Essential Utilities Inc - WTRG STOCK NEWS

Aqua Pennsylvania confirms it's on track to meet the EPA's 2029 compliance deadline for PFAS regulations, following the agency's national standard setting for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. The company has been proactively addressing PFAS removal since 2016, well before federal or state guidelines were established.

Key achievements include:

• Building a state-of-the-art lab with high-tech PFAS testing equipment
• Setting an industry-leading standard of 13 parts per trillion in 2020
• Making PFAS test results publicly available
• Installing advanced filters in systems with high PFAS levels

The company secured nearly $100 million in PENNVEST low-interest loans and grants in 2024 for critical projects. Aqua Pennsylvania is also pursuing legal action against chemical manufacturers responsible for PFAS contamination while working to meet DEP drinking water standards by 2025 and EPA compliance by 2029.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has scheduled its Q1 2025 earnings release for May 12, 2025, before the market opens. The company will host a conference call with financial analysts at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the same day.

CEO Chris Franklin and CFO Dan Schuller will lead the presentation, which will include a discussion of first-quarter results followed by a Q&A session. Investors can access the live webcast through the company's website at Essential.co via the Investors section.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced a major infrastructure investment program, committing $1.3 billion in 2024 and projecting $7.8 billion through 2029. This initiative aligns with the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card findings, which highlight critical infrastructure needs nationwide.

Key 2024 achievements include:

• Replacement of 1,600+ lead and galvanized water service lines
• Modernization of 410 miles of water, wastewater, and natural gas pipelines
• $4 million investment in Chester County, PA for 450 customer-owned lead service line replacements
• Upgrades to Manakin Farms Wastewater Treatment Facility in Goochland County, VA
• Construction of a 500,000-gallon water tower in Beau Rivage, NC

The company has invested $5.4 billion since 2020 and allocated $27 million for PFAS mitigation and $23 million for lead service line remediation in 2024. The program addresses ASCE's infrastructure grades: drinking water (C-), wastewater (D+), and energy sector (D+).

Essential Utilities (WTRG) emphasizes the importance of using the 811 One Call System during National Safe Digging Month. The company, along with its subsidiaries Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas, reminds all stakeholders that contacting 811 is legally required before any excavation project, regardless of size.

The safety protocol requires calling 811 at least three business days before digging, waiting for utility locators to mark underground lines, respecting these markings during excavation, and immediately reporting any damage to utility infrastructure. This applies to major construction work and smaller projects like planting trees, installing mailboxes, or setting up recreational equipment.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) celebrates its 5th anniversary as an integrated utility following the merger of Aqua and Peoples in 2020. Over this period, the company has invested $5.4 billion in infrastructure improvements across water, wastewater, and natural gas systems.

Key achievements include modernizing 2,100 miles of aging water mains and gas pipelines, reducing gas customer outages by 45%, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. The company has achieved nearly 100% renewable electricity usage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois, while maintaining almost perfect drinking water compliance in 2024.

The company has also strengthened community engagement through $20 million in donations via the Essential Foundation and over 15,000 volunteer hours within its service territory.

Aqua Pennsylvania, part of Essential Utilities, announces its Customer Assistance Program (CAP) for 2025, offering monthly discounts on water and wastewater bills to eligible customers. The program, administered through the Dollar Energy Fund (DEF), is available year-round to households meeting specific income criteria.

Customers can verify their eligibility using DEF's income calculator and apply through multiple channels, including phone (1-888-282-6816), online at www.hardshiptools.org/MyApp, or by visiting local community-based organizations. The initiative aims to ensure continued access to essential water and wastewater services for families facing financial challenges.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has appointed Ed Vallejo as its new investor relations director. Vallejo brings over 30 years of experience, including more than 20 years in the water and wastewater industry. He most recently served as Managing Director-Investor Relations Advisory for INSPIR Group.

In his new role, Vallejo will be responsible for developing and maintaining shareholder relationships and creating investor-focused communications. He holds an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and a BS from New York Institute of Technology.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported strong financial results for 2024, with net income reaching $595.3 million and earnings per share increasing 17% to $2.17. The company's revenues grew 1.6% to $2,086.1 million, while operations and maintenance expenses increased modestly by 2.0% to $587.3 million.

Key highlights include:

• Regulated water segment revenues up 5.9% to $1,221.9 million
• Regulated natural gas segment revenues at $843.0 million
• Capital investments of $1.3 billion in infrastructure improvements
• Successful completion of PFAS mitigation at 13 sites

The company affirmed its 2025 EPS guidance of $2.07-$2.11 and projects 5-7% earnings growth through 2027. Essential plans to invest approximately $7.8 billion in infrastructure improvements from 2025-2029, including $450 million for PFAS remediation projects. The company currently has six signed purchase agreements pending closure, representing over 210,000 equivalent retail customers and totaling over $344.0 million in purchase price.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3255 per share, payable on June 2, 2025, to shareholders of record on May 13, 2025. This represents a 6.0% increase ($0.0184) compared to the June 2024 dividend payment of $0.3071 per share. The company has maintained its track record of paying consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years.