Essential Utilities (WTRG)
NYSEUtilitiesRegulated WaterSnapshot 2026-09-04
$41.70-0.41%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEUtilitiesRegulated WaterSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · WTRG
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within utilities on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks WTRG against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 67% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=1452).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Successfully close the proposed merger with American Water, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consents, targeted for first quarter 2027.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management confirmed regulatory approvals from Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia commissions and shareholder approval with 95% votes in favor. The merger timeline remains on track for closing in Q1 2027, delivering consistent progress toward completion.
“The merger remains on track for closing in the first quarter of 2027.”
“The merger remains on track for closing in the first quarter of 2027.”
“The merger remains on track for closing in the first quarter of 2027.”
Maintain elevated levels of capital investment in regulated water and natural gas infrastructure, targeting $1.7 billion in 2026.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management invested $269 million in Q1 and $662.2 million cumulatively by Q2 2026, on track for the $1.7 billion full-year target. The trajectory shows consistent capital deployment aligned with stated infrastructure investment goals.
Target compound annual growth rate of 5% to 7% in adjusted earnings per share from 2024 through 2027.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management projects 5-7% CAGR in adjusted EPS from $1.97 in 2024 through 2027. Actual GAAP diluted EPS was $1.16 for first half of 2026, reflecting ongoing execution but with some variability; trajectory is consistent with stated growth range.
“Affirms anticipated growth in earnings per share at a compound annual growth rate of 5 to 7%.”
Expand customer base by acquiring water and wastewater systems, with signed agreements pending for over 200,000 customers.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management has signed agreements for acquisitions serving over 200,000 customers and a pipeline representing about 400,000 customers. The company completed acquisitions such as Integra Water Texas and Greenville Municipal Water Authority, showing ongoing delivery on growth through acquisitions.
“Signed purchase agreements expected to serve over 200,000 customers; pipeline represents approximately 400,000 total customers.”
Sustain and grow quarterly cash dividends to shareholders, with recent increases of approximately 5.25%.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management increased the quarterly dividend by 5.25% to $0.3606 per share in Q2 2026, continuing a long history of consecutive dividend payments. The trajectory shows consistent dividend growth aligned with stated commitment.
Over the trailing year it converted 1.38x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Utilities names rated fragile grew net income 55% of the time over the next year (vs 70% for the rest of the cohort, n=929).
Not enough signal yet.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, the broad stock market, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
8 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by executive changes. Historically, Utilities names rated stable grew net income 60% of the time over the next year (vs 69% for the rest of the cohort, n=176).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Invested $662.2 million in infrastructure in the first six months of the year; on track to invest $1.7 billion in 2026.”
“Invested $269 million in infrastructure in the first three months of the year; on track to invest $1.7 billion in 2026.”
“In 2026, regulated infrastructure investments are expected to be $1.7 billion.”
“Affirms anticipated growth in earnings per share at a compound annual growth rate of 5 to 7%.”
“Anticipated growth in long-term earnings per share at a compounded annual growth rate of 5 to 7% from adjusted 2024 EPS of $1.97.”
“Signed purchase agreements expected to serve over 201,000 customers; pipeline represents approximately 400,000 total customers.”
“Pipeline of potential water and wastewater municipal acquisitions represents approximately 400,000 total customers.”
“Increased quarterly dividend 5.25% to $0.3606 per share.”
“Declared quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share.”
“Declared quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share.”