Essential Utilities Inc.
S&P 500WTRG/Utilities · Utilities - Regulated Water/NYSE
Dividend Yield
3.74%
$1.37 · Annual Dividend
Dividend Safety Rating
WTRG's dividend appears safe and well-supported. Strengths include a 38.3% cfo payout ratio & 122.7 debt-to-equity. Areas of concern: 84.3% fcf payout ratio & 2.9x interest coverage. The dividend has been growing at a 6.63% 5-year CAGR. As a utility, higher payout ratios and leverage are typical for this regulated sector.
Based on 14 of 15 metrics
Strengths
- Operating Margin: 36.1%Healthy operating margin provides a wide buffer.
- Gross Margin: 51.9%High gross margin signals strong pricing power.
- Dividend Streak: 11+ yrsLong, uninterrupted dividend track record.
Risks
- FCF Payout Ratio: 84.3%Free cash flow is tight relative to the dividend.
- Interest Coverage: 2.9xInterest coverage is thin relative to debt servicing.
- Current Ratio: 1.0xLimited short-term liquidity to meet obligations.
Payout & Coverage
CautionBalance Sheet
CautionProfitability
SafeDividend Track Record
Very SafeAbout Essential Utilities Inc.
Essential Utilities Inc. is a regulated utilities company that operates water, wastewater, and natural gas services across multiple states in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, including the Aqua brand for water and wastewater operations and the Peoples brand for natural gas distribution, it delivers essential infrastructure services to residential, commercial, and municipal customers. The company maintains regulated water and wastewater systems, providing drinking water distribution, treatment, and collection services, while its natural gas segment focuses on safe and reliable distribution networks. Essential Utilities Inc. emphasizes infrastructure investment, including pipe replacements, treatment facility upgrades, and system expansions through operating and maintenance contracts. It serves communities in states such as Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, and Virginia, acting as a key provider of life-sustaining resources. Headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with natural gas operations based in Pittsburgh, the company supports environmental stewardship by protecting natural lands and watersheds integral to its operations.
Dividend Overview
Dividend Yield
3.74%
Annual Dividend
$1.37
Frequency
Quarterly
Payout Ratio
—
FCF Payout Ratio
84.31%
52-Week Range
$36.11 - $42.37
Dividend History (2016–2025)
WTRG annual dividend per share and yield history
Earnings & Profitability
WTRG earnings per share and net profit margin
Key Dates
Last Ex-Dividend Date
May 12, 2026
Last Payment Date
June 1, 2026
Dividend Growth
3-Year Dividend CAGR
6.39%
5-Year Dividend CAGR
6.63%
10-Year Dividend CAGR
6.90%
3-Year Total Growth
20.41%
5-Year Total Growth
37.84%
10-Year Total Growth
94.90%
Income Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Safety Rating, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.
Market data provided by Twelve Data.