Essential Utilities, Inc. - WTRG STOCK NEWS

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) reported strong Q1 2021 results with a net income of $183.7 million ($0.72 per share), a significant increase from $51.8 million ($0.20 per share) in Q1 2020. Revenues soared 128.3% to $583.6 million, primarily driven by the natural gas utility segment contributing $315.8 million. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2507 per share to be paid on June 1, 2021. Essential is expanding through six signed agreements for water utility acquisitions, expected to serve 227,000 customers, reflecting ongoing growth.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced the appointment of Edwina Kelly to its Board of Directors. Kelly, a senior principal at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, will serve on the audit committee and risk mitigation committee. She replaces former director Wendy Franks and brings expertise in renewable energy, crucial for achieving the company’s emissions reduction targets. Essential aims to cut its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from 2019 levels by 2035, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goals. This strategic decision emphasizes the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Aqua Pennsylvania is promoting its Helping Hand assistance program aimed at assisting low-income families struggling to pay water bills. The program offers a payment plan for overdue accounts, credits for timely payments, and conservation kits to help reduce water usage and bills. Eligibility requires household income to be under 200% of the federal poverty level, account being over 21 days overdue, and unpaid bills of at least $110. Interested customers can contact Aqua at 877.987.2782 to check qualification or contribute to the program.

The board of directors of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2507 per share, payable on June 1, 2021, to shareholders of record by May 14, 2021.

Essential Utilities boasts a long history of dividend payments, having disbursed consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 76 years and increasing them 30 times in the last 29 years.

Aqua Texas has donated a total of $50,000 to support local communities affected by February’s severe winter weather. The contributions include $15,000 to three food banks and $17,500 each to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army organizations. The donations will aid community members in 54 counties across Texas. Aqua Texas President Bob Laughman emphasized the company's commitment to assisting those in need during challenging times.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) is set to announce its earnings for the quarter ending March 31, 2021, after market close on May 5, 2021. A conference call for financial analysts is scheduled for May 6, 2021, at 11 a.m. EDT, which will also be available via live webcast. Essential Utilities serves approximately 5 million people across 10 states, under Aqua and Peoples brands, emphasizing its commitment to infrastructure investment and operational efficiency.

Essential Utilities reported strong financial results for 2020, with total operating revenues rising by 64.4% to $1.46 billion, primarily due to the Peoples acquisition. Net income increased by 26.9% to $284.8 million, or $1.12 per share. For Q4 2020, revenues soared 109.7% to $474.0 million, while adjusted net income was $116.2 million. The company plans significant infrastructure investments totaling $3 billion through 2023 and is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035.

Aqua Pennsylvania's Bristol Water Treatment Plant has received the prestigious Phase III Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water, recognizing its commitment to optimizing water quality. This award is achieved through rigorous self-assessment and peer review, evaluating treatment plant operations and developing action plans for improvement. The Bristol plant is among a select group honored by the Partnership and American Water Works Association. This accolade underscores Aqua's dedication to excellence, with all 11 surface water treatment plants in Pennsylvania participating in this initiative.

Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) announced an asset purchase agreement to acquire Willistown Township's wastewater assets for $17.5 million, pending regulatory approval. The acquisition covers 30 miles of pipeline and a small treatment plant serving approximately 2,300 customers. This marks the second such agreement in a month for Essential, following a similar deal with East Whiteland Township. The company currently has six pending acquisitions worth $438 million, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and expand its service footprint in Pennsylvania.