ISELIN, N.J., Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company, (“Middlesex” or the “Company) (NASDAQ:MSEX), announced today the appointment of Robert Hoglund to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Over his career, Mr. Hoglund has held several senior financial leadership roles, including more than 18 years as Chief Financial Officer of Consolidated Edison, Inc. He previously served as a Managing Director in Citigroup’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, advising Fortune 500 utilities and ...

Core Insights - American Water has been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to sustainability [2][3] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [4] - The company has a history dating back to 1886 and emphasizes providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services [4] Sustainability Commitment - The recognition from Newsweek reflects American Water's dedication to integrating sustainability principles into all operations, reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves [2] - The company's sustainability principles are detailed in its latest Sustainability Report [2] Financial and Operational Strategy - American Water drives financial sustainability through disciplined capital investment and regulatory execution, supporting business growth and long-term shareholder value [5] - The capital program is funded by operating cash flow and a balanced mix of debt and equity issuances to maintain a healthy balance sheet [5] - The company focuses on delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable services through efficient and compliant operations, aligning with regulatory and policy standards [5] Workforce and Culture - American Water fosters a high-performing workforce by attracting and retaining employees who share its purpose and values, driving innovation and operational improvement [5]

Core Insights - H2O America has been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2026 by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance [1][2] - The company also received recognition in Newsweek's list of Greenest Companies 2026 earlier this year, marking its second consecutive year of accolades [1][2] Environmental Progress - H2O America achieved a 43% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from the 2019 baseline, moving towards a 2030 goal of a 50% reduction [7] - The company saw a 73% increase in solar energy generation, supported by eight new solar projects, including its first in Texas [7] - Major investments included $353 million in system upgrades, replacement of 46 miles of pipeline, and installation of over 20,000 smart meters [7] Community & Social Impact - H2O America contributed $400,000 in charitable donations and launched the Force for Good Foundation to support community nonprofits in its service areas [7] - The company expanded customer support through flexible payment plans and rate assistance programs, achieving an 85.2% customer satisfaction rating [7] Governance Leadership - H2O America has a majority-female board, with eight of ten independent directors, and has launched an enterprise risk management program to enhance oversight and accountability [4]

Core Insights - The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) downgraded California's drinking water grade from C in 2019 to D+ in 2025, highlighting significant infrastructure challenges [1] - California American Water emphasizes its commitment to ensuring safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water for communities amid these challenges [1] Company Overview - California American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, serving approximately 750,000 people with water and wastewater services [1] - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., providing services to over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [1] - The company has a history dating back to 1886 and focuses on maintaining infrastructure to support community health and safety [1]

Core Insights - The article highlights York Water as an exceptional dividend stock with a 209-year streak of continuous payouts, significantly longer than any other company [15][12] - It emphasizes the stability and predictability of dividend-paying companies, particularly in the utility sector, which can navigate economic uncertainties effectively [4][16] Company Overview - York Water, a water and wastewater utility based in South-Central Pennsylvania, has been paying dividends since 1816, making it one of the rarest dividend stocks [13][15] - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $471 million and services 57 municipalities [13] Dividend Performance - York Water has maintained a continuous dividend payment for 209 years, a record unmatched by any other company, with only three U.S. presidents having served during its payout history [15] - The company's dividend yield is currently 2.74%, which is considered modest but reflects a significant share price appreciation of 476% since the year 2000 [21] Financial Stability - The predictability of York Water's cash flow is attributed to the stable demand for water services and the regulatory environment that protects its pricing [16][18] - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PPUC) regulates rate increases, ensuring a stable revenue stream for York Water [18] Growth Potential - York Water has requested a rate increase of $24.2 million, which would boost its annual revenue by 31% from the projected $78 million for the current year [19] - The company has also pursued bolt-on acquisitions to expand its customer base, which is expected to be accretive to its earnings [20] Valuation - York Water is currently valued at less than 21 times forward-year earnings, representing a 29% discount to its average forward price-to-earnings multiple over the past five years [20]

Core Insights - American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., participated in the 2025 NARUC Annual Meeting & Education Conference to discuss the future of utility services [1] Group 1: Company Participation - The event took place from November 9-12 in Seattle, Washington, gathering state regulators, utility executives, and industry experts [1] - The conference focused on evolving policy, climate, and customer expectations impacting utility services [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.33, a 32% increase year-over-year [5][14] - Revenues increased by 9.6%, from $435.3 million to $477 million, primarily due to rate increases [14][15] - The company expects to achieve GAAP earnings per share above the guidance range of $2.07-$2.11 due to non-recurring benefits [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both water and natural gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall growth [5] - Water business revenue increased by approximately $27.9 million, while natural gas contributed $6.3 million to revenue growth [14][15] - The natural gas division has successfully installed over 60,000 Intellis gas meters, exceeding its 2025 goal [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined entity from the merger with American Water will serve over 5 million connections across 17 states [3] - The company has a robust rate base approaching $34 billion, positioning it as a leading water and wastewater utility in the U.S. [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with American Water is seen as a transformational opportunity to create synergies and enhance financial strength [3][4] - The company aims to invest approximately $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements for 2025 [6] - The focus on expanding water and wastewater business through acquisitions is expected to drive long-term growth [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strong growth potential in both water and gas platforms, with an expected compounded annual growth rate of 8% for the combined utility rate base [21][22] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and consistent dividend growth while managing regulatory activities effectively [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has made a $26 million investment in a data center project in Greene County, Pennsylvania, which is expected to enhance its operational capabilities [10][11] - The company is actively pursuing additional data center development opportunities, reflecting the growing demand in the sector [12][13] Summary of Q&A Session - No questions were taken during this earnings call, and the company will return to its normal Q&A process for the year-end call in February 2026 [24][25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.33, a 32% increase year-over-year [5] - Revenues increased by 9.6%, from $435.3 million to $477 million, primarily due to rate increases [14][15] - The company expects to achieve GAAP earnings per share above the guidance range of $2.07-$2.11 due to non-recurring benefits [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both water and natural gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall growth [5] - The water business contributed $27.9 million to revenue growth, while the natural gas segment added $6.3 million [14][15] - The company has installed 93,000 new Intelis gas meters, exceeding its 2025 goal [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined entity from the merger with American Water will serve over 5 million connections across 17 states [3] - The company is well-positioned in a fragmented water industry, with 85% being municipal [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with American Water is seen as a transformational opportunity to create a leading water and wastewater utility [3] - The company aims to achieve a compounded annual growth rate of 8% for its combined utility rate base [21] - Focus on expanding water and wastewater business through acquisitions, with $58 million spent on systems serving approximately 10,300 customers [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver consistent growth despite economic fluctuations [21] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and improving cash flow while delivering consistent dividend growth [22] - Management highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment in aging water and wastewater systems [4] Other Important Information - The company has a pending rate case in North Carolina with a requested annualized revenue increase of $96.5 million [18] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities related to data centers, with a $26 million investment in a data center project in Pennsylvania [10][11] Summary of Q&A Session - No questions were taken during this earnings call, with a reminder that the normal Q&A process will resume in the year-end call in February 2026 [24]

Core Viewpoint - American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) is a prominent player in the water and wastewater utility sector in the U.S., currently facing scrutiny over its proposed acquisition of Essential Utilities, Inc. [1][4] Stock Performance - AWK's current stock price is $137.99, reflecting a decrease of 2.54%, or $3.60, from its previous value [2] - The stock has fluctuated between $135.40 and $140.50 today, with a one-year high of $155.50 and a low of $118.74, indicating volatility [2] - The market capitalization of AWK is approximately $26.92 billion, showcasing its significant presence in the utility sector [3] Analyst Insights - Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza has set a price target of $142 for AWK, suggesting a potential upside of about 2.91% from the current trading price [1][5] Acquisition Investigation - The proposed acquisition of Essential Utilities, Inc. by AWK is under investigation by Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC, focusing on the fairness of the deal for Essential Utilities' shareholders [3][4] - Shareholders of Essential Utilities are set to receive 0.305 shares of AWK for each share they own as part of the acquisition [4]

Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo upgraded American Water Works (AWK) to "Overweight," indicating a positive outlook for the company's future performance despite an ongoing investigation into its proposed acquisition of Essential Utilities, Inc. [1][2][5] Company Overview - American Water Works is a leading water and wastewater utility company in the United States, providing essential services to millions of people across the country [1]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $26.92 billion, highlighting its significant presence in the utility sector [4][5]. Stock Performance - At the time of the upgrade, AWK's stock price was $137.99, but it has since decreased by 2.54%, or $3.60, reflecting some volatility [1][3][5]. - The stock has fluctuated between a low of $135.40 and a high of $140.50 on the day of the report, with a yearly high of $155.50 and a low of $118.74 [3]. Trading Activity - AWK's stock is actively traded, with a current trading volume of 3,438,602 shares on the NYSE, indicating strong investor interest in the company's future prospects [4][5].