Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Has $57.29 Million Stock Position in California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT)

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP decreased its holdings in California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT - Free Report) by 0.8% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,263,790 shares of the utilities provider's stock after selling 10,715 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned about 2.13% of California Water Service Group worth $57,289,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CWT. Parkworth Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in California Water Service Group during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its position in California Water Service Group by 785.8% in the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 1,435 shares of the utilities provider's stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 1,273 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its holdings in California Water Service Group by 27.6% during the 4th quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,969 shares of the utilities provider's stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 426 shares in the last quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC acquired a new stake in California Water Service Group during the fourth quarter worth approximately $102,000. Finally, GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new position in California Water Service Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $124,000. 82.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

California Water Service Group Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of California Water Service Group stock traded down $0.41 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $49.43. 24,499 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 333,317. The company's 50 day simple moving average is $48.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.74. California Water Service Group has a 52 week low of $41.64 and a 52 week high of $56.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.64. The company has a market cap of $2.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.70.

California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $203.97 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $194.80 million. California Water Service Group had a net margin of 19.56% and a return on equity of 13.24%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was down 24.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.21 EPS. Equities analysts expect that California Water Service Group will post 3.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

California Water Service Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th will be issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.43%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 12th. California Water Service Group's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.63%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have issued reports on CWT. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded California Water Service Group from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on California Water Service Group from $54.00 to $59.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com raised California Water Service Group from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Friday, April 11th.

About California Water Service Group

California Water Service Group, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. The company is involved in the production, purchase, storage, treatment, testing, distribution, and sale of water for domestic, industrial, public, and irrigation uses, as well as for fire protection services.