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Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) has received a "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts, with an average price target of $44.00. Barclays raised its target price to $43.00, while Baird downgraded its rating to "hold." Northcoast Research upgraded the stock to "buy" with a $42.00 target. UBS Group maintained a "neutral" rating with a $45.00 target. The company reported strong quarterly earnings, beating estimates, and announced a quarterly dividend with a 3.6% yield. Institutional investors hold 74.78% of the stock.
American Water Works (AWK) shares rose 4% in the past month, indicating a modest rebound. Despite a negative 3-year shareholder return, AWK is seen as 8.9% undervalued with a fair value of $143.78. Regulatory focus on water quality and infrastructure modernization supports sustainable earnings growth. AWK trades at 23 times earnings, higher than peers, suggesting limited margin for error. Persistent cost inflation and debt financing pose risks. Investors are advised to explore other regulated names and healthcare stocks for portfolio resilience.
American Water Works Co. (AWK) shares fell 1.56% to $128.93 on Thursday, despite a mixed trading session in the stock market. The S&P 500 Index rose 0.11%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.07%. AWK's stock is 17.09% below its 52-week high of $155.50. Competitors Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG), American States Water Co. (AWR), and California Water Service Group (CWT) also saw declines. Trading volume was 2.6 million, above the 50-day average of 1.8 million.
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New Jersey American Water advises customers to prepare pipes for early winter to prevent costly repairs and manage water bills. Tips include insulating pipes, draining irrigation systems, and using water trickles. The company offers assistance programs and emphasizes water conservation due to a drought watch. More information is available on their website.
