Core Viewpoint - The current market is considered expensive, with the Shiller CAPE ratio at 39.6, indicating a potential correction or bear market is likely approaching [1][2] Market Context - Historical data shows that corrections of 10% are common, with the S&P 500 experiencing an average annual correction of at least 10% since 1950, and a 20% correction occurring every three to five years on average [2] Defensive Investment Strategy - Defensive sectors such as healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities are expected to perform well during market corrections and bear markets [3] - Dividend stocks are highlighted as favorable investments during sideways and bear markets due to their income generation [3] Selected Stocks for Mini Portfolio - A mini portfolio of eight stocks, all classified as Dividend Kings (companies that have increased dividends for 50 consecutive years), is recommended for market drawdowns [4] - These stocks are positioned in defensive sectors and offer dividend yields above the S&P 500 index yield of 1.25% [4] Individual Stock Highlights - **Coca-Cola (KO)**: Dividend yield of 2.9%, increased dividends for 63 years, current price around $70.61, market cap $303 billion [5][6] - **Procter & Gamble (PG)**: Dividend yield of 2.86%, increased dividends for 69 years, current price around $147 [7] - **Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)**: Dividend yield of 2.7%, increased dividends for 62 years, current price around $186.57, market cap $450 billion [8][9] - **American States Water (AWR)**: Dividend yield of 2.54%, increased dividends for 71 years, current price around $74.84, market cap $3 billion [10][11] - **Northwest Natural Holding (NWN)**: Highest yield at 4.21%, increased dividends for 70 years, current price around $47 [12] - **Genuine Parts (GPC)**: Dividend yield of 3.3%, increased dividends for 69 years, current price around $127 [13] - **Marzetti Co. (MZTI)**: Dividend yield of 2.21%, increased dividends for 62 years, current price around $172 [13] - **Becton, Dickinson (BDX)**: Dividend yield of 2.35%, increased dividends for 53 years, current price around $178 [14] Total Investment Overview - The total cost to purchase one share of each of these eight stocks is approximately $1,000, creating a defensive income-generating portfolio [15]

November 7, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. ET Forward-Looking Statements Certain written statements included herein and/or oral statements made in connection with the presentation contained herein constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collec ...

Market Overview - Wall Street's major indexes have reached multiple all-time closing highs recently, but the market has experienced volatility due to economic uncertainties [1][5] - The tech sector, particularly driven by AI optimism, has seen fluctuations, with significant pullbacks in stock prices due to concerns over high valuations [2][6] Economic Concerns - Investors are worried about the health of the economy, particularly with a shrinking labor market and fewer jobs being added [7] - Layoffs surged in October, totaling 153,074, which is a 183% increase sequentially and a 175% increase year-over-year [8] - The ongoing government shutdown has limited access to fresh economic data, contributing to investor uncertainty [9] Defensive Investment Recommendations - In light of market volatility, it is advisable to consider defensive stocks, particularly from the utilities sector, which are characterized by low beta values and high dividend yields [3][4][12] - Five recommended low-beta utility stocks include: - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth of 6%, beta of 0.73, and a dividend yield of 2.02% [10][11] - **American States Water Company (AWR)**: Expected earnings growth of 4.1%, beta of 0.64, and a dividend yield of 2.72% [13][14] - **Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO)**: Expected earnings growth of 0.9%, beta of 0.51, and a dividend yield of 1.61% [15][16] - **Entergy Corporation (ETR)**: Expected earnings growth of 6.9%, beta of 0.63, and a dividend yield of 2.49% [17][18] - **Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)**: Expected earnings growth of 7.3%, beta of 0.45, and a dividend yield of 3.44% [18][19]

Core Insights - Mueller Water Products (MWA) reported revenue of $380.8 million for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.4% and a surprise of +5.18% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $362.05 million [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.38, compared to $0.22 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +11.76% against the consensus estimate of $0.34 [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales from Water Management Solutions reached $163.3 million, exceeding the average estimate of $157.5 million by two analysts, marking a year-over-year increase of +10.4% [4] - Net Sales from Water Flow Solutions amounted to $217.5 million, surpassing the average estimate of $204.5 million, with a year-over-year change of +8.6% [4] Operating Income - Adjusted operating loss for Corporate was reported at $-16 million, slightly worse than the estimated $-15 million by two analysts [4] - Adjusted operating income for Water Management Solutions was $39.8 million, exceeding the average estimate of $34 million [4] - Adjusted operating income for Water Flow Solutions was $55.1 million, compared to the average estimate of $53.5 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Mueller Water Products have returned +1.2% over the past month, in comparison to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - The Value Lab focuses on long-only value investment ideas, aiming for a portfolio yield of approximately 4% and has performed well over the last five years by engaging in international markets [1][2] - Pure Cycle Corporation (PCYO) holds water rights that are leased to developers and industrial operators, generating revenue from wholesale water sales to local authorities [2] Group 2 - The Valkyrie Trading Society consists of analysts who share high conviction investment ideas that are expected to yield non-correlated and outsized returns in the current economic environment [2]

Company Overview - Middlesex Water Company is a leading investor-owned water and wastewater utility in the United States, established in 1897 [2] - The company serves over half a million people in New Jersey and Delaware, focusing on employee engagement, operational excellence, and superior customer experience [2] - Middlesex emphasizes investment in infrastructure and sustainable growth to deliver value to customers, investors, and communities [2] Upcoming Event - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Rally Zerhouni will present at the Baird 2025 Global Industrial Conference in Chicago on November 12, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. CT [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Recorded earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 were $1.06, an increase of 11.6% compared to $0.95 in Q3 2024 [4][8] - Year-to-date EPS as of September 30 was $2.63, up $0.21 or 8.7% from $2.42 in the same period last year [5][12] - Consolidated revenue for Q3 increased by $21 million compared to Q3 2024 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water utility earnings were $0.86 per share, up from $0.84 per share last year, primarily due to new water rates effective January 1, 2025 [8] - Electric segment earnings increased to $0.04 per share from $0.02 per share, attributed to new electric rates [9] - Earnings from American States Utility Services (ASUS) rose to $0.19 per share from $0.11 per share, driven by higher construction activity [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water utility's rate base grew from $980.4 million in 2021 to $1,455.8 million in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% [19] - ASUS was awarded $28.7 million in new capital upgrade construction projects, expected to be completed through 2028 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $180-$210 million in infrastructure for the year, focusing on long-term benefits for customers [5] - The company is preparing for its next water rate case, expected to be filed by July 1, 2026, and is optimistic about future growth despite industry mergers [15][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory, citing strong performance in regulated utilities and ASUS [37] - The company noted potential volatility in revenues and earnings due to changes in water consumption and supply source mix [16] Other Important Information - The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8.3%, maintaining a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% over the last five years [24] - American States Water Company was recognized on TIME's America's Best Mid-Sized Companies 2025 list and Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies for 2025 [6][7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about ASUS contract timing and EPS impact - Management indicated that while there is a good backlog for capital upgrades, the transition period for new contracts may affect EPS in 2026 [31][32] Question: Clarification on new customer connections and rate base translation - Management explained that new customer connections depend on home purchases and developer agreements, making it challenging to predict rate base impacts [33][35] Question: Thoughts on M&A in the industry - Management acknowledged the recent merger in the industry but stated it would not impact the company's strategic direction, emphasizing confidence in growth plans [37][38]

Financial Performance - Consolidated diluted earnings per share increased by $0.11, or 11.6%, for Q3 2025, reaching $1.06 per share compared to $0.95 per share in Q3 2024[12, 13] - Year-to-date diluted earnings per share increased by $0.21, reaching $2.63 per share in 2025 compared to $2.42 per share in 2024[12, 20] - Total operating revenues increased to $182.7 million in Q3 2025 from $161.7 million in Q3 2024, a variance of $21.0 million[14] Segment Performance - Water segment earnings were $0.86 per share in Q3 2025, up from $0.84 per share in Q3 2024[13] - Electric segment earnings increased to $0.04 per share in Q3 2025 from $0.02 per share in Q3 2024[13] - Contracted Services (ASUS) earnings rose to $0.19 per share in Q3 2025 from $0.11 per share in Q3 2024[13, 35] Regulatory and Capital Investment - Regulated utilities are on pace to invest between $180 million and $210 million for the year[12, 21] - GSWC is authorized to invest $573.1 million in capital infrastructure over the three-year capital cycle (2025-2027)[25, 29] - BVES is authorized to invest $75.6 million in capital infrastructure over the four-year rate cycle[31] Other Key Points - ASUS was awarded $28.7 million in new capital upgrade construction projects through year-to-date September 2025, to be completed through 2028[12, 35] - The Board of Directors approved a fourth-quarter cash dividend of $0.5040 per share, reflecting an 8.5% compound annual growth rate over the last 5 years[38, 37]

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Core Insights - American States Water Company (AWR) reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.06, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 by 4.95%, and up from 95 cents in the same quarter last year [1][10] AWR's Total Revenues - Total operating revenues reached $182.72 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $178 million by 2.65%, and reflecting a 12.9% increase from $161.78 million in the prior-year period [2][10] Highlights of AWR's Q3 Release - Operating expenses totaled $121 million, a 13.4% increase from $106.7 million in the year-ago quarter, driven by higher costs in water purchases, power purchases for resale, administrative expenses, maintenance, and ASUS construction [3] - Operating income was $61.7 million, up 11.9% from $55.1 million in the corresponding period of 2024 [3][10] Interest Expenses and Income - Interest expenses amounted to $11.7 million, down 13.4% year over year due to decreased average borrowing levels and interest rates, despite a decline in interest income from regulatory assets [4] - Interest income totaled $1.1 million compared to $1.7 million in the year-ago quarter [4] Regulatory Approvals and Growth - AWR's regulated water utility received CPUC approval to provide water services to a new planned community, expected to serve up to 3,800 customer connections over the next five years, with potential for 17,500 total dwelling units at full buildout over 20+ years [5] Segmental Details - Earnings from the Water segment were 86 cents per share, up 2.38% from 84 cents a year ago, attributed to new CPUC-authorized rate increases effective January 1, 2025 [6] - EPS from the Electric segment was 4 cents, an increase of 2 cents from the previous year, driven by higher revenues from new rates implemented in 2025 [7] - EPS from the Contracted Services segment was 19 cents, up 8 cents from the year-ago quarter [7] Financial Update - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.1 million, down from $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024 [11] - Long-term debt amounted to $790.3 million compared to $640.4 million as of December 31, 2024 [11] - Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 totaled $202.1 million, up from $134.2 million in the year-ago period [11] Guidance - AWR's regulated utilities are authorized to spend nearly $650 million in capital investments, targeting to invest $180 to $210 million in 2025 [12] - The contracted services business is expected to contribute 59 cents to 63 cents per share for the whole year [12] Zacks Rank - American States Water currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [13]