U.S. stock markets are witnessing extreme volatility in April due to the imposition of the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. The baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on all imports on April 5. However, the important thing is that tariff rates go up to as high as 145% for some countries (such as China), depending on the rate at which these governments levy duties on U.S. exports. China retaliated with 84% tariffs on all U.S.-made products effective April 10. This seems to be the beginning of a g ...

American Water Works' (AWK) subsidiary, New Jersey American Water, has completed its acquisition of the water system of Shrewsbury Township's Alfred Vail Mutual Association community. This purchase, which serves 265 customer connections, followed the approval of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. This is the second acquisition in the State of New Jersey to be completed through the Water Infrastructure Protection Act ("WIPA"). As part of the deal, New ...

Core Insights - The market has experienced volatility due to tariff discussions, impacting leading stocks negatively [1] - Targeting low-beta stocks can help investors balance their risk profiles during such volatility [1][6] - The Progressive Corp. (PGR) and American Water Works (AWK) are highlighted as potential 'defensive' additions [1][6] Company Performance - PGR shares have increased over 20% in 2025, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [3] - PGR has consistently exceeded Zacks Consensus EPS estimates by an average of 18.5% over the last four quarters [3] - PGR currently has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) with rising earnings expectations [3] - PGR offers a modest annual yield of 0.2%, appealing to investors despite not being a primary target for income-focused strategies [4] AWK Performance - AWK shares have gained 14% in 2025, contrasting with a 14% decline in the S&P 500 [5] - AWK exceeded both consensus EPS and sales expectations in its latest quarterly results [5] - The company reaffirmed its previous guidance, contributing to positive investor sentiment [5] - AWK provides a stronger income option with a current annual yield of 2.2% and an 8.8% five-year annualized dividend growth rate [5][7]

Buying and holding a stock over the long term requires conviction that the company will live up to investor expectations.For growth stocks, that can mean unlocking the potential of a paradigm-shifting technology. In contrast, investors may expect dividend-paying companies to steadily boost their earnings and payouts over time, rewarding them with a one-two punch of passive income and capital gains.Here's why Lockheed Martin (LMT -4.81%), American Water Works (AWK -3.06%), and Watsco (WSO -2.98%) stand out a ...

As you can see on the chart below, the last three times it reached levels around $148.00, it reversed and sold off. This may be about to happen again, which is why we have made it our Stock of the Day. Shares of American Water Works Company, Inc. AWK are trading higher on Monday. But that may not be the case for much longer. There is a chance the stock reverses and heads lower. Now that the shares have returned to around $148.00, remorseful buyers will place sell orders once more, which could create resista ...

Company Performance - American Water Works (AWK) has outperformed the Utilities sector with a year-to-date return of approximately 14.5%, compared to the sector average of 2.4% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AWK's full-year earnings has increased by 0.3% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [3] - AWK belongs to the Utility - Water Supply industry, which has seen an average gain of about 11.9% this year, further highlighting AWK's strong performance within its specific industry [5] Industry Comparison - The Utilities sector, which includes 104 individual stocks, currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 7 out of 16 sector groups [2] - Another stock in the Utilities sector, Southwest Gas (SWX), has returned 3.9% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Utility - Gas Distribution industry, which includes Southwest Gas, has experienced a decline of -9.4% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the performance of the Utility - Water Supply industry [6]

Wall Street was downbeat last week, with the S&P 500 losing 3.1%, the Dow Jones shedding about 2.4% and the Nasdaq Composite retreating 3.5%.  The S&P 500 recorded its worst week since September 2024. SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) lost 3.4% in the week. The Nasdaq officially entered correction territory — defined as a 10% decline from recent highs.Weak Jobs Report Adds to ConcernsInvestors largely shrugged off a weaker-than-expected February jobs report, which briefly pushed Treasury yields lower. Nonfarm pa ...

Core Viewpoint - American Water Works Company Inc. (AWK) is positioned as a strong investment option in the utility sector due to rising earnings estimates, long-term investment plans, and growth opportunities [1] Earnings Projections & Growth Rate - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 0.4% to $5.71 over the past 60 days, while the 2026 EPS estimate is $6.13, reflecting a 0.3% increase [2] - AWK's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 8.3% over the next three to five years [3] Systematic Investments & Rate Hikes - AWK plans to invest $3.3 billion in 2025 to enhance its water and wastewater infrastructure, with total planned investments of $17-$18 billion from 2025-2029 and $40-$42 billion from 2025-2034 [4] - Rate hikes implemented as of January 1, 2024, are expected to add $373 million to annual revenues in 2024, with further increases of $129 million in 2025 and a potential additional $178 million from pending rate cases [5] Dividend History - AWK has a strong track record of increasing shareholder value through dividends, currently paying a quarterly dividend of 76.50 cents per share, equating to an annualized payout of $3.06 [7] - The company anticipates a long-term dividend increase of 7-9%, subject to board approval, with a current dividend yield of 2.22% [7] Solvency - The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of Q4 2024 was 3.6, indicating AWK's capability to meet future interest obligations comfortably [8] Expansion Through Acquisition & Organic Initiatives - In 2023, AWK added 18,100 customers through 23 acquisitions across eight states, and in 2024, it completed 13 acquisitions, adding 69,500 customers [9] - Pending acquisitions as of January 1, 2025, are expected to add another 24,200 customers, demonstrating the company's commitment to expanding its customer base [10] Price Performance - Over the past year, AWK's stock has increased by 16.7%, outperforming the industry growth of 9.4% [11]

Company Overview - American Water Works (AWK) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a positive outlook based on momentum investing principles [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, AWK shares have increased by 2.48%, while the Zacks Utility - Water Supply industry has decreased by 0.15% [6] - In a longer time frame, AWK's monthly price change is 11.45%, outperforming the industry's 5.48% [6] - Over the last quarter, AWK shares have risen by 5.84%, and they are up 16.5% over the past year, compared to the S&P 500's performance of -5.43% and 13.83%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - AWK's average 20-day trading volume is 1,583,557 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for AWK have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $5.69 to $5.71 [10] - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have moved upwards, with one downward revision noted [10] Conclusion - Given the positive price trends, trading volume, and earnings outlook, AWK is positioned as a strong momentum pick and is recommended for consideration in investment strategies [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the performance of low-beta stocks during recent market volatility, highlighting The Progressive Corp. (PGR), Sony (SONY), and American Water Works (AWK) as defensive investment options due to their positive earnings outlook and favorable Zacks Ranks [1][16]. Group 1: The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR shares have increased over 20% in 2025, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, driven by strong quarterly results [3]. - The company is expected to achieve 7% EPS growth on 16% higher sales in the current fiscal year [3]. - Net premiums earned, a key revenue driver, grew 20% year-over-year in the latest quarter, indicating strong momentum [4]. - PGR shares yield a modest 0.1% annually, appealing more to growth-focused investors rather than income-focused ones [6]. Group 2: Sony (SONY) - SONY shares have also risen over 20% in 2025, outperforming the market, with positive post-earnings movement despite missing consensus expectations [7]. - The company has upgraded its profit guidance, maintaining a favorable outlook for the current fiscal year, and holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [7]. - SONY offers a 1.9% annual dividend yield, with a 24% five-year annualized dividend growth rate, making it attractive for income-seeking investors [8]. Group 3: American Water Works (AWK) - AWK shares have gained 13% in 2025, contrasting with a decline in the S&P 500, following strong quarterly results that exceeded EPS and sales expectations [9]. - The company reaffirmed its previous guidance, contributing to a positive outlook [12]. - AWK has a current annual yield of 2.2%, nearly double that of the S&P 500, with an 8.8% five-year annualized dividend growth rate [12].