Company Overview - California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history [1][4] - The company serves over 2.1 million people across California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, making it the largest regulated public water utility west of the Mississippi River and the third largest in the United States [2][4] Historical Significance - Founded in 1926 by three World War I veterans, the company has demonstrated resilience and commitment to providing safe and reliable water supply throughout its history [2][4] - The centennial celebration reflects the company's legacy and its commitment to future success [1][3] Corporate Values and Commitment - The company's purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders through responsible investments in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [5] - California Water Service Group has been recognized as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrity and community well-being [5]

4.8% increase in annual dividend58 consecutive years of annual dividend increasesMore than 80 consecutive years of dividend payments SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of H2O America (NASDAQ: HTO) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.44 per share payable on March 2, 2026, to all shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 9, 2026. The March dividend will represent a 4.8% increase over the dividend paid in December 2025. The 2026 annualized dividend ...

Group 1 - California Water Service Group (CWT) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Mid-Cap Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, indicating strong investment potential in the dividend space [1] - CWT has agreed to acquire the remaining ownership interests in BVRT Utility Holding Company LLC, which would make it the sole owner of BVRT's seven water and wastewater utility subsidiaries serving the Austin–San Antonio corridor [2][3] - The acquisition is part of CWT's strategy to enhance its investment and operations in Texas, with plans to file a change-of-control application with the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) [3][4] Group 2 - CWT operates as a holding company providing water utility and related services across multiple states, including California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas [4]

Core Insights - The Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) provides targeted exposure to companies involved in water technology and infrastructure, focusing on growth opportunities in water conservation and purification [1] - Shepherd Wealth Management has initiated a significant position in PHO, purchasing 198,306 shares valued at approximately $39.47 million, which now represents 27.45% of their total assets under management (AUM) [4][5] Fund Performance - PHO has an annualized dividend yield of 0.51% and has seen an 8.2% increase in share price over the past year, although it underperformed the S&P 500 by 6 percentage points [2] - Over the last two decades, PHO has delivered annualized total returns of 8.7%, compared to the S&P 500's 10.8%, indicating a stable performance within a mature industry [7] Investment Strategy - The fund's non-diversified structure and expense ratio of 0.59% are designed for investors seeking focused exposure to water-related themes [2][7] - While the large investment by Shepherd Wealth Management may appear risky, the stability of PHO's holdings in the essential water sector is viewed positively [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey American Water is proactively preparing for an upcoming snowstorm and has shared safety tips for customers to ensure reliable water service during extreme weather conditions [1][2]. Preparation Efforts - The company has initiated readiness measures including testing and fueling generators, securing additional water treatment chemicals, and updating staffing plans to manage potential service disruptions [2]. - Operations personnel are prepared to handle increased flows at wastewater treatment plants due to the storm [2]. Customer Safety Tips - Customers are advised to prepare for extreme weather by updating emergency contact information, locating their main water shut-off valve, and protecting exposed pipes [8]. - Recommendations include allowing a small trickle of water to run overnight to prevent pipes from freezing and applying heat to frozen pipes safely [8]. Post-Storm Actions - After the storm, customers should check for cracks and leaks in thawed pipes and clear snow from fire hydrants to ensure emergency access [6][8]. - The company emphasizes the importance of staying informed about service impacts through their alerts page and Customer Advisory Map [7]. Company Overview - New Jersey American Water is the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, serving approximately 2.9 million people with safe and reliable water and wastewater services [10].

Core Perspective - Demand for water, wastewater, and gas services remains constant due to essential needs, supported by regulatory frameworks that allow companies to earn stable revenues [1] Company Insights - The company operates in a regulated environment that ensures consistent demand for its services, which is crucial for financial stability and growth [1] Industry Analysis - The water and gas sectors are characterized by steady demand, making them resilient against economic fluctuations, thus presenting a stable investment opportunity [1]

Core Insights - Iowa American Water emphasizes the importance of preparing home plumbing and water meters for subzero temperatures to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs [1][2] Group 1: 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 [5] - Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Iowa, providing services to approximately 227,000 people [7] Group 2: Winter Preparation Tips - Customers are advised to locate and test their main water shut-off valve to ensure it functions properly in case of emergencies [4] - It is recommended to eliminate sources of cold air near water lines and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing [4] - Keeping water moving through the pipes by allowing a small trickle can help avoid freezing [4] - If pipes freeze, customers should shut off the water immediately and thaw the pipes by warming the air around them [4]

Core Insights - Investors often focus on the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for stock valuation, but this metric has limitations [1] - The EV-to-EBITDA ratio is considered a more comprehensive valuation metric, providing a clearer picture of a company's true value and earnings potential [2][4] Valuation Metrics - EV-to-EBITDA is calculated by dividing a company's enterprise value (EV) by its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), offering a complete view of a company's valuation [4] - A lower EV-to-EBITDA ratio typically indicates a stock may be undervalued, making it attractive for acquisition targets [5] - Unlike P/E, EV-to-EBITDA can be applied to companies with negative net earnings but positive EBITDA, making it useful for evaluating highly leveraged firms [6] Limitations of EV-to-EBITDA - EV-to-EBITDA has its own limitations and should not be used in isolation; it varies across industries and is not suitable for comparing companies in different sectors [7] Screening Criteria for Bargain Stocks - Parameters for screening include: - EV-to-EBITDA ratio lower than the industry median [8] - P/E ratio lower than the industry median [8] - P/B ratio lower than the industry median [9] - P/S ratio lower than the industry median [9] - Estimated one-year EPS growth greater than or equal to the industry median [9] - Average 20-day volume greater than or equal to 50,000 [10] - Current price greater than or equal to $5 [10] - Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [10] - Value Score of A or B [11] Selected Stocks - Industrial Logistics Properties Trust (ILPT) has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 20% for 2026 [11][12] - Plains GP Holdings (PAGP) also has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 27% for 2026 [12][13] - ASGN Incorporated (ASGN) holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A, with an expected earnings growth rate of 10.1% for 2026 [13][14] - California Water Service Group (CWT) has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 8.3% for 2026 [14][15] - Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR) has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 12.4% for the current fiscal year [15][16]

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]