American States Water (NYSE:AWR) Stock

American States Water

American States Water Co is water and utilities holding company based in California. The segments of the firm include water, electric and contracted services. Within these segments, American States Water conducts water and electric operations through Golden State Water Company and Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc while contracted services through American States Utility Services and its subsidiaries. Golden State Water conducts its operations across various counties in California and is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. American States Utility Services has contracted with the U.S. government to provide water services to various military installations. The majority of the company's revenue is derived from water services from commercial and residential customers.

American States Water Company Common Stock

American States Water Co

Aware Inc

A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund

ALL WORLD RES CORP by All World Resources Corp.

All World Resources Corp

ALLEGHENY&WEST RY CAP6GTD by Allegheny & Western Railway Co.

Allegheny & Western Railway

Robert J Sprowls, President &amp; CEO at American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>), disclosed an insider purchase on March 18, based on a new SEC filing.
What Happened: Sprowls made a significant move by purchasing 17,029 shares of American States Water as reported in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001056903/000156761925000223//Archives/edgar/data/1056903/000156761925000223/0001567619-25-000223-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The transaction's total worth stands at $1,328,449.
The latest market snapshot at Tuesday morning reveals American States Water shares down by 0.87%, trading at $77.32.
<h3>Get to Know American States Water Better</h3>
American States Water Co is water and utilities holding company based in California. The segments of the firm include water, electric and contracted services. Within these segments, American States Water conducts water and electric operations through Golden State Water Company and Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc while contracted services through American States Utility Services and its subsidiaries. Golden State Water conducts its operations across various counties in California and is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. American States Utility Services has contracted with the U.S. government to provide water services to various military installations. The majority of the company's revenue is derived from water services from commercial and residential customers.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: American States Water's Finances</h3>
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, American States Water showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 14.31% as of 31 December, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Utilities sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Insights into Profitability:
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Gross Margin: The company excels with a remarkable gross margin of 73.85%, indicating superior cost efficiency and profitability compared to its industry peers.
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Earnings per Share (EPS): American States Water's EPS outshines the industry average, indicating a strong bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 0.75.
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Debt Management: American States Water's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 1.02. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
Insights into Valuation Metrics:
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Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/E ratio of 24.61, American States Water's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market.
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Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/S ratio of 4.92, American States Water's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market, particularly in relation to sales performance.
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EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an impressive EV/EBITDA ratio of 15.93, American States Water demonstrates exemplary market valuation, surpassing industry averages.
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Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
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<h3>Understanding the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
In legal terms, an "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This can include executives in the c-suite and large hedge funds. These insiders are required to let the public know of their transactions via a Form 4 filing, which must be filed within two business days of the transaction.
When a company insider makes a new purchase, that is an indication that they expect the stock to rise.
Insider sells, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean that the seller thinks the stock will go down. 
<h3>Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
When it comes to transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0001056903">Check Out The Full List Of American States Water's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

News

Insider Trades

Trading Ideas

Robert J Sprowls Takes a Bullish Stance: Acquires $1.33M In American States Water Stock

American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.69 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.65 by 6.15 percent. This is a 25.45 percent increase over earnings of $0.55 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $143.10 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $126.00 million by 13.57 percent. This is a 14.31 percent increase over sales of $125.18 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

American States Water Q4 2024 Adj EPS $0.69 Beats $0.65 Estimate, Sales $143.10M Beat $126.00M Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 19, 2025

BofA Securities analyst Ross Fowler downgraded the shares of American States Water Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) from Neutral to Underperform and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AWR/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowered the price forecast from&nbsp;$85&nbsp;to&nbsp;$71.</a>
The analyst has lowered the rating due to AWR&#8217;s relatively high premium compared to the water utility sector and the view that utilities with elevated premiums continue to witness compression versus value.
While the analyst does not see any fundamental decline in earnings quality or growth and still regard AWR as one of the best-managed water utilities, its 32% premium over the coverage and 11% premium over the water sub-group make it less attractive in light of potential multiple compression.
The premium reflects AWR&#8217;s quality factor, balanced by the analyst&#8217;s tempered view for high premium expansion and anticipation for multiple compression in a higher interest rate environment.
AWR has already benefited from recent regulatory approvals, which are reflected in the analyst&#8217;s forecast, and see few catalysts that would push the EPS projections higher over the next 12 months.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43443587"> Stocks Trim Losses On Mexico Tariff Delay, Gold Extends Records, Tesla Sinks 6%: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Monday?</a>
The company, along with other California investor-owned water utilities, was granted permission to postpone its cost of capital filing until 2026, preserving the current 10% authorized ROE for that year.
The analyst&#8217;s model had already factored in a status quo ROE for 2026, but the added certainty is a positive outcome. Additionally, AWR received final approval for its California general rate case settlement.
The analyst expects the company to maintain strong growth, executing consistently. The analyst&#8217;s EPS estimates for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are $3.33, $3.55, and $3.85, respectively (consensus: $3.32, $3.52, $3.81).
While the analyst typically considers high-premium water multiples to be unsustainable compared to electric and gas utilities due to improving growth rates in those sectors and the broader expectation of sustained higher interest rates, ESG trends may still provide support for water utilities.
As traditional ESG favorites like NextEra Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>) shift strategies toward more gas-focused investments, water utilities remain, alongside wires-only companies, among the few ESG-friendly options for global ESG funds with U.S. exposure.
If ESG investments move away from NEE and other renewable-focused stocks, water utilities, including AWR, could see a boost from this shift in flows, concluded the analyst.
Price Action: AWR shares are trading lower by 2.77% at $72.44 at the last check Monday.
Photo by Ground Picture on Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

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General

American States Water Faces High Valuation Risks, BofA Downgrades Stock

B of A Securities analyst Ross Fowler downgrades American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) from Neutral to Underperform and lowers the price target from $85 to $71.

B of A Securities Downgrades American States Water to Underperform, Lowers Price Target to $71

American States Water Announced CPUC's Final Decision On BVES's Rate Case, Setting New Electric Rates For 2023-2026, Effective March 2025; Retroactive Rate Recovery And Wildfire Costs Included; Financial Terms Not Disclosed

Wells Fargo analyst Jonathan Reeder downgrades American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) from Equal-Weight to Underweight and announces the price target from $84 to $77.

Wells Fargo Downgrades American States Water to Underweight, Announces Price Target to $77

The proposed decision is scheduled to be voted on by the CPUC on January 16, 2025. When a final decision is issued by the CPUC, the new rates will be effective and retroactive to January 1, 2023.&nbsp;
As a result, the impact from retroactive rates for the full year of 2023 and from the second-year rate increases through the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are expected at this time to be reflected in the 2024 fourth quarter results.

American States Water Reveals Proposed Decision Adopting Settlement Agreement In Its Electric Utility General Rate Case

BofA Securities analyst Ross Fowler initiated coverage on California Water Service Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWT#NYSE">CWT</a>) with a Buy rating and price forecast of $57, which<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CWT/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener"> implies an upside potential of 17%.</a>
Per Fowler, the company is currently trading at the lowest valuation compared to other U.S. water utilities, even though its earnings outlook is improving and it has significant capital investment plans for 2025-2028. California Water also has extra financial capacity to increase capital spending if needed.
The analyst prefers a value-focused strategy within the water utility sector, believing that the premium prices for these stocks will eventually align with those of electric and gas utilities.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42444498/bank-of-america-raises-bullish-outlook-on-us-brokers-exchanges-alternative-investments-3-top-picks-for-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank Of America Raises Bullish Outlook On US Brokers, Exchanges, Alternative Investments: 3 Top Picks For 2025</a>
The analyst writes, California Water stands out as the most affordable U.S. water utility, trading at an 8% discount to the water utility sector and 19% below its closest competitor, American States Water Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>).
The analyst notes that the improved earnings outlook and potential capital spending growth could drive the stock&#8217;s performance.
Fowler forecasts California Water&#8217;s EPS for 2025, 2026, and 2027 to be $2.34, $2.63, and $2.85, respectively, with slight deviations from consensus (-1.4%, +5.6%, -1.4%).
California Water&#8217;s 2024 rate case filing in California reveals significant deferred investments, with capital spending plans for 2025-2027 nearly double those from 2022-2024.
While there is a higher risk of disallowances, the analyst conservatively assumes 80% recovery (compared to 90%+ in other California cases), which still leads to an estimated 8%-10% EPS growth and over 10% growth in the rate base through 2027.
Per Fowler, cash flow is expected to improve due to the 2021 GRC, and the company will likely need $50 million to $100 million annually in equity to maintain about 55% equity capitalization, which is above the current authorized level.
Price Action: CWT shares are trading higher by 0.14% to $48.71 at last check Wednesday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

Initiation

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This Water Utility Stock Trades At A Discount: Analyst

B of A Securities analyst Ross Fowler initiates coverage on American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $85.

B of A Securities Initiates Coverage On American States Water with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $85

American States Water Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) announced that on November 15, 2024, its regulated water utility subsidiary, Golden State Water Company ("GSWC"), received a proposed decision from the assigned administrative law judge at the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC") in connection with the pending general rate case proceeding that will determine new water rates for the years 2025 – 2027. A final decision by the CPUC is expected as soon as the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. When a final decision is issued by the CPUC, the new rates for 2025 will be effective January 1, 2025.
On July 12, 2024, GSWC and the Public Advocates Office ("Cal Advocates") at the CPUC filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between GSWC and Cal Advocates in the general rate case proceeding. The proposed decision approves and adopts the settlement agreement in its entirety. Among other things, the settlement agreement authorizes GSWC to invest approximately $573.1 million in capital infrastructure over the three-year cycle in order to continue to provide safe and reliable water utility service to its customers, which includes $17.7 million of advice letter capital investments to be filed for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. In addition, the settlement agreement approves $58.2 million of advice letter capital investments already under construction beginning in 2023 also to be filed for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. The settlement agreement also allows for additional increases in adopted revenues for 2026 and 2027 subject to an earnings test and changes to the forecasted inflationary index values. Actual increases for 2026 and 2027 will be determined at the time the filings to implement the new rate increases are approved by the CPUC, and will be calculated using inflationary index values at that time.
Furthermore, the proposed decision addressed the two remaining unresolved 2025 revenue requirement issues related to GSWC's sales forecast and supply mix. The proposed decision adopts GSWC's recommended sales forecast and adopts a supply mix that splits the difference between GSWC's and Cal Advocates' forecasts. The proposed decision also addressed the unresolved issues related to GSWC's requests for certain regulatory mechanisms. With regards to these requests, the proposed decision (i) rejects GSWC's request for continuation of a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism and a full cost balancing account for water supply, and instead orders GSWC to transition to a modified rate adjustment mechanism (a Monterey-style WRAM or "M-WRAM") and an incremental cost balancing account for supply costs, (ii) rejects GSWC's sales reconciliation and supply mix adjustment mechanisms, and (iii) rejects GSWC's request to modify the existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS") memorandum account to track carrying costs on capital investments needed to comply with the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency, and instead orders GSWC to file for recovery of PFAS-related capital projects through a separate application or future general rate case. The proposed decision adopts GSWC's M-WRAM rate design proposal, authorizing GSWC to increase the revenue requirement in its service charges to between 45-48% depending on the ratemaking area representing approximately 65% of GSWC's fixed costs in aggregate. GSWC will file comments on the proposed decision by December 5, 2024. The proposed decision is scheduled to be voted on by the CPUC on December 19, 2024.

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American States Water Company Announces Proposed Decision Adopting Settlement Agreement In Its Water Utility General Rate Case; Settlement Agreement Authorizes GSWC To Invest ~$573.1M In Capital Infrastructure Over The 3-Year Cycle In Order To Continue To Provide Safe And Reliable Water Utility Service To Its Customers

Earnings Misses

American States Water Q3 2024 GAAP EPS $0.95 Misses $0.97 Estimate, Sales $161.782M Beat $161.000M Estimate

Primo Water (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/prmw#NYSE">PRMW</a>) announced that its board of directors has approved a special dividend of 82 cents, which reflects an increase of 811% from its quarterly dividend rate of 9 cents. It will be payable on Nov. 21, 2024, to stockholders of record as of Nov. 5, 2024.
<h2>Rationale Behind PRMW&#39;s Special Dividend</h2>
The special dividend came after Primo Water announced the receipt of regulatory approval under the Investment Canada Act in connection with the previously announced all-stock combination of Primo Water and BlueTriton, Inc. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of 2024.
According to Primo Water, the combination of Primo Water and BlueTriton and their extensive brand and product portfolios should better position the companies to meet their customers&#39; demands and provide quality customer service.
<h2>Can PRMW Continue to Increase Shareholders&#39; Value?</h2>
The company continues to benefit from organic customer growth and strategic investment plans. The increasing water demand should also boost the company&#39;s performance. The second-quarter 2024 revenues increased 7.6% year over year. Organic growth contributed 6.6% to the top line.
Primo Water is still performing well on the basis of its precise and targeted plan. Consequently, the company is achieving balanced and broad-based rapid top-line growth. Strong profit growth can be attributed to its productivity and growth initiatives, which also enable margin improvement.
Since the beginning of this year, the company has embraced a new strategy that includes a focus on customer-centric initiatives, must-win priorities, and a commercial and growth mindset leveraging its portfolio of hydration solutions.
PRMW is continuously investing in improving its infrastructure. Between 2021 and 2023, the company invested nearly $437.6 million, and it aims to invest $154.1 million in 2024.
Primo Water has the potential to expand and improve even further, which suggests that management will have sufficient funds to continue with its shareholder-friendly initiatives in the future.
<h2>Utilities&#39; Legacy of Dividend Payment</h2>
Utility service companies often have steady operations and earnings. Due to their capacity to create cash flows, manage returns and perform consistently, utilities can pay dividends to shareholders on a regular basis.
In the past few months, IDACORP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ida#NYSE">IDA</a>), New Jersey Resources (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/njr#NYSE">NJR</a>) and American States Water (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/awr#NYSE">AWR</a>) have raised their quarterly dividend rate by 3.6%, 7.1% and 8.3%, respectively.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IDACORP&#39;s 2024 earnings is pegged at $5.39 per share, implying a year-over-year increase of 4.9%. IDA&#39;s current dividend yield is 3.2%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for New Jersey Resources&#39; fiscal 2024 earnings is pegged at $2.95 per share, implying a year-over-year increase of 10.1%. NJR&#39;s current dividend yield is 3.86%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for American States Water&#39;s 2024 earnings is pegged at $3.03 per share, implying a year-over-year increase of 6.3%. AWR&#39;s current dividend yield is 2.17%.
<h2>PRMW&#39;s Stock Price Performance</h2>
In the past three months, PRMW&#39;s shares have risen 28.6% compared with the industry&#39;s growth of 1.2%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/4e/81388.jpg?v=1905358745" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>PRMW&#39;s Zacks Rank</h2>
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2351617/primo-water-declares-special-dividend-in-connection-with-merger-deal?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_corporate_actions-2351617">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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PRMW

Primo Water Declares Special Dividend in Connection With Merger Deal

American States Water Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/awr#NYSE">AWR</a>) reported second-quarter 2024 operating earnings per share of 85 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents by 1.2%.
<h3>Total Revenues</h3>
Operating revenues came in at $155.3 million, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $138 million by 12.6%. However, the top line declined 1.3% from $157.4 million reported in the prior-year period.
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<h3>American States Water Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise</h3>
<h3><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/AWR/price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart?icid=chart-AWR-price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart"><img alt="American States Water Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/37/1723018375.png" style="height:282px; width:616px" title="" /></a></h3>
American States Water Company price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | American States Water Company Quote
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<h3>Highlights of the Release</h3>
Operating expenses in the quarter totaled $103.6 million, up 5.2% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s level of $98.5 million. This was due to higher water purchased for pumping expenses, administrative and general costs, and other operation costs.
Operating income totaled $51.7 million, down 12.2% from $58.9 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.
Interest expenses amounted to $13.1 million, up 22.5% year over year. Interest income totaled $2.1 million, up 16.1% year over year.
<h3>Segmental Details</h3>
Earnings from the Water segment came in at 67 cents per share, down 26.4% from 91 cents a year ago.
EPS from the Electric segment was 1 cent, down 2 cents from the year-ago quarter&#39;s level.
EPS from the Contracted Services segment was 19 cents, up 58.3% year over year.
The loss from AWR (Parent) was 2 cents per share, in line with the year-ago quarter&#39;s loss.
<h3>Financial Update</h3>
As of Jun 30, AWR&#39;s cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.6 million compared with $14.1 million as of Dec 31, 2023.
As of Jun 30, the company&#39;s long-term debt was $640 million compared with $575.6 million as of Dec 31, 2023.
In the first six months of 2024, cash provided by operating activities totaled $70.5 million compared with $17.8 million in the year-ago period.
<h3>Zacks Rank</h3>
American States Water currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
<h3>Recent Releases</h3>
American Water Works Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/awk#NYSE">AWK</a>) posted second-quarter 2024 operating EPS of $1.42, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 3.4%.
AWK&#39;s long-term (three-to-five years) earnings growth rate is 8%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 1.1% in the past four quarters.
California Water Service Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cwt#NYSE">CWT</a>) recorded second-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of 70 cents per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 39 cents by 79.5%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 EPS reflects year-over-year growth of 257.1%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 125.4% in the past four quarters.
Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wtrg#NYSE">WTRG</a>) delivered second-quarter 2024 operating EPS of 28 cents, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 30 cents by 6.7%.
WTRG&#39;s long-term earnings growth rate is 5.75%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 EPS reflects year-over-year growth of 5.9%.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2318349/american-states-water-awr-q2-earnings-sales-top-estimates?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_article-2318349">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

WTRG

American States Water Q2 Earnings & Sales Top Estimates

American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.85 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.87 by 2.3 percent. This is a 1.16 percent decrease over earnings of $0.86 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $155.328 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $138.000 million by 12.56 percent. This is a 1.32 percent decrease over sales of $157.400 million the same period last year.

American States Water Q2 2024 Adj. EPS $0.85 Misses $0.87 Estimate, Sales $155.328M Beat $138.000M Estimate

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<li>Quarterly dividend rate has grown at a CAGR of 8.8% over the last five years</li>
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On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors of American States Water Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) approved an increase in the company's third quarter cash dividend to $0.4655 per share from $0.4300 per share on the common shares of the company. The annualized dividend rate after this increase is $1.862 per share, which represents an 8.3% increase from the current annualized dividend rate of $1.72 per share.

American States Water Company Increases Quarterly Dividend From $0.43 To $0.4655 Per Share

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/586cf168351b9b0001a30551/nicole-deblase">Deutsche Bank analyst Nicole Deblase</a> upgraded the rating for 3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>) from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $110 to $150. 3M shares gained 1.3% to settle at $126.75 on Tuesday. See how other analysts view this stock. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MMM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/58b06180b85e93000174c105/jonathan-reeder">Wells Fargo analyst Jonathan Reeder</a> upgraded American States Water Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight, while increasing the price target from $80 to $87. American States Water shares gained 1.5% to close at $82.56 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AWR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/642c54787dfba500019cd00f/patrick-cunningham">Citigroup analyst Patrick Cunningham</a> upgraded the rating for Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from Neutral to Buy, but lowered the price target from $267 to $265. Ecolab shares dipped 7.7% to settle at $228.86 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/lorraine-hutchinson">B of A Securities analyst Lorraine Hutchinson</a> upgraded The Gap, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPS#NYSE">GPS</a>) from Underperform to Neutral, while raising the price target from $18.5 to $25. Gap shares gained 2.4% to close at $22.78 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GPS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/07/40065715/demystifying-paypal-holdings-insights-from-12-analyst-reviews">Bernstein analyst Harshita Rawat</a> upgraded the rating for PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) from Market Perform to Outperform and boosted the price target from $71 to $78. PayPal shares rose 8.6% to settle at $64.00 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PYPL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
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Upgrades

Pre-Market Outlook

PYPL

This 3M Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Wednesday

Wells Fargo analyst Jonathan Reeder upgrades American States Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWR#NYSE">AWR</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $80 to $87.

Wells Fargo Upgrades American States Water to Equal-Weight, Raises Price Target to $87

New Rates For 2025-2027 Expected To Be Effective January 1, 2025, Pending CPUC Decision By End Of 2024

American States Water Subsidiary Golden State Water And Public Advocates Office File Joint Motion To Adopt Settlement Agreement In Water Utility General Rate Case

American States Water Announces California Supreme Court Sets Aside CPUC Order To Discontinue Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism; Portions Of August 2020 Order Vacated, Allowing Investor-Owned Water Utilities To Request WRAM Again

Press Releases

American States Water Company Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

American States Water Company Announces Proposed Decision Adopting Settlement Agreement In Its Water Utility General Rate Case

American States Water Company Announces Proposed Decision Adopting Settlement Agreement In Its Electric Utility General Rate Case

American States Water Company Announces Final Decision by the CPUC in Its Electric Utility General Rate Case Proceeding

American States Water Company Announces CPUC's Approval to Defer the Cost of Capital Application at Golden State Water Company

American States Water Company to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

American States Water Company Announces Final Decision by the CPUC in Its Water Utility General Rate Case Proceeding

American States Water Company Announces Regular Common Dividends

American States Water Company Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

American States Water Company to Report First Quarter 2025 Results

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