CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., in partnership with New Jersey American Water, gathered with students, key faculty and staff members at Salem High School to celebrate the installation of new hydration stations made possible through the $25,000 State Strategic Impact grant. The ribbon cutting ceremony m. ...

Group 1 - Illinois American Water is inviting students to submit artwork for its "Water Keeps Life Flowing" art contest [1] - The submission deadline for the contest is set for Friday, October 24, 2025 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Utility - Water Supply sector should consider California Water Service Group (CWT) and American Water Works (AWK), with CWT appearing more attractive for value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [1][3]. Valuation Metrics - CWT has a forward P/E ratio of 18.95, while AWK has a forward P/E of 24.05, indicating that CWT is potentially undervalued compared to AWK [5]. - The PEG ratio for CWT is 2.16, compared to AWK's PEG ratio of 3.25, suggesting that CWT offers better value when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - CWT's P/B ratio is 1.62, while AWK's P/B ratio is 2.51, further supporting the notion that CWT is more attractively priced [6]. Zacks Rank and Style Scores - CWT currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions, while AWK has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3]. - The Style Score Value grade for CWT is B, whereas AWK has a Value grade of D, highlighting CWT's superior valuation metrics [6]. Conclusion - Based on stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics, CWT is positioned as the superior option for value investors compared to AWK [7].

Core Insights - Environmental & Public Health International (EPHI) has developed the Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator (LSLRCC), which has been recognized in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Opflow magazine as a leading solution for municipalities and public water systems to model lead service line replacement costs [1] - The LSLRCC is designed to assist utilities and regulatory agencies in maintaining compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and implementing Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), thereby promoting equitable access to clean drinking water [2] Company Overview - EPHI specializes in providing EPA-aligned public water supply training and compliance technical assistance, leveraging expertise from the Flint Water Crisis to help prevent lead contamination in drinking water [5] - The organization aims to strengthen community water infrastructure resilience and support drinking water infrastructure upgrades funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) [6] Recognition and Impact - The LSLRCC has received multiple endorsements and features from various organizations, highlighting its credibility and impact in public water system planning [4] - EPHI's initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for safe water and sanitation, ensuring long-term protection of community water infrastructure [6]

Company Overview - American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) is based in Camden, New Jersey, and provides water and wastewater services in the United States, with a market cap of $27.2 billion [1] - The company operates over 80 surface water treatment plants, more than 520 groundwater treatment plants, and over 190 wastewater treatment plants [1] Market Position - AWK is classified as a large-cap stock, reflecting its substantial size and influence in the regulated water utility industry [2] Stock Performance - AWK stock has declined 11.5% from its two-year high of $155.50 reached on April 4, and has dropped 2.7% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which surged 10.7% during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, AWK stock has gained 10.5% but has dropped 7.1% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind the S&P 500's 12.5% surge in 2025 and 17.6% gains over the past year [4] Financial Results - Following the release of mixed Q2 results on July 30, AWK's stock prices saw a marginal uptick; operating revenues for the quarter increased 11.1% year-over-year to $1.3 billion, exceeding expectations by 10.5% [5] - The company's EPS for the quarter rose 4.2% year-over-year to $1.48, missing consensus estimates by 1 cent [5] Peer Comparison - Compared to its peer, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG), AWK has outperformed in 2025 with a gain of 10.5% versus WTRG's 4.1% [6] - However, AWK underperformed WTRG's 3.9% decline over the past year [6] Analyst Ratings - Among 14 analysts covering AWK stock, the consensus rating is a "Hold," with a mean price target of $143.10, indicating a modest 4% upside potential from current price levels [6]

Core Point - Illinois American Water is investing in the improvement of water and wastewater systems in the Village of Hardin, with a total investment of $2 million since June 2022 [1] Investment Details - The investment of $2 million has been made since June 2022, indicating a commitment to enhancing local infrastructure [1]

Core Viewpoint - American Water Works (AWK) is enhancing its infrastructure by installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in high-risk areas of California to improve reliability and emergency preparedness [1][2]. Company Initiatives - California American Water, a subsidiary of AWK, is implementing its first BESS at the Sierra Lakes Water Treatment Plant in Hillview, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding water services during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) [2][9]. - The $800,000 Hillview project is partially funded by California's Self-Generation Incentive Program, which contributes approximately $350,000 [1][9]. Operational Impact - The BESS will replace diesel generators, providing reliable energy during grid outages and PSPS events, thus ensuring continuity of service [3][4]. - Improved reliability is expected to reduce consumer complaints and service interruptions, leading to lower operational expenses and increased customer satisfaction [4]. Industry Growth Prospects - The global BESS market is projected to grow from $10.16 billion in 2025 to $86.87 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.92% [6]. - Other utility companies, such as NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), Vistra (VST), and PG&E Corporation (PCG), are also investing in battery storage systems to enhance grid reliability [6]. Competitor Developments - NEE's subsidiary, NextEra Energy Resources, has a net ownership of approximately 3,379 megawatts (MW) of battery storage capacity as of December 31, 2024 [7]. - VST operates one of the world's largest energy storage facilities and has plans for further development at retired plant sites [8]. - PCG has managed contracts for over 4.6 gigawatts of battery energy storage, enhancing California's grid efficiency [10]. Stock Performance - Year-to-date, AWK's shares have increased by 11.3%, while the industry has seen a growth of 17.6% [11].

Core Points - California American Water is enhancing emergency preparedness and reliability by installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in high-risk regions across the state [1] - The latest installation is the first of its kind for the company in Madera County, located at the Sierra Lakes Water Treatment Plant in Hillview [1] - This initiative represents California American Water's commitment to critical investment in maintaining and protecting water service during emergencies [1]

Core Insights - The American Water Charitable Foundation, established by American Water, is funding the installation of water bottle refill stations in New Jersey [1] - Ten organizations will receive grants to help reduce single-use plastic waste through this initiative [1] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S. [1] - The initiative aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility [1] Program Details - The Hydration Station Grant Program aims to promote access to clean drinking water in public spaces [1] - The funding will support the installation of refill stations, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste [1]

Core Insights - American Water is recognized for its leadership in customer experience at the 2025 J.D. Power Utility Client Conference [1] - The company emphasizes transforming customer experience through strategic initiatives, journey mapping, and data-driven improvements [1] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S. [1] - The company is actively involved in enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction [1] Event Highlights - The conference took place on September 10 – 11 in Denver, Colorado [1] - Lauren Slepian, Director of Customer Strategy, Innovation and Performance, represented the company and shared insights on their customer experience strategies [1]