SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In another step toward providing safe, reliable water to Palm Mutual Water company (Palm Mutual) customers long-term, California Water Service (Cal Water) has received California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approval of its pending acquisition of Palm Mutual. Cal Water is the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT). Palm Mutual, located two miles from Cal Water’s Northeast Bakersfield Treatment Plant, currently serves 63 resi ...

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the fifth consecutive year, Newsweek has named California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies.” Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, honored Group with the 2026 designation for the utility’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship. Group was one of four investor-owned water utilities ranked in the Energy & Utilities category. The 20 ...

Core Insights - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) will host its 2025 Fall Conference & Expo on December 3-4 in San Diego, focusing on critical issues related to California's water supply and management [1][4] Group 1: Conference Details - The conference will feature presentations, panel discussions, and keynote addresses from public water agency leaders across California [1] - Key topics include deep sea desalination, artificial intelligence in water management, the Colorado River, and infrastructure funding and regulations [2] - The event will include keynotes from Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia and Letitia Grenier, director of the Water Policy Center at the Public Policy Institute of California [3] Group 2: Participation and Membership - ACWA is a statewide association with approximately 470 members responsible for about 90% of California's water delivery [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the investment strategies and market coverage of a senior analyst with over 10 years of experience in European and North American markets [1] Group 1: Analyst Profile - The analyst is a senior analyst and private portfolio manager with extensive experience in generating value ideas in various markets [1] - The analyst contributes to investing groups such as iREIT®+HOYA Capital and Wide Moat Research LLC, focusing on reasonably valued stock ideas [1] Group 2: Market Coverage - The analyst covers a wide range of markets including Scandinavia, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe [1] - The focus is on identifying investment opportunities in both the U.S. market and European markets [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the investment strategies and market coverage of a senior analyst with over 10 years of experience in European and North American markets [1] Group 1: Analyst Profile - The analyst is a senior analyst and private portfolio manager with expertise in generating value ideas in European and North American markets [1] - The analyst contributes to iREIT®+HOYA Capital and Wide Moat Research LLC, covering various European markets including Scandinavia, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe [1] Group 2: Investment Focus - The analyst focuses on identifying reasonably valued stock ideas across different markets [1] - The analyst holds a beneficial long position in the shares of YORW through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives [1]

Core Points - Hawaii Water Service, a subsidiary of California Water Service Group, has requested an increase in water and sewer rates for the Kapalua systems for the first time since acquisition in 2021, aiming to raise revenues by $2.2 million to cover increased costs [1][2][3] Group 1: Rate Increase Request - The proposed rate increase is intended to recover costs associated with purchased water, higher operating expenses, and completed capital investments [1][2] - The utility plans to pass the increased costs of purchased water directly to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis [2] Group 2: Infrastructure Investments - Hawaii Water has invested $3.4 million in infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality, reliability, and sustainability of local water and wastewater systems [2] - Key upgrades include rehabilitation of potable water storage facilities, replacement of aging valves, and improvements to sewer pump stations [7] Group 3: Commitment to Service - The company emphasizes its commitment to providing safe, clean, and reliable water services while controlling expenses to maintain affordability [3] - The new rates, if approved, could take effect in the second half of 2026 [3]

Core Points - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved California Water Service (Cal Water) and three other utilities to delay their Cost of Capital applications from May 1, 2026, to May 1, 2027, maintaining a 10.27% return on equity (ROE) and 4.23% cost of debt for Cal Water [1] - Cal Water's capital structure consists of 53.40% common equity and 46.60% long-term debt, with an authorized rate of return set at 7.46% [1] - The CPUC has reauthorized the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (WCCM), which adjusts the rate of return based on fluctuations in the Moody's Utilities Bond Index, with the next measurement date on September 30, 2026 [2] - Any changes to the ROE from the WCCM will take effect on January 1, 2027, if necessary [2] - The extension of the Cost of Capital proceeding is expected to alleviate workload for the CPUC, which is currently managing six water utility General Rate Cases and three ongoing rulemaking proceedings related to water [3] - This extension is also anticipated to reduce the frequency of rate changes for customers [3] - California Water Service Group operates several regulated utilities across multiple states, providing water and wastewater services to over 2.1 million people [3]

Core Insights - Ardurra Group, Inc. has acquired MKN & Associates, a California-based firm specializing in water and wastewater engineering services, enhancing its expertise in the water sector [1][2][3] Company Overview - Ardurra is ranked 75 on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms list and is consistently among the top 20 firms in ENR's Water Sourcebook rankings for water and wastewater [2] - MKN, founded in 2012, has grown to over 85 professionals and has successfully delivered hundreds of water and wastewater projects for municipalities and public agencies [3][8] - The acquisition strengthens Ardurra's presence in the Western U.S. and complements its existing water practice [3] Leadership Statements - Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra, emphasized MKN's reputation for solving complex challenges and the potential for shared strengths through this partnership [4] - Mike Nunley, President and CEO of MKN, highlighted the opportunity to enhance their mission and serve clients and the community more effectively through the partnership with Ardurra [4] Operational Details - MKN will continue to operate from its headquarters in San Luis Obispo, California, along with seven additional offices across the state [4] - Following the acquisition, Ardurra will have a combined team of approximately 2,100 employees across more than 100 offices nationwide [4]

Core Insights - California Water Service Group (CWT) is recognized as one of the overlooked dividend stocks to consider for investment [1] - Baird has reduced its price target for CWT from $60 to $55 while maintaining an Outperform rating following the company's third-quarter results [2] - The third-quarter revenue for CWT was $311.2 million, a 4% increase year-over-year, but it fell short of analysts' expectations by over $10 million [3] Financial Performance - CWT reported a net income of $61.2 million for the third quarter, with diluted earnings per share remaining at $1.03, consistent with the previous year [3] - The company invested over $135 million in water system infrastructure during the quarter, representing a 14.8% increase from the same period last year [4] - CWT announced its 323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, continuing a 58-year streak of annual dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years [4] Future Outlook - Management indicated that if the proposed 2024 California General Rate Case and infrastructure improvement plan are approved, the regulated rate base could grow at an annualized rate of nearly 12% [5] - CWT operates as a regulated provider of water and wastewater services throughout California [5]

Core Insights - Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics, particularly the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, can identify opportunities with strong upside potential, especially for unprofitable or early-stage companies [1][2][3] Valuation Metrics - The P/S ratio compares a company's market capitalization to its revenues, providing a clearer picture of value when earnings are minimal or volatile [2][5] - A P/S ratio below 1 indicates a good bargain, as investors pay less than a dollar for each dollar of revenue generated [6] - The P/S ratio is often preferred over the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio due to the difficulty of manipulating sales figures compared to earnings [7] Investment Opportunities - Low P/S stocks can offer compelling opportunities, often trading below intrinsic value, making them attractive for investors seeking upside potential [3][10] - Companies such as Macy's Inc. (M), California Water Service Group (CWT), Shoe Carnival (SCVL), Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (PEB), and FTI Consulting Inc. (FCN) have low P/S ratios and potential for higher returns [4][10] Company Profiles - **Macy's Inc. (M)**: Undergoing a transformation with its "Bold New Chapter" program, focusing on digital initiatives and strong fundamentals, currently has a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 1 [12][13] - **California Water Service Group (CWT)**: Aims to expand operations in the western U.S. through acquisitions, with a Value Score of B and Zacks Rank 2 [14][15] - **Shoe Carnival (SCVL)**: Transitioning to a higher-end market with a disciplined strategy, currently has a Zacks Rank 1 and Value Score of A [16][17] - **Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (PEB)**: Focused on operational efficiency and capital allocation, with a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 1 [18][20] - **FTI Consulting Inc. (FCN)**: A global advisory firm with a diversified platform, currently has a Value Score of B and Zacks Rank 2 [21][22]