SAN JOSE, Calif., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) joins others around the world in celebrating Earth Day, it is pleased to announce that is has been named one of “America’s Climate Leaders” by USA Today and Statista Inc. The ranking honors organizations that drive real, positive environmental impact, according to Statista, a world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. This ranking recognizes companies in the United States with more ...

Q1 2025 Performance Highlights - Sales decreased by 1% year-over-year, from $1,017 million in Q1 2024 to $1,010 million in Q1 2025[16] - Adjusted Operating Income increased by 12% year-over-year, from $217 million in Q1 2024 to $243 million in Q1 2025[16] - Return on Sales (ROS) expanded by 260 basis points year-over-year, from 214% in Q1 2024 to 240% in Q1 2025[16] - Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased by 18% year-over-year, from $094 in Q1 2024 to $111 in Q1 2025[16] Segment Performance - Flow segment sales decreased by 4% year-over-year, from $384 million in Q1 2024 to $368 million in Q1 2025[31], with segment income up 8%[35] and ROS at 227%[34] - Water Solutions segment sales decreased by 5% year-over-year, from $273 million in Q1 2024 to $258 million in Q1 2025[39], but segment income increased by 9%[44] and ROS at 235%[43] - Pool segment sales increased by 7% year-over-year, from $359 million in Q1 2024 to $384 million in Q1 2025[47], with segment income up 14%[51] and ROS at 328%[50] Financial Position and Outlook - The company maintained its full-year 2025 sales guidance of $4085 million to $4165 million and Adjusted EPS guidance of $465 to $480, up approximately 9% at the midpoint versus 2024[17, 62] - The company estimates a total tariff impact of approximately $140 million[64] - The company expects to deliver approximately $80 million in Transformation and 80/20 savings in 2025, net of investments[21]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in earnings for SJW despite higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - SJW is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 2.8%, while revenues are projected to be $155.37 million, an increase of 4% from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 2.68% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive Earnings ESP reading indicates a likely earnings beat, particularly when combined with a strong Zacks Rank [8][10]. - For SJW, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +7.14% and a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting a high probability of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - SJW has a history of exceeding consensus EPS estimates, having beaten expectations in three out of the last four quarters, including a notable surprise of +34.55% in the last reported quarter [12][13]. Conclusion - SJW is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors beyond earnings results when making investment decisions [14][16].

Kay R. New Kay R. New appointed Chief Human Resources Officer of SJW Group effective April 21, 2025. SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SJW Group (NASDAQ: SJW), a leading national investor-owned pure-play water and wastewater utility, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Kay R. New as chief human resources officer (CHRO), effective immediately. In her new role, New will oversee enterprise-wide efforts related to talent development, organizational effectiveness, emp ...

Badger Meter First Quarter 2025 Financial Results April 17, 2025 1 Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this presentation as well as other information provided from time to time by Badger Meter, Inc. (the "Company") or its employees, may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "think," "should," "could" and "objective" or s ...

Company Overview - Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (NYSE: ZWS) is highlighted as an intriguing business with potential for investment [1]. Industry Insights - Crude Value Insights focuses on the oil and natural gas sector, emphasizing cash flow generation and identifying companies with value and growth prospects [1].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility due to the imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns about a potential global trade war and its impact on the U.S. economy [2][4]. Group 1: Market Overview - The baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on all imports starting April 5, 2025, with rates reaching as high as 145% for certain countries like China [2][3]. - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, having declined by 8.6% year to date, and was trading close to bear market levels last week [5]. Group 2: Featured Stocks - A selection of stocks that have provided double-digit returns year to date includes American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6]. Group 3: American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates enhancing performance [7]. - The company is expanding its operations through both organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [9]. - AWK has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate [10]. Group 4: Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization expected to enhance service reliability [11]. - The company anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [12]. Group 5: CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand driven by the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [13]. - The company has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 60 days [16]. Group 6: The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is experiencing growth due to higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [17]. - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PGR are 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, with a 1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [18]. Group 7: Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is supported by a compelling portfolio and strategic initiatives that enhance its capabilities and geographic reach [19]. - The company has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [20].

Core Viewpoint - Middlesex Water (MSEX) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook driven by rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates in determining stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - The upgrade reflects an improvement in Middlesex Water's underlying business, suggesting that investor sentiment may lead to increased stock prices [5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Middlesex Water is projected to earn $2.53 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.4% [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Middlesex Water has risen by 4.5%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places Middlesex Water in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting strong potential for near-term price appreciation [10].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility in April due to the "Liberation Day" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports and rates as high as 145% for certain countries like China [1][2] - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, trading almost in bear market zone, with a year-to-date decline of 8.6% [3] Investment Opportunities - Despite the overall market downturn, a handful of S&P 500 stocks have provided double-digit returns year to date, with five recommended stocks carrying a favorable Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy): American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) [4] American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates boosting performance [8] - The company is expanding operations through organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [10] - AWK has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [11] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization improving operational resilience [12] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 60 days [17] The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is gaining from higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [18] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a 1% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [19] Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is driven by organic and inorganic initiatives, enhancing its capabilities and geographic reach [20] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported approximately $4 million in revenue for Q2, with a gross margin of about 38%, primarily driven by royalty income from mineral royalties [8][10] - Year-to-date revenue reached approximately $10 million, with a gross profit margin exceeding 50% and continued growth in earnings per share [9][15] - The company is on track to meet its fiscal 2025 guidance of around $31 million in revenue, with Q2 typically being the softest quarter due to seasonal factors [12][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water utility segment performed well, driven by the receipt of TAPIs as new phases of development opened, with strong demand from home builders [17][20] - The land development segment has seen significant activity, with three phases under construction and a robust market for entry-level homes [28][31] - The single-family rental segment maintained high occupancy rates, with 14 homes completed and strong demand anticipated as new units come online [32][35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Denver real estate market is experiencing a push for affordability, with builders adapting to the current interest rate environment, which has stabilized consumer sentiment [98][100] - Demand for homes in the I-70 corridor remains strong, with builders actively constructing homes and expressing confidence in the market [101][102] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in land and water assets, with a focus on land acquisition as a higher priority than additional water rights [91][140] - The development of the Sky Ranch community is a key focus, with plans for commercial opportunities and infrastructure improvements, including a new interchange [68][135] - The company is positioned to capitalize on market opportunities created by uncertainty, leveraging its existing assets for growth [44][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenging markets, highlighting a strong liquidity position with over $20 million available [60][64] - The outlook for the next three to five years includes steady customer growth and increased tap sales, with a full build-out of Sky Ranch projected over seven years [66][70] Other Important Information - The company has a strong partnership with National Heritage Academy for a K-12 school, which is seen as a valuable asset for the community [150][152] - The company is exploring opportunities for affordable housing in collaboration with the state of Colorado, which owns significant land in the area [158][161] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of I-70 interchange and potential acquisitions - The CEO indicated that the permit for the I-70 interchange is expected to be submitted soon, with construction anticipated to start by late 2025 [85][86] - Regarding acquisitions, the CEO noted that while there is interest from sellers, personal circumstances often dictate their willingness to sell [88][90] Question: Update on demand in the Denver real estate market - Management confirmed strong demand for homes, particularly in the entry-level segment, and noted that builders are actively constructing homes [96][100] Question: Prioritization of land acquisition over water rights - The CEO clarified that land acquisition is prioritized due to the need for additional land to utilize existing water rights effectively [140][141] Question: Status of the local school - The CEO provided an update on the K-12 school, highlighting plans for a high school to be built by 2026, which will serve the community well [150][152] Question: Opportunities for affordable housing - The CEO mentioned that while the company is not adjacent to federal land, there are opportunities to partner with the state of Colorado for affordable housing initiatives [158][161]