Core Insights - California Water Service Group celebrates its 100-year anniversary while reflecting on its philanthropic efforts, donating over $1.88 million to local organizations in 2025 [1][2] Philanthropic Contributions - Contributions supported various beneficiaries, including at-risk youth, disadvantaged communities, first responders, veterans, and healthcare organizations [2] - Specific donations included $186,000 to nine fire departments through the 2025 Firefighter Grant Program, $80,000 in scholarships to 13 students, and over $100,000 to aid fire relief efforts in Los Angeles [2] Community Engagement - The company emphasizes its role beyond being a water provider, highlighting employee involvement in community support and volunteer projects [3][4] - Approximately half of the company's employees participated in the annual Season of Service, contributing their time to community projects [4] Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States, serving over 2.1 million people across multiple states [5] - The company is committed to enhancing the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders through responsible investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [6]

Core Points - California Water Service Group has launched its annual Scholarship Program, offering up to $80,000 in total scholarship funds for students in its service areas [1][4] - The program includes four grand-prize scholarships of $10,000 each, along with additional scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, aimed at supporting full-time undergraduate students [2] - The scholarship awards are based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need, with applications closing on March 26, 2026, and winners announced in late May [3][4] Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States, serving over 2.1 million people across California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas [5] - The company is celebrating its 100th year of service and is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its customers and communities through responsible investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [6] - The company has been recognized as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrity and community well-being [6]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group is set to release its 2025 full-year and fourth-quarter earnings results on February 25, 2026, after market close, with a conference call scheduled for February 26, 2026 [1] Group 1: Earnings Announcement - The earnings results will be released after market close on February 25, 2026 [1] - The earnings conference call will take place at 11:00 a.m. ET on February 26, 2026 [1] Group 2: Conference Call Details - Stockholders and interested investors can attend the conference call by dialing 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963 with ID 2201083, or via a live audio webcast [2] - A replay of the call will be available from 2:00 p.m. ET on February 26, 2026, through April 27, 2026 [2] - The call will be hosted by key executives including Chairman Martin A. Kropelnicki and CFO James P. Lynch [2] Group 3: Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the parent company of several regulated utilities providing water and wastewater services to over 2 million people across multiple states [3] - The company operates under the symbol "CWT" on the New York Stock Exchange [3] - Additional information about the company can be found on its website [3]

Group 1 - California Water Service Group's CEO, Martin Kropelnicki, has joined the CalCEO Council, an advisory group aimed at strengthening California's economy [1][2] - The CalCEO Council consists of 22 business leaders from top companies in California, focusing on solutions, best practices, and public policy proposals to address economic concerns and improve community affordability [2] - The company's mission is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders through responsible investments in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [4] Group 2 - California Water Service Group is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States, serving over 2.1 million people across multiple states [3] - The company has been recognized as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrity and community well-being [4]

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 growth companies [1][2] Valuation Metrics - The P/S ratio provides a clearer picture of value when earnings are minimal or volatile, making it particularly valuable for assessing companies in recovery or growth phases [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 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] - Companies with low P/S ratios and strong fundamentals, such as Hamilton Insurance Group, Macy's Inc., G-III Apparel Group, California Water Service Group, and UFP Industries, are highlighted as having potential for higher returns [4][12] Company Profiles - **Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. (HG)**: A specialty insurance and reinsurance company benefiting from strong execution and disciplined capital management, with gross premiums written rising significantly [12][13] - **Macy's Inc. (M)**: Undergoing a transformation with its "Bold New Chapter" program, focusing on digital initiatives and omnichannel retailing, currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 and Value Score of A [14][15] - **G-III Apparel Group (GIII)**: Focuses on product differentiation and international expansion, with owned brands generating higher margins, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [16][17] - **California Water Service Group (CWT)**: One of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the U.S., focusing on expansion through acquisitions and high-quality service delivery, currently holds a Value Score of B and Zacks Rank 2 [18][20] - **UFP Industries (UFPI)**: A holding company benefiting from long-term business plans and product innovation, with a focus on acquisitions to solidify its product portfolio, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group has declared its 324th consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.3350 per common share, marking a significant milestone in its Centennial Celebration and reflecting its commitment to delivering value to stockholders [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The quarterly dividend of $0.3350 is payable on February 20, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 9, 2026 [1]. - The Board of Directors announced an 8% increase in the annual dividend, raising it from $1.20 to $1.34 per common share, with an additional special dividend of $0.04 paid in 2025 [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - California Water Service Group is the parent company of several regulated utilities, including California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Washington Water Service, and Texas Water Service, serving over 2.1 million people across these states [3]. - The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT" [3].

Company Overview - California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history [1][4] - The company serves over 2.1 million people across California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, making it the largest regulated public water utility west of the Mississippi River and the third largest in the United States [2][4] Historical Significance - Founded in 1926 by three World War I veterans, the company has demonstrated resilience and commitment to providing safe and reliable water supply throughout its history [2][4] - The centennial celebration reflects the company's legacy and its commitment to future success [1][3] Corporate Values and Commitment - The company's purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders through responsible investments in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [5] - California Water Service Group has been recognized as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrity and community well-being [5]

Group 1 - California Water Service Group (CWT) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Mid-Cap Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, indicating strong investment potential in the dividend space [1] - CWT has agreed to acquire the remaining ownership interests in BVRT Utility Holding Company LLC, which would make it the sole owner of BVRT's seven water and wastewater utility subsidiaries serving the Austin–San Antonio corridor [2][3] - The acquisition is part of CWT's strategy to enhance its investment and operations in Texas, with plans to file a change-of-control application with the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) [3][4] Group 2 - CWT operates as a holding company providing water utility and related services across multiple states, including California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas [4]

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]