SCHEDULE: Neuberger Berman Discloses 6.3% Stake in American States Water

Neuberger Berman Group LLC and its affiliates reported a passive beneficial ownership of 6.3% of American States Water Co's common stock.

Summary

• Neuberger Berman Group LLC and its affiliated entities have disclosed beneficial ownership of 2,409,338 shares of American States Water Co common stock.
• This aggregate amount represents 6.3% of the issuer's common stock outstanding.
• Neuberger Berman Group LLC holds shared voting power over 2,300,901 shares and shared dispositive power over 2,409,338 shares.
• Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, a subsidiary, separately reported beneficial ownership of 2,358,947 shares, representing 6.1% of the class, with shared voting power over 2,251,221 shares and shared dispositive power over 2,358,947 shares.
• The securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of American States Water Co.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: A major investment firm, Neuberger Berman, has disclosed a significant passive stake in American States Water Co, indicating confidence in the company as an investment. This is generally viewed positively by the market.

Positives

• A major investment firm, Neuberger Berman, has taken a significant passive stake (over 5%) in American States Water Co, indicating institutional confidence in the company as an investment.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This filing indicates a significant passive investment by a large asset manager, Neuberger Berman, in American States Water Co, a utility company. Such disclosures are common for institutional investors who acquire more than 5% of a company's shares for investment purposes, rather than to influence control. It suggests that Neuberger Berman views American States Water Co as a stable, long-term investment within the utility sector.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the significant institutional investment by Neuberger Berman as a positive signal of confidence in American States Water Co's stability and long-term prospects.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing indicates a significant passive investment by Neuberger Berman, a reputable asset manager, in American States Water Co. This suggests institutional confidence in the company's long-term prospects. However, as a Schedule 13G, it does not provide operational or financial performance updates that would warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. The investment is stated to be for ordinary course of business, not for control, implying a stable, long-term holding strategy.

Keywords

American States Water, Neuberger Berman, Schedule 13G, beneficial ownership, common stock, utility, water services, investment management