California Water Service Group Marks Half a Decade as One of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek and Statista for the fifth consecutive year on Dec. 4, 2025.

The 2026 designation recognizes Group among the top 600 of the 2,000 largest U.S. public companies based on 30 publicly available ESG and CSR key performance indicators and an independent U.S. resident survey; Group was one of four investor-owned water utilities in the Energy & Utilities category.

News Market Reaction

+1.33%

1 alert

+1.33% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CWT gained 1.33%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Recognition streak: 5 consecutive years Designated year: 2026 Investor-owned water utilities: 4 utilities +4 more

7 metrics

Recognition streak 5 consecutive years Named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies

Designated year 2026 Newsweek/Statista responsible companies list year

Investor-owned water utilities 4 utilities Number ranked in Energy & Utilities category

Industries covered 14 industries Scope of Newsweek 2026 responsible companies ranking

Companies recognized 600 companies Top 600 of 2,000 largest U.S. public companies

Company universe 2,000 companies Largest U.S. public companies by revenue evaluated

ESG/CSR KPIs 30 indicators Publicly available key performance indicators used

Market Reality Check

Price: $44.09 Vol: Volume 312,481 is below t...

normal vol

$44.09 Last Close

Volume Volume 312,481 is below the 20-day average of 392,735, suggesting a modest reaction ahead of the recognition. normal

Technical Shares at $43.25 are trading below the $46.72 200-day MA and sit 16.23% under the 52-week high of $51.63.

Peers on Argus

CWT gained 1.18% with peers AWR, ARIS, CPK, MSEX, and WTRG also positive (up bet...

CWT gained 1.18% with peers AWR, ARIS, CPK, MSEX, and WTRG also positive (up between 0.16% and 1.72%), indicating broader strength across regulated water and related utilities.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 04 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 04	ESG recognition	Positive	+1.3%	Named among America’s Most Responsible Companies for fifth straight year.
Nov 20	Regulated rate case	Positive	+2.6%	Hawaii subsidiary filed for $2.2M revenue increase tied to investments and costs.
Nov 20	Regulatory decision	Positive	+0.6%	CPUC kept existing ROE and capital structure, delaying next Cost of Capital filing.
Oct 30	Earnings results	Positive	-4.8%	Strong Q3 metrics and higher capex but weaker year-to-date net income versus prior year.
Oct 29	Dividend declaration	Positive	-4.8%	323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share was declared.

Pattern Detected

Recent news, including regulatory updates and ESG recognition, most often saw positive price alignment, though earnings and dividend headlines recently coincided with negative moves.

Recent Company History

This announcement places California Water Service Group’s ESG recognition alongside a series of regulatory and financial milestones. In Q3 2025, the company reported net income of $61.2M and diluted EPS of $1.03 on revenue of $311.2M, while investing heavily in infrastructure. The CPUC decision in November 2025 maintained key return parameters and postponed the Cost of Capital filing to May 1, 2027. A long dividend streak continued with the 323rd quarterly payout, and Hawaii rate filings sought recovery of higher costs. Today’s ESG accolade reinforces the company’s sustainability and governance profile within this backdrop.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights California Water Service Group’s inclusion for the fifth straight year ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights California Water Service Group’s inclusion for the fifth straight year among Newsweek’s top 600 U.S. companies for responsibility, based on 30 ESG and CSR indicators and survey feedback. In context with recent regulatory stability from the CPUC, ongoing infrastructure investment, and a long dividend record, the news reinforces a narrative of consistency in governance and sustainability. Investors may watch future earnings, rate decisions, and capital spending for how this reputation translates into long-term performance.

Key Terms

key performance indicators, corporate social responsibility, environmental, social, and governance

3 terms

key performance indicators financial

"This year’s recipients were selected based on 30 publicly available key performance indicators (KPIs)..."

Key performance indicators are specific measurements used to track how well a person, team, or organization is achieving its goals. They act like report cards, providing clear signs of progress or areas needing improvement. For investors, KPIs help assess the health and future potential of a business by highlighting its most important strengths and challenges.

corporate social responsibility financial

"derived from corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and other reports..."

Corporate social responsibility is a company’s voluntary efforts to operate in ways that are good for society and the environment, such as reducing pollution, treating workers fairly, and supporting communities. Investors care because these choices can act like maintenance on a house—reducing legal, reputation and operational risks, attracting customers and employees, and sometimes improving long-term returns or share value compared with companies that ignore those responsibilities.

environmental, social, and governance financial

"The KPIs centered around environmental, social, and governance performance..."

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) describes a set of non-financial criteria used to evaluate how a company manages its impact on the planet, its relationships with employees, customers and communities, and the strength of its leadership, policies and oversight. Investors treat ESG like a maintenance and reputation checklist: companies with strong ESG practices may face fewer regulatory, legal or social problems and are often viewed as lower-risk and better positioned for sustainable long-term returns.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the fifth consecutive year, Newsweek has named California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies.” Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, honored Group with the 2026 designation for the utility’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship.

Group was one of four investor-owned water utilities ranked in the Energy & Utilities category. The 2026 list spans 14 industries and recognizes the top 600 out of the 2,000 largest public companies by revenue with headquarters in the United States.

This year’s recipients were selected based on 30 publicly available key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and other reports, along with independent survey results from U.S. residents. The KPIs centered around environmental, social, and governance performance, while the survey asked respondents about their perception of company activities related to corporate social responsibility.

“At California Water Service Group, we believe in doing the right thing for our customers, communities, employees, stockholders, and the environment,” said Marty Kropelnicki, Group Chairman & CEO. “We appreciate Newsweek affirming our efforts to be a responsible corporate citizen and for recognizing us for half a decade now.”

The full listing is published at rankings.newsweek.com/americas-most-responsible-companies-2026.

About California Water Service Group
California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is the largest regulated water utility operating exclusively 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. 

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 one of 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
ykingman@calwater.com
310-257-1434

FAQ

What recognition did California Water Service Group (CWT) receive on Dec. 4, 2025?

California Water Service Group was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies 2026 by Newsweek and Statista.

How many years has CWT been on Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies list?

CWT has been named to the list for five consecutive years.

What criteria were used for the 2026 Most Responsible Companies ranking that includes CWT?

Rankings used 30 public KPIs focused on environmental, social, and governance performance plus an independent U.S. resident survey.

How many companies are recognized on Newsweek's 2026 Most Responsible Companies list?

The 2026 list recognizes the top 600 of the 2,000 largest U.S. public companies by revenue.

Was California Water Service Group the only water utility named in its category?

No; CWT was one of four investor-owned water utilities ranked in the Energy & Utilities category.

Where can investors find the full Newsweek Most Responsible Companies 2026 listing?

The full listing is available at the Newsweek rankings site referenced by the company.