Welcome to our dedicated page for Essential Utilities news (Ticker: WTRG), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Essential Utilities stock.
Essential Utilities, Inc. reports developments across regulated water, wastewater and natural gas distribution businesses operated under the Aqua and Peoples brands. The company serves communities across nine states and links its recurring updates to utility infrastructure modernization, pipeline replacement, treatment plant upgrades, monitoring technology and drinking water compliance.
Company news also covers PFAS-related capital planning, operating and financial results, quarterly dividend declarations, material agreements, shareholder matters, governance actions and capital-structure disclosures. These updates reflect a utility holding company whose business is shaped by regulated service territories, long-lived infrastructure assets and recurring investment in water, wastewater and natural gas systems.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved their proposed all-stock merger, following prior approval in Kentucky and strong shareholder support.
The combined company, to be named American Water and based in Camden, NJ, is expected to serve over 4.7 million water/wastewater and 740,000 gas customer connections, with closing targeted by Q1 2027, subject to remaining regulatory clearances.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) marked Drinking Water Week 2026 by reporting record infrastructure investment and high compliance. In 2025 the company invested $791 million in water and wastewater systems, achieved a 99.91% regulatory compliance rate for Aqua, and is accelerating a $450 million PFAS capital plan across eight states.
Essential also invested $1.4 billion across regulated water and natural gas in 2025 and committed $1.7 billion for infrastructure in 2026, supports 1.1 million customers, and operates a state-of-the-art environmental laboratory in Bryn Mawr.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported Q1 2026 GAAP EPS of $0.79 and adjusted EPS of $0.83, excluding $0.04 of merger transaction costs. Revenues rose 10% to $861.8M. Invested $269M in Q1 and remains on track for $1.7B of 2026 infrastructure spending. The company received Kentucky approval for its planned merger with American Water and reported ~95% shareholder approval; merger expected to close in Q1 2027.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced that the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved their proposed merger on April 22, 2026.
The all-stock deal, announced October 27, 2025, follows shareholder approvals and would create a combined company serving more than 4.7 million water and wastewater customer connections and more than 740,000 gas customer connections. The combined company will operate under the American Water name with headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. The merger is expected to close by the end of Q1 2027 but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance and additional regulatory approvals.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) will report results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 before market open on May 7, 2026. The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 11:00 a.m. ET that day with a question-and-answer session.
Chris Franklin, CEO, and Dan Schuller, CFO, will lead the call; the presentation will be archived on the company's Investor Relations website and an audio replay will be available for seven days.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) was named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Charitable Companies 2026 and released a Community Impact Report showing nearly $7.2 million in community giving in 2025. The company reported 1,250+ volunteers contributing 4,900 hours and noted >$29 million donated since 2020 across a 9-state service area.
The recognition highlights the Essential Foundation and recurring programs such as United Way, Fall for Food Banks, Essential Earth Day, and Peoples S.A.F.E.
Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) announced that its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has completed the $18 million acquisition of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County, PA, following PUC approval on January 15, 2026.
The system serves more than 2,900 customers; Aqua plans roughly $10 million of investments over the next decade across 40 miles of mains, will offer employment to existing authority staff pending hiring practices, and will extend customer assistance programs to eligible residents.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported full year 2025 net income of $616.4 million and EPS of $2.20. Revenues rose 18.6% to $2,474.6 million, driven by regulatory recoveries, higher gas volumes and purchased gas costs. The company invested $1.4 billion in infrastructure and received shareholder approval for a merger with American Water, on track to close in Q1 2027. Management expects 5–7% CAGR in adjusted EPS through 2027 and plans $1.7 billion of regulated infrastructure investment in 2026.
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, payable June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on May 12, 2026.
The company noted it has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased the dividend 35 times in the last 34 years.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities shareholders approved merger-related proposals at special meetings on Feb 10, 2026, with approximately 99% of AWK shares and ~95% of WTRG shares voting in favor. The merger is expected to close by the end of Q1 2027.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance and required regulatory approvals from applicable public utility commissions.