Essential Utilities Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Aqua Pennsylvania has secured a $3.9 million grant from the Pennsylvania state budget to construct a treatment facility at its North Hills well in Upper Dublin Township. This funding aims to eliminate Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which are part of the PFAS chemical family. The well has been offline since July 2018. The project is part of a broader commitment by Aqua's parent company, Essential Utilities, to address PFAS contamination across its service areas, impacting approximately 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced that Christopher Franklin, the chairman and CEO, has been appointed to the Allegheny Conference on Community Development’s Board of Directors. This underscores Franklin's commitment to regional improvement, particularly in infrastructure, as noted in the context of the post-COVID recovery. Essential Utilities, serving approximately 5 million customers across 10 states, acquired Peoples, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas distributor, in 2020, enhancing its service capabilities and community engagement.

Aqua reminds customers to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease during the holiday season to prevent wastewater system clogs. Key tips include:

• Do not pour cooking grease down drains.
• Dispose of grease in a metal can once cooled.
• Use strainers to catch solids.
• Throw food scraps in the trash.

Additionally, Aqua advises against flushing wipes, tissues, and napkins, which can cause plumbing backups. Aqua serves over 3 million people across various states and is part of Essential Utilities, enhancing infrastructure and service quality.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced that Colleen Arnold, president of its water and wastewater utilities, was honored as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction for 2020. Arnold, who is the first woman to lead Aqua’s water utilities since its inception in 1886, is recognized for her extensive experience and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has over 25 years in environmental engineering and has held various roles within Aqua, including deputy chief operating officer and director of water quality.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) reported third-quarter 2020 financial results, with net income of $55.7 million or $0.22 per share, down from $88.5 million or $0.38 per share in 2019. Revenue rose 43.1% to $348.6 million, driven by the acquisition of Peoples and higher water segment rates. Annual adjusted EPS guidance was refined to $1.53-$1.58. Despite significant operational challenges, capital expenditures reached $554.1 million, with infrastructure investments totaling $2.8 billion expected through 2022.

The board of directors of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2507 per share, payable on December 1, 2020 to shareholders on record as of November 13, 2020. With a history of consecutive quarterly dividends for 75 years and an increase in dividends 30 times over the past 29 years, Essential continues to demonstrate its commitment to shareholder returns. Serving approximately 5 million people across 10 states, the company is a leading provider of water, wastewater, and natural gas services.

Essential Utilities announced a $20,000 donation to Aqua Pennsylvania's Helping Hand program, assisting low-income customers with their water and wastewater bills. Managed through the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, this initiative supports Pennsylvanians facing financial difficulties, especially during the pandemic. Customers enrolled in the program can benefit from manageable payment plans, along with water conservation kits. The Essential Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being, underlining the importance of water as a critical resource.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) will announce its earnings for the quarter ending September 30, 2020, after market close on November 3, 2020. A conference call for financial analysts is scheduled for November 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. EST, which will be webcast live. The company provides water, wastewater, and natural gas services to approximately 5 million people across 10 states, under the Aqua and Peoples brands. Essential emphasizes infrastructure investment, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship in delivering safe and reliable services.