Essential Utilities (WTRG)


Market Price (10/11/2026): $38.99 | Market Cap: $11.1 BilSector: Utilities | Industry: Water Utilities

Essential Utilities (WTRG)


Market Price (10/11/2026): $38.99
Market Cap: $11.1 Bil
Sector: Utilities
Industry: Water Utilities

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 8.5%, Dividend Yield is 3.5%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 4.6%

Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 35%

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 40%

Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 22%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Smart Grids & Grid Modernization. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more.

Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -26%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -52%

Debt is significant
Net D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 77%

Not cash flow generative
FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -18%

Key risks
WTRG key risks include [1] adverse regulatory actions and rising environmental compliance costs and [2] intense competition and integration difficulties impacting its acquisition-based growth strategy.

0 Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 8.5%, Dividend Yield is 3.5%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 4.6%
1 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 35%
2 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 40%
3 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 22%
4 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Smart Grids & Grid Modernization. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more.
5 Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -26%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -52%
6 Debt is significant
Net D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 77%
7 Not cash flow generative
FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -18%
8 Key risks
WTRG key risks include [1] adverse regulatory actions and rising environmental compliance costs and [2] intense competition and integration difficulties impacting its acquisition-based growth strategy.

WTRG in ETFs

Weight = WTRG's share of each fund

VTI0.02%
ITOT0.02%
IWB0.02%
IJH0.33%
VIG0.05%
VYM0.05%
VB0.14%
MDYV0.68%
+20 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 10/1/2026

Essential Utilities (WTRG) stock has gained about 5% since 6/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Mixed Fiscal Q2 2026 Performance and Reaffirmed Guidance.

Essential Utilities reported its fiscal Q2 2026 results on August 4, 2026 (for the quarter ended June 30, 2026), with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.38, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 by $0.01. However, quarterly revenue of $530.85 million, while up 3.1% year-over-year, fell short of the consensus estimate of $538.90 million. Despite the mixed results, the company affirmed its financial and growth guidance for the year, providing investors with continued stability regarding its outlook.

2. Increased Dividend Payment.

On July 29, 2026, Essential Utilities announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3606 per share, representing an increase of 5.25%. This dividend was payable on September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on August 11, 2026. The consistent increase in dividend payouts, resulting in an estimated dividend yield of approximately 3.54%, reinforced the stock's appeal as a stable income-generating utility, contributing to its sustained price level.

Show more
Updated on 10/1/2026

Essential Utilities (WTRG) stock has gained about 5% since 6/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Mixed Fiscal Q2 2026 Performance and Reaffirmed Guidance.

Essential Utilities reported its fiscal Q2 2026 results on August 4, 2026 (for the quarter ended June 30, 2026), with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.38, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 by $0.01. However, quarterly revenue of $530.85 million, while up 3.1% year-over-year, fell short of the consensus estimate of $538.90 million. Despite the mixed results, the company affirmed its financial and growth guidance for the year, providing investors with continued stability regarding its outlook.

2. Increased Dividend Payment.

On July 29, 2026, Essential Utilities announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3606 per share, representing an increase of 5.25%. This dividend was payable on September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on August 11, 2026. The consistent increase in dividend payouts, resulting in an estimated dividend yield of approximately 3.54%, reinforced the stock's appeal as a stable income-generating utility, contributing to its sustained price level.

3. Steady Progress on American Water Works Merger.

The proposed merger between Essential Utilities and American Water Works continued to advance through regulatory channels during the period. The Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period expired on August 17, 2026, a key step in the merger process. Essential Utilities still anticipates the merger to close by the end of fiscal Q1 2027. The ongoing progress and clear timeline for this significant transaction likely instilled investor confidence, preventing notable stock volatility.

4. Balanced Analyst Sentiment and Price Targets.

Analyst ratings for Essential Utilities during the period were largely balanced, ranging from "Hold" to "Buy," contributing to a stable stock price. For example, UBS Group raised its price target from $48.00 to $49.00 on September 10, 2026, maintaining a "Buy" rating. Conversely, Barclays maintained an "underweight" (Sell) rating but adjusted its price target upward from $38.00 to $40.00 on July 15, 2026. The consensus average analyst price target was around $42.20 to $43.75, suggesting limited significant upside or downside from the stock's trading range near $38-$39 in early October 2026.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 2.7% change in WTRG stock from 6/30/2026 to 10/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 3.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)630202610102026Change
Stock Price ($)37.9638.982.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,5532,5690.6%
Net Income Margin (%)21.8%21.6%-1.0%
P/E Multiple19.319.93.2%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)283284-0.2%
Cumulative Contribution2.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

6/30/2026 to 10/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
WTRG2.7% 
Market (SPY)4.3%-16.3%
Sector (XLU)-8.7%39.6%

Fundamental Drivers

The -1.4% change in WTRG stock from 3/31/2026 to 10/10/2026 was primarily driven by a -13.3% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)331202610102026Change
Stock Price ($)39.5438.98-1.4%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,4752,5693.8%
Net Income Margin (%)24.9%21.6%-13.3%
P/E Multiple18.219.99.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)283284-0.2%
Cumulative Contribution-1.4%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

3/31/2026 to 10/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
WTRG-1.4% 
Market (SPY)20.0%-23.9%
Sector (XLU)-9.2%43.2%

Fundamental Drivers

The 1.3% change in WTRG stock from 9/30/2025 to 10/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 19.3% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)930202510102026Change
Stock Price ($)38.4838.981.3%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,3382,5699.9%
Net Income Margin (%)27.6%21.6%-21.8%
P/E Multiple16.719.919.3%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)280284-1.2%
Cumulative Contribution1.3%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/30/2025 to 10/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
WTRG1.3% 
Market (SPY)17.8%-23.0%
Sector (XLU)-3.0%38.6%

Fundamental Drivers

The 26.1% change in WTRG stock from 9/30/2023 to 10/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 13.7% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)930202310102026Change
Stock Price ($)30.9238.9826.1%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2,3032,56911.5%
Net Income Margin (%)20.2%21.6%6.7%
P/E Multiple17.519.913.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)264284-6.8%
Cumulative Contribution26.1%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/30/2023 to 10/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
WTRG26.1% 
Market (SPY)88.4%-0.7%
Sector (XLU)52.6%51.5%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
WTRG Return16%-8%-19%1%9%4%-2%
Peers Return22%-6%-9%4%8%3%22%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%13%107%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
WTRG Win Rate67%42%33%42%50%60% 
Peers Win Rate57%52%50%48%57%60% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%50% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
WTRG Max Drawdown-14%-25%-32%-12%-11%-12% 
Peers Max Drawdown-17%-27%-24%-15%-13%-15% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: AWK, ATO, CWT, AWR, OGS.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 10/9/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventWTRGS&P 500
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-22.8%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.6%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven288 days24 days
2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis
  % Loss-14.3%-6.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven16.7%7.1%
  Time to Breakeven980 days31 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-39.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven64.2%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven638 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-11.8%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven13.3%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven106 days105 days
2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion
  % Loss-13.3%-17.9%
  % Gain to Breakeven15.4%21.8%
  Time to Breakeven21 days123 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-31.6%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven46.2%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven133 days1085 days

Compare to AWK, ATO, CWT, AWR, OGS

In The Past

Essential Utilities's stock fell 0.0% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 0.0% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventWTRGS&P 500
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-22.8%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.6%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven288 days24 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-39.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven64.2%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven638 days140 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-31.6%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven46.2%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven133 days1085 days

Compare to AWK, ATO, CWT, AWR, OGS

In The Past

Essential Utilities's stock fell 0.0% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 0.0% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Essential Utilities (WTRG)

Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) is a public utility company that primarily provides regulated water, wastewater, and natural gas services across multiple U.S. states. Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, the company focuses on delivering essential infrastructure services to a wide base of customers.

Its core offerings include the distribution and maintenance of regulated water services, wastewater treatment, and natural gas supply. Beyond these primary utilities, Essential Utilities also engages in non-utility raw water supply, specifically catering to the natural gas drilling industry. Additionally, through a third-party, it offers water and sewer line protection solutions and repair services to households, complementing its core utility operations.

The company serves a substantial customer base of approximately 7.5 million, encompassing residential, commercial, fire protection, industrial, and other utility customers. Its operational footprint spans across ten states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, establishing it as a significant regional utility provider.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 1-2 brief analogies for Essential Utilities (WTRG):

  • Like an AT&T or Verizon, but for water, wastewater, and natural gas utility services.
  • Similar to Waste Management, but providing essential water, wastewater, and natural gas services to homes and businesses.

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  • Regulated Water Utility Services: Provides essential water distribution and supply to residential, commercial, industrial, and other utility customers.
  • Regulated Wastewater Utility Services: Offers wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services.
  • Regulated Natural Gas Utility Services: Delivers natural gas to homes and businesses.
  • Raw Water Supply Services: Provides raw water to firms primarily in the natural gas drilling industry.
  • Water and Sewer Line Protection & Repair Services: Offers solutions and repair services to households for their water and sewer lines, typically through a third party.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Essential Utilities (WTRG) primarily sells to individuals and various types of businesses directly through its utility services. Its major customer categories include:

  • Residential customers
  • Commercial customers
  • Industrial customers

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Christopher H. Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Franklin has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. since July 2015 and December 2017, respectively, and is a 30-year veteran of the company. Since his appointment as CEO, the company's market capitalization more than tripled, and its customer base nearly doubled through a growth-through-acquisition program. He spearheaded the acquisition of the natural gas company Peoples. Mr. Franklin has been at the helm of seven different companies and holds positions as Director and Vice President at the National Association of Water Cos. His past career includes serving as Chairman of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry and holding executive roles at PECO Energy Co. and the Pennsylvania Business Council. He was recognized with the EY "Entrepreneur of the Year" award.

Daniel J. Schuller, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Schuller is responsible for all financial operations of Essential Utilities, Inc., including accounting, SEC reporting, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, rates, and internal audit. He joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of strategy and corporate development and assumed his current role in October 2018. Mr. Schuller played a pivotal role in developing the company's growth strategy and led its expansion into natural gas. In 2019, he managed the successful $2 billion secondary public equity offering and a $900 million initial public debt offering to finance the Peoples acquisition. Prior to joining Essential Utilities, he was an investment principal with J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Infrastructure Investments Group from 2007 to 2015, where he provided strategic leadership as a director of portfolio companies, including SouthWest Water Company and Summit Utilities, indicating a pattern of involvement with investment-backed companies. He has been recognized as a "CFO of the Year" by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Colleen M. Arnold, President, Aqua
Ms. Arnold leads the regulated water and wastewater operations for Essential Utilities' Aqua brand, which serves approximately 3 million people.

Michael A. Huwar, President, Peoples
Mr. Huwar is responsible for the regulated natural gas segment of Essential Utilities, operating under the Peoples brand, which serves over 740,000 customers.

Christopher P. Luning, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Mr. Luning oversees all legal and governance matters for Essential Utilities, Inc.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are the key risks to Essential Utilities (WTRG):

  1. Regulatory and Compliance Risks: As a highly regulated utility, Essential Utilities is significantly exposed to changes in federal and state laws and the decisions of regulatory bodies. Compliance with environmental standards, such as new PFAS limits, and safety regulations can lead to increased capital and operating costs. Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals for rate increases (known as regulatory lag) can prevent the company from recovering these substantial investments and rising operational costs from customers, directly impacting profitability and operational efficiency. The ongoing scrutiny around utility affordability at national and state levels further influences future rate cases and revenue recovery.

  2. High Capital Expenditures and Financing Costs: Essential Utilities' business is highly capital-intensive, requiring significant ongoing investments to maintain and expand its vast water, wastewater, and natural gas infrastructure, and to comply with evolving regulatory mandates. The company plans to invest billions in infrastructure improvements over the next several years. This necessitates substantial indebtedness, making the company vulnerable to fluctuations in capital markets, rising interest rates, and competition for capital. Increased borrowing costs can adversely affect its financial condition, limit flexibility, and potentially strain its ability to fund growth initiatives and dividend payments.

  3. Acquisition and Integration Risks: Essential Utilities pursues a growth strategy that includes acquiring smaller water and wastewater systems. Furthermore, the company has announced a significant all-stock merger with American Water Works Company, expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Such large-scale acquisitions and mergers carry inherent integration risks, including potential delays in obtaining necessary regulatory clearances, complexities in combining operational frameworks, and challenges in realizing anticipated synergies. Failure to effectively integrate acquired entities or delays in closing the merger could hinder growth strategies, impact financial performance, and divert management attention and resources.

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Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) operates in several addressable markets across the United States for its main products and services:

  • Regulated Water and Wastewater Services: The U.S. water utilities industry recorded revenues of approximately $563.7 billion in 2024. This market size encompasses the broad range of water utility services, including infrastructure and operations.
  • Natural Gas Services: The U.S. natural gas distribution market was valued at $170.0 billion in 2024, with projections to increase to $186.0 billion by 2032.
  • Non-Utility Raw Water Supply Services (for natural gas drilling industry): The addressable market for industrial water treatment in the U.S., which includes raw water supply, generated a revenue of approximately $9.53 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach approximately $13.22 billion by 2033.
  • Water and Sewer Line Protection Solutions and Repair Services to Households: A precise market size specifically for household water and sewer line protection solutions and repair services in the U.S. was not readily available. However, the global Sewer Line Repair Service market is estimated at $262.85 million in 2025. A related but broader market, the U.S. Water & Sewer Line Construction market, was estimated at $68.0 billion in 2025.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Essential Utilities (WTRG) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several key strategies:
  1. Regulatory Rate Increases and Recoveries: The company consistently secures regulatory recoveries and rate awards across its water, wastewater, and natural gas segments. These rate increases are a significant component of revenue growth, with Essential Utilities having completed regulatory recoveries totaling $12.4 million across its businesses in 2026, and a requested annualized revenue increase of $101.9 million for its Water and Wastewater segment alone.
  2. Infrastructure Investments: Essential Utilities plans substantial capital expenditures to improve and modernize its regulated water and natural gas infrastructure systems. These investments, projected to be $1.7 billion in 2026 and approximately $7.8 billion through 2029, grow the company's rate base, allowing for higher regulated returns and, consequently, increased revenue.
  3. Strategic Acquisitions and Customer Growth: Essential Utilities actively pursues a strategy of acquiring regulated water and wastewater systems, which expands its customer base and service footprint. In 2025 alone, the company added over 12,700 new customers through acquisitions and organic growth. The anticipated merger with American Water, expected to close by the first quarter of 2027, is also poised to be a transformative growth driver, significantly enhancing market position.
  4. Increased Natural Gas Volumes and Commodity Prices: The natural gas segment contributes to revenue growth through higher gas volumes and increases in gas commodity prices, which are typically passed through to customers. This factor notably drove revenue increases in 2025.
  5. Operational Efficiency and Technology Upgrades: Investments in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and other operational efficiencies are part of the company's growth strategy. These improvements can enhance billing accuracy, provide real-time consumption data, and ultimately contribute to revenue stability and growth by optimizing service delivery and supporting rate case justifications.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Repurchases

  • Essential Utilities made relatively minor share repurchases between March 2021 and June 2023, with the largest quarterly amount being approximately $3.91 million in March 2023.

Share Issuance

  • In 2025, Essential Utilities issued 7.67 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $300 million under its 2024 At-The-Market (ATM) program.
  • The company expected to raise approximately $350 million in equity in 2025, including $25 million to finance a data center investment, and plans to raise equity via its ATM program through 2027.
  • Shares outstanding increased by 2.26% in 2025 to 0.281 billion, by 2.53% in 2024, and by 1.82% in 2023.

Inbound Investments

  • No significant inbound investments by third parties into Essential Utilities were identified within the last 3-5 years. The company is, however, being acquired by American Water Works Company, Inc. in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $20.24 billion, announced in October 2025.

Outbound Investments

  • In 2025, Essential Utilities completed three acquisitions of water and wastewater systems, adding over 12,700 new customers for an approximate investment of $58 million.
  • The company has signed agreements for four additional system acquisitions, including DELCORA for $276 million, expected to serve around 203,000 customers.
  • Essential Utilities made a $26 million investment in a major data center in Western Pennsylvania in 2025.

Capital Expenditures

  • Essential Utilities invested over $1.4 billion in regulated infrastructure improvements in 2025, focusing on its water and natural gas systems.
  • The company plans to invest approximately $1.7 billion in regulated infrastructure improvements in 2026.
  • Essential Utilities anticipates investing about $7.8 billion from 2025 through 2029 and approximately $8.7 billion from 2026 through 2030 to enhance water and natural gas systems, including pipeline replacement, PFAS treatment, and lead service line removal.

Better Bets vs. Essential Utilities (WTRG)

Peer Outperformance in Water Utilities

WTRG has outperformed 70% of its 10 Water Utilities peers over 5Y. Water Utilities ranks 5th of 6 industries in Utilities by median 5Y return. The sector’s gains have largely come from elsewhere.
Share of Water Utilities constituents that WTRG has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
40%
of 10 industry peers · -0.7% return
3Y
100%
of 10 industry peers · 26.4% return
5Y
70%
of 10 industry peers · -1.0% return
No Water Utilities peer with a comparable growth profile has beaten WTRG by more than 20pp over 5Y.
Median price return by industry across the Utilities sector, ranked by 5Y. Water Utilities is WTRG's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders 5 -14.5%117.0%201.2% OKLO 254% · HNRG 250% · NRG 201%
Multi-Utilities 18 0.5%46.6%46.7% NI 97% · MDU 93% · PNW 82%
Electric Utilities 24 -0.2%43.7%44.3% VST 901% · GNE 181% · ETR 141%
Gas Utilities 10 1.8%49.7%40.4% ATO 105% · NJR 66% · NFG 62%
Water Utilities ← 11 0.1%2.4%-15.0% CWCO 191% · AWR 4% · ARTNA 3%
Renewable Electricity 5 -62.0%-65.5%-89.3% ORA 34% · CWEN 17% · VGAS -89%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Latest Trefis Analyses

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

WTRGAWKATOCWTAWROGSMedian
NameEssentia.American.Atmos En.Californ.American.ONE Gas  
Mkt Price38.99128.90161.5046.0082.2472.5177.38
Mkt Cap11.125.327.22.83.24.67.8
Rev LTM2,5695,2844,9221,0546972,3122,440
Op Inc LTM9011,9521,819204222477689
FCF LTM-452-1,223-2,020-23621-175-344
FCF 3Y Avg-464-1,083-1,535-195-24-188-329
CFO LTM1,0282,3342,020328237517772
CFO 3Y Avg8942,0571,898296198508701

Growth & Margins

WTRGAWKATOCWTAWROGSMedian
NameEssentia.American.Atmos En.Californ.American.ONE Gas  
Rev Chg LTM9.9%6.9%6.5%6.4%13.2%-0.8%6.7%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg4.9%9.3%4.1%10.4%6.6%-2.9%5.7%
Rev Chg Q3.1%6.2%4.8%16.5%11.2%-2.9%5.5%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM0.6%1.5%0.8%4.3%2.7%-0.5%1.2%
Op Inc Chg LTM-0.6%8.3%19.3%5.7%16.7%9.5%8.9%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg10.9%11.1%21.5%39.2%7.9%9.6%11.0%
Op Mgn LTM35.1%36.9%37.0%19.4%31.8%20.6%33.5%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg36.4%36.3%34.1%19.8%31.3%19.3%32.7%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.1%0.5%1.1%1.8%1.1%0.6%0.8%
CFO/Rev LTM40.0%44.2%41.0%31.1%33.9%22.4%37.0%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg39.1%42.3%41.7%29.2%31.3%22.7%35.2%
FCF/Rev LTM-17.6%-23.1%-41.1%-22.4%3.0%-7.6%-20.0%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg-20.6%-22.3%-33.4%-19.2%-4.4%-8.6%-19.9%

Valuation

WTRGAWKATOCWTAWROGSMedian
NameEssentia.American.Atmos En.Californ.American.ONE Gas  
Mkt Cap11.125.327.22.83.24.67.8
P/S4.34.85.52.64.62.04.5
P/Op Inc12.312.914.913.614.69.613.3
P/EBIT11.912.114.312.113.89.412.1
P/E19.922.419.420.822.615.820.4
P/CFO10.810.813.58.513.78.810.8
Total Yield8.5%7.1%7.5%7.5%6.8%9.9%7.5%
Dividend Yield3.5%2.6%2.3%2.7%2.4%3.6%2.7%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg-4.4%-4.0%-6.1%-6.9%-0.8%-4.6%-4.5%
D/E0.80.60.40.60.30.70.6
Net D/E0.80.60.40.60.30.70.6

Returns

WTRGAWKATOCWTAWROGSMedian
NameEssentia.American.Atmos En.Californ.American.ONE Gas  
1M Rtn-6.7%-7.8%-2.0%-5.9%-6.0%-7.2%-6.4%
3M Rtn2.0%-0.7%-7.8%-6.8%-2.1%-7.6%-4.5%
6M Rtn-2.3%-4.8%-14.2%-0.6%4.8%-18.1%-3.6%
12M Rtn-0.7%-7.4%-6.4%0.2%13.4%-6.9%-3.5%
3Y Rtn26.5%13.5%55.4%1.5%10.0%17.0%15.2%
1M Excs Rtn-9.6%-10.7%-4.9%-8.8%-8.9%-10.1%-9.2%
3M Excs Rtn-2.0%-5.3%-13.4%-11.3%-6.6%-13.0%-9.0%
6M Excs Rtn-16.9%-19.4%-28.7%-15.2%-9.8%-32.7%-18.1%
12M Excs Rtn-17.2%-21.8%-21.6%-14.6%1.1%-23.2%-19.4%
3Y Excs Rtn-52.0%-67.0%-19.7%-77.6%-69.2%-61.8%-64.4%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Regulated Water1,3271,2221,1531,083980
Regulated Natural Gas1,1188438641,143860
Other and Eliminations3021376238
Total2,4752,0862,0542,2881,878


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil20212020201920182017
Regulated Water402397358338327
Regulated Natural Gas18657   
Other and Eliminations14-19-18-152
Total603435340323329


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Regulated Water411350341314294
Regulated Natural Gas267294201185148
Other and Eliminations-62-49-43-34-10
Total616595498465432


Assets by Segment
$ Mil20232022202120202019
Regulated Water9,3868,7938,4047,8387,269
Regulated Natural Gas6,9656,5295,9615,304 
Other and Eliminations4903982945642,093
Total16,84115,71914,65813,7059,362


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$38.98 
Market Cap ($ Bil)11.1 
First Trading Date12/30/1987 
Distance from 52W High-7.2% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$40.26$38.69
DMA Trendupup
Distance from DMA-3.2%0.7%
 3M1YR
Volatility20.2%21.7%
Downside Capture-37.20-42.37
Upside Capture-20.74-33.93
Correlation (SPY)-13.8%-23.7%
WTRG Betas & Captures as of 9/30/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta-0.08-0.05-0.35-0.42-0.39-0.01
Up Beta-0.98-0.17-0.48-0.49-0.510.05
Down Beta-0.040.690.200.10-0.30-0.13
Up Capture-21%-11%-29%-32%-18%1%
Bmk +ve Days6162766132424
Stock +ve Days8182855114375
Down Capture56%-7%-64%-86%-73%-8%
Bmk -ve Days16263760120328
Stock -ve Days14233469134370

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with WTRG
WTRG-1.5%21.6%-0.17-
Sector ETF (XLU)-6.9%15.5%-0.6638.7%
Equity (SPY)16.7%13.0%0.91-23.3%
Gold (GLD)3.3%29.5%0.11-7.4%
Commodities (DBC)45.0%20.9%1.67-8.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.8%13.8%0.0934.1%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-33.2%44.2%-0.79-14.8%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with WTRG
WTRG-0.2%22.4%-0.07-
Sector ETF (XLU)8.4%17.4%0.3364.1%
Equity (SPY)13.9%17.1%0.6225.4%
Gold (GLD)18.5%18.9%0.7911.8%
Commodities (DBC)10.0%19.5%0.393.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)1.3%18.8%-0.0457.1%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)11.4%52.0%0.396.8%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with WTRG
WTRG5.2%24.9%0.21-
Sector ETF (XLU)8.6%19.3%0.3875.4%
Equity (SPY)15.5%17.9%0.7343.8%
Gold (GLD)11.8%16.4%0.5912.0%
Commodities (DBC)8.2%18.1%0.379.5%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.5%20.7%0.1863.0%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)63.5%66.2%1.037.9%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date9302026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity6.6 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 9152026-12.8%
Average Daily Volume2.4 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.7 days
Basic Shares Quantity283.7 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares2.3%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 9/8/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/20260.1%2.2%6.0%
5/7/20260.4%1.9%0.4%
2/26/2026-0.3%0.9%2.2%
11/5/20253.3%2.8%-0.2%
8/1/20253.7%4.4%8.3%
5/12/2025-4.0%-3.9%-5.3%
2/27/20250.2%2.6%3.0%
11/5/20243.9%3.0%2.2%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101317
# Negative14117
Median Positive1.9%2.8%3.0%
Median Negative-1.5%-3.7%-3.7%
Max Positive4.1%9.5%14.1%
Max Negative-4.0%-5.9%-12.5%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/20260.1%2.2%6.0%
5/7/20260.4%1.9%0.4%
2/26/2026-0.3%0.9%2.2%
11/5/20253.3%2.8%-0.2%
8/1/20253.7%4.4%8.3%
5/12/2025-4.0%-3.9%-5.3%
2/27/20250.2%2.6%3.0%
11/5/20243.9%3.0%2.2%
8/6/2024-2.7%-2.8%-2.2%
5/3/20240.3%3.7%1.1%
2/23/2024-2.7%-3.7%1.4%
11/7/2023-0.8%-4.3%3.9%
8/8/2023-1.1%-3.9%-12.5%
5/9/2023-1.0%-1.3%-2.0%
2/27/2023-2.2%-5.4%-5.1%
11/7/2022-0.5%6.7%9.9%
8/4/2022-0.7%-0.8%-3.7%
5/9/2022-2.7%2.3%7.5%
2/24/20224.1%5.5%9.2%
11/1/2021-0.0%1.2%1.0%
8/5/20212.7%-1.4%1.7%
5/6/20211.2%-0.9%4.0%
2/25/2021-1.9%-5.9%0.0%
11/4/2020-2.7%9.5%14.1%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101317
# Negative14117
Median Positive1.9%2.8%3.0%
Median Negative-1.5%-3.7%-3.7%
Max Positive4.1%9.5%14.1%
Max Negative-4.0%-5.9%-12.5%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/05/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/26/202610-K
09/30/202511/05/202510-Q
06/30/202508/04/202510-Q
03/31/202505/12/202510-Q
12/31/202402/27/202510-K
09/30/202411/06/202410-Q
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/08/202410-Q
12/31/202302/29/202410-K
09/30/202311/07/202310-Q
06/30/202308/08/202310-Q
03/31/202305/09/202310-Q
12/31/202203/01/202310-K
09/30/202211/09/202210-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/05/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/26/202610-K
09/30/202511/05/202510-Q
06/30/202508/04/202510-Q
03/31/202505/12/202510-Q
12/31/202402/27/202510-K
09/30/202411/06/202410-Q
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/08/202410-Q
12/31/202302/29/202410-K
09/30/202311/07/202310-Q
06/30/202308/08/202310-Q
03/31/202305/09/202310-Q
12/31/202203/01/202310-K
09/30/202211/09/202210-Q
06/30/202208/09/202210-Q
03/31/202205/10/202210-Q
12/31/202103/01/202210-K
09/30/202111/05/202110-Q
06/30/202108/06/202110-Q
03/31/202105/10/202110-Q
12/31/202003/01/202110-K
09/30/202011/06/202010-Q
06/30/202008/06/202010-Q
03/31/202005/08/202010-Q
12/31/201902/28/202010-K
09/30/201911/05/201910-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 10/8/2026

Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/5/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2027 Earnings Per Share GrowthReported5.0%6.0%7.0% 0.0%AffirmedGuidance: 6.0% for 2027
2026 Capital ExpendituresReported 1.70 Bil 0.0% AffirmedGuidance: 1.70 Bil for 2026


Prior: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/7/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2027 EPS GrowthReported5.0%6.0%7.0% 0.0%AffirmedGuidance: 6.0% for 2027
2026 Capital ExpendituresReported 1.70 Bil 0.0% AffirmedGuidance: 1.70 Bil for 2026

Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/26/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2027 EPS GrowthReported5.0%6.0%7.0%   
2026 Capital ExpendituresReported 1.70 Bil    

Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 11/5/2025

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2025 Regulated Infrastructure InvestmentsReported1.40 Bil1.45 Bil1.50 Bil0 AffirmedGuidance: 1.45 Bil for 2025
2025 Equity IssuanceReported 350.00 Mil 11.1% RaisedGuidance: 315.00 Mil for 2025
2025 GAAP EPSReported2.072.092.110 AffirmedGuidance: 2.09 for 2025
2029 Regulated Infrastructure InvestmentsReported 7.80 Bil 0 AffirmedGuidance: 7.80 Bil for 2029
2029 Regulated Water Segment Rate Base GrowthReported 6.0%  0AffirmedGuidance: 6.0% for 2029
2029 Regulated Natural Gas Segment Rate Base GrowthReported 11.0%  0AffirmedGuidance: 11.0% for 2029
2029 Combined Regulated Utility Rate Base GrowthReported 8.0%  0AffirmedGuidance: 8.0% for 2029
2029 Regulated Water Customer Base GrowthReported2.0%2.5%3.0%   

Insider Activity

Updated 8/11/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Arnold, ColleenPresident - AquaDirectSell811202639.552,855112,915686,074Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Arnold, ColleenPresident - AquaDirectSell811202639.552,855112,915686,074Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Oct 11, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Nuance Investments, LLC$7.8 Mil1.1%43ADD +54.6%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Nuance Investments, LLC$7.8 Mil1.1%43ADD +54.6%13F
Active Manager
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Nuance Investments, LLC$7.8 Mil1.1%43ADD +54.6%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 10/10/2026