Essential Utilities Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
Essential Utilities has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 8.6%, while the Water Utilities industry saw earnings growing at 7.5% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 5.1% per year. Essential Utilities's return on equity is 7.9%, and it has net margins of 21.6%.
Key information
8.56%
Earnings growth rate
6.52%
EPS growth rate
| Water Utilities Industry Growth | 8.91% |
| Revenue growth rate | 5.11% |
| Return on equity | 7.91% |
| Net Margin | 21.60% |
| Last Earnings Update | 30 Jun 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Sep 17
Essential Utilities: The Buy Window Is Closed Now (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Since June, Essential Utilities (WTRG) has handily outperformed the S&P 500 index. The regulated utility’s merger with AWK continues to progress. WTRG still possesses an A- S&P credit rating with a positive outlook. Shares have swung from moderately undervalued to slightly overvalued. WTRG appears poised to generate 8%+ annual total returns by the end of 2031. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Sep 10
WTRG: Merger Timeline And Pennsylvania Rulings Will Guide Future Risk Reward Balance
Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Essential Utilities to $42.00 per share from $41.20, citing revised price targets that reflect the planned merger share exchange with American Water and updated assumptions around regulatory outcomes and earnings power for the combined company. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Essential Utilities focuses heavily on the planned merger with American Water and how that structure could affect valuation, execution risk, and long term growth prospects for the combined utility platform.Narrative Update • Jul 10
WTRG: Merger Progress And Pennsylvania Decisions Will Shape Steady Future Returns
Analysts have raised their price target on Essential Utilities to $46, citing updated fair value estimates of $41.20 and expectations related to the planned merger with American Water. This includes potential regulatory outcomes in Pennsylvania, as well as a long-term growth outlook and credit profile that they view as relatively low risk.Narrative Update • Jun 25
WTRG: Merger Approvals And Stable Outlook Will Shape Measured Future Returns
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Essential Utilities to $39.80 from $40.80, citing updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E, alongside mixed signals from recent sector price target moves and the anticipated American Water merger. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Essential Utilities highlights both optimism around the planned American Water merger and caution about near term execution and valuation, giving investors a mixed but useful reference point as they weigh the stock against the updated fair value estimate.Analysis Article • Jun 22
Essential Utilities (WTRG) Stock Could Be 10% Undervalued As Institutional Support Builds
Institutional investors increase their stake in Essential Utilities A sharp rise in institutional ownership has put Essential Utilities (WTRG) in focus after large shareholders, including ETHSX, expanded their positions and lifted the company to 5th place in its industry by institutional holding. See our latest analysis for Essential Utilities. At a share price of $36.70, Essential Utilities has seen its share price decline over the past quarter and year to date, while the 1 year total...Narrative Update • Jun 06
WTRG: Merger Progress And Steady Assumptions Will Guide Balanced Future Outlook
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Essential Utilities slightly higher, from $40.40 to $40.80. This reflects updated price targets around $43 and views that the planned American Water merger, along with the company's stable credit profile and lower risk growth plan, support some additional upside potential.Narrative Update • May 23
WTRG: Updated Discount Rate And P/E Assumptions Will Shape Steady Outlook
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Essential Utilities by $0.80 to $40.40, reflecting updated views on fair value, a slightly higher discount rate and modestly adjusted assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. Valuation Changes Fair Value: trimmed from $41.20 to $40.40, a small downward adjustment of about 1.9%.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.Narrative 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%.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.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Essential Utilities makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 26 | 2,569 | 555 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 26 | 2,553 | 557 | 1 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 2,475 | 616 | 1 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 2,380 | 668 | 1 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 2,338 | 646 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 2,258 | 613 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 2,086 | 595 | -1 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 1,961 | 546 | -3 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 1,937 | 557 | -4 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 1,939 | 573 | -4 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 2,054 | 498 | -4 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 2,280 | 478 | -2 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 2,303 | 466 | -4 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 2,315 | 457 | -6 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 2,288 | 465 | -8 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 2,118 | 467 | -10 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 2,046 | 449 | -9 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 1,994 | 447 | -9 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 1,878 | 432 | -7 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 1,816 | 418 | -6 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 1,803 | 423 | -4 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 1,791 | 417 | -2 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 1,463 | 285 | 1 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 1,215 | 246 | 2 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 1,110 | 279 | 4 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 944 | 259 | 5 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 890 | 225 | 6 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 869 | 157 | 11 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 852 | 146 | 10 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 845 | 158 | 9 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 838 | 192 | 8 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 836 | 249 | 1 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 825 | 247 | 1 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 816 | 242 | -1 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 810 | 240 | 5 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 803 | 236 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 815 | 233 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 815 | 232 | 1 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 820 | 234 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 820 | 213 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 815 | 207 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 816 | 205 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 814 | 202 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 809 | 222 | 0 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: WTRG has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: WTRG's current net profit margins (21.6%) are lower than last year (27.6%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: WTRG's earnings have grown by 8.6% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: WTRG's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: WTRG had negative earnings growth (-14.1%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Water Utilities industry average (4.2%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: WTRG's Return on Equity (7.9%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/18 21:58 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/18 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| 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 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 19 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 |