Essential Utilities Dividends and Buybacks
Dividend criteria checks 4/6
Essential Utilities is a dividend paying company with a current yield of 3.64% that is well covered by earnings. Next payment date is on 1st June, 2026 with an ex-dividend date of 12th May, 2026.
Key information
3.6%
Dividend yield
-3.0%
Buyback Yield
| Total Shareholder Yield | 0.7% |
| Future Dividend Yield | 4.2% |
| Dividend Growth | 6.6% |
| Next dividend pay date | 01 Jun 26 |
| Ex dividend date | 12 May 26 |
| Dividend per share | n/a |
| Payout ratio | 69% |
Recent dividend and buyback updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 24
WTRG: Updated Fair Value And P/E Assumptions Will Guide Balanced Outlook
Analysts have nudged their price target on Essential Utilities higher from $40.60 to $41.20, reflecting updated assumptions for fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E that slightly adjust their overall outlook. Valuation Changes Fair Value: Adjusted slightly from $40.60 to $41.20, indicating a modest upward revision in the estimated share value.Narrative Update • Apr 08
WTRG: Pending Merger Approval Will Shape Risk Balance And Support Fair Value
Analysts have maintained Essential Utilities' fair value estimate at $40.60. Recent commentary notes that although the potential merger path is described as long, it could address key bear-case concerns if it is ultimately approved.Seeking Alpha • Apr 04
Essential Utilities: Not Too Late To Buy Now
Summary For the last 34 years, Essential Utilities has delivered payout raises to its shareholders. On a standalone basis, the company is positioned to keep generating 5% to 7% annual adjusted EPS growth. Essential Utilities sports an A- S&P credit rating with a stable outlook. The water utility is priced 10% below my fair value estimate. As an independent company, Essential Utilities could post a 17% upside over the next 12 months and has a path to 10% annual total returns through 2031. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Mar 24
WTRG: Pending Merger Path And 2026 Vote Will Shape Risk Balance
Analysts have adjusted their price target on Essential Utilities to $40.60, reflecting updated views on profit margins and P/E assumptions, with some pointing to potential benefits if the proposed merger with American Water gains approval. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts view the proposed merger path as a potential way to address prior concerns around valuation, with the combined platform seen as better positioned to support the current P/E assumptions behind the updated US$40.60 target.Narrative Update • Mar 10
WTRG: Pending Merger And 2026 Vote Will Frame Balanced Risk Outlook
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Essential Utilities to about $40.60 from roughly $41.40, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples, while monitoring how the potential merger outcome could influence the bear case on the stock. Analyst Commentary Recent research on American Water highlights how the proposed merger with Essential Utilities could reshape the risk and reward conversation for Essential shareholders, even though the approval process is expected to be lengthy.Narrative Update • Feb 24
WTRG: Pending Merger And 2026 Meeting Will Shape Balanced Risk Profile
Analysts have trimmed their average price target for Essential Utilities to about $41.40, roughly $0.77 lower than before. They are factoring in updated fair value estimates and the potential impact of the proposed merger, which has influenced views across the water utility group.Narrative Update • Feb 08
WTRG: Pending Merger And Special Meeting Will Shape Bullish Return Profile
Analysts have lowered their price target on Essential Utilities to about US$42.17 from US$43.00. This change reflects updated assumptions for slightly different fair value, discount rate, growth, and margin profiles in light of the potential merger impact highlighted in recent research.Narrative Update • Jan 24
WTRG: All Stock Merger And Neutral Views Will Shape Future Return Profile
Analysts have maintained their fair value estimate for Essential Utilities at $43.00 as they weigh the modest merger premium, the all-stock structure, and the long timeline to potential regulatory approval highlighted in recent research. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the merger structure as a potential way to address prior concerns around the combined company, arguing that if the deal is approved it could be harder for skeptics to challenge the investment case.Narrative Update • Jan 08
WTRG: All Stock Merger Terms Will Support Long Term Upside Potential
Analysts now see fair value for Essential Utilities at about $43.00 per share, broadly in line with recent price targets clustered around $43 to $46. This reflects a reset in expectations after the announced all stock merger with American Water.Narrative Update • Dec 25
WTRG: All Stock Merger Premium Will Drive Long Term Upside Outlook
We trim our analyst price target for Essential Utilities to $43.00 from $43.71 as analysts recalibrate expectations following multiple downgrades tied to the announced all stock merger with American Water. Despite solid long term fundamentals, the deal is viewed as offering a relatively modest headline premium and a more balanced near term risk reward profile.Narrative Update • Dec 11
WTRG: Modest Merger Premium Will Shape Long Term Upside Potential
Analysts have lowered their price targets on Essential Utilities by a few dollars into the low to mid $40s. This reflects a more cautious stance on the announced all stock merger with American Water and its relatively modest implied premium.Narrative Update • Nov 26
WTRG: Merger Closing Delay And Modest Premium Will Shape Shareholder Outlook
Analysts have reduced their price targets for Essential Utilities, with average targets now ranging from $43 to $46. This follows the company's announced merger with American Water, as analysts cite a relatively modest premium and new merger dynamics.Narrative Update • Nov 12
WTRG: All-Stock Merger Will Shape Earnings Outlook Amid Downgrades
Analysts have reduced their average price target for Essential Utilities to approximately $44 from prior levels near $47. They cite the company's recently announced all-stock merger with American Water as the primary driver behind the downgrade.Narrative Update • Oct 28
Merger And Sector Downgrades Will Shift Water Demand Outlook Forward
Analysts have lowered their average price target for Essential Utilities from $45.75 to $43.71 per share, citing the announced merger with American Water as well as recent downgrades across the sector. Analyst Commentary Following the announced merger with American Water, analyst sentiment on Essential Utilities has shifted, with perspectives ranging from cautious to selectively optimistic.Narrative Update • Oct 04
Infrastructure Investments And Urbanization Will Drive Water Demand
Essential Utilities' analyst price target has been revised downward from $46.38 to $45.75 per share. This reflects analyst views that, while the company's growth prospects and industry positioning remain solid, updated valuation assumptions modestly temper expectations.Narrative Update • Sep 04
Infrastructure Investments And Urbanization Will Drive Water Demand
Analysts maintained a positive outlook on Essential Utilities, citing reaffirmed EPS growth guidance, strong sector positioning, and consistent execution, resulting in an unchanged consensus price target of $46.38. Analyst Commentary Management's reaffirmation of long-term annual EPS growth guidance of 5%-7%.Analysis Article • Aug 06
Results: Essential Utilities, Inc. Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates
Essential Utilities, Inc. ( NYSE:WTRG ) defied analyst predictions to release its quarterly results, which were ahead...Analysis Article • Aug 03
Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To $0.3426
Essential Utilities, Inc. ( NYSE:WTRG ) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend from last year's...Analysis Article • Jul 14
Calculating The Intrinsic Value Of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)
Key Insights The projected fair value for Essential Utilities is US$42.57 based on Dividend Discount Model With...Analysis Article • Jun 29
We Think Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Is Taking Some Risk With Its Debt
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • May 29
Risks To Shareholder Returns Are Elevated At These Prices For Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)
With a median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of close to 18x in the United States, you could be forgiven for...Seeking Alpha • Mar 10
Essential Utilities' Secret Growth Engine: PFAS Rules Fuel Expansion
Summary Essential Utilities stock is rated a "Buy" due to its strategic acquisitions of smaller utilities struggling with new PFAS regulations. Management's focus on PFAS mitigation and a $7.8 billion capital investment plan position WTRG for long-term growth and regulatory compliance. Despite missing EPS estimates, WTRG's strong financials and successful rate settlements in Pennsylvania support its 5-7% annual EPS growth target. Risks include regulatory approval for acquisitions and potential stricter PFAS standards, but these also present further acquisition opportunities. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 29
Essential Utilities: A SWAN Utility That Screens Cheap
Summary Essential Utilities is a Dividend Aristocrat with 33 years of consecutive dividend growth, offering a compelling investment opportunity at a 25% discount to fair value. The company’s five-year capital spending plan and strong A- credit rating support its targeted annual EPS growth rate of 5%-7% through 2026. WTRG's third-quarter results show solid revenue growth, driven by its Regulated Water segment, despite a 16.7% decline in diluted EPS. With a low payout ratio and consistent dividend growth, WTRG is poised to continue its impressive dividend streak, making it an attractive investment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 25
Essential Utilities: Undervalued In A Defensive Sector
Summary Essential Utilities' strong regulatory position and $7.8B capital investment plan are supportive of long-term earnings growth and consistent shareholder returns. Recent quarterly results included a 5.8% YoY revenue increase, driven by higher water sales and regulatory recoveries, with EPS narrowly beating expectations. The company is also committed to dividend growth, with a current forward yield of over 3.25%, and the stock valuation remains favorable compared to recent historical averages. Risks include regulatory delays, weather volatility, and potential capital constraints should interest rates remain elevated and/or the equity market experience a sharp and sustained decline. Overall, Essential Utilities offers reliable income with steady growth potential. I maintain a Buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Sep 15
Essential Utilities: Buy This Dividend Compounder On Sale Now
Summary In the world of dividend growth stocks, water utilities often stand out as shining stars. Essential Utilities' path to 5% to 7% long-term annual adjusted diluted EPS growth remains intact. The water utility targets a conservative debt-to-capital ratio and enjoys a high interest coverage ratio. Shares of Essential Utilities appear to be priced at a 19% discount to fair value. The stock could be positioned for 43% cumulative total returns by the end of 2026. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Aug 22
Innovative Strategies And Environmental Initiatives Propel Growth Amid Regulatory Changes
Implementation of weather normalization and regulatory approval process reform in Pennsylvania are expected to stabilize earnings and support revenue growth through acquisitions.Seeking Alpha • Jul 16
Essential Utilities: A Solid Replacement For T-Bills And Money Markets
Summary Essential Utilities offers a dividend yield of over 3% and is priced well below its historical valuation averages. The company has shown strong profitability metrics and EPS growth over the past decade. I rate Essential Utilities a Buy based on the current share price, which may be undervalued by as much as 20%. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • May 23
Essential Utilities: Why I'm Going To Be Buying More
Summary Over the last several decades, Essential Utilities has proven itself to be one of the premier dividend growth stocks. The water utility has several pending water segment rate cases and a $7.2 billion capital spending plan for the next five years to drive growth. WTRG also enjoys an A- credit rating from S&P on a stable outlook to finance its capital spending. Shares of the water utility could be trading at an 18% discount to fair value. WTRG could be poised to generate 40% cumulative total returns through 2026. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • May 05
Essential Utilities: A Quality Company With A Favorable Valuation
Summary Essential Utilities has had a long-term performance of 2,600% return since 1994, outperforming the S&P 500. The quality company is currently significantly discounted and therefore offers a good opportunity for value investors. Natural gas prices have a significant impact on Essential Utilities' revenue. Stable dividend growth will probably continue in the following years. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 29
Essential Utilities: A High-Quality Dividend Grower To Buy At A Discount
Summary Essential Utilities has boosted its dividend 33 times in the past 32 years. The water utility's diluted EPS climbed higher in Q4. Essential Utilities flexed its impressive balance sheet to refinance $500 million of long-term debt at attractive rates. The water utility's shares could currently be priced 33% below fair value. Moving forward, Essential Utilities could deliver high-single digit annual dividend growth, while also generating decent total returns. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaUpcoming Dividend Payment
Stability and Growth of Payments
Fetching dividends data
Stable Dividend: WTRG's dividends per share have been stable in the past 10 years.
Growing Dividend: WTRG's dividend payments have increased over the past 10 years.
Dividend Yield vs Market
| Essential Utilities Dividend Yield vs Market |
|---|
| Segment | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|
| Company (WTRG) | 3.6% |
| Market Bottom 25% (US) | 1.4% |
| Market Top 25% (US) | 4.2% |
| Industry Average (Water Utilities) | 3.1% |
| Analyst forecast (WTRG) (up to 3 years) | 4.2% |
Notable Dividend: WTRG's dividend (3.64%) is higher than the bottom 25% of dividend payers in the US market (1.39%).
High Dividend: WTRG's dividend (3.64%) is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the US market (4.21%).
Earnings Payout to Shareholders
Earnings Coverage: With its reasonable payout ratio (68.5%), WTRG's dividend payments are covered by earnings.
Cash Payout to Shareholders
Cash Flow Coverage: WTRG is paying a dividend but the company has no free cash flows.
Discover strong dividend paying companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/07 17:32 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/07 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Essential Utilities, Inc. is covered by 20 analysts. 4 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Jacob Kilstein | Argus Research Company |
| Davis Sunderland | Baird |
| Daniel Ford | Barclays |