Essential Utilities Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

The board of Essential Utilities declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2507 per share, payable on March 1, 2021, to shareholders of record by February 12, 2021. This marks the company's 76th consecutive quarter of dividend payments, with 30 increases in the last 29 years. Essential Utilities serves approximately 5 million customers across 10 states, focusing on operational efficiency and environmental stewardship in delivering essential water and natural gas services.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) will report its earnings for Q4 2020 and full year results on Feb. 24, 2021, after market close. A conference call for analysts is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. EST, which will be available for live listening and later replay. The company serves around 5 million customers in 10 states under the Aqua and Peoples brands, focusing on infrastructure investment and environmental stewardship.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced Robert Davis as the new president of Aqua Ohio, succeeding Ed Kolodziej, who retires on Feb. 12 after 10 years. Davis previously served as Cleveland's director of public utilities, overseeing various water and power services. His extensive background in utility management positions him well to lead Aqua Ohio's operations, serving around 500,000 residents across 33 water and 5 wastewater facilities. The leadership change aims to address Ohio's infrastructure needs and enhance service quality for customers.

Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) has entered into an agreement to acquire East Whiteland Township's wastewater assets for around $55 million. This acquisition, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, would benefit approximately 8,200 customers and includes a 57-mile collection system. The company plans to invest $19 million in infrastructure improvements over the next decade. This move is part of a broader strategy, as Essential currently has five pending acquisitions totaling $420 million in rate base and 225,000 customer equivalents.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has provided its 2021 financial guidance, emphasizing a commitment to operational excellence, environmental sustainability, and growth through municipal acquisitions. The firm plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035, equivalent to taking 76,000 cars off the road. Essential's growth includes five signed agreements for municipal acquisitions, adding approximately $420 million in rate base and serving 225,000 customers. For 2021, the expected income per diluted share ranges from $1.64 to $1.69, with substantial infrastructure investments planned.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced the acquisition of wastewater assets from New Garden Township, serving roughly 2,100 customer connections in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This acquisition aims to enhance wastewater infrastructure and improve service offerings. CEO Christopher Franklin emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, while Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater President Marc Lucca expresses excitement over integrating New Garden Township's customers. This marks the eighth acquisition since December 2019, contributing approximately 18,500 wastewater and 4,000 water connections.

Aqua reminds homeowners to prevent water pipes from freezing as colder weather approaches. Key recommendations include:

• Having heat tape, pipe insulation, a space heater, and a hair dryer available.
• Locating and marking the master water valve.
• Ensuring outdoor meter pit lids are intact.
• Shutting off and draining outdoor faucets.
• Preventing drafts in unheated areas.

These steps are crucial for avoiding costly repairs from frozen pipes, which can occur when temperatures drop below freezing.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has appointed Erin O’Donnell as the new communications director, overseeing both internal and external communications for the company. With over 18 years of utility-related communications experience, O'Donnell previously served as the interim communications director and has worked with Peoples for a decade. Her role will focus on maintaining transparency in corporate communications. Essential Utilities serves approximately 5 million people across 10 states, delivering essential water and natural gas services.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) plans to disclose its 2021 guidance on January 11, 2021, before market opening. The company will share insights on financial outlook, capital investments, and ESG objectives. A conference call for financial analysts is scheduled for 11 a.m. EST on the same day, with a live webcast available. The session will be archived on its Investor Relations site for 90 days. As one of the largest water, wastewater, and natural gas providers in the U.S., Essential serves around 5 million customers across 10 states.