2023
141.0 m
2024
169.9 m
2025
185.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
-34.0 m ≈
2024
-44.0 m ≈
2025
-53.8 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
-141.0 m
2024
-169.9 m
2025
-345.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
31.5 m
2024
43.8 m
2025
223.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Dividends paid
2023
26.2 m
2024
27.5 m
2025
30.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 09 Feb 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
8.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
-1.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
5.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
11.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
6.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
6.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
9.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
1.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
4.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
6.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive

Profitability

Gross margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBITDA margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT margin
18.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Net margin
9.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
FCF margin
-6.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Returns

ROE
9.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
ROA
2.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
ROIC
5.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
ROCE
6.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
60.7%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive

Balance sheet

Net debt
967.5 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Net debt / EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
Debt / equity
1.5x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Interest coverage
2.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
0.5x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Quick ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cash ratio
0.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
162.2 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Capital expenditure
202.1 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Free cash flow
-39.9 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
FCF conversion
-72.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Cash conversion
unavailable
input data missing

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
40 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Days payables outstanding
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
1.0 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Enterprise value
2.0 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
18.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
18.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Earnings yield
5.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/B
1.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
P/S
1.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBIT
17.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
EV/Sales
3.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
P/FCF
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
FCF yield
-3.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Dividend yield
3.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Shareholder yield (distributions)
3.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026

3 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Neutral profile

Score: 50 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

56.54 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 1.0 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
1.0 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
18.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/B
1.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
ROE
9.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Net margin
9.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
8.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
3.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Coverage and freshness

25/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Sept 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Sept 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 30 Oct 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 02 Nov 2026
verified 1864derived 131

Score by group

  • Balance sheet22
  • Valuation67
  • Quality39
  • Growth28
  • Returns81

Estimated value range

Low
39.97
USD per share
Mid
44.29
USD per share
High
48.99
USD per share
Price: 56.54 USD
The price is above the range
Potential to the central value: -21.7% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: -27.7% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: low · 2 methods used · 2 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 23.65 – 66.17 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
  • Dividend discount (DDM)23.65 – 31.81 (Mid 27.13)
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · input data missing
  • Peers: P/E56.28 – 66.17 (Mid 61.45)
    13 companies used · median multiple 19.9x · quartiles 18.2x – 21.4x
    AEE, AVA, CMS, DUK, ED, EVRG, EXC, GNE, LNT, NI, PEG, WEC, XEL
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Electric & Other Services Combined (SIC 4931)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Neutral profile · Score 50/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality5.8%53 (vs peers)8%
Net margin · Quality9.1%25 (vs peers)8%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth-1.6%4 (on a fixed band)8%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth4.7%47 (on a fixed band)11%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Interest coverage · Balance sheet2.6x31 (on a fixed band)14%
Current ratio · Balance sheet0.5x0 (on a fixed band)6%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation18.3x67 (vs peers)17%
EV/EBITDA · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
Dividend yield · Returns3.3%80 (vs peers)19%
Payout ratio (EPS) · Returns60.7%82 (on a fixed band)8%

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet22/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Growth28/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality39/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Returns81/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation· partial67/100 · 1/2 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

UNITIL CORPORATION (UTL). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-09-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 536.0 m USD in 2025; YoY growth 8.3%; net margin 9.1%; ROE 9.0%.

The estimated value range is 39.97–48.99 USD per share (median of 2 methods, agreement: low); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 44.29 USD, the price of 56.54 USD leaves a potential of -21.7% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of -27.7% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 50/100, methodological classification: neutral profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Groups assessed only in part: valuation. Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • Dividend yield: 3.3%
  • Payout ratio (EPS): 60.7%

What contradicts it

  • Net margin: 9.1%
  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: -1.6%
  • Current ratio: 0.5x
  • The price is above the estimated value range
  • The valuation methods diverge

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): Net debt / EBITDA, EV/EBITDA.

Versus the vertical median

Electric & Other Services Combined (SIC 4931) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 17 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
18.3x
vertical median 19.9x
below median (−8.0%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median 13.4x
P/S
1.7x
vertical median 3.0x
below median (−42.1%)
P/B
1.6x
vertical median 2.1x
below median (−20.7%)
ROE
9.0%
vertical median 9.9%
below median (−9.7%)
Net margin
9.1%
vertical median 12.4%
below median (−26.4%)
EBIT margin
18.6%
vertical median 19.5%
at median
Revenue YoY
8.3%
vertical median 10.2%
below median (−18.6%)
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median 5.3x
Dividend yield
3.3%
vertical median 3.1%
above median (+5.8%)

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
DUKDuke Energy CORP101.0 bn19.89.8%15.8%+5.6%+5% / +40%
XELXcel Energy Inc51.7 bn18.811.4%—+1.2%−2% / +32%
EXCExelon Corporation47.3 bn16.99.8%11.2%+5.3%−2% / +20%
EDConsolidated Edison Inc44.3 bn20.38.7%12.5%+10.9%+20% / +34%
WECWec Energy Group, Inc.38.9 bn21.412.5%17.6%+14.0%+5% / +41%
PEGPublic Service Enterprise Group Incorporated36.5 bn18.211.8%16.0%+18.3%−12% / +17%
PCGPg&E Corp35.9 bn9.69.7%12.3%+2.1%−17% / −22%
AEEAmeren Corp31.3 bn19.912.1%17.9%+15.4%+6% / +46%
CMSCms Energy Corp22.3 bn21.311.3%11.6%+13.6%−6% / +25%
NINiSource Inc.21.7 bn23.110.1%8.2%+23.5%+3% / +77%
EVRGEvergy, Inc.19.9 bn22.98.8%14.6%+2.0%+11% / +69%
LNTAlliant Energy Corp19.1 bn23.111.3%18.6%+9.6%+6% / +46%
NWENorthwestern Energy Group, Inc.5.0 bn29.65.9%10.1%+6.4%+19% / +63%
AVAAvista Corp3.4 bn13.59.0%12.8%+1.3%−3% / +18%
UTLUnitil Corporation1.0 bn18.39.0%9.1%+8.3%+16% / +19%
VIVOVivopower PLC46.7 m——-20,970.5%+281.3%−42% / −16%
GRDXGridAI Technologies Corp.38.7 m—-480.5%-56,864.0%unavailable+82% / −67%
GNEGenie Energy Ltd.—18.011.2%5.1%+18.1%+18% / −30%

1- and 3-year price returns: for UTL from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
30.30
Total return -44% · Per year -44%
53.74
Total return -2% · Per year -2%
81.17
Total return 47% · Per year 47%
3 years
25.89
Total return -48% · Per year -19%
51.99
Total return 1% · Per year 0%
86.73
Total return 65% · Per year 18%
5 years
22.12
Total return -51% · Per year -13%
50.31
Total return 4% · Per year 1%
92.66
Total return 84% · Per year 13%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 13.00
  • Net margin± 9.10
  • Annual revenue growth± 7.94
  • Annual dilution± 0.76

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 03 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 10-Q (02 Nov 2026).

In brief

Unitil is a public utility holding company that distributes electricity and natural gas to customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, with revenue largely regulated. Recent gas acquisitions and an expansion into water gradually shift its profile, in a setting where infrastructure investment and regulator-approved rates matter a great deal for results.

SWOT

Strengths

  • Revenue is largely regulated and energy costs are passed on to customers, which reduces price risk.
  • The customer base is diversified across residential and commercial users, and the company does not depend on a single customer.
  • The holding structure includes electric, gas and water networks, which offers several sources of regulated growth.

Weaknesses

  • Gas revenue is sensitive to weather, and seasonality can shift quarterly results.
  • A significant share of the workforce is unionized, and renegotiating collective agreements can raise costs.
  • Dependence on commission approvals limits flexibility in setting rates.

Opportunities

  • Recent network acquisitions in Maine and plans to expand into water could add to the regulated asset base.
  • Investments in modernizing networks can be recovered through adjustment mechanisms, supporting growth in the asset base.
  • Customer growth in the distribution areas can support rate-based revenue.

Threats

  • Emissions regulation and climate rules could raise compliance costs.
  • Safety incidents or infrastructure failures could cause losses and sanctions.
  • Cyberattacks and information system failures could disrupt operations and customer data.

Risks

  • Operational risk of networkshigh

    Energy distribution involves hazards such as leaks, explosions and failures of aging infrastructure, which can cause damage and loss of life. Insurance covers only part of these risks.

  • Regulatory riskhigh

    State commissions may refuse rate adjustments or impose penalties, which could affect the authorized return and cost recovery.

  • Environmental and climate riskmedium

    Emissions reduction goals could become more costly, and some costs might not be recovered through rates if regulations change.

  • Cyber and information technology riskmedium

    Information systems require constant maintenance, and a failure or security breach could disrupt billing and service.

  • Workforce riskmedium

    Strikes or union disputes could interrupt service delivery, and a shortage of skilled staff could raise recruitment costs.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • If approved rates and investment recovery proceed as planned, the regulated asset base could keep growing.
  • The Maine acquisitions and water expansion could add customers and steadier revenue, supporting long-term earnings.
  • Revenue decoupling in some states could reduce the sensitivity of revenue to consumption volumes.

What would break the thesis

  • If regulators refuse rate adjustments or reduce the authorized return, earnings growth could slow.
  • Compliance costs under environmental rules could rise, and their recovery through rates is not assured.
  • Seasonality and unusual weather could affect gas revenue and quarterly results.

What to watch

  • Regulatory commission decisions on rates and cost recovery2027
  • Integration of the Maine acquisitions and their operating resultsQ1 2027
  • Trend in adjusted gross margin for electric and gas2027

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 03 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 10-Q (02 Nov 2026).

The business

Unitil is a public utility holding company headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, delivering electricity and natural gas through local distribution, that is through the « wires and pipes » run by its regulated subsidiaries. According to the 2025 annual report, the company served approximately 215,100 customers, and total operating revenue was $536.0 million in 2025. Revenue rests mainly on regulated distribution operations, and the cost of purchased energy is passed to customers through reconciling mechanisms, so energy price swings do not directly affect earnings, as the report states. In 2026 the quarterly report also lists two water distribution subsidiaries, which widens the portfolio slightly.

Segments

Transmission and water

Granite State operates an interstate gas transmission pipeline of about 85 miles in Maine and New Hampshire and provides interconnection for Northern Utilities. The New Hampshire water subsidiaries, Aquarion and Abenaki, appear in the 2026 quarterly report and represent a more recent extension of the business.

Market context

Unitil operates in the regulated local utility market of the northeastern United States, where customers cannot choose their network and rates are set by state commissions. The retail energy market is open, since many customers can buy their supply from third-party suppliers while the company remains the network operator. The 2026 quarterly report shows net utility plant of $1.9 billion, which indicates the scale of regulated investment.

Demand depends on the season, since gas revenue is concentrated in the cold period, and the revenue decoupling mechanism in Massachusetts and New Hampshire limits exposure to sales volume. Regulated rates and customer growth support revenue, but network expansion depends on regulator approvals.

Trends

  • Gas network acquisitionstailwind

    The Bangor and Maine Natural acquisitions extended the customer base in Maine, and in 2025 part of the margin growth was attributed to these operations. Their integration could support growth if approvals and integration proceed as planned.

  • Investment in regulated infrastructuretailwind

    Capital costs for projects and reliability programs can be recovered through annual adjustment mechanisms, which may support growth in the asset base. These recoveries, however, depend on approvals from regulatory commissions.

  • Regulatory and environmental pressureheadwind

    Rules on greenhouse gas emissions and electrification could raise compliance costs, and the company has committed to emissions reduction goals. If these costs cannot be recovered through rates, they become a burden.

  • Seasonality and weathermixed

    Gas revenue depends on cold winters, and weather variations can change quarterly results. Revenue decoupling partly softens this effect in some states but does not remove it.

Competitive position

Unitil does not compete mainly for customers, since distribution is a regulated local monopoly, but customers can choose third-party energy suppliers. Competition comes mostly from these suppliers, who sell electricity and gas, and from alternatives that reduce consumption.

In its growth plan, the company competes indirectly with other utilities seeking small network acquisitions, where price and terms matter. The available sources do not identify a clear set of listed competitors, so this aspect remains limited.

  • Third-party energy suppliers

    Customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine can buy energy from third-party suppliers, which compete for energy sales rather than the network.

  • Other northeastern gas utilities

    Regional gas distribution companies may compete for small network acquisitions similar to the Maine deals Unitil made.

  • Water service providers

    In water, the company enters markets where other water utility operators are already present in New Hampshire.

  • Energy solutions vendors

    Efficiency and distributed energy solutions can reduce grid consumption, which may affect the volumes sold.

News & filings

In the press

The latest news item in our archive is from 01 Sept 2026; the newest SEC filing is from 02 Nov 2026. The press archive comes from the RSS feeds we follow and does not necessarily cover the latest event — the filings alongside do.

SEC filings

  • Quarterly report02 Nov 2026
  • Current report26 Oct 2026
    Material agreement · Termination of a material agreement · Acquisition or disposition of assets · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report19 Oct 2026
    Material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report29 Sept 2026
    Material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report03 Aug 2026
  • Current report07 Jul 2026
    Material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Regulation FD disclosure · Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report27 May 2026
    Material agreement · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report15 May 2026
    Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report05 May 2026
    Material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report04 May 2026

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / Unitil Corporation · 09 Feb 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / Unitil Corporation · 03 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / Unitil Corporation · 28 Jan 2015

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.