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]

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]

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers throughout portions of its statewide service territory to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration expansion announced recently by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). While the company always encourages wise water use, Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by ...

Request supports continued infrastructure investments, expanded customer assistance, and a plan to return tax- related savings to customers CAMDEN, N.J., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey American Water today filed a request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for new rates to support over $1.4 billion in ongoing water and wastewater service system investments through December 2026. The request reinforces the company's commitment to implementing critical system upgrades and continuing ...

When was the last time that you turned on the faucet in your house and no water came out? What did you do when that happened, if you can remember a time of that occurring?Scott Kaufman, aka Treading Softly, learned about investing firsthand from over a decade of financial sector experience. He is the lead analyst for Dividend Kings providing actionable insight into high quality dividend growing and undervalued opportunities. His focus is to see a bountiful harvest of cash dividends and strong capital gains, ...