California Water Service Group Donates Nearly $1.9 Million to Improve Local Quality of Life in 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) donated nearly $1.88 million in 2025 to local charities, first responders, scholarships, and community relief as part of its centennial philanthropic program.

Highlights include $186,000 to nine fire departments, $80,000 in scholarships to 13 students, and over $100,000 for Los Angeles-area fire relief.

News Market Reaction – CWT

-1.57%

1 alert

-1.57% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CWT declined 1.57%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Total 2025 donations: $1.88 million Firefighter grants: $186,000 Scholarship funding: $80,000 +5 more

8 metrics

Total 2025 donations $1.88 million Philanthropic giving to local organizations in 2025

Firefighter grants $186,000 Given to nine fire departments through 2025 Firefighter Grant Program

Scholarship funding $80,000 Annual scholarship program for 13 students pursuing post-secondary education

Fire relief support Over $100,000 Donated to four Los Angeles-area organizations for Palisades and Eaton Fire relief

Fire departments funded 9 fire departments Recipients of 2025 Firefighter Grant Program awards

Scholarship recipients 13 students Students receiving support for college or vocational-technical school

Employee match cap $250 per employee Annual cap for Group’s employee charitable matching program

Season of Service 3rd annual Company’s Season of Service volunteer initiative across multiple states

Market Reality Check

Price: $45.75 Vol: Volume 346,652 is near th...

normal vol

$45.75 Last Close

Volume Volume 346,652 is near the 20-day average, suggesting no unusual trading interest ahead of this philanthropy update. normal

Technical Shares at $45.76 are just below the 200-day MA of $45.83 and about 11.37% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

CWT fell 1.57% with several water utilities also down (e.g., AWR, CPK, MSEX, WTR...

CWT fell 1.57% with several water utilities also down (e.g., AWR, CPK, MSEX, WTRG), while ARIS gained, pointing to mixed sector action and a largely company-specific context for this CSR headline.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 10 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 10	Scholarship program	Positive	-0.8%	Expanded scholarship funding for students in CWT’s service territories.
Feb 05	Earnings call schedule	Neutral	-1.4%	Announced timing for 2025 full-year and Q4 earnings release and call.
Feb 03	Leadership recognition	Positive	+1.1%	CEO joined new CalCEO Council focused on economic policy and affordability.
Jan 28	Dividend increase	Positive	+1.9%	Announced 59th annual dividend increase and continued long dividend streak.
Jan 26	Centennial milestone	Positive	+0.1%	Celebrated 100th anniversary and scale as major regulated water utility.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive corporate and shareholder-friendly news has more often aligned with modest positive price reactions, with occasional divergences on community-focused updates.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, CWT highlighted its 100th anniversary, sustained dividend growth, governance visibility, and community investment. The 324th consecutive dividend and an 8% increase aligned with a positive price move, as did management recognition and centennial messaging. Scholarship and philanthropic initiatives previously coincided with small or negative moves, indicating that markets have tended to react more to direct capital return and strategic signals than to community-focused programs like today’s giving update.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights CWT’s philanthropic profile, with over $1.88 million directed to commun...

Analysis

This announcement highlights CWT’s philanthropic profile, with over $1.88 million directed to community organizations, first responders, and students in 2025. It reinforces earlier scholarship and centennial initiatives, underscoring a long-term community focus. Historically, markets have reacted more to dividend and earnings events, so investors may watch upcoming results, regulatory filings, and insider activity to gauge how this civic positioning fits into the broader equity story.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) rings in its 100-year anniversary, the company also looks back on last year’s philanthropic giving program. With over $1.88 million donated to local organizations in 2025, contributions made benefited charitable organizations and first responders that share Group’s purpose to enhance the quality of life for those in the communities they serve, along with local students seeking higher education.

Beneficiaries ranged from organizations supporting at-risk youth and disadvantaged communities to first responders to veterans, healthcare, and more. Among the recipients were the Food Bank for Monterey County (Salinas, Calif.), Enloe Heath Foundation (Chico, Calif.), Garden Pathways (Bakersfield, Calif.), Visalia Emergency Aid Council (Visalia, Calif.), Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative (Waikoloa, Hawaii), Valencia Shelter Services (Los Lunas, N.M.), and Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation (Gig Harbor, Wash.). Also among the contributions were a total of $186,000 to nine fire departments through the company’s 2025 Firefighter Grant Program, $80,000 through Group’s annual scholarship program to 13 students pursuing post-secondary education in college or at a vocational-technical school, and over $100,000 to four Los Angeles-area organizations to aid Palisades and Eaton Fire relief efforts.

“At California Water Service Group, we are more than a water provider, we are part of the communities we serve, and that means going further to improve the lives of those in our service areas,” said Marty Kropelnicki, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Beyond being service-oriented to our customers when it comes to safe, reliable water, Group’s employees have a real heart to support their neighbors in need.”

Donations last year included dollars contributed through Group’s employee charitable matching program, in which the company matches up to $250 per employee’s personal donations to causes important to them each calendar year.

In addition to financial contributions, Group’s held its 3^rd annual Season of Service over the holidays, with approximately half of the company’s employees across California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington donating their time and efforts to community volunteer projects.

All contributions are part of Group’s philanthropic giving program and do not affect customers’ rates.

About California Water Service Group

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States. It provides high-quality, reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 2.1 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas through its regulated subsidiaries, California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service, and its utility holding company, Texas Water Service. This year, the company commemorates a century of service.

Group’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders. To do so, it invests responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The company’s nearly 1,300 employees live by a set of strong core values and share a commitment to protecting the planet, caring for people, and operating with the utmost integrity. The company has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek, a USA Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work®. More information is available at www.calwatergroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Yvonne Kingman, (310) 257-1434

FAQ

How much did California Water Service Group (CWT) donate in 2025?

The company donated nearly $1.88 million in 2025. According to the company, contributions funded charities, first responder grants, scholarships, and local disaster relief across its service areas.

What did CWT's 2025 Firefighter Grant Program provide to local departments?

CWT provided $186,000 total to nine fire departments in 2025. According to the company, grants supported equipment and local responder needs through its annual firefighter grant program.

How many students received scholarships from California Water Service Group (CWT) in 2025?

Thirteen students received scholarships totaling $80,000 in 2025. According to the company, awards supported post-secondary education at colleges and vocational-technical schools.

Which regions and causes did CWT fund with its 2025 donations?

Donations supported communities in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and more. According to the company, recipients included food banks, health foundations, youth programs, veterans, and emergency aid organizations.

Did California Water Service Group (CWT) fund Palisades and Eaton Fire relief in 2025?

Yes. CWT gave over $100,000 to four Los Angeles-area organizations for Palisades and Eaton Fire relief. According to the company, funds aided recovery and local relief efforts after those fires.

How does CWT's employee matching and volunteer program work in 2025?

CWT matches up to $250 per employee for personal donations and held a Season of Service with roughly half its employees volunteering. According to the company, these programs amplified employee-driven community support.