Group 1: ASR Program and Water Supply Management - California American Water, a unit of American Water Works, is implementing the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Program to ensure a reliable water supply during dry months by capturing and treating excess rainwater [1][2] - The ASR Program is a cost-effective water resource management technique that allows for underground water storage during periods of abundance, avoiding evaporation losses and providing emergency supplies [3][11] - The program is expected to enhance customer retention and expand the customer base by meeting the rising demand for water [4] Group 2: Infrastructure Investments - The U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure is deteriorating, with frequent water main breaks leading to wastage and contamination [5] - American Water Works plans to invest $3.7 billion in infrastructure upgrades in 2026, with a long-term capital expenditure plan of $19-$20 billion from 2026 to 2030 and $46-$48 billion from 2026 to 2035 [6][11] - The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that $1.25 trillion will be needed over the next 20 years for maintaining and upgrading water systems [7] Group 3: Industry Investment Trends - Other water utilities, such as Essential Utilities and California Water Service Group, are also making significant investments to upgrade aging infrastructure [8] - Essential Utilities plans to invest $7.8 billion from 2025 to 2029 for rehabilitating its water and natural gas pipeline systems [9] - California Water Service Group intends to invest between $450 million and $550 million in 2025 to strengthen its operations and believes its underground water aquifers can meet future demand [10]

Group 1: Investment Activity - Nuance Investments initiated a new equity position in Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, acquiring approximately 1.2 million shares valued at nearly $44 million as of September 30, 2025 [1][2] - Aspen Insurance now ranks among the top ten holdings of Nuance Investments, representing 4.48% of its reportable assets under management (AUM) [3] - The firm reported a total of 46 holdings with $982.15 million in U.S. equity assets [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Aspen Insurance provides a range of reinsurance and insurance products, including property catastrophe, specialty, casualty, and financial lines [4] - The company operates as a diversified underwriter, generating income by managing risk for clients across global markets [4] - Aspen Insurance is based in Bermuda and has a significant international presence, serving clients in regions such as Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America, with a workforce exceeding 1,100 employees [5] Group 3: Portfolio Adjustments - Nuance Investments made significant changes to its portfolio, including a notable sale of nearly 1 million shares in Estee Lauder Companies, valued at approximately $87.94 million [6][8] - The firm reduced its holdings in three healthcare stocks, decreasing their combined representation from almost 17% to just 7% of its total holdings [9] - Nuance Investments also opened a new position in Kenvue, a company associated with various domestic health brands [9]

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 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 - The article discusses overlooked dividend-paying stocks that present strong investment opportunities, emphasizing the historical performance of dividends in generating total returns across various market conditions [1][4]. Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have historically contributed nearly half (49.3%) of the broader market's total return since 1871, with the remainder coming from price appreciation [4]. - From May 1971 to February 2025, the S&P 500 delivered an average annual return of 118.6%, while reinvested dividends provided a return of 195.3%, highlighting the power of compounding [2]. Investment Methodology - The selection process focused on dividend-paying companies with a market capitalization above $2 billion that have raised their dividends for at least ten consecutive years, identifying firms with steady dividend policies and consistent shareholder returns [6]. Company Highlights - **California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenue of $311.2 million, a 4% year-over-year increase, but fell short of analyst projections by over $10 million [11]. - Announced its 323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, extending a 58-year streak of annual dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years [12]. - Management indicated potential for a nearly 12% annualized growth in the regulated rate base if the proposed 2024 GRC and infrastructure improvement plan is approved [13]. - **Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $403 million, a 2.35% increase from the previous year, but missed analyst expectations by $14.7 million [15]. - Plans to issue approximately $120 million in long-term debt and up to $80 million in common stock in 2026 [15]. - CFO highlighted $363 million in capital expenditures for the first three quarters of the year, with total spending expected to reach $525 million for 2025 [16]. - **Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO)**: - Reported Q3 2025 total revenue of $147.1 million, an 8% increase, with revenue before reimbursements rising 10% to $137.1 million [21]. - Strong performance driven by growth in dispute-related work across various sectors, including energy and life sciences [20]. - The company is positioned to leverage opportunities from artificial intelligence while managing risks associated with technological changes [19].

Core Insights - American States Water Company (AWR) reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.06, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 by 4.95%, and up from 95 cents in the same quarter last year [1][10] AWR's Total Revenues - Total operating revenues reached $182.72 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $178 million by 2.65%, and reflecting a 12.9% increase from $161.78 million in the prior-year period [2][10] Highlights of AWR's Q3 Release - Operating expenses totaled $121 million, a 13.4% increase from $106.7 million in the year-ago quarter, driven by higher costs in water purchases, power purchases for resale, administrative expenses, maintenance, and ASUS construction [3] - Operating income was $61.7 million, up 11.9% from $55.1 million in the corresponding period of 2024 [3][10] Interest Expenses and Income - Interest expenses amounted to $11.7 million, down 13.4% year over year due to decreased average borrowing levels and interest rates, despite a decline in interest income from regulatory assets [4] - Interest income totaled $1.1 million compared to $1.7 million in the year-ago quarter [4] Regulatory Approvals and Growth - AWR's regulated water utility received CPUC approval to provide water services to a new planned community, expected to serve up to 3,800 customer connections over the next five years, with potential for 17,500 total dwelling units at full buildout over 20+ years [5] Segmental Details - Earnings from the Water segment were 86 cents per share, up 2.38% from 84 cents a year ago, attributed to new CPUC-authorized rate increases effective January 1, 2025 [6] - EPS from the Electric segment was 4 cents, an increase of 2 cents from the previous year, driven by higher revenues from new rates implemented in 2025 [7] - EPS from the Contracted Services segment was 19 cents, up 8 cents from the year-ago quarter [7] Financial Update - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.1 million, down from $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024 [11] - Long-term debt amounted to $790.3 million compared to $640.4 million as of December 31, 2024 [11] - Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 totaled $202.1 million, up from $134.2 million in the year-ago period [11] Guidance - AWR's regulated utilities are authorized to spend nearly $650 million in capital investments, targeting to invest $180 to $210 million in 2025 [12] - The contracted services business is expected to contribute 59 cents to 63 cents per share for the whole year [12] Zacks Rank - American States Water currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [13]

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 33 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents by 22.2% and reflecting a 32% year-over-year increase driven by rate increases across both business segments [1][8] - Operating revenues reached $476.97 million, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.06%, but showing a 9.6% year-over-year growth primarily due to increased rates [2][8] - The company announced a merger with American Water Works Company, creating a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $40 billion [7][8] Revenue and Segment Performance - The regulated water segment generated revenues of $364.1 million, an 8.8% increase from $334.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, driven by higher water and wastewater rates [3] - The regulated natural gas segment reported revenues of $108.5 million, marking a 12.1% increase from $96.7 million in the same quarter last year, also primarily due to increased rates [3] Financial Highlights - Operating income totaled $169.8 million, up 9.5% year over year, while operation and maintenance expenses rose 6.0% to $153.1 million due to increased employee-related costs and other operational expenses [4] - Interest expenses increased by 7.0% to $82.3 million from $76.8 million in the prior-year quarter [5] - Current assets amounted to $433.6 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $485.9 million as of December 31, 2024, while long-term debt rose to $7.69 billion [9] Future Outlook and Guidance - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance in the range of $2.07-$2.11, with a long-term annual earnings growth forecast of 5-7% through 2027 [10] - Essential Utilities plans to invest $1.4-$1.5 billion in infrastructure in 2025 and approximately $7.8 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance water and natural gas systems [11]

Today's Speakers Marty Kropelnicki Investing for Life Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation October 30, 2025 ©2025 California Water Service Group 1 Chairman & CEO James Lynch Sr. Vice President, CFO & Treasurer Greg Milleman Vice President, Rates & Regulatory Affairs ©2025 California Water Service Group 2 Forward-Looking Statements and Other Important Information Executing Strategy in Q3 2025 Delivered strong performance through first nine months of 2025* Invested $135.2 million in Q3 in water system inf ...

Core Insights - Rogers Communications (RCI) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 99 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.61% but down 3.5% year over year [1] - Revenues reached $3.88 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 1.16% and increasing 4.3% year over year, primarily driven by growth in the Media segment [1][7] - The company raised its 2025 free cash flow guidance to C$3.2 billion-C$3.3 billion, reflecting improved cash generation [7] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share decreased 3.5% year over year to $0.99, while revenues rose 3.3% to $3.88 billion [7] - Total revenues in Canadian dollars increased 4.3% year over year to C$5.35 billion [1] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1.2% year over year to C$2.52 billion, with a margin contraction of 260 basis points to 47% [9] Segment Performance Wireless Segment - Wireless revenues, accounting for 49.8% of total revenues, increased 1.6% year over year to C$2.66 billion, with service revenues falling 0.3% to C$2.06 billion [2] - Monthly mobile phone ARPU was C$56.7, down 3.2% year over year [2] - The prepaid mobile phone subscriber base grew by 44K year over year to 1.21 million, while postpaid subscribers increased by 262K to 10.96 million [3] Cable Segment - Cable revenues, making up 37% of total revenues, rose 0.6% year over year to C$1.98 billion [5] - Retail Internet subscribers increased by 228K year over year to nearly 4.475 million [5] - Segment operating expenses declined 1.1% year over year to C$828 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 1.8% to C$1.15 billion [6] Media Segment - Media revenues surged 26.1% year over year to C$753 million, while operating expenses increased 47.1% to C$678 million [8] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - As of September 30, 2025, available liquidity was C$6.4 billion, down from C$11.8 billion as of June 30, 2025 [10] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, influenced by the MLSE transaction [11] - Cash flow from operating activities decreased 20% year over year to C$1.52 billion [11] Guidance - For 2025, RCI expects total service revenues to grow between 3% and 5%, and adjusted EBITDA to rise between 0% and 3% [13] - Capital expenditures are projected at approximately C$3.7 billion, slightly below prior guidance [13]

Core Insights - American Water Works Company (AWK) announced that its unit, Pennsylvania American Water, received $64.3 million in grants and low-interest loans from PENNVEST for upgrading four water infrastructure projects [1] - In 2024, Pennsylvania American Water invested $675 million in infrastructure upgrades, with $583 million allocated to water systems and $92 million to wastewater infrastructure [2] - The U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure is deteriorating, requiring an estimated $1.25 trillion in investments over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade systems [3][4] Industry Overview - The U.S. water industry is fragmented, consisting of over 50,000 community water systems and 14,000 wastewater treatment facilities, which poses challenges for small utilities to make necessary investments [5] - Larger water utilities are acquiring smaller utilities to facilitate essential investments in upgrading aging assets [6] Company Strategies - American Water Works completed six acquisitions as of July 31, 2025, with 20 pending acquisitions expected to add 40,650 consumers to its customer base [7] - The company plans to invest between $17 billion and $18 billion from 2025 to 2029 and approximately $40 billion to $42 billion from 2025 to 2034 [7] - California Water Service Group plans to invest $610 million and $760 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively, to strengthen operations [8] - Essential Utilities is pursuing acquisitions and plans to invest $7.8 billion from 2025 to 2029 to improve water and natural gas systems [9] - Middlesex Water Company plans to invest approximately $387 million in its water and wastewater infrastructure over the next three years [10]