Essential Utilities Named Among America's Most Responsible Companies for Fifth Consecutive Year
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 03 2025
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Should l Buy WTRG?
Source: Newsfilter
- Sustainability Achievement: Essential Utilities has been recognized on Newsweek's 2026 Most Responsible Companies list, highlighting its commitment to providing and protecting Earth's resources, which enhances its public image and brand reputation.
- Emission Reduction Success: The company achieved over a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2019 baseline, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Since 2020, Essential has replaced over 425 miles of aging natural gas and water pipelines, significantly reducing methane emissions and improving safety, which further enhances customer trust and loyalty.
- Community Engagement: By donating $4.6 million to over 450 nonprofits through the Essential Foundation and logging nearly 4,500 employee volunteer hours, the company has strengthened its community ties and enhanced brand loyalty among its customer base.
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Analyst Views on WTRG
Wall Street analysts forecast WTRG stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 38.580
Low
38.00
Averages
42.50
High
45.00
Current: 38.580
Low
38.00
Averages
42.50
High
45.00
About WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc. is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water, wastewater, or natural gas services. The Company’s segments include Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas. The Regulated Water segment consists of eight operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies, which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services. The Regulated Natural Gas segment consists of one operating segment representing natural gas utility companies for which the Company provides natural gas distribution services. It provides services in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky under the Aqua and Peoples brands. The Company also operates market-based activities, conducted through its non-regulated subsidiaries, that provide utility service line protection solutions and repair services to households and gas marketing and production activities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
American Water and Essential Utilities Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Voting Outcome: At today's special shareholder meetings, 99% of American Water (AWK) shareholders approved the share issuance proposal, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders supported the merger, indicating strong market confidence and shareholder backing.
- Post-Merger Scale: The combined company is expected to have a water and wastewater rate base of $29.3 billion by the end of 2024, covering 17 states and 18 military installations, significantly enhancing market competitiveness and service capabilities.
- Earnings Growth Expectations: The merged entity anticipates maintaining American Water's (AWK) earnings per share and dividend growth targets in the range of 7%-9%, indicating stability in future profitability and shareholder returns.
- Equity Structure: Post-merger, American Water (AWK) shareholders will own approximately 69% of the combined entity, while Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders will hold about 31%, which will influence future corporate governance and strategic decision-making.
See More
American Water and Essential Utilities Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Voting Results: At today's special shareholder meetings, approximately 99% of American Water's shareholders approved the share issuance, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities' shareholders supported the merger, reflecting strong confidence in the transaction and expected synergies in the water utility sector.
- Merger Timeline: The merger is anticipated to close by the end of Q1 2027, subject to customary closing conditions including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and necessary regulatory approvals, which will influence the merger's successful execution.
- Market Impact: The merger will position American Water as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people, enhancing market competitiveness while providing improved services to Essential Utilities' 5.5 million customers, thereby enhancing customer experience.
- Strategic Significance: This merger represents not only a consolidation of resources and technologies between the two companies but also promotes sustainable growth and operational excellence, further solidifying their leadership in the water and natural gas service sectors, aligning with future market demand changes.
See More
Shareholders of American Water and Essential Utilities Greenlight Merger-Related Proposals at Special Meetings
- Shareholder Approval: American Water and Essential Utilities shareholders have approved merger-related proposals.
- Special Meetings: The approvals were granted during special shareholder meetings held for the respective companies.
See More
Essential Utilities to Report 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Essential Utilities is set to report its full-year 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, which will highlight the company's operational performance in the water and natural gas sectors, potentially influencing investor confidence.
- Conference Call Timing: The earnings call will take place on February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller, providing in-depth analysis of financial data and future outlook.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on Essential's investor website, and an archived version will be available for replay for one week post-call, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information for investors.
- Service Coverage Area: Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states, focusing on sustainable growth and superior customer experience, thereby enhancing its market position in the public utility sector.
See More
Essential Utilities to Report 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Essential Utilities is set to report its full-year 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, which will highlight the company's performance in the water and natural gas sectors, potentially influencing investor confidence.
- Conference Call Timing: The earnings call will take place on February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, featuring CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller, who will provide insights into the earnings report and engage in a Q&A session, enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live, allowing investors to listen via the Essential website, and will be archived for replay for seven days post-call, improving accessibility for those unable to attend live and facilitating information dissemination.
- Service Coverage Area: Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states in the U.S., underscoring its significant role in the public utility sector and commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
See More
Analysts Favor These 3 High-Dividend Stocks Amid Market Volatility
Market Volatility Concerns: Investors are increasingly worried about potential volatility in the stock market due to rising gold and silver prices, alongside fears of international sell-offs of U.S. assets, prompting a shift towards more defensive investment strategies.
Ryman Hospitality Properties: Ryman Hospitality, focused on large hotel and resort investments, is noted for its strong dividend yield of 5.07% and a solid cash position, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dividend income.
Black Hills Corporation's Stability: Black Hills Corporation, a regulated utility company, offers reliable electric and natural gas services, with a dividend yield of 3.71% and a sustainable payout ratio, positioning it as a defensive investment in uncertain markets.
Essential Utilities Merger: Essential Utilities is set to merge with American Water Works, creating one of the largest U.S. water service firms, with expectations of significant earnings growth and a dividend yield of 3.55%, enhancing its appeal to investors.
See More
American Water and Essential Utilities Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Voting Outcome: At today's special shareholder meetings, 99% of American Water (AWK) shareholders approved the share issuance proposal, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders supported the merger, indicating strong market confidence and shareholder backing.
- Post-Merger Scale: The combined company is expected to have a water and wastewater rate base of $29.3 billion by the end of 2024, covering 17 states and 18 military installations, significantly enhancing market competitiveness and service capabilities.
- Earnings Growth Expectations: The merged entity anticipates maintaining American Water's (AWK) earnings per share and dividend growth targets in the range of 7%-9%, indicating stability in future profitability and shareholder returns.
- Equity Structure: Post-merger, American Water (AWK) shareholders will own approximately 69% of the combined entity, while Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders will hold about 31%, which will influence future corporate governance and strategic decision-making.
See More
American Water and Essential Utilities Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Voting Results: At today's special shareholder meetings, approximately 99% of American Water's shareholders approved the share issuance, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities' shareholders supported the merger, reflecting strong confidence in the transaction and expected synergies in the water utility sector.
- Merger Timeline: The merger is anticipated to close by the end of Q1 2027, subject to customary closing conditions including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and necessary regulatory approvals, which will influence the merger's successful execution.
- Market Impact: The merger will position American Water as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people, enhancing market competitiveness while providing improved services to Essential Utilities' 5.5 million customers, thereby enhancing customer experience.
- Strategic Significance: This merger represents not only a consolidation of resources and technologies between the two companies but also promotes sustainable growth and operational excellence, further solidifying their leadership in the water and natural gas service sectors, aligning with future market demand changes.
See More
Shareholders of American Water and Essential Utilities Greenlight Merger-Related Proposals at Special Meetings
- Shareholder Approval: American Water and Essential Utilities shareholders have approved merger-related proposals.
- Special Meetings: The approvals were granted during special shareholder meetings held for the respective companies.
See More
Essential Utilities to Report 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Essential Utilities is set to report its full-year 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, which will highlight the company's operational performance in the water and natural gas sectors, potentially influencing investor confidence.
- Conference Call Timing: The earnings call will take place on February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller, providing in-depth analysis of financial data and future outlook.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on Essential's investor website, and an archived version will be available for replay for one week post-call, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information for investors.
- Service Coverage Area: Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states, focusing on sustainable growth and superior customer experience, thereby enhancing its market position in the public utility sector.
See More
Essential Utilities to Report 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Essential Utilities is set to report its full-year 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, which will highlight the company's performance in the water and natural gas sectors, potentially influencing investor confidence.
- Conference Call Timing: The earnings call will take place on February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, featuring CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller, who will provide insights into the earnings report and engage in a Q&A session, enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- Webcast and Replay Availability: The conference call will be webcast live, allowing investors to listen via the Essential website, and will be archived for replay for seven days post-call, improving accessibility for those unable to attend live and facilitating information dissemination.
- Service Coverage Area: Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states in the U.S., underscoring its significant role in the public utility sector and commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
See More
Analysts Favor These 3 High-Dividend Stocks Amid Market Volatility
Market Volatility Concerns: Investors are increasingly worried about potential volatility in the stock market due to rising gold and silver prices, alongside fears of international sell-offs of U.S. assets, prompting a shift towards more defensive investment strategies.
Ryman Hospitality Properties: Ryman Hospitality, focused on large hotel and resort investments, is noted for its strong dividend yield of 5.07% and a solid cash position, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dividend income.
Black Hills Corporation's Stability: Black Hills Corporation, a regulated utility company, offers reliable electric and natural gas services, with a dividend yield of 3.71% and a sustainable payout ratio, positioning it as a defensive investment in uncertain markets.
Essential Utilities Merger: Essential Utilities is set to merge with American Water Works, creating one of the largest U.S. water service firms, with expectations of significant earnings growth and a dividend yield of 3.55%, enhancing its appeal to investors.
See More
