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Invest in Water Before It's Too Late: Stocks in Focus
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Water stocks have long been underrated in the investment world since the basic necessity of life is most often taken for granted. We certainly cannot imagine a world without technology, but can we even survive in a world without fresh water? In the wake of drought conditions in California and other states last year, people can no longer be oblivious of the situation.
Demand for fresh water – which accounts for a meager 2.5% of the world’s total water content – is growing along with urbanization and ever-increasing global population. Today, a major part of water infrastructure in the United States is approaching the end of its useful life.
Are we nearing a time when we have to stop drinking water directly from the tap? Per the Natural Resource Defense Council, cities like Atlanta, Albuquerque, San Francisco, and Fresno have “fair-to-substandard” drinking water. If a city has substandard water quality, then tap water may be carrying a good number of contaminants. Consumers have started to question the quality of the water they drink.
Upgrade and Replace – Need of the Hour
In recent times, drinking and waste water infrastructure in the U.S. has been under the spotlight. The talking point right now is whether the amount of infrastructure investment planned by the U.S. government is equal to the sum required for replacing the aged and outmoded water infrastructure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last conducted its Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment back in 2011. The report outlined that an investment of around $384 billion will be required over the next 20 years to modernize and upgrade U.S. water and waste water systems. On the other hand, a careful analysis by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) showed that about $1 trillion will be needed over the next 25 years only to restore underground pipes.
Consolidation Holds the Key
The water utility space is highly fragmented, as there are a number of water utilities in the U.S. operating on various scales ranging from thousands of customers to millions. The disjointed water industry has raised concerns about whether the smaller systems are sustainable in terms of competence and adaptability.
A plausible solution is the consolidation and integration of local and regional systems into large-scale structures. This would free up access to the capital markets for infrastructure development in order to provide reliable water services. This also explains the frequent acquisitions taking place in this space right now.
Top Players in the Water Industry
The growing scarcity of water will definitely lead water utilities to prosperity, making them an enduring investment play. Big players in the water industry, like American Water Works (AWK - Free Report) , are getting even bigger through a number of acquisitions and large infrastructure spending.
American States Water Company (AWR - Free Report) has grown significantly since its foundation in 1929, and is the parent of Golden State Water Company and American States Utility Services Inc. AWR provides water services to roughly 259,000 customers in 10 counties in Northern, Coastal, and Southern California; it also distributes electricity to about 24,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. AWR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Committed to providing its customers with safe, dependable, high-quality water, The York Water Company (YORW - Free Report) operates entirely within its franchised territory, which covers 48 municipalities within York and Adam Counties in Pennsylvania. York Water is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC, in the areas of billing, payment procedures, dispute processing, terminations, service territory, and rate setting. YORW is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
California Water Service Group (CWT - Free Report) is also a consistent performer, serving about 477,900 customers in 83 California cities. The company’s unit – California Water Service Company – recently filed a General Rate Case with the CPUC, requesting authorization to increase water rates. The rate increase appeal was filed to reimburse planned expenditure of around $693 million in water supply sources, pipes, pumps, treatment plants, and other facilities that are needed to provide safe, reliable water services. CWT is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Operating through its wholly-owned subsidiaries San Jose Water Company, SJW Land Company, SJWTX Inc., and Texas Water Alliance Limited, SJW Group (SJW - Free Report) provides water services to approximately one million people throughout the metropolitan San Jose area, as well as in areas between Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The company also owns and operates commercial buildings in the states of California and Tennessee. SJW is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Share prices of each stock have increased significantly over the past year. AWR, YORW, CWT, and SJW gained 21.07%, 15.36%, 16.25%, and 27.90%. These water companies also have an impressive earnings track record, and are reliable dividend players, known for consistently sharing their profits with shareholders.
Conclusion
Though the water industry has long been affected by low rates and geographical and functional fragmentation, the pressing need of the hour is to replace hundreds of years of old pipelines and pumps. Now that most are in agreement that water is an essential element to all living things, the big question in the country is how to modernize dated infrastructure.
In terms of investment opportunities, there is speculation that water will be the next oil. Moreover, recent droughts have definitely made us realize that water isn’t as abundant as we think. So, why not add some cool water stocks to your portfolio to quench that investment thirst.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
Image: Bigstock
Invest in Water Before It's Too Late: Stocks in Focus
Water stocks have long been underrated in the investment world since the basic necessity of life is most often taken for granted. We certainly cannot imagine a world without technology, but can we even survive in a world without fresh water? In the wake of drought conditions in California and other states last year, people can no longer be oblivious of the situation.
Demand for fresh water – which accounts for a meager 2.5% of the world’s total water content – is growing along with urbanization and ever-increasing global population. Today, a major part of water infrastructure in the United States is approaching the end of its useful life.
Are we nearing a time when we have to stop drinking water directly from the tap? Per the Natural Resource Defense Council, cities like Atlanta, Albuquerque, San Francisco, and Fresno have “fair-to-substandard” drinking water. If a city has substandard water quality, then tap water may be carrying a good number of contaminants. Consumers have started to question the quality of the water they drink.
Upgrade and Replace – Need of the Hour
In recent times, drinking and waste water infrastructure in the U.S. has been under the spotlight. The talking point right now is whether the amount of infrastructure investment planned by the U.S. government is equal to the sum required for replacing the aged and outmoded water infrastructure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last conducted its Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment back in 2011. The report outlined that an investment of around $384 billion will be required over the next 20 years to modernize and upgrade U.S. water and waste water systems. On the other hand, a careful analysis by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) showed that about $1 trillion will be needed over the next 25 years only to restore underground pipes.
Consolidation Holds the Key
The water utility space is highly fragmented, as there are a number of water utilities in the U.S. operating on various scales ranging from thousands of customers to millions. The disjointed water industry has raised concerns about whether the smaller systems are sustainable in terms of competence and adaptability.
A plausible solution is the consolidation and integration of local and regional systems into large-scale structures. This would free up access to the capital markets for infrastructure development in order to provide reliable water services. This also explains the frequent acquisitions taking place in this space right now.
Top Players in the Water Industry
The growing scarcity of water will definitely lead water utilities to prosperity, making them an enduring investment play. Big players in the water industry, like American Water Works (AWK - Free Report) , are getting even bigger through a number of acquisitions and large infrastructure spending.
American States Water Company (AWR - Free Report) has grown significantly since its foundation in 1929, and is the parent of Golden State Water Company and American States Utility Services Inc. AWR provides water services to roughly 259,000 customers in 10 counties in Northern, Coastal, and Southern California; it also distributes electricity to about 24,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. AWR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Committed to providing its customers with safe, dependable, high-quality water, The York Water Company (YORW - Free Report) operates entirely within its franchised territory, which covers 48 municipalities within York and Adam Counties in Pennsylvania. York Water is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC, in the areas of billing, payment procedures, dispute processing, terminations, service territory, and rate setting. YORW is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
California Water Service Group (CWT - Free Report) is also a consistent performer, serving about 477,900 customers in 83 California cities. The company’s unit – California Water Service Company – recently filed a General Rate Case with the CPUC, requesting authorization to increase water rates. The rate increase appeal was filed to reimburse planned expenditure of around $693 million in water supply sources, pipes, pumps, treatment plants, and other facilities that are needed to provide safe, reliable water services. CWT is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Operating through its wholly-owned subsidiaries San Jose Water Company, SJW Land Company, SJWTX Inc., and Texas Water Alliance Limited, SJW Group (SJW - Free Report) provides water services to approximately one million people throughout the metropolitan San Jose area, as well as in areas between Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The company also owns and operates commercial buildings in the states of California and Tennessee. SJW is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.
Share prices of each stock have increased significantly over the past year. AWR, YORW, CWT, and SJW gained 21.07%, 15.36%, 16.25%, and 27.90%. These water companies also have an impressive earnings track record, and are reliable dividend players, known for consistently sharing their profits with shareholders.
Conclusion
Though the water industry has long been affected by low rates and geographical and functional fragmentation, the pressing need of the hour is to replace hundreds of years of old pipelines and pumps. Now that most are in agreement that water is an essential element to all living things, the big question in the country is how to modernize dated infrastructure.
In terms of investment opportunities, there is speculation that water will be the next oil. Moreover, recent droughts have definitely made us realize that water isn’t as abundant as we think. So, why not add some cool water stocks to your portfolio to quench that investment thirst.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >>