Essential Declares June 2024 Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3071 per share, a 7% increase over the previous year, showcasing financial stability and shareholder value. The company has a strong history of consistent dividend payments and increases, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns.

Financial Analyst

The announcement of Essential Utilities Inc.'s dividend increase is a significant indicator of the company's financial health and its commitment to shareholder returns. A 7% increase in the dividend payout suggests confidence in the company's ongoing profitability and cash flow stability. Investors often view such increases as a positive signal, potentially leading to a favorable market response. Historically, companies with a strong record of dividend growth are perceived as reliable investments.

Moreover, Essential Utilities' track record of paying dividends for 79 years and consistently increasing them over the past 32 years underscores its resilient business model and financial discipline. This could attract income-focused investors, particularly in a low-interest-rate environment where reliable dividends are highly valued.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Essential Utilities operates within the utility sector, which is known for its defensive investment characteristics. The sector often becomes a haven for investors during volatile market conditions due to its essential services and stable earnings. The dividend increase announcement could thus be seen as reinforcing the company's position within the sector, potentially making it more attractive compared to its peers.

Investors may also interpret the dividend increase as a sign of management's confidence in the company's future growth prospects and regulatory environment. It is important to note that the utility industry is heavily regulated and companies in this sector must maintain a balance between investing in infrastructure and providing returns to shareholders.

Economist

Dividend policy decisions, such as those made by Essential Utilities, are often influenced by broader economic conditions. The decision to increase dividends could reflect management's assessment of the macroeconomic environment, including inflation rates, interest rates and economic growth expectations. A stable or growing dividend can be particularly appealing during periods of economic uncertainty or inflation, as it provides a potential hedge for investors.

Additionally, the company's ability to raise dividends consistently may indicate a strong competitive position and pricing power within its market. This can be an important factor in the long-term sustainability of the company's financial performance, especially in the face of economic headwinds or increased competition.

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The board of directors of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3071 per share, payable June 1, 2024, to all shareholders of record on May 10, 2024.

The June 2024 dividend payment of $0.3071 per share represents a $0.0201, or 7% increase over the June 2023 dividend payment of $0.2870 per share. Essential Utilities has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 79 years and has increased the dividend 33 times in the last 32 years.

About Essential
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240221715765/en/

Media Contact:

Dave Kralle

Vice President, Public Affairs

Media Hotline: 1.877.325.3477

Media@Essential.co

Investor Contact:

Brian Dingerdissen

Vice President, IR and Treasurer

O: 610.645.1191

BJDingerdissen@Essential.co

Source: Essential Utilities, Inc.

What is the ticker symbol for Essential Utilities Inc. mentioned in the press release?

The ticker symbol for Essential Utilities Inc. is WTRG.

How much is the quarterly cash dividend declared by Essential Utilities Inc. per share?

Essential Utilities Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3071 per share.

When is the dividend payment payable to shareholders of Essential Utilities Inc.?

The dividend payment is payable on June 1, 2024, to all shareholders of record on May 10, 2024.

How does the June 2024 dividend payment compare to the June 2023 dividend payment for Essential Utilities Inc.?

The June 2024 dividend payment of $0.3071 per share represents a 7% increase over the June 2023 dividend payment of $0.2870 per share.

What is the dividend payment history of Essential Utilities Inc.?

Essential Utilities Inc. has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 79 years and has increased the dividend 33 times in the last 32 years.