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
What must go right, what could break, what the price assumes, and what evidence comes next.
The current health of the standing investment case.
Recent financial performance sits below its industry cohort — worth keeping an eye on, though it has not freshly broken.
One-year growth currently built into the price, compared with our model's estimate.
| Measure | Marker shape | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Growth built into the price | circle | 8.5% |
| Our one-year growth estimate | diamond | 3.8% |
For each item: what to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
A reporting-risk estimate, not a forecast of the stock-price response.
Historical relationships that met the evidence threshold. They do not prove cause or forecast a move.
No outside relationship met the current evidence threshold.
Based on historical daily prices through 2026-09-04.
Past price behavior in dollars on a $10,000 position. This does not measure permanent business risk.
How much price usually moves either way.
A larger daily loss that occurred about once in every 20 trading days.
Use the underlying financial and sector pages to investigate the cause.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Growth built into the price is above our model estimate.
The price assumes 4.7 percentage points more one-year growth.
The one-year revenue growth assumption on Valuation.
Model as of 2026-09-04 · Compared with 8 industry peers · Company calendar date is not available
WTRG — earnings in line
Dated 2026-08-05
Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On August 4, 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended and six months ended June 30, 2026. The full text of such press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.
Why it matters: Investing in infrastructure can make services more reliable. It can also increase future revenue.
Supportive ifAt least 75% of the $1.7 billion in infrastructure investments must be done by year-end.
Worry ifLess than 50% of the planned infrastructure investments must be done by year-end.
Why it matters: EPS growth shows operational strength. It supports long-term growth goals.
Supportive ifQ3 adjusted EPS exceeds $0.38, showing growth from Q2.
Worry ifQ3 adjusted EPS is below $0.38, which may show operational problems.
Why it matters: Hitting this investment target shows a focus on growth and efficiency.
Supportive ifInfrastructure investments reported at or above $850 million for the first nine months of 2026.
Worry ifInfrastructure investments fall below $750 million for the first nine months of 2026.
Why it matters: Confirming EPS growth is crucial to meeting long-term financial goals.
Supportive ifQ3 EPS growth reported at a compound annual growth rate of 5% or more.
Worry ifQ3 EPS growth reported below 5% CAGR.
We watch for confirming and disproving signals on each item. Resolutions are found automatically where possible and checked by hand for unclear cases. Last 90 days shown.
Deepest peak-to-trough drop in the last year.
| Measure | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Typical day | ±$78 on $10,000 · ±0.8% | How much price usually moves either way. |
| Bad day | $229 loss on $10,000 · 2.3% | A larger daily loss that occurred about once in every 20 trading days. |
| Largest peak-to-trough drop in the past year | $1,297 loss on $10,000 · 13.0% | Deepest peak-to-trough drop in the last year. |
Past year. 1.00 means similar movement; 1.20 means about 20% more.
Past year. 1.00 means similar movement to the sector. This is secondary context.
Latest 30 trading days, shown as an annual percentage.
Latest 252 trading days, shown as an annual percentage.
20-trading-day average in US dollars.
Trading days used by the source risk snapshot.
Past results, not a forecast. Not investment advice.
Why it matters: Updates on customer growth show the company's plan to expand.
Supportive ifThey announced closing more deals that serve over 200,000 customers.
Worry ifNo new acquisitions announced within the next quarter.
Why it matters: Approval from all states is needed to close the merger with American Water. This merger is key for growth.
Supportive ifApproval from the remaining states needed for the merger by Q1 2027.
Worry ifNot getting approval from any state before the merger deadline.
Why it matters: New acquisitions could raise revenue and match management's growth goals.
Supportive ifA press release about a new acquisition that may raise revenue.
Worry ifNo acquisitions announced in the next quarter.
Why it matters: Reconfirming this guidance shows trust in future earnings and performance.
Supportive ifManagement says EPS will grow 5-7% each year in future updates.
Worry ifManagement revises down the EPS growth guidance below 5% CAGR.
Why it matters: Regulatory approval is key for closing the merger. It impacts growth and market position.
Supportive ifThe last regulatory bodies need to approve the merger.
Worry ifThere could be more delays or rejections from regulators about the merger.
Why it matters: If revenue growth picks up, it could signal a positive shift in the sector's maturity phase.
Supportive ifRevenue growth accelerates to above 5% year over year.
Worry ifRevenue growth remains below 5% year over year.
Why it matters: Steady dividend growth builds trust with investors. An increase shows good financial health.
Supportive ifAnnouncement of a dividend increase from $0.3426 per share in Q2 2026.
Worry ifNo increase in the dividend or a decrease is announced.
Why it matters: Good results could lead to big revenue increases. This would help earnings grow.
Supportive ifApproval of base rate cases in Texas and Ohio could bring in $101.9 million yearly.
Worry ifRejection or delays in the pending rate cases in Texas and Ohio.
Why it matters: Better efficiency helps make more money. If the company improves, it may help recent income drops.
Supportive ifOperating income increases from $310.6M in Q1 2026.
Worry ifOperating income decreases further from $310.6M in Q1 2026.
Why it matters: Approval could greatly increase annual revenues and help growth plans.
Supportive ifApproval of the base rate case in Pennsylvania for a $163.2 million revenue increase.
Worry ifDenial or delay of the base rate case approval in Pennsylvania.
Why it matters: This investment is key for service quality and growth. It shows a focus on excellence.
Supportive ifTotal infrastructure investment reaches or goes over $1.7 billion by the end of 2026.
Worry ifTotal infrastructure investment is less than $1.7 billion by the end of 2026.
Why it matters: This merger matters for Essential Utilities. It can help them compete better and work more efficiently.
Supportive ifAll needed regulatory approvals are in place. The merger will close as planned in Q1 2027.
Worry ifThe merger may face delays or not close by Q1 2027.