WTRG

Validea's Low PE Investor Model: Today's upgrades for Validea's Low PE Investor model, based on John Neff's strategy, highlight several stocks with improved ratings, indicating potential investment interest based on their fundamentals and valuations.

Cheesecake Factory Inc (CAKE): The Cheesecake Factory's rating increased from 62% to 81%, reflecting strong fundamentals and valuation, with a focus on its extensive restaurant operations and diverse menu offerings.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (SMFG): This large-cap value stock's rating rose from 60% to 79%, showcasing its financial services across various segments, including wholesale and retail banking.

Voya Financial Inc (VOYA): Voya Financial's rating surged from 60% to 98%, indicating strong interest due to its comprehensive workplace benefits and savings solutions, catering to both individual and institutional clients.

California American Water Acquisition: California American Water, a unit of American Water Works, acquired Yerba Buena Water Company, adding nearly 250 customers and marking its ninth acquisition since 2020, which has collectively added 13,000 new customers.

Infrastructure Investment Needs: The U.S. water industry faces significant infrastructure challenges, with the EPA estimating a need for $1.25 trillion in investments over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade water systems, as many pipelines are aging and nearing the end of their service life.

Other Companies' Investments: Essential Utilities plans to invest $7.8 billion from 2025 to 2029 for infrastructure upgrades, while American States Water Company aims to invest $180-$210 million in 2025, and Middlesex Water Company plans to invest $387 million from 2025 to 2027 for various improvements.

Stock Performance and Rankings: American Water Works shares have risen 3.0% year-to-date, lagging behind the industry growth of 14.3%, and currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).