连云港市东海县、赣榆区水资源刚性约束"四水四定"试点建设现已近尾声，亮点经验层出不穷。连云港 市全面总结提炼经验举措，在全市范围推广实施，走出了一条变水资源约束为水资源保障的新路径。 今年入秋以来，持续高温少雨，东海县强化尾水利用，全力应对严峻旱情。白塔埠镇农田灌溉尾水循环 利用试点区，尾水循环灌溉达4次，每次亩均灌溉用水约140立方米，据统计，仅白塔埠镇就节约新鲜水 约450万立方米。 去年，东海县投资3760万元实施农田尾水治理试点项目，创新采用循环泵站、智能节制闸等先进灌溉设 施，构建"尾水不直排、肥水不下河、养分再利用"的综合利用体系。在白塔埠镇8000亩试点区，新建10 套智能一体化闸门系统，修缮6座泵站，扩容疏浚主要灌溉渠道。东海县农田尾水循环利用项目全面运 行，在缓解旱情保障灌溉的同时，全县节水约5000万立方米。同样先行先试的赣榆区，去年实施了范河 灌溉片区农田退水治理项目，涵盖青口镇、沙河等6镇18个片区，覆盖面积近30000亩。 连云港市总结东海县、赣榆区经验，制定《连云港市农田退水循环利用细化实施方案》，全面推广农田 退水循环利用举措。截至目前，全市农田退水循环利用覆盖面积已超20万亩， ...

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content Core Viewpoints - Due to the escalation of US-China tensions, the Asia IG space widened 3-7bps across the board yesterday, with better selling on certain bonds and better buying on others [2] - China's export resilience strengthens its position in the trade war, leading to a revision of the 2025 export growth forecast from 3% to 4.5%, while maintaining the 2025 import growth forecast at 1.5%. The USD/RMB rate may appreciate from 7.13 to 7.1 by year-end and 7.05 by the end of 2026 [4][15][20] - China Water Affairs (CWAHK) proposes to issue a 5NC3 USD senior blue bond, with the FV of the new CWAHK 30 estimated at 6% [8] Summary by Directory Trading Desk Comments - Asia IG space widened 3-7bps due to US-China tension, with better selling on TW lifers, China TMTs, Japanese banks' bonds, and Southeast Asian names. Some bonds like FAEACO 12.814 Perp and NWDEVLs/LIFUNGs/FOSUNI 26 - 29s decreased in price. In Chinese properties, VNKRLE 27 - 29s and FTLNHD 26/FUTLAN 28 were lower, while some SOE property names had better buying. In Southeast Asia, VLLPM 27 - 29s edged up, and VEDLN 28 - 33s/GLPSPs were down. Long - end Yankee AT1s weakened in the morning and recovered slightly [2] - In the LGFV space, activities picked up with new CNH issues, and the space had a stable session with moderate two - way flows [3] - This morning, there were two - way flows on LGFV names. HAOHUAs recovered 3 - 5bps and HYUELEs recovered 5bps in Asia IG space, while NOMURA and Australian long - end Ts2 widened 2 - 3bps. CWAHK 26 had buyers and was 0.1pt higher [4] Marco News Recap - On Monday, S&P (+1.56%), Dow (+1.29%), and Nasdaq (+2.21%) were higher. The US bond market was closed for Columbus Day, and the UST yield was unchanged, with 2/5/10/30 yield at 3.52%/3.65%/4.05%/4.63% [7] Desk Analyst Comments - CWAHK proposes to issue a 5NC3 USD senior blue bond (Ba1/BB+/-), with the FV of the new CWAHK 30 at 6% considering its CWAHK 26 and peers' valuations, adjusted for rating and tenor differential. The issuance size should be capped at its remaining offshore - issuance quota of USD200mn [8] - The net proceeds will be used to repay offshore debt and finance eligible green projects. The new CWAHK 30 will have a CoC put at 101 [10] - CWAHK is a holding company operating mainly through PRC subsidiaries. The new CWAHK 30 will be guaranteed by non - PRC - incorporated subsidiary guarantors [11] - CWAHK is one of the largest water supply companies in China, focusing on water supply and sewage treatment, generating stable cash flow from exclusive concession rights in 58 districts. It serves various end - users with potential coverage of over 30mn people [12] - In FY25, CWAHK generated HKD11.7bn of revenue and HKD3.4bn of operating cash flow, with an estimated free cash flow of HKD40mn. Total debt was HKD25.6bn, and its operating performance weakened, with revenue and EBIT down c9%. Coverage ratios also weakened [13] - CWAHK is listed in Hong Kong, with the chairman and founder owning 27.4%, ORIX Corp and affiliates holding 27.2%, and Great Wall Life Insurance holding 6.0% [14] China Economy - China's export growth beat expectations as exports to Africa, Latin America, and the EU picked up. Exports of integrated circuits and ships remained robust, while personal consumption goods were subdued. Imports rebounded across the board, especially in processing trade. China's rare earth export control is a countermeasure to US semiconductor export restrictions. Trade tensions may intensify in the next two weeks before potentially easing after a possible Trump - Xi meeting [15] - Exports rebounded in September, reaching 8.3% YoY from 4.4% in August, beating market expectations. Exports to the US remained in deep contraction, while shipments to Africa, the EU, and Latin America accelerated. Exports to ASEAN moderated. Since the tariff shocks, exports to ASEAN and Africa have increased significantly, making up for over 120% of the export losses to the US since April. Trade surplus narrowed to US$91bn in September [16] - Integrated circuits and ships had strong growth in September, while personal consumption goods moderated. Low - value - added exports and housing - related products were hit by tariffs. Rare earth exports rebounded despite additional export controls [17] - China's imports increased to 7.4% in September from 1.3% in August, beating market expectations. Imports from the US steadied at - 16%. Import value of processing trade accelerated. For energy products, crude oil import volume rose, while coal and natural gas dropped. Raw material imports had mixed results, and crop imports picked up [18] Offshore Asia New Issues - No offshore Asia new issues were priced today [22] - There are several issuers in the pipeline, including the Macau Branch of Bank of China Limited, Jinan Hi - tech International, and KEB Hana Bank, with different tenors, coupons, and issue ratings [23] News and Market Color - Yesterday, 118 credit bonds were issued onshore with an amount of RMB138bn. Month - to - date, 191 credit bonds were issued with a total amount of RMB212bn, a 19.7% yoy increase [24] - Indonesia plans to shorten the permit process for geothermal projects to three months [24] - Country Garden's top shareholder agrees to a USD1.14bn debt - to - equity swap and will hold scheme meetings on 5 Nov'25 for creditors to vote on its offshore restructuring plan [24] - Freeport Indonesia halts the Gresik smelter due to a mine landslide [24] - China Energy Overseas will redeem GEZHOU 4.15 Perp of USD200mn on 25 Nov'25 [24] - LG Electronics expects a 8.4% yoy drop in 3Q25 operating profit due to higher tariffs [24]

Core Insights - The article compares California Water Service Group (CWT) and Middlesex Water (MSEX) to determine which stock offers better value for investors [1] Valuation Metrics - CWT has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while MSEX has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - CWT's forward P/E ratio is 18.68, compared to MSEX's forward P/E of 21.37, suggesting CWT is more attractively priced [5] - CWT has a PEG ratio of 2.13, while MSEX's PEG ratio is significantly higher at 3.65, indicating CWT's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - CWT's P/B ratio is 1.6, whereas MSEX's P/B ratio is 2.08, further supporting CWT's valuation advantage [6] Investment Conclusion - CWT exhibits stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics than MSEX, making it the preferred choice for value investors at this time [7]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Utility - Water Supply industry includes companies that provide drinking water and wastewater services to various customers, including industrial, commercial, residential, and military bases [1] - Water utilities are essential for maintaining healthy living conditions by ensuring a constant supply of clean water and reliable sewer services [2] Infrastructure and Investment Needs - Water utility operators manage approximately 2.2 million miles of aging pipelines and require significant investments for maintenance and expansion, estimated at $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [3] - Recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, reducing benchmark rates to 4-4.25%, are expected to benefit capital-intensive utility operators by lowering capital servicing expenses [4] Company Comparisons - A comparative analysis was conducted on California Water Service Group (CWT) and The York Water Company (YORW), both currently rated Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [5] - CWT's 2025 earnings estimate is $2.39 per share on revenues of $1 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 26.5% in earnings and a 3.3% decline in revenues [6] - YORW's 2025 earnings estimate is $1.35 per share on revenues of $78 million, indicating a 4.9% decline in earnings but a 4.1% growth in revenues [6] Financial Metrics - CWT has a debt-to-capital ratio of 48.11% and YORW has 48.22%, both below the industry average of 50.04% [7] - The times interest earned ratio for CWT is 2.9 and for YORW is 3.1, indicating both companies have sufficient financial flexibility to meet near-term interest obligations [8] Dividend and Performance - CWT's current dividend yield is 2.63% and YORW's is 2.82%, both higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.1% [9] - CWT shares have increased by 0.4% quarter-to-date, while YORW shares have decreased by 1.6%, compared to the industry's overall gain of 0.9% [10][12] Earnings Surprise and Historical Performance - CWT has delivered an average earnings surprise of 51.6% over the last four quarters, while YORW has experienced a negative earnings surprise of 5.22% [11] Conclusion - Both CWT and YORW are suitable choices for investment, focusing on water and wastewater services with potential for expansion. However, CWT is preferred due to better debt management and price performance compared to YORW [14]

Key Takeaways Pentair closed its acquisition of Hydra-Stop from Madison Industries for $290 million.Hydra-Stop joins Pentair Flow, targeting municipal water supply solutions and infrastructure.The unit expects $50M in 2025 revenues, with a 30% return on sales, and a net deal value of $240M.Pentair plc (PNR) informed that it closed its previously announced acquisition of Hydra-Stop LLC from Madison Industries. This move boosts PNR’s portfolio and is in sync with the company’s goal to address critical water i ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Utility - Water Supply sector should consider California Water Service Group (CWT) and American Water Works (AWK), with CWT appearing more attractive for value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [1][3]. Valuation Metrics - CWT has a forward P/E ratio of 18.95, while AWK has a forward P/E of 24.05, indicating that CWT is potentially undervalued compared to AWK [5]. - The PEG ratio for CWT is 2.16, compared to AWK's PEG ratio of 3.25, suggesting that CWT offers better value when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - CWT's P/B ratio is 1.62, while AWK's P/B ratio is 2.51, further supporting the notion that CWT is more attractively priced [6]. Zacks Rank and Style Scores - CWT currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions, while AWK has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3]. - The Style Score Value grade for CWT is B, whereas AWK has a Value grade of D, highlighting CWT's superior valuation metrics [6]. Conclusion - Based on stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics, CWT is positioned as the superior option for value investors compared to AWK [7].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Utility - Water Supply industry includes companies providing drinking water and wastewater services to various customers, including military bases [1] - Water utilities are essential for maintaining healthy living conditions by ensuring a constant supply of clean potable water and reliable sewer services [2] Investment Requirements - Water utility operators manage nearly 2.2 million miles of aging pipelines and require significant investments for maintenance and expansion, estimated at $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years [3] - The need for massive investments presents growth opportunities for operators in the water supply sector [3][4] Company Comparisons - Consolidated Water (CWCO) has a market capitalization of $534.5 million, while Global Water Resources (GWRS) has a market cap of $275.56 million [5] - CWCO's 2025 earnings estimate is $1.05 per share on revenues of $133.09 million, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 6.3% in earnings and 0.7% in revenues. GWRS's 2025 earnings estimate is 22 cents per share on revenues of $55.85 million, reflecting a 15.4% decline in earnings but a 6% growth in revenues [6] Financial Metrics - CWCO has a debt-to-capital ratio of 0.06%, significantly lower than GWRS's 61.14%, while the industry average is 50.04% [7] - The current ratio for CWCO is 5.24, indicating strong financial flexibility, compared to GWRS's 1.09 and the industry average of 0.9 [8] Dividend Yield - CWCO's dividend yield is 1.67%, while GWRS offers a higher yield of 3.03%, both exceeding the Zacks S&P 500 Composite average of 1.15% [11] Earnings Surprise History - CWCO has delivered an average earnings surprise of 40.1% over the last four quarters, whereas GWRS has experienced a negative earnings surprise of 6.1% [12] Stock Performance - In the past six months, CWCO shares have increased by 21.9%, while GWRS shares have decreased by 13%. The industry overall has risen by 11.5% during the same period [10][13] Conclusion - Both CWCO and GWRS are viable options for investment, focusing on water and wastewater services with potential for expansion. However, CWCO is favored due to its superior debt management, liquidity, and stock performance compared to GWRS [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by 3% to $33.6 million compared to the same quarter last year [7] - Fully diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 23% [3] - Net income from continuing operations attributable to stockholders was $5.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $4.2 million or $0.26 per diluted share in the previous year [10] - Gross profit increased to $12.8 million, representing 38% of total revenue, up from 36% in the previous year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment revenue increased by 633%, driven by higher water sales due to reduced rainfall [3] - Manufacturing segment revenue rose by 33% to $5.2 million due to increased production and higher margin products [9] - Bulk water segment revenue slightly declined to $8.3 million due to lower fuel pass-through charges, but profitability improved due to better plant efficiencies [4] - Services segment revenue decreased by $474,000, primarily due to the completion of the pilot plant testing phase of the Hawaii project [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail water sales in Grand Cayman increased due to lower rainfall [3] - The Caribbean-based bulk water segment faced slight revenue decline but improved profitability [4] - The services segment saw a decrease in revenue due to the completion of pilot testing in Hawaii, offset by higher recurring maintenance contracts in California and Colorado [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to construct additional water storage and production facilities in Grand Cayman to meet growing demand [13] - Investments in new desalination plants in The Bahamas are expected to support future revenue growth [14] - The manufacturing business is diversifying and stabilizing, with a focus on higher-margin projects and opportunities in the nuclear power sector [15][31] - The company is exploring public-private partnership projects in the U.S. to address water shortages [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth in the Caribbean and U.S. markets, particularly in wastewater treatment [22][25] - The company is addressing permitting issues for the Hawaii project and expects to begin construction early next year [6][54] - There is a positive outlook for cash generation and potential M&A opportunities to enhance shareholder value [59][60] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share, a 27% increase from the previous dividend [12] - Cash and cash equivalents grew to approximately $112.2 million as of June 30 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market opportunities in the Caribbean and U.S. - Management noted continued interest in wastewater projects in the U.S. and highlighted growth opportunities in the Phoenix area [22][25] Question: Pipeline development in Colorado - The company sees potential for more projects in Colorado following a recent design win [24] Question: Opportunities in The Bahamas - Management confirmed ongoing projects in The Bahamas and expressed excitement about future water supply needs [27] Question: Manufacturing expansion impact - The expansion of the manufacturing facility is expected to increase capacity and allow for larger projects [28][30] Question: Nuclear business opportunities - The nuclear sector remains a focus, with domestic clients and potential for international work through partnerships [35][36] Question: Future CapEx needs - Most capital expenditures will be directed towards growth in the Cayman utility and ongoing projects like Cat Island [41] Question: Payment issues in The Bahamas - Management reported progress in receiving payments from the Bahamian government [43][56] Question: Cash generation and M&A plans - The company is actively looking at M&A targets and exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships [59][60]

Core Insights - Essential Utilities (WTRG) has a strong track record of beating earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters with an average surprise of 15.13% [1][5] - The most recent earnings report showed a surprise of 28.75%, with actual earnings of $0.80 per share against an expectation of $1.03 [2] - The previous quarter also saw a positive surprise of 1.52%, with actual earnings of $0.67 per share compared to a consensus estimate of $0.66 [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - There has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Essential Utilities, indicated by a positive Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) of +6.90% [5][8] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [8] - Historically, stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of beating consensus estimates [6][8] Earnings ESP Metric - The Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7] - A negative Earnings ESP reduces predictive power but does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [9] - Companies often beat consensus EPS estimates for various reasons, and the Earnings ESP is a crucial metric to consider before earnings releases [10]

Core Insights - Cadiz Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hoku Energy Limited to develop a major clean energy campus at Cadiz Ranch in California's Mojave Desert, which aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable development [2][5] - The MOU grants Hoku Energy a three-year exclusive option to develop over 10,000 acres for various clean energy projects, including green hydrogen production and large-scale renewable energy generation [3][4] - The projects are expected to generate annual lease revenue and water supply sales of $7 to $10 million, supporting sustainable water and farming operations [1] Company Overview - Cadiz Inc. is a California water solutions company with 45,000 acres of land, 2.5 million acre-feet of water supply, and 220 miles of pipeline assets, focusing on providing clean and reliable water [7] - The company is also developing the Mojave Groundwater Bank and has previously partnered with RIC Energy for green hydrogen production on up to 3,000 acres [5] Project Details - The Hoku Energy project may include facilities for green hydrogen production, renewable power generation, battery storage, and integrated digital infrastructure such as data centers [3][4] - The agreement allows for continued commercial development at Cadiz, including agricultural operations and reserves 400 acres for additional commercial development, with Hoku having the right of first refusal to supply power to any developed data center [4][5] Strategic Importance - The collaboration with Hoku Energy is seen as a key component of Cadiz's long-term land use strategy, enhancing the potential for large-scale renewable energy and data center development [5] - The combined efforts with Hoku and RIC Energy are expected to position Cadiz Ranch as a significant clean energy campus and green hydrogen production hub in North America [5]