Water utilities like California Water Service have seen recent underperformance, making current valuations attractive for defensive income investors. Despite a softer Q4, California Water Service had a strong 2024 and delivered record earnings. The stock's P/E ratio is near a 20-year low, and its dividend yield is at its highest in nearly a decade, indicating potential for favorable returns.
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants James Lynch - Chief Financial Officer Martin Kropelnicki - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Milleman - Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs Conference Call Participants Jonathan Reeder - Wells Fargo Davis Sunderland - Baird Operator Hello, and thank you for standing by. I would like everyone to be welcome to the California Water Service Group Q4 2024 and Full Year Earnings Conference Call.
CWT's fourth-quarter earnings surpass estimates, while revenues increase year over year by 3.6%.
California Water Service Group (CWT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.15 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.52 per share a year ago.
Trump has falsely claimed that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires.
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT ) Q3 2024 Results Conference Call October 31, 2024 11:00 AM ET Company Participants James Lynch - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Martin Kropelnicki - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Milleman - Vice President of Rates and Regulatory Affairs Conference Call Participants Jonathan Reeder - Wells Fargo Operator Thank you for standing by. My name is Kathleen, and I will be your conference operator today.
CWT's third-quarter earnings lag estimates, while revenues increase year over year by 17.5%.
California Water Service Group (CWT) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.03 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.60 per share a year ago.
CWT benefits from acquisition and investments, while dependence on a single state for the majority of its earnings is a drawback.
California Water Service is a Dividend King with a 57-year streak, offering a forward yield of 2.04% and a solid payout ratio of ~38%. Recent rate case approval and lower expenses have boosted EPS and share price, making the stock undervalued at a forward P/E of 18X. The utility's competitive advantage lies in its regulated monopoly status, with consistent revenue growth from acquisitions and rate base increases.
Emerson Electric is positioning itself in favorable end markets. ITW is a well-run company that can afford to make sizeable dividend raises.
California Water Service offers steady dividend growth, and the company is moderately discounted. CWT is a company with average financial results compared to its competitors. The company faces additional costs due to PFAS regulations, estimating a need for significant capital investment to meet requirements.