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Essential Utilities Inc. WTRG

Utilities — Utilities Regulated Water
Dividend Aristocrat
Growth Flags show if company had growth for consecutive years

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Insider Decisions

Total sells
0.11
in millions of $
Nov 25 Feb 26 May 26 Aug 26
Buy — — — — — — — — — — — —
Sell — — — — — — — — — — 1 —
Insider Ownership
0.21%

Capital & Financial Ratios

Market Cap
11,810.00
Revenue
2,568.70
Net Income
554.87
Free Cash Flow
(509.54)
Net Debt
8,495.88
Current Ratio
0.78
Debt/Equity
1.21
P/E ratio
20.94
P/S ratio
4.53
P/B ratio
1.66
Past 5Y EPS Growth
15.84%
This Y EPS Growth
1.60%
Next Y EPS Growth
5.10%
Next 5Y EPS Growth
4.23%
in millions of $

Dividends

Payout Ratio
0.65
Annual Dividend Rate
1.23
Annual Dividend Yield
3.40%
total individual payouts
2028 ‡‡‡‡‡
2027 ‡‡‡‡‡
2026 1.41
—
—
—
2025 1.34
—
—
—
—
2024 1.27
—
—
—
—
2023 1.19
—
—
—
—
2022 1.11
—
—
—
—
2021 1.04
—
—
—
—
2020 0.97
—
—
—
—
2019 0.91
—
—
—
—
2018 0.85
—
—
—
—
2017 0.79
—
—
—
—
2016 0.74
—
—
—
—
predictions in italic, special payouts not included in total or ratios

Assets vs Liabilities

2023 2024 2025 Q'26
Cash 4.61 9.16 34.78 8.63
Receivables 144.30 166.52 217.19 207.80
Inventory 112.67 93.93 112.45 95.71
Other 230.40 175.16 186.86 119.66
491.98 485.91 610.40 465.31
2023 2024 2025 Q'26
Payables 221.19 258.62 276.08 198.93
ST’ Debt 227.54 329.35 171.96 83.31
Other 44.63 49.48 36.70 200.00
797.93 974.67 764.48 598.99
in millions of $

Compound Annual Growth

10y 5y 3y
Sales ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Cash Flow ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Earnings ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Book Value ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡

Revenue

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 861.76 530.85 — —
—
’25 783.63 514.91 476.97 699.11
2,474.62
’24 612.07 434.41 435.26 604.38
2,086.11
’23 726.45 436.70 411.26 479.42
2,053.82
’22 699.28 448.76 434.62 705.38
2,288.03
’21 583.57 397.03 361.86 535.69
1,878.14
’20 255.59 384.47 348.65 474.00
1,462.70
in millions of $

Operating Cash Flow

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 265.41 323.58 — —
—
’25 299.52 272.32 232.51 206.11
1,010.46
’24 240.71 185.71 196.08 147.83
770.34
’23 401.63 219.79 183.15 129.02
933.59
’22 310.60 105.70 102.86 81.15
600.31
’21 255.48 157.39 148.98 82.83
644.68
’20 95.52 149.68 175.45 87.37
508.02
in millions of $

Free Cash Flow

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 (22.01) (73.35) — —
—
’25 11.67 (72.46) (174.15) (240.04)
(474.98)
’24 154.28 (109.80) (187.79) (249.28)
(392.60)
’23 158.10 (109.46) (163.23) (154.47)
(269.06)
’22 77.29 (135.16) (246.25) (274.15)
(578.27)
’21 77.57 (68.30) (158.17) (261.45)
(410.35)
’20 (3,469.11) (45.61) (84.74) (227.88)
(3,827.34)
in millions of $

EPS

Mar Jun Sep Dec Year
’26 0.79 0.37 — —
—
’25 1.03 0.38 0.33 0.47
2.20
’24 0.97 0.28 0.25 0.67
2.17
’23 0.72 0.34 0.30 0.50
1.86
’22 0.76 0.31 0.26 0.44
1.77
’21 0.72 0.32 0.19 0.44
1.67
’20 0.20 0.29 0.22 0.40
1.12

Target Price Range

High
‡‡‡‡‡
‡‡‡‡
Average
‡‡‡‡‡
‡‡‡‡
Low
‡‡‡‡‡
‡‡‡‡

Recommendation Rating

3
1
Buy
2
3
Hold
4
5
Sell
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 38.50 32.07 33.57 33.18 — — —
Low Price
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 53.66 49.28 41.78 42.37 — — —
High Price
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 3,187 3,258 3,291 3,303 — — —
Employees
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 0.72 0.63 0.63 0.75 — — —
Revenue/Emp
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 2,288.03 2,053.82 2,086.11 2,474.62 ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Revenue
‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 73.69% 82.85% 86.72% 83.68% — — —
Gross Margin
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 450.91 431.78 573.48 619.81 — — —
EBT
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 19.71% 21.02% 27.49% 25.05% ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡
EBT Margin
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 465.24 498.23 595.31 616.37 ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Net Income
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 321.18 343.70 369.55 417.47 — — —
Depreciation
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 8.72 7.69 7.62 8.84 ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Revenue/Sh
‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ 1.77 1.86 2.17 2.20 ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Earnings/Sh
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 2.29 3.49 2.81 3.61 — — —
Cash Flow/Sh
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (4.49) (4.50) (4.25) (5.30) ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡
Capex/Sh
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (2.21) (1.01) (1.43) (1.70) — — —
Free CF/Sh
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 20.51 22.07 22.63 24.49 — — —
Book Value/Sh
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 262.25 267.17 273.91 280.05 ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡
Shares
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 27.21 20.22 16.74 17.36 ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡
PE Ratio
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 5.52 4.92 4.77 4.34 ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡
PS Ratio
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 2.35 1.71 1.60 1.57 ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡
PB Ratio
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 8.49 8.35 8.45 7.67 ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡
EV/Sales
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (33.58) (63.75) (44.92) (39.98) — — —
EV/FCF
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 600.31 933.59 770.34 1,010.46 ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡ ‡‡‡
Op' Cash Flow
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (1,178.57) (1,202.65) (1,162.94) (1,485.44) ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ —
Capex
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (578.27) (269.06) (392.60) (474.98) — — —
FCF
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ (363.71) (305.95) (488.76) (154.09) — — —
Working Cap'
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 6,798.91 7,053.62 7,697.73 8,282.13 — — —
Total Debt
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 6,787.52 7,049.01 7,688.57 8,247.35 — — —
Net Debt
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 5,377.39 5,896.18 6,198.81 6,857.46 — — —
Sh' Equity
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 3.06% 3.06% 3.41% 3.29% — — —
ROA
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 3.40% 3.34% 3.41% 3.81% — — —
ROIC
‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ ‡‡‡‡‡ 8.81% 8.84% 9.84% 9.44% — — —
ROE
predictions in italic, sparklines do not include predictions

Analyst Commentary (Summary)

Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) has engineered a revenue powerhouse, doubling sales to $2.09 billion by 2024 through bold acquisitions like the 2020 Peoples Gas deal, which ignited a 64% surge and diversified into stable natural gas. Projections promise an 8% CAGR through 2027, fueled by rate cases and infrastructure tailwinds, yet this masks a gritty reality: employee headcount doubled in tandem, efficiency held steady, but relentless capex—now $1.16 billion annually—keeps free cash flow deeply negative, a utility staple that sustains long-term rate base but tests investor patience amid stock prices stuck in a defensive rut.

Profitability gleams brighter, with net income up 154% to $595 million, EPS climbing 64%, and EBT margins rebounding to 27.5% on synergies, boasting ROE around 9-10%. Balance sheet bulks up—equity tripled, debt quintupled to fund the frenzy—yielding compressed multiples (PE 16.7x, PB 1.6x) that scream undervaluation versus revenue trajectory. But contrarians beware: no insider buys signal quiet doubts, depreciation swells on aging pipes and PFAS mandates, and debt servicing could buckle if rates spike.

Analysts eye modest 6-13% upside, DCF hints 15% pop, and 70% odds of mid-single-digit returns through 2027 on dividend yield and growth. Yet underappreciated risks lurk—persistent FCF black holes, leverage at 5x EBITDA, regulatory wildcards—positioning WTRG as defensive growth bait or capex trap? Dive deeper to unpack if this utility titan delivers or dilutes.

Read full commentary →

Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Latest News

News by impact score

Fine-tune

17 Sep

3 , 11:16 PM
Essential Utilities (WTRG) draws renewed attention amid infrastructure investments and regulatory updates supporting its core water and gas utility operations. Infrastructure investments and regulatory updates may moderately influence financial performance and market positioning.

11 Sep

3 , 12:38 PM
Essential Utilities' CWT unit received approval for a rate hike to recover infrastructure investments. Rate hike approval allows CWT unit to recover infrastructure costs via higher revenues.

7 Sep

3 , 4:46 AM
Essential Utilities (WTRG) maintains operational growth while profits slide quietly. Profit erosion amid expansion may pressure margins and valuation without altering core trajectory.

31 Aug

3 , 1:00 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) faces uncertainty over whether customer growth can sustain long-term earnings amid ongoing operational and market pressures. Customer growth trends directly influence revenue forecasts and earnings trajectory for the regulated utility.

17 Aug

4 , 7:30 AM
The Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for the proposed merger between American Water and Essential Utilities has expired, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the deal. Merger clearance advances Essential Utilities' integration with American Water altering its market position and operations.

12 Aug

3 transcript www.fool.com, 2:33 AM
Essential Utilities (WTRG) held its Q2 2026 earnings call. Earnings calls deliver financial results and guidance that can shift near-term stock movement.

9 Aug

3 www.marketbeat.com, 1:03 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. released Q2 earnings call highlights covering operational results and forward outlook for the utility services provider. Q2 earnings details typically influence near-term stock sentiment and valuation without altering long-term strategy.

5 Aug

4 transcript , 7:02 PM
Essential Utilities Inc posted record results in Q2 2026 earnings call. Record Q2 2026 results point to major positive shifts in financial trajectory and investor outlook.

3 , 12:39 PM
Essential Utilities (WTRG) posted Q2 earnings in line with estimates and revenues above forecasts due to water segment growth. Revenue beat on water growth signals moderate positive effect on near-term results without shifting long-term trajectory.

3 transcript app.moby.co, 8:30 AM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) released its Q2 2026 earnings call summary covering financial results, revenue, earnings per share, operational performance, and forward-looking guidance. Quarterly earnings updates deliver financial metrics that can shift near-term investor sentiment without altering long-term company strategy.

4 Aug

3 , 4:30 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) released its Q2 2026 financial results. Quarterly results update key financial metrics with moderate potential to shift investor sentiment.

15 Jul

3 , 5:00 PM
Aqua Pennsylvania, subsidiary of Essential Utilities Inc., secured over $74 million in PENNVEST funding to finance PFAS removal projects. Secured funding reduces capex burden and aids regulatory compliance for water treatment operations.

22 Jun

4 PR Newswire, 4:15 PM
Virginia State Corporation Commission approves proposed merger between American Water and Essential Utilities Inc., advancing the deal toward completion. Regulatory approval marks a major strategic step that can materially reshape Essential Utilities' scale, operations and market position.

17 May

3 Simply Wall St., 2:10 AM
Ohio approved American Water's merger, focusing attention on resulting debt questions for Essential Utilities (WTRG) and its financial outlook. Ohio merger approval spotlights debt concerns that may moderately affect Essential Utilities' financial performance and market sentiment.

14 May

4 PR Newswire, 4:15 PM
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approves proposed merger between American Water and Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG), advancing the deal. PUCO approval advances a major merger, significantly impacting Essential Utilities' strategic growth and market position.

8 May

4 Business Wire, 7:00 AM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) celebrates Drinking Water Week 2026 with record infrastructure investments and industry-leading compliance achievements. Record infrastructure investments represent a major strategic commitment strengthening long-term operational resilience and investor confidence.

3 Zacks, 12:51 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Q1 earnings missed estimates, while revenues surpassed expectations. Mixed Q1 results with earnings miss offset by revenue beat will moderately affect financial performance and investor sentiment.

7 May

3 app.moby.co, 12:54 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) released Q1 2026 earnings call summary highlighting financial performance, operational updates, and future outlook. Q1 earnings call summary covers financial results and guidance with moderate influence on stock performance and investor expectations.

6 May

4 Business Wire, 5:20 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) reported Q1 2026 results. Quarterly earnings results influence financial performance, guidance, and investor sentiment significantly.

3 Zacks, 9:45 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Q1 earnings missed analyst estimates. Q1 earnings miss moderately impacts financial performance and investor sentiment.

2 May

5 Simply Wall St., 11:10 AM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) long-term outlook reshaped by American Water merger and US$48 billion plan. American Water merger and US$48b plan fundamentally redefine WTRG's competitive position and long-term prospects.

4 Simply Wall St., 12:13 PM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) dividend hike and reaffirmed guidance analyzed for impact on American Water Works Company (AWK) investors. Dividend increase and reaffirmed guidance demonstrate financial strength and stability, likely boosting WTRG's investor appeal and stock performance.

30 Apr

4 www.thetimes-tribune.com, 8:03 PM
American Water's lawyer states the proposed merger with Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) will not raise customer rates. Merger with American Water is a major strategic expansion for Essential Utilities that could transform its scale, operations, and investor appeal without rate increases.

3 , 10:00 AM
Analysts forecast Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) to report declining earnings, urging investors to monitor key indicators in the upcoming release. Expected earnings decline will moderately affect WTRG's financial performance and short-term market sentiment.

22 Apr

4 Business Wire, 6:50 PM
American Water and Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission for their proposed merger. Kentucky PSC approval represents a major regulatory milestone advancing the merger, likely boosting WTRG's scale, market position, and investor sentiment.

4 PR Newswire, 5:28 PM
American Water and Essential Utilities received approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission for their proposed merger. Kentucky PSC approval removes a key regulatory hurdle, advancing the merger that would significantly expand Essential Utilities' operations and market presence.

20 Apr

4 , 11:52 AM
Aqua Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG), acquired the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County. Acquisition expands Essential Utilities' water service territory and customer base in Mercer County, enhancing revenue potential and strategic positioning.

8 Apr

4 Simply Wall St., 9:19 PM
American Water Works Company (AWK) narrative shifts amid evolving merger talks with Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG), altering investor perceptions and strategic outlook. Merger developments with AWK signal major strategic changes that could reshape Essential Utilities' market position and performance.

30 Mar

4 Zacks, 10:38 AM
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) achieves growth through capital investments, regulatory rate approvals, and a strategic acquisition enhancing operations and market position. Strategic acquisition alongside investments and rate hikes position WTRG for significant operational expansion and improved financial performance.

25 Mar

4 Simply Wall St., 2:04 AM
Merger debate is reshaping Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) investment story, influencing investor perceptions and strategic outlook amid ongoing discussions. Merger debates represent major strategic moves that could significantly alter WTRG's trajectory and investor sentiment.
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