Baird Trims Price Target on California Water Service (CWT), Keeps Outperform Rating

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]