$AWK

Pennsylvania American Water said new water and wastewater rates approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission take effect this week. The rates support a $1.2 billion investment plan through mid-2027, including replacing 117 miles of water main and 32 miles of sewer main. The company also expanded its H2O Help to Others assistance, raising monthly aid from $25 to $40 and adding arrearage forgiveness. Typical bills rise about $3 (water) and $14 to $17 (wastewater/stormwater).

Illinois American Water (NYSE:AWK) says its annual maintenance program in the Metro East system will run Aug. 17 through end of September, including flushing water mains and testing fire hydrants. The company will also temporarily switch disinfection to free chlorine at East St. Louis and Granite City plants, which may cause brief pressure drops, discoloration, or chlorine taste/odor.

Pennsylvania American Water completed its $3.25 million acquisition of the Sutersville-Sewickley Municipal Sewage Authority wastewater system, serving about 500 customer connections. The company plans to invest about $700,000 over five years. The Pennsylvania PUC approved the deal on March 26, 2026, and rates were aligned to lower monthly bills. (American Water)

American Water (NYSE: AWK), via New Jersey American Water, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs awarded $950,000 under the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program to two Camden nonprofits. Parkside Business & Community in Partnership received $800,000 and Heart of Camden $150,000. The company said this follows about $13.4 million in NRTC support since 2010, including about $11.5 million for Camden projects.

American Water Works (NYSE:AWK) reported Q2 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.61, up from $1.49 a year earlier. First-half adjusted EPS was $2.62. The company affirmed 2026 guidance of $6.02 to $6.12 and said it invested $1.8B in capital projects and acquisitions, completed the Nexus Water Group deal, and received a Pennsylvania rate order.

American Water Works (AWK) raised its quarterly dividend about 8% to $0.8950 per share, continuing an 18-year payout streak. The article cites 2025 adjusted EPS of $5.64 on $5.14B revenue, 2026 EPS guidance of $6.02 to $6.12, and operating cash flow coverage of about 3x versus dividends. It notes negative free cash flow and $19B-$20B capex through 2030 largely financed by debt.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), marked American Water’s 140-year milestone for water and wastewater service. Illinois American Water said it plans to invest about $570 million in infrastructure upgrades through 2027. The company also cited customer assistance, charitable foundation funding over $25 million, and R&D lab testing activity.

Pennsylvania American Water said it will conduct door-to-door canvassing in Pittston to help nearly 2,000 customers identify home water service line materials. The company said about 1,950 customer-side lines in Pittston and 76,400 in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties remain unidentified. If lead or galvanized steel is found, it will replace lines with no direct cost, using CDM Smith as contractor.

Zacks reviews the U.S. utility water supply industry, citing fragmentation, rising regulatory and operating costs, and negative aggregate earnings outlook. The Zacks Industry Rank is #211 (bottom 14%), with 2026 earnings estimates down 39.7% in two months. The industry gained 7.3% vs 21.1% for the S&P 500 and trades at 22.78x EV/EBITDA. It highlights AWK, WTRG, AWR, and CWT.

WV American Water held seven public information sessions in Huntington, West Virginia, on its proposal to acquire the city’s wastewater collection system. Huntington officials said the purchase price is $75 million, with about $50 million retained after existing debt. WV American Water would invest about $65 million in first five years, target single-digit rate increases ($6-$8 estimate), and operate/upgrade collection and treatment under an agreement. Council review is expected in 1-2 months, w