Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Market Price (4/23/2026): $38.97 | Market Cap: $11.0 BilSector: Utilities | Industry: Water Utilities
Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Market Price (4/23/2026): $38.97Market Cap: $11.0 BilSector: UtilitiesIndustry: Water Utilities
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 9.0%, Dividend Yield is 3.4%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 5.0% Strong revenue growthRev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19% Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 37% Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 41% Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 21% Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Smart Grids & Grid Modernization. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more. | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -21%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -73% | Debt is significantNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 75% Not cash flow generativeFCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -17% Key risksWTRG 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. |
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 9.0%, Dividend Yield is 3.4%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 5.0% |
| Strong revenue growthRev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19% |
| Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 37% |
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 41% |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 21% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Smart Grids & Grid Modernization. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -21%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -73% |
| Debt is significantNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is 75% |
| Not cash flow generativeFCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -17% |
| Key risksWTRG 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. |
Qualitative Assessment
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Essential Utilities (WTRG) stock has gained about 5% since 12/31/2025 because of the following key factors:
1. Mixed Analyst Sentiment and Modest Price Targets: Essential Utilities (WTRG) received a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts, with an average 12-month price target of $43.50 as of April 15, 2026, indicating minimal anticipated upside from its then-current price. Nine brokerages provided an average 12-month price target of $43.20, with a breakdown of one "Sell," five "Hold," one "Buy," and two "Strong Buy" recommendations, suggesting a lack of strong catalysts for significant upward movement in the near term.
2. Q4 2025 Earnings Beat with Limited Sustained Stock Reaction: Essential Utilities reported strong Q4 2025 financial results on February 26, 2026, with an EPS of $0.47, surpassing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.11. Quarterly revenue also increased 15.7% year-over-year to $699.11 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $611.60 million. However, the stock's reaction was modest, gaining only 0.4% the day following the announcement and drifting 1.2% higher over the subsequent 34 days, trading within a narrow range of $38.86 and $41.84. This indicates that while earnings were positive, they did not provide a significant, sustained boost to the stock price.
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1. Mixed Analyst Sentiment and Modest Price Targets: Essential Utilities (WTRG) received a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts, with an average 12-month price target of $43.50 as of April 15, 2026, indicating minimal anticipated upside from its then-current price. Nine brokerages provided an average 12-month price target of $43.20, with a breakdown of one "Sell," five "Hold," one "Buy," and two "Strong Buy" recommendations, suggesting a lack of strong catalysts for significant upward movement in the near term.
2. Q4 2025 Earnings Beat with Limited Sustained Stock Reaction: Essential Utilities reported strong Q4 2025 financial results on February 26, 2026, with an EPS of $0.47, surpassing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.11. Quarterly revenue also increased 15.7% year-over-year to $699.11 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $611.60 million. However, the stock's reaction was modest, gaining only 0.4% the day following the announcement and drifting 1.2% higher over the subsequent 34 days, trading within a narrow range of $38.86 and $41.84. This indicates that while earnings were positive, they did not provide a significant, sustained boost to the stock price.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
The 2.5% change in WTRG stock from 12/31/2025 to 4/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 11.7% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 12312025 | 4222026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 38.01 | 38.96 | 2.5% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 2,380 | 2,475 | 4.0% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 28.1% | 24.9% | -11.3% |
| P/E Multiple | 16.0 | 17.9 | 11.7% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 282 | 283 | -0.5% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 2.5% |
Market Drivers
12/31/2025 to 4/22/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| WTRG | 2.5% | |
| Market (SPY) | -5.4% | -22.9% |
| Sector (XLU) | 5.1% | 46.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
The -0.6% change in WTRG stock from 9/30/2025 to 4/22/2026 was primarily driven by a -9.8% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).| (LTM values as of) | 9302025 | 4222026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 39.19 | 38.96 | -0.6% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 2,338 | 2,475 | 5.8% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 27.6% | 24.9% | -9.8% |
| P/E Multiple | 17.0 | 17.9 | 5.2% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 280 | 283 | -1.0% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -0.6% |
Market Drivers
9/30/2025 to 4/22/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| WTRG | -0.6% | |
| Market (SPY) | -2.9% | -20.7% |
| Sector (XLU) | 3.7% | 33.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
The 2.1% change in WTRG stock from 3/31/2025 to 4/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 18.6% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).| (LTM values as of) | 3312025 | 4222026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 38.17 | 38.96 | 2.1% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 2,086 | 2,475 | 18.6% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 28.5% | 24.9% | -12.7% |
| P/E Multiple | 17.6 | 17.9 | 1.6% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 275 | 283 | -3.0% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 2.1% |
Market Drivers
3/31/2025 to 4/22/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| WTRG | 2.1% | |
| Market (SPY) | 16.3% | -7.8% |
| Sector (XLU) | 16.2% | 43.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
The -1.3% change in WTRG stock from 3/31/2023 to 4/22/2026 was primarily driven by a -19.7% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 3312023 | 4222026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 39.46 | 38.96 | -1.3% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 2,288 | 2,475 | 8.2% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 20.3% | 24.9% | 22.5% |
| P/E Multiple | 22.3 | 17.9 | -19.7% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 263 | 283 | -7.2% |
| Cumulative Contribution | -1.3% |
Market Drivers
3/31/2023 to 4/22/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| WTRG | -1.3% | |
| Market (SPY) | 63.3% | 6.3% |
| Sector (XLU) | 44.3% | 57.2% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| WTRG Return | 16% | -8% | -19% | 1% | 9% | 3% | -3% |
| Peers Return | 22% | -6% | -9% | 4% | 8% | 8% | 27% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 3% | 88% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| WTRG Win Rate | 67% | 42% | 33% | 42% | 50% | 75% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 57% | 52% | 50% | 48% | 57% | 70% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| WTRG Max Drawdown | -12% | -25% | -30% | -9% | -8% | -3% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -11% | -21% | -18% | -12% | -5% | -3% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -7% | |
[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 4/22/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
| Event | WTRG | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -39.3% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 64.7% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | Not Fully Recovered days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -39.6% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 65.6% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | Not Fully Recovered days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -17.4% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 21.0% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 437 days | 120 days |
| 2008 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -44.6% | -56.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 80.4% | 131.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 1,459 days | 1,480 days |
Compare to AWK, ATO, CWT, AWR, OGS
In The Past
Essential Utilities's stock fell -39.3% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 12/31/2021. A -39.3% loss requires a 64.7% gain to breakeven.
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About Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Essential Utilities, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. It offers water services through operating and maintenance contract with municipal authorities and other parties. The company also provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry; and water and sewer line protection solutions, and repair services to households through a third-party. It serves approximately 7.5 million residential water, commercial water, fire protection, industrial water, wastewater, and other water and utility customers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky under the Aqua and Peoples brands. The company was formerly known as Aqua America, Inc. and changed its name to Essential Utilities, Inc. in February 2020. Essential Utilities, Inc. was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Luning oversees all legal and governance matters for Essential Utilities, Inc.
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Here are the key risks to Essential Utilities (WTRG):
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Essential Utilities (WTRG) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several key strategies:- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
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| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03312026 | SRE | Sempra | Insider | Insider Buys 45DStrong Insider BuyingCompanies with multiple insider buys in the last 45 days | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 12122025 | CTRI | Centuri | Insider | Insider Buys | Low D/EStrong Insider BuyingCompanies with strong insider buying in the last 1 month, positive operating income and reasonable debt / market cap | 9.9% | 9.9% | -5.5% |
| 11212025 | PEG | Public Service Enterprise | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 1.2% | 1.2% | -4.0% |
| 03312023 | WTRG | Essential Utilities | Insider | Insider Buys | Low D/EStrong Insider BuyingCompanies with strong insider buying in the last 1 month, positive operating income and reasonable debt / market cap | -20.2% | -12.4% | -24.3% |
Research & Analysis
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Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 82.41 |
| Mkt Cap | 8.1 |
| Rev LTM | 2,451 |
| Op Inc LTM | 689 |
| FCF LTM | -317 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | -301 |
| CFO LTM | 795 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 767 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 13.5% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 5.1% |
| Rev Chg Q | 11.7% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 2.9% |
| Op Inc Chg LTM | 12.1% |
| Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg | 16.3% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 32.0% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 31.8% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | -0.2% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 37.5% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 34.8% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | -19.2% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | -17.0% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 8.1 |
| P/S | 4.5 |
| P/Op Inc | 14.3 |
| P/EBIT | 12.8 |
| P/E | 22.3 |
| P/CFO | 11.7 |
| Total Yield | 6.7% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.1% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | -3.3% |
| D/E | 0.6 |
| Net D/E | 0.6 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | 1.2% |
| 3M Rtn | 5.4% |
| 6M Rtn | -0.3% |
| 12M Rtn | -1.5% |
| 3Y Rtn | -4.1% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | -7.3% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | 1.6% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | -6.9% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | -38.0% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | -75.6% |
Price Behavior
Price Behavior
| Market Price | $38.96 | |
| Market Cap ($ Bil) | 11.0 | |
| First Trading Date | 12/30/1987 | |
| Distance from 52W High | -6.5% | |
| 50 Days | 200 Days | |
| DMA Price | $39.90 | $38.59 |
| DMA Trend | up | up |
| Distance from DMA | -2.3% | 1.0% |
| 3M | 1YR | |
| Volatility | 23.1% | 21.2% |
| Downside Capture | -0.03 | -0.06 |
| Upside Capture | -8.80 | -11.26 |
| Correlation (SPY) | -27.9% | -15.5% |
WTRG Betas & Captures as of 3/31/2026
[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
| 1M | 2M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta | -0.55 | -0.59 | -0.39 | -0.36 | -0.09 | 0.09 |
| Up Beta | -0.25 | -0.65 | -0.78 | -0.35 | -0.03 | 0.16 |
| Down Beta | -1.59 | -1.40 | -0.89 | -0.68 | -0.22 | -0.14 |
| Up Capture | 1% | -10% | 9% | -11% | 0% | 4% |
| Bmk +ve Days | 7 | 16 | 27 | 65 | 139 | 424 |
| Stock +ve Days | 10 | 20 | 30 | 59 | 123 | 372 |
| Down Capture | -20% | -47% | -24% | -35% | -14% | 37% |
| Bmk -ve Days | 12 | 23 | 33 | 58 | 110 | 323 |
| Stock -ve Days | 12 | 22 | 33 | 65 | 125 | 373 |
[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 | 0.4% | 21.3% | -0.07 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLU) | 20.8% | 14.0% | 1.12 | 43.4% |
| Equity (SPY) | 26.7% | 12.5% | 1.77 | -16.4% |
| Gold (GLD) | 38.9% | 27.4% | 1.19 | 3.3% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 23.5% | 16.2% | 1.32 | -21.3% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 15.6% | 13.6% | 0.82 | 35.9% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | -12.8% | 42.6% | -0.21 | -7.0% |
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Based On 5-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with WTRG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTRG | -0.7% | 22.3% | -0.08 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLU) | 9.3% | 17.2% | 0.40 | 66.7% |
| Equity (SPY) | 10.5% | 17.1% | 0.48 | 30.0% |
| Gold (GLD) | 21.5% | 17.8% | 0.99 | 14.4% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 10.7% | 18.8% | 0.47 | 3.4% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 3.6% | 18.8% | 0.09 | 58.1% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 3.8% | 56.4% | 0.29 | 7.5% |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTRG | 5.0% | 24.8% | 0.21 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLU) | 9.7% | 19.2% | 0.43 | 76.8% |
| Equity (SPY) | 13.8% | 17.9% | 0.66 | 45.8% |
| Gold (GLD) | 13.9% | 15.9% | 0.73 | 13.5% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 8.1% | 17.6% | 0.38 | 10.1% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 5.4% | 20.7% | 0.23 | 63.8% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 68.1% | 66.9% | 1.07 | 8.6% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Returns Analyses
Earnings Returns History
Expand for More| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 2/26/2026 | -0.3% | 0.9% | 2.2% |
| 11/5/2025 | 3.3% | 2.8% | -0.2% |
| 8/1/2025 | 3.8% | 4.4% | 8.3% |
| 5/12/2025 | -4.0% | -3.9% | -5.3% |
| 2/27/2025 | 0.2% | 2.6% | 3.0% |
| 11/5/2024 | 3.9% | 3.0% | 2.2% |
| 8/6/2024 | -2.7% | -2.8% | -2.2% |
| 5/3/2024 | 0.3% | 3.7% | 1.1% |
| ... | |||
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 9 | 12 | 16 |
| # Negative | 15 | 12 | 8 |
| Median Positive | 2.7% | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| Median Negative | -1.1% | -3.8% | -4.4% |
| Max Positive | 4.1% | 9.5% | 14.1% |
| Max Negative | -4.0% | -5.9% | -12.5% |
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | 02/26/2026 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2025 | 11/05/2025 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2025 | 08/04/2025 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2025 | 05/12/2025 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2024 | 02/27/2025 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2024 | 11/06/2024 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2024 | 08/06/2024 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2023 | 02/29/2024 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2023 | 11/07/2023 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2023 | 08/08/2023 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2023 | 05/09/2023 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2022 | 03/01/2023 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2022 | 11/09/2022 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2022 | 08/09/2022 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2022 | 05/10/2022 | 10-Q |
Recent Forward Guidance [BETA]
Latest: Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/26/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2027 EPS Growth | 5.0% | 6.0% | 7.0% | ||||
| 2026 Capital Expenditures | 1.70 Bil | ||||||
Prior: Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 11/5/2025
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2025 GAAP EPS | 2.07 | 2.09 | 2.11 | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 2.09 for 2025 | |
| 2025 Regulated Infrastructure Investments | 1.40 Bil | 1.45 Bil | 1.50 Bil | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 1.45 Bil for 2025 | |
| 2029 Regulated Infrastructure Investments | 7.80 Bil | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 7.80 Bil for 2029 | |||
| 2029 Regulated Water Segment Rate Base Growth | 6.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 6.0% for 2029 | ||
| 2029 Regulated Natural Gas Segment Rate Base Growth | 11.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 11.0% for 2029 | ||
| 2029 Combined Regulated Utility Rate Base Growth | 8.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | Affirmed | Guidance: 8.0% for 2029 | ||
| 2029 Regulated Water Customer Base Growth | 2.0% | 2.5% | 3.0% | Higher New | |||
| 2025 Equity Issuance | 350.00 Mil | 11.1% | Raised | Guidance: 315.00 Mil for 2025 | |||
External Quote Links
| Y Finance | Barrons |
| TradingView | Morningstar |
| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
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