Essential Utilities Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities (WTRG), has successfully installed its next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The innovative system converts natural gas into electricity through a combustion-free electrochemical process, serving as a reliable backup power source for homes.

The WATT HOME system offers key advantages including increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller footprint compared to traditional backup generators. With U.S. electricity customers experiencing approximately 5.5 hours of annual power interruptions, this technology provides a silent, pollution-free alternative to standard backup generators. As part of the rollout, Peoples Natural Gas plans pilot installations in multiple company field offices to evaluate installation and operational processes before a public launch.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported strong Q1 2025 results with earnings per share of $1.03, up from $0.97 in Q1 2024. Net income reached $283.8 million, while revenues increased 28% to $783.6 million. The company invested $270.5 million in infrastructure during Q1 and affirmed its 2025 guidance of $2.07-$2.11 EPS. Essential plans to invest $1.4-$1.5 billion in 2025 and approximately $7.8 billion through 2029 in infrastructure improvements. The company completed acquisitions in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with five additional wastewater system purchases pending. Essential maintains its long-term growth targets, including 5-7% EPS growth through 2027 and an 8% combined regulated utility rate base growth through 2029. The company has raised approximately $210 million in equity via its ATM program in 2025.

Aqua Pennsylvania (WTRG) has secured $17.3 million in PENNVEST funding to enhance water infrastructure. The package includes $15.05 million for PFAS treatment installation projects across 6 community well sites in Bucks, Chester, and Luzerne Counties, benefiting over 5,800 customers. Construction is expected to complete by fall 2026, ahead of EPA's 2029 compliance deadline for PFAS regulations.

Additionally, $2.3 million will support the replacement of over 200 customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines in Bristol Borough, Bucks County. This project, starting June 2025 with completion expected in early 2026, will be executed at no direct cost to customers and includes a warranty.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has been named to USA TODAY's America's Climate Leaders 2025 list for the third consecutive year, recognizing the company's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company has achieved a 25% reduction in emissions through 2023, advancing toward its goal of 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2019 baseline levels.

The company's emissions reduction strategy focuses on modernizing natural gas infrastructure, addressing methane leaks, and investing in renewable energy. Essential's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan includes replacing 3,000 miles of aging pipelines with advanced infrastructure less prone to corrosion and leaks. The company is also increasing renewable energy procurement for its water and wastewater treatment operations.

Aqua Pennsylvania confirms it's on track to meet the EPA's 2029 compliance deadline for PFAS regulations, following the agency's national standard setting for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. The company has been proactively addressing PFAS removal since 2016, well before federal or state guidelines were established.

Key achievements include:

• Building a state-of-the-art lab with high-tech PFAS testing equipment
• Setting an industry-leading standard of 13 parts per trillion in 2020
• Making PFAS test results publicly available
• Installing advanced filters in systems with high PFAS levels

The company secured nearly $100 million in PENNVEST low-interest loans and grants in 2024 for critical projects. Aqua Pennsylvania is also pursuing legal action against chemical manufacturers responsible for PFAS contamination while working to meet DEP drinking water standards by 2025 and EPA compliance by 2029.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has scheduled its Q1 2025 earnings release for May 12, 2025, before the market opens. The company will host a conference call with financial analysts at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the same day.

CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller will lead the presentation, which will include a discussion of first-quarter results followed by a Q&A session. Investors can access the live webcast through the company's website at Essential.co via the Investors section.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced a major infrastructure investment program, committing $1.3 billion in 2024 and projecting $7.8 billion through 2029. This initiative aligns with the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card findings, which highlight critical infrastructure needs nationwide.

Key 2024 achievements include:

• Replacement of 1,600+ lead and galvanized water service lines
• Modernization of 410 miles of water, wastewater, and natural gas pipelines
• $4 million investment in Chester County, PA for 450 customer-owned lead service line replacements
• Upgrades to Manakin Farms Wastewater Treatment Facility in Goochland County, VA
• Construction of a 500,000-gallon water tower in Beau Rivage, NC

The company has invested $5.4 billion since 2020 and allocated $27 million for PFAS mitigation and $23 million for lead service line remediation in 2024. The program addresses ASCE's infrastructure grades: drinking water (C-), wastewater (D+), and energy sector (D+).

Essential Utilities (WTRG) emphasizes the importance of using the 811 One Call System during National Safe Digging Month. The company, along with its subsidiaries Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas, reminds all stakeholders that contacting 811 is legally required before any excavation project, regardless of size.

The safety protocol requires calling 811 at least three business days before digging, waiting for utility locators to mark underground lines, respecting these markings during excavation, and immediately reporting any damage to utility infrastructure. This applies to major construction work and smaller projects like planting trees, installing mailboxes, or setting up recreational equipment.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) celebrates its 5th anniversary as an integrated utility following the merger of Aqua and Peoples in 2020. Over this period, the company has invested $5.4 billion in infrastructure improvements across water, wastewater, and natural gas systems.

Key achievements include modernizing 2,100 miles of aging water mains and gas pipelines, reducing gas customer outages by 45%, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. The company has achieved nearly 100% renewable electricity usage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois, while maintaining almost perfect drinking water compliance in 2024.

The company has also strengthened community engagement through $20 million in donations via the Essential Foundation and over 15,000 volunteer hours within its service territory.