Core Viewpoint - Essential Utilities Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, reflecting its long-standing commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend payments [1] Group 1: Dividend Information - The quarterly cash dividend is payable on March 2, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 9, 2026 [1] - Essential Utilities has a history of paying consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased its dividend 35 times in the last 34 years [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Essential Utilities, Inc. focuses on delivering safe, clean, and reliable services, primarily in water, wastewater, and natural gas sectors [2] - The company is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and providing a superior customer experience [2] - Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states under the Aqua and Peoples brands, making it one of the significant publicly traded providers in the U.S. [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ecofin Global Water ESG Fund (EBLU) provides global exposure to companies in the water value chain, focusing on ESG considerations to capture long-term investment needs related to water supply, quality, and efficiency [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The fund employs a rules-based strategy that includes utilities, infrastructure owners, equipment manufacturers, and service providers [1] - It aims to create structural growth opportunities that are less affected by traditional sector cycles [1] - Portfolio performance is characterized by a mix of defensive, dividend-oriented utilities and cyclically sensitive industrials, balancing yield and growth [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The fund benefits from infrastructure spending, regulatory support, and modernization cycles [1] - It may underperform during periods of sharp style rotations away from quality and defensive characteristics or during interest rate spikes affecting capital-intensive utilities [1] Group 3: Risks - A significant risk for the fund is its concentration in a narrow industry ecosystem, which can heighten idiosyncratic and regulatory risks [1] - Index methodology constraints may also amplify these risks [1]

Group 1 - The First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI US) targets 50 dividend-paying companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue from upstream energy, materials, agriculture, water, or timber activities [1] - Eligible securities must have positive trailing-12-month EPS, have paid dividends for the past three years, and must not have reduced dividends in the last two years [1] - The index selects the 50 highest dividend-yielding companies, with a limit of 30% for any of the five resource categories [1] Group 2 - Constituents are weighted by free-float market capitalization, with a 9.9% cap per issuer and a 40% cap on the aggregate of stocks above 4.5% [1] - Excess weight is redistributed pro rata among the remaining constituents [1] - The index undergoes reconstitution and rebalancing semi-annually, typically in March and September [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit due to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which negatively impacted financial results [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from June 17, 2024, to November 6, 2025 [3]. - Allegations include that the merger integration was poorly tracked due to technology and service issues, contradicting claims of a "flawless" execution [3]. - Major supply disruptions were reported, which are expected to negatively affect customers and the financial results of Primo Brands [3]. Group 2: Shareholder Actions - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by January 12, 2026, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiff [4]. - Registration allows shareholders to receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case [4]. - Participation in the case incurs no cost or obligation for shareholders [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors from deceit and fraud [5]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors affected by misleading statements [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm has issued a notice to shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit due to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which has led to significant supply disruptions and negative financial impacts [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from June 17, 2024, to November 6, 2025 [1]. - Allegations include that the defendants concealed issues related to the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, which contradicts their claims of a "flawless" execution [1]. - Major supply disruptions have been reported, negatively affecting customers and the financial results of Primo Brands [1]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by January 12, 2026, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiffs [2]. - Once registered, shareholders will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [2]. - Participation in the case incurs no cost or obligation for shareholders [2]. Group 3: About the Gross Law Firm - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and illegal business practices [3]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who have suffered losses due to misleading statements [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit related to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which has negatively impacted the company's financial results [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Shareholders who purchased shares of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) between June 17, 2024, and November 6, 2025, are encouraged to contact the Gross Law Firm for potential lead plaintiff appointment [1][3]. - The allegations include that the defendants concealed issues with the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, and that there were significant supply disruptions affecting customer satisfaction and financial performance [3]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - The deadline for shareholders to register for the class action and seek lead plaintiff status is January 12, 2026 [4]. - Registered shareholders will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring system to receive updates on the case's progress [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm dedicated to protecting investors' rights against deceit and illegal business practices [5]. - The firm aims to ensure companies engage in responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who suffered losses due to misleading statements or omissions [5].

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. has been recognized on Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies 2026 list, highlighting its commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence in providing essential resources [1]. Company Overview - Essential Utilities Inc. is one of the largest publicly traded providers of water, wastewater, and natural gas in the United States [1]. - The company emphasizes its dedication to protecting and providing Earth's essential resources [1].

Core Viewpoint - Pennon Group PLC has shown a financial turnaround in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, despite mixed earnings results and a reduction in interim dividends [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share for Pennon were reported at $0.3677, slightly exceeding estimates of $0.3671 [2][6]. - Revenue was approximately $870.5 million, falling short of the expected $881.1 million [2][6]. - Statutory pre-tax earnings improved to £65.9 million from a loss of £38.8 million in the previous year, indicating a strong financial recovery [3][6]. - Underlying EBITDA surged by 56% to £254.4 million, driven by increased water revenues and better cost management [3]. Dividend and Capital Expenditure - The company announced a nearly 25% reduction in its interim dividend to 9.26p per share, attributed to timing mechanics following a rights issue conducted last year [4]. - Capital expenditure remained high at £304.8 million as the company continued its ambitious K8 investment programme [4]. Financial Ratios - The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 3.14, indicating a significant reliance on debt financing [5]. - The current ratio is 1.51, suggesting a reasonable level of liquidity to cover short-term liabilities [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit related to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Shareholders who purchased shares of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) between June 17, 2024, and November 6, 2025, are encouraged to contact the firm for potential lead plaintiff appointment [1][3]. - The allegations include that the defendants concealed issues with the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, and that there were significant supply disruptions affecting financial results [3]. Group 2: Important Dates and Next Steps - The deadline for shareholders to seek lead plaintiff status is January 12, 2026 [4]. - Shareholders who register will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and fraud [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 6% organic growth [5][12] - Operating EBITDA was $840 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 27.3% [6][12] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.09, flat compared to the previous year, with a higher tax rate impacting results [15][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrials Co. net sales were $1.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 4% [15][16] - Electronics Co. net sales increased to $1.3 billion, an 11% rise year-over-year, driven by 10% organic growth [17] - Healthcare and water technologies saw high single-digit organic growth, while diversified industrials experienced low single-digit growth [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Asia-Pacific regions reported organic growth of 7%, while Europe saw a 6% increase year-over-year [14] - The construction market remains weak, with expectations of a 4% decline in the shelter business for the year [82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving above-market organic growth and maintaining a balanced capital allocation model [8][11] - A new quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, alongside a $2 billion share repurchase authorization [7][20] - The company aims for 3%-4% organic growth from 2026 to 2028, with a focus on healthcare and water technologies [11][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving medium-term targets, despite current market challenges [92] - The healthcare and water segments are expected to grow at around 5% organically, while the diversified industrials segment is projected to remain flat [32][92] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, particularly in the healthcare sector [42][57] Other Important Information - The successful completion of the CUNY separation was highlighted, with $4.2 billion received to reduce debt [18] - The company is implementing enhanced KPIs to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement [9][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about end market trends and timing benefits - Management explained that the timing benefit was customer-driven, with orders accelerated into Q3 due to a planned blackout period [28][30] Question: Thoughts on exit rates and market conditions for 2026 - Management expects healthcare and water to align with medium-term targets, while the construction market is anticipated to stabilize [31][32] Question: Balance sheet plans and potential M&A activity - The company aims to maintain a pro forma debt below 2x EBITDA and is open to both share buybacks and M&A opportunities [39][42] Question: Discussion on operational excellence initiatives - A new Chief Operations Officer has been hired to enhance operational efficiency and implement a continuous improvement culture [44][46] Question: Strategic rationale for the RO acquisition in China - The acquisition was primarily for capacity expansion to meet local demand, without adding new technology [97] Question: Performance in the healthcare business and medical device space - The healthcare segment is expected to grow mid to high single digits, with strong performance in medical packaging and biopharma [79][80]