Core Insights - Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded a total of $6,183,799 in grants and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to support infrastructure improvement projects in Berks and Cumberland counties [1] Funding Details - The funding includes a grant of $122,263 and a loan of $3,627,737 for the replacement of approximately 384 lead water service lines in New Cumberland Borough, which will enhance water quality and comply with regulatory initiatives [2] - In Berks County, a loan of $2,433,799 will fund the Exeter Wastewater Corrective Action Plan project, which involves sliplining over 14,200 feet of main and replacing approximately 1,200 feet of main to reduce inflow and infiltration [3] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [4] - Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Pennsylvania, providing services to approximately 2.4 million people with a workforce of 1,200 employees [6]

Core Insights - California American Water is investing $6 million to construct a new treatment plant for the Fox Park Well in Antelope, California, to meet updated state drinking water standards for hexavalent chromium (CrVI) [1][2] - The new facility will utilize advanced treatment technology to ensure compliance with California's drinking water standard of 10 micrograms of CrVI per liter [1][2] - The project is part of a broader initiative to improve water quality across Northern California, with upgrades also planned for other treatment plants [3] Company Commitment - The investment reflects California American Water's commitment to providing safe, clean, and reliable water to the communities it serves [2][4] - The Fox Park Well Treatment Project is aimed at protecting community health and building trust with customers [4] - Construction is expected to continue through 2027, ensuring long-term reliability for Antelope customers [4] Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving over 14 million people across 14 states [5] - California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides services to approximately 750,000 people [7]

Core Insights - California American Water is continuing its Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) program to capture and store excess water during the rainy season for use in drought periods [1][3] Group 1: ASR Program Details - The ASR process captures excess winter flows from the Carmel River and replenishes underground aquifers through a network of wells, pumps, and booster stations [2] - The program is designed to operate only during heavy rainfall as mandated by the state, making recharge opportunities irregular due to increasing drought periods [3] - Since the ASR season began on December 26, 2025, over 240-acre feet (approximately 78 million gallons) of water have been captured and injected into the Seaside Groundwater Basin [4] Group 2: Water Conservation and Infrastructure - The company is investing in reliable water infrastructure by combining the ASR program with water recycling and an approved desalination project to better serve the community [3] - For the water year 2024-2025, over 715-acre feet (approximately 233 million gallons) of water was stored through the ASR program [4] - Partnerships with other agencies are crucial for executing a successful ASR season and ensuring the community's water needs are met [5] Group 3: Company Overview - American Water, the parent company of California American Water, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people [5] - California American Water provides high-quality water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people [7]

Core Viewpoint - American Water Works Company, Inc. plans to release its 2025 fourth quarter and year-end financial results on February 18, 2026, after market close [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a conference call and webcast on February 19, 2026, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time [2] - The call will include a question-and-answer session for investors and analysts [2] Group 2: Access to Information - Interested parties can access the audio webcast through the Investor Relations website at ir.amwater.com [3] - Presentation slides for the earnings call will be available online in advance [3] - A replay of the audio webcast will be accessible for one year on the investor relations website [3] Group 3: Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., serving over 14 million people [4] - The company has a history dating back to 1886 and operates in 14 states and on 18 military installations [4] - American Water employs 6,700 professionals to provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water services [4]

Core Viewpoint - Pennsylvania American Water is urging customers to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use by 10-15% due to an expanded drought watch declaration by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) [1][2]. Group 1: Drought Watch Declaration - The DEP has expanded its drought watch declaration to 40 counties, with 21 of those counties served by Pennsylvania American Water [2][3]. - The drought watch is the first and least severe level in the state's three drought classifications, based on public water supply levels and indicators such as precipitation and groundwater levels [3]. Group 2: Water Conservation Efforts - Pennsylvania American Water provides various resources for water conservation, including an online Water Use Calculator and tips shared through email campaigns and social media [4]. - The company encourages practices such as running dishwashers and clothes washers only when full, checking for leaks, and using water-saving appliances [8]. Group 3: Company Overview - Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 2.4 million people with a workforce of 1,200 employees [9]. - 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 [5].

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey American Water has filed a request for new rates to support over $1.4 billion in ongoing water and wastewater service system investments, emphasizing its commitment to improving water quality and reliability for approximately 2.9 million customers in New Jersey [1][2]. Infrastructure Investments - The proposed request aims to modernize and strengthen water and wastewater systems, including the replacement or rehabilitation of nearly 120 miles of aging infrastructure and the ongoing replacement of lead service lines [2]. - Investments will also address emerging contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water [2]. Customer Impact - If approved, the average residential water customer would see an increase of approximately $10 per month, while customers served by sanitary wastewater systems would experience an average increase of $8 per month [3]. Customer Assistance Programs - New Jersey American Water seeks to make monthly bill discounts more accessible for customers receiving energy assistance through LIHEAP and USF, potentially becoming the only water utility in New Jersey to offer this level of support [4]. - The company offers various assistance programs for income-eligible customers, including the H2O Help to Others program, budget billing options, and flexible payment plans [4]. Tax Refund Proposal - The company is requesting permission to return savings from a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) refund directly to customers, aiming to offset other regulatory expenses and spread the remaining balance back to customers [5][6]. Regulatory Process - The request for new rates will undergo extensive scrutiny by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), including public hearings and evidentiary hearings, which can take nine months or more [7]. - All rate changes require BPU approval, and if approved, the new rates would take effect in the second half of the year [7]. Company Overview - New Jersey American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million people with over 950 dedicated employees [10].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding personal experiences with essential services, such as water supply, as a metaphor for investment reliability and the need for consistent returns in the financial sector [1] Group 1: Analyst Background - Scott Kaufman, known as Treading Softly, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector, focusing on high-quality dividend growth and undervalued investment opportunities [1] - Kaufman serves as the lead analyst for Dividend Kings, aiming to provide actionable insights that lead to strong capital gains and cash dividends [1] Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The focus of the analysis is on achieving a robust total return through a combination of cash dividends and capital appreciation [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three companies known as "Dividend Champions," which have a long history of increasing dividends, making them attractive for income investors as interest rates are expected to decline in the future [3]. Group 1: Royal Gold - Royal Gold, based in Denver, Colorado, has a dividend yield of 0.77% and has raised its dividend every year since July 2000, with a total increase of 58.3% since 2021, outpacing the 19% inflation during the same period [4][5][6]. - The company has maintained its dividend growth even during periods of declining gold prices, such as from 2012 to 2020, when its dividend increased by 87% despite gold prices falling [6][8]. - Royal Gold's business model involves acquiring royalty interests in various metals, allowing it to sustain dividend increases regardless of gold price fluctuations [7][8]. Group 2: York Water - York Water, a Pennsylvania-based water utility, has announced its 29th annual dividend hike, maintaining a record of 620 consecutive payouts since 1816, which is believed to be a record for American companies [9][10]. - The company's recent dividend increase of 4% in 2025 is above the 2.7% inflation rate, and since 2021, it has raised its dividend by 22%, demonstrating its ability to keep pace with inflation [10]. - With a payout ratio of just 63%, York Water's dividend appears sustainable, as its earnings are growing faster than its payouts [12]. Group 3: Caterpillar - Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has increased its dividend for 31 consecutive years, including a 7% increase announced last June [13][14]. - The company's dividend has grown by 46.6% since 2021, significantly outpacing inflation, and its long-term track record shows that payouts have tripled over the last 25 years [14][16]. - Caterpillar's resilience is evident as it continued to increase dividends during economic downturns, such as the Financial Crisis and the pandemic, showcasing management's commitment to rewarding shareholders [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - Northwest Natural Holding Company (NW Natural Holdings) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings on February 27, 2026, at 8 a.m. Pacific Time [1] Company Overview - NW Natural Holdings is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been in operation for over 167 years, owning several subsidiaries including NW Natural Gas Company, SiEnergy Operating, NW Natural Water Company, and NW Natural Renewables [2][3] - The company provides essential energy, water, and wastewater services to over one million meters across seven states, emphasizing safety, environmental stewardship, and community care [3] Subsidiary Operations - NW Natural Gas Utility serves approximately 2 million people through about 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington, featuring a modern pipeline system and 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity [4] - SiEnergy Gas Utility is one of the fastest-growing natural gas distribution utilities in the U.S., serving around 87,000 meters in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas [5] - NWN Water Utility provides water distribution and wastewater services to an estimated 197,000 people through approximately 79,000 meters, along with operation and maintenance services to an additional 38,000 connections across the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Arizona, and California [6] Commitment to Ethics and Customer Satisfaction - NW Natural Holdings has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for four consecutive years by Ethisphere, and consistently achieves high customer satisfaction scores according to J.D. Power & Associates [3]

Core Viewpoint - Northwest Natural Holding Company has declared a quarterly dividend of 49.25 cents per share, with an annual dividend rate of $1.97 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Northwest Natural Holding Company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been in operation for over 167 years, owning several subsidiaries including NW Natural Gas Company, SiEnergy Operating, NW Natural Water Company, and NW Natural Renewables [1]. - The company provides critical energy and essential water and wastewater services to over one million meters across seven states, emphasizing safety, environmental stewardship, and community care [2]. Group 2: Utility Services - NW Natural Gas Utility serves approximately 2 million people in over 140 communities through about 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington, boasting one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation and 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity [3]. - SiEnergy Gas Utility is one of the fastest-growing natural gas distribution utilities in the U.S., serving around 87,000 meters in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas [4]. - NWN Water Utility provides water distribution and wastewater services to communities in the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Arizona, and California, serving an estimated 197,000 people through approximately 79,000 meters and managing an additional 38,000 connections [5]. Group 3: Commitment to Ethics and Customer Satisfaction - NW Natural Holdings has been recognized by Ethisphere® as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® for four consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to ethical business practices [2]. - The company consistently achieves high customer satisfaction scores as reported by J.D. Power & Associates, indicating strong performance in customer service [2].