SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To kick off its Centennial Celebration, California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) declared its 324th consecutive quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.3350 per common share, payable on February 20, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 9, 2026. The quarterly dividend increase follows the Board of Directors’ announcement of its intent to increase the annual dividend by 8% or $0.10 per common share to $1.34, compared to the ...

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) turns 100 years old this year, and it will commemorate the milestone with a year-long celebration of its legacy that is the foundation for future success. “Throughout our history, we have shown resilience, ingenuity, and commitment, overcoming challenges time and time again to provide our customers a safe, reliable water supply,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki. “We are a purpose-dr ...

California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) is included among the 14 Best Mid-Cap Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. California Water Service (CWT) Moves to Take Full Control of BVRT in Texas Expansion Push On January 8, California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT), which already owns a majority stake in BVRT Utility Holding Company LLC (BVRT) through its subsidiary TWSC, Inc. (Texas Water), said it has agreed to buy the remaining ownership interests in BVRT. If completed, the deal would make the company the sole ow ...

Core Insights - Investors often focus on the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for stock valuation, but this metric has limitations [1] - The EV-to-EBITDA ratio is considered a more comprehensive valuation metric, providing a clearer picture of a company's true value and earnings potential [2][4] Valuation Metrics - EV-to-EBITDA is calculated by dividing a company's enterprise value (EV) by its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), offering a complete view of a company's valuation [4] - A lower EV-to-EBITDA ratio typically indicates a stock may be undervalued, making it attractive for acquisition targets [5] - Unlike P/E, EV-to-EBITDA can be applied to companies with negative net earnings but positive EBITDA, making it useful for evaluating highly leveraged firms [6] Limitations of EV-to-EBITDA - EV-to-EBITDA has its own limitations and should not be used in isolation; it varies across industries and is not suitable for comparing companies in different sectors [7] Screening Criteria for Bargain Stocks - Parameters for screening include: - EV-to-EBITDA ratio lower than the industry median [8] - P/E ratio lower than the industry median [8] - P/B ratio lower than the industry median [9] - P/S ratio lower than the industry median [9] - Estimated one-year EPS growth greater than or equal to the industry median [9] - Average 20-day volume greater than or equal to 50,000 [10] - Current price greater than or equal to $5 [10] - Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [10] - Value Score of A or B [11] Selected Stocks - Industrial Logistics Properties Trust (ILPT) has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 20% for 2026 [11][12] - Plains GP Holdings (PAGP) also has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 27% for 2026 [12][13] - ASGN Incorporated (ASGN) holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 10.1% for 2026 [13][14] - California Water Service Group (CWT) has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 8.3% for 2026 [14][15] - Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR) has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 12.4% for the current fiscal year [15][16]

Core Insights - California Water Service Group (CWT) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to American Water Works (AWK), which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - CWT is considered more attractive to value investors due to its favorable valuation metrics and stronger estimate revision activity [7] Valuation Metrics - CWT has a forward P/E ratio of 17.73, while AWK has a forward P/E of 21.30, suggesting CWT is undervalued relative to AWK [5] - The PEG ratio for CWT is 2.02, compared to AWK's PEG ratio of 3.15, indicating CWT's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - CWT's P/B ratio is 1.56, while AWK's P/B ratio is 2.33, further supporting CWT's valuation attractiveness [6] Value Grades - CWT has a Value grade of B, while AWK has a Value grade of D, reflecting CWT's superior valuation metrics [6]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group has agreed to purchase the remaining membership interests of BVRT Utility Holding Company, becoming the sole owner of its water and wastewater utilities in the Austin-San Antonio corridor [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is subject to customary terms and conditions, including approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and the Group Board [2] - The acquisition will enhance California Water Service Group's investment and operations in Texas, allowing for better integration of the BVRT team [5] Group 2: Expansion and Infrastructure - BVRT has been expanding its Texas footprint by building and enhancing water and wastewater infrastructure [1] - Camino Real Utility Company, a BVRT subsidiary, has received a water certificate to serve future customer connections in a 230-acre area in Caldwell County [3] - Camino Real currently provides wastewater service to 270 customers and has plans to extend its sewer main to serve a new development expected to include up to 5,000 dwelling units by 2036 [4] Group 3: Company Overview - California Water Service Group operates regulated utilities across multiple states, providing water and wastewater services to over 2.1 million people [6]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group announced the promotion of Todd K. Peters to Vice President, Engineering and Thomas A. Scanlon to Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, effective January 1, 2026 [1]. Group 1: Promotions and Leadership - Todd K. Peters has been with the company since 1993, holding various positions, most recently as Chief Engineering Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states [2]. - Thomas A. Scanlon joined the company in 2010 and most recently served as Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Marquette University and an MBA from the University of Illinois, and is a Certified Public Accountant [3]. - Chairman & CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki stated that the promotions recognize the contributions both individuals have made to the company's success [3][4]. Group 2: Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the parent company of regulated utilities providing water and wastewater services to over 2.1 million people across California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas [5]. - The company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT" [5].

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group's unit, California Water Service, has received approval for a temporary interim rate revision allowing a 3% rate increase effective January 1, 2026, which is crucial for funding infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliable water delivery [1][2][10]. Group 1: Rate Increase Importance - The 3% rate increase is essential for California Water Service to continue investing in infrastructure, which is necessary for maintaining safe and reliable water services [2][5]. - Utility operations are capital-intensive, requiring regular investments to upgrade and maintain infrastructure to meet rising demand and prevent water wastage [3]. Group 2: Infrastructure Investment Needs - The U.S. water infrastructure is deteriorating, with significant investment needs estimated at $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade systems [4]. - Aging infrastructure necessitates immediate investment to avoid accidents and ensure the delivery of potable water [3][4]. Group 3: Benefits of Rate Revision - The approval of new rates allows for higher revenue generation, which can be allocated towards infrastructure upgrades and improving customer service [5]. - Other water utilities, such as American Water Works Company and American States Water, have also benefited from rate increases, leading to significant revenue growth and enabling further infrastructure investments [6][7]. Group 4: Revenue Projections - Global Water Resources, Inc. anticipates an increase in annual revenues by $1.1 million due to approved water rates, with the increase phased in over three stages [8].

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service (Cal Water) has received authorization for interim rate adjustments of 3% across most service areas, effective January 1, 2026, as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reviews its 2024 General Rate Case (GRC) and Infrastructure Improvement Plan [1][2][3]. Group 1: Rate Adjustments - The CPUC's approval allows Cal Water to temporarily increase rates by 3% in most districts to support ongoing infrastructure investments necessary for providing safe and reliable water [1][4]. - The interim rates are a response to delays in the final decision of the rate case, which were not caused by Cal Water, and aim to mitigate the financial impact on customers [3][4]. Group 2: Company Background - California Water Service Group is the parent company of several regulated utilities, including California Water Service, and serves over 2.1 million people across multiple states [5]. - The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT" [5].

Core Insights - California Water Service (Cal Water) has awarded over $186,000 to nine fire departments through its seventh annual Firefighter Grant Program to enhance their rescue and emergency services [1][2] Group 1: Grant Program Details - The grants will fund critical resources and equipment for fire departments, including laryngoscopes, ventilation fans, and gas detection equipment, aimed at improving fire protection and firefighter wellbeing [2] - The funding is part of Cal Water's philanthropic giving program and will not impact customer rates [3] Group 2: Recipients and Their Needs - Bakersfield Fire Department will receive funding for specialized equipment to enhance Urban Search and Rescue capabilities [5] - Chico Fire Department will acquire new gas detection equipment to improve firefighter safety [5] - City of Lomita will use the funds for local fire station improvements [5] - Los Angeles County Fire Department will support its K9 search and rescue dog program [5] - Salinas Fire Department will purchase video laryngoscopes for pre-hospital emergency care [5] - San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department will receive three 3,000-gallon SnapTanks for rapid deployment [5] - South San Francisco Fire Department will acquire a LION Smart Dummy Thermal Manikin for training exercises [5] - Stockton Fire Department will enhance safety with wildland personal protective equipment and training [5] - Visalia Fire Department will replace aging ventilation units with new battery-powered fans [5] Group 3: Company Overview - California Water Service provides reliable water utility services to over 2 million people through 499,600 service connections, focusing on enhancing community quality of life [4] - The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and has received accolades such as "America's Most Responsible Companies" [4]