Core Insights - Eversource Energy is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for Eversource Energy to $73 from $78 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing constructive regulatory progress [2] - Eversource experienced strong gains in 2025, with shares rising over 18%, but faced a nearly 9% drop in November due to regulatory rejection of its water utility business sale [3] Regulatory Developments - Eversource's NStar Gas reached a rate settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General, which, if approved, would help the company avoid a formal rate case and resolve pending regulatory issues [2] - The company had agreed to sell its water utility, Aquarion, for $2.4 billion, but regulators rejected the sale due to concerns over managerial suitability and public interest, despite meeting financial and technological requirements [4] - The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is exploring a non-profit ownership model for water utilities, but has found it challenging to move away from the investor-owned structure [5] Financial Performance - Eversource's share price increased by more than 18% in 2025, but the momentum was hindered by a nearly 9% decline in November following regulatory decisions [3] - The proposed sale of Aquarion was initially seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and reduce debt, but regulatory hurdles have complicated these efforts [4]

Core Insights - California Water Service (Cal Water) has awarded over $186,000 to nine fire departments through its seventh annual Firefighter Grant Program to enhance their rescue and emergency services [1][2] Group 1: Grant Program Details - The grants will fund critical resources and equipment for fire departments, including laryngoscopes, ventilation fans, and gas detection equipment, aimed at improving fire protection and firefighter wellbeing [2] - The funding is part of Cal Water's philanthropic giving program and will not impact customer rates [3] Group 2: Recipients and Their Needs - Bakersfield Fire Department will receive funding for specialized equipment to enhance Urban Search and Rescue capabilities [5] - Chico Fire Department will acquire new gas detection equipment to improve firefighter safety [5] - City of Lomita will use the funds for local fire station improvements [5] - Los Angeles County Fire Department will support its K9 search and rescue dog program [5] - Salinas Fire Department will purchase video laryngoscopes for pre-hospital emergency care [5] - San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department will receive three 3,000-gallon SnapTanks for rapid deployment [5] - South San Francisco Fire Department will acquire a LION Smart Dummy Thermal Manikin for training exercises [5] - Stockton Fire Department will enhance safety with wildland personal protective equipment and training [5] - Visalia Fire Department will replace aging ventilation units with new battery-powered fans [5] Group 3: Company Overview - California Water Service provides reliable water utility services to over 2 million people through 499,600 service connections, focusing on enhancing community quality of life [4] - The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and has received accolades such as "America's Most Responsible Companies" [4]

Core Insights - California Water Service (Cal Water) has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for its acquisition of Palm Mutual Water Company, aiming to provide long-term safe and reliable water services to its customers [1][3] Company Overview - Cal Water is the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group, serving over 2.1 million people through approximately 499,400 service connections across California [4] - The company is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its customers and communities by investing in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [4] Acquisition Details - Palm Mutual currently serves 63 residential customers and is located two miles from Cal Water's Northeast Bakersfield Treatment Plant [2] - Cal Water plans to upgrade Palm Mutual's infrastructure to ensure consistent and high-quality water services [2] - Upon finalization of the acquisition, Palm Mutual customers will be integrated into Cal Water's Bakersfield District, which currently serves about 445,600 people through around 120,000 service connections [3] Future Expectations - The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [3]

Support for Private Well Users Made Possible Due to Grant Funding, Partnership with Department of Water Resources, Community Water Center, and Tulare CountySAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forty-four residences struggling with failing private wells in the disadvantaged community of West Goshen now have access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water, as California Water Service (Cal Water) completed connecting its water system to the homes. This consolidation was made possible by advocacy ...

Core Insights - Regency Capital Management Inc. sold its entire position in Northwest Natural Holding Company, liquidating 74,078 shares for an estimated value of $2.94 million as of October 20, 2025 [2][3][10] Company Overview - Northwest Natural Holding Company operates as a regulated utility focused on natural gas distribution and storage, along with water utility and renewable energy operations [5][6] - The company serves approximately 786,000 gas meters and provides water to about 80,000 people through roughly 33,000 water and wastewater connections in the Pacific Northwest and Texas [6][7] - Financial metrics include a revenue of $1.24 billion, net income of $103.25 million, and a dividend yield of 4.10% as of October 20, 2025 [4] Recent Performance - As of October 20, 2025, shares of NWN were priced at $46.66, reflecting a 15.2% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 5.43 percentage points [3][10] - Over the last three years, NWN shares generated a total return of only 18%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%, significantly lagging behind the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (54% total return, 15.5% CAGR) and the S&P 500 (84% total return, 22.6% CAGR) [11]

Core Points - California Water Service (Cal Water) has launched its seventh annual Firefighter Grant Program to support local fire departments with funding for life-saving equipment and training [1][2] - Since its inception in 2019, the program has provided over $1 million in grants to 27 fire departments, with individual grants ranging from $10,800 to $38,400 [2][3] - The program is part of Cal Water's commitment to community partnership and emergency response coordination, enhancing local fire departments' capabilities [3][4] Funding Details - The grants are aimed at offsetting costs for essential fire protection equipment, training, and education for both professional and volunteer fire departments [1][2] - Equipment funded includes ballistic helmets, portable radios, wildland firefighting gear, cardiac EKG monitors, and mental wellness coaching [2] - The application period for the current cycle is open until November 7, 2025, with notifications for recipients planned for late fall [3] Company Overview - California Water Service provides water utility services to over 2.1 million people through 499,400 service connections [6] - The company focuses on enhancing community quality of life through responsible investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [6] - Cal Water has received recognition as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek [6]

Core Insights - Essential Utilities (WTRG) has a strong track record of beating earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters with an average surprise of 15.13% [1][5] - The most recent earnings report showed a surprise of 28.75%, with actual earnings of $0.80 per share against an expectation of $1.03 [2] - The previous quarter also saw a positive surprise of 1.52%, with actual earnings of $0.67 per share compared to a consensus estimate of $0.66 [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - There has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Essential Utilities, indicated by a positive Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) of +6.90% [5][8] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [8] - Historically, stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of beating consensus estimates [6][8] Earnings ESP Metric - The Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7] - A negative Earnings ESP reduces predictive power but does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [9] - Companies often beat consensus EPS estimates for various reasons, and the Earnings ESP is a crucial metric to consider before earnings releases [10]

Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group (CWT) is expected to report a year-over-year decline in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with a consensus outlook indicating a significant drop in earnings per share (EPS) and revenues [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus EPS estimate for California Water Service Group is $0.46, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 34.3% [3]. - Revenues are anticipated to be $225.89 million, which is a decline of 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst expectations [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for California Water Service Group is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +29.50%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - A positive Earnings ESP is a strong indicator of a potential earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [10]. - California Water Service Group currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, California Water Service Group exceeded the expected EPS of $0.16 by delivering $0.22, resulting in a surprise of +37.50% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Industry Comparison - American Water Works (AWK), another player in the water supply industry, is expected to report earnings of $1.49 per share for the same quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.9% [19]. - American Water Works has a current Earnings ESP of +0.67% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a strong likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [20].

Core Viewpoint - American Water Works (AWK) is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with a consensus outlook indicating potential stock price movements based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.49 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.9% [3]. - Expected revenues are projected at $1.15 billion, which is an increase of 0.5% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.13% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The direction of estimate revisions may not always align with the aggregate change, suggesting variability in analyst sentiment [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that the Most Accurate Estimate for American Water Works is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.67% [11]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting a strong likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, American Water Works had an earnings surprise of +0.96%, reporting $1.05 per share against an expectation of $1.04 [12]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times [13]. Conclusion - American Water Works is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors influencing stock performance beyond earnings results [16].

Core Points - California Water Service (Cal Water) has organized field trips for over 400 students across California to educate them about the importance of water conservation and its role in the ecosystem [1][2] - The initiative, Aqua Adventures, is part of Cal Water's conservation education program "Tap Into Learning," which has been running for 11 years and offers various educational opportunities for students [2][4] - Cal Water also provides $250 Water Smart Grants for teachers to propose water-related classroom projects, promoting further engagement in water conservation education [4] Company Overview - California Water Service provides reliable water utility services to more than 2.1 million people through 499,400 service connections [5] - The company focuses on enhancing the quality of life for customers and communities by investing in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [5] - Cal Water has received recognition 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]