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NYSE:WTRG

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Stock Forecast, Price & News

$32.62

+0.03 (+0.09%)

(As of 12:51 PM ET)

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Today's Range: $32.07
▼
$32.94
50-Day Range: $32.59
▼
$42.79
52-Week Range: $32.07
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$49.89

Volume: 475,316 shs
Average Volume: 1.17 million shs
Market Capitalization: $8.63 billion

P/E Ratio: 18.53
Dividend Yield: 3.77%
Price Target: $49.40

Essential Utilities MarketRank™ Forecast

Analyst Rating: Buy
3.00 Rating Score
Upside/Downside: 51.4% Upside
$49.40 Price Target
Short Interest: Healthy
1.34% of Shares Sold Short
Dividend Strength: Strong
Based on Four Factors
Sustainability: -2.18
Upright™ Environmental Score
News Sentiment: 0.92
Based on 10 Articles This Week
Insider Trading: N/A
Proj. Earnings Growth: 7.53%
From $1.86 to $2.00 Per Share

Overall MarketRank^™

MarketRank is calculated as an average of available category scores, with extra weight given to analysis and valuation.

3.15 out of 5 stars

Utilities Sector

9th out of 86 stocks

Water Supply Industry

2nd out of 11 stocks

3.5

Analyst's Opinion

Consensus Rating
Essential Utilities has received a consensus rating of Buy. The company's average rating score is 3.00, and is based on 4 buy ratings, no hold ratings, and no sell ratings.
Price Target Upside/Downside
According to analysts' consensus price target of $49.40, Essential Utilities has a forecasted upside of 51.4% from its current price of $32.62.
Amount of Analyst Coverage
Essential Utilities has only been the subject of 1 research reports in the past 90 days.

3.0

Short Interest

Percentage of Shares Shorted
1.34% of the outstanding shares of Essential Utilities have been sold short.
Short Interest Ratio / Days to Cover
Essential Utilities has a short interest ratio ("days to cover") of 3, which is generally considered an acceptable ratio of short interest to trading volume.
Change versus previous month
Short interest in Essential Utilities has recently increased by 10.25%, indicating that investor sentiment is decreasing significantly.

5.0

Dividend Strength

Dividend Leadership
Essential Utilities is a leading dividend payer. It pays a dividend yield of 3.73%, putting its dividend yield in the top 25% of dividend-paying stocks.
Dividend Growth
Essential Utilities has been increasing its dividend for 32 years.
Dividend Coverage
The dividend payout ratio of Essential Utilities is 69.89%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%.
Dividend Sustainability
Based on earnings estimates, Essential Utilities will have a dividend payout ratio of 61.50% next year. This indicates that Essential Utilities will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.

3.1

Sustainability and ESG

Overall ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Score
Essential Utilities has received a 30.22% net impact score from Upright. The largest positive contribution comes from its "Societal infrastructure" impact, which is mostly driven by its "Natural gas distribution services", "Drinking water distribution services", and "Drinking water treatment services" products. See details.
Environmental Sustainability
The Environmental Impact score for Essential Utilities is -2.18.

3.3

News and Social Media Coverage

News Sentiment
Essential Utilities has a news sentiment score of 0.92. This score is calculated as an average of sentiment of articles about the company over the last seven days and ranges from 2 (good news) to -2 (bad news). This is a higher news sentiment than the 0.39 average news sentiment score of Utilities companies.
News Coverage This Week
MarketBeat has tracked 10 news articles for Essential Utilities this week, compared to 4 articles on an average week.
Search Interest
Only 3 people have searched for WTRG on MarketBeat in the last 30 days. This is a decrease of -25% compared to the previous 30 days.
MarketBeat Follows
8 people have added Essential Utilities to their MarketBeat watchlist in the last 30 days. This is an increase of 60% compared to the previous 30 days.

1.7

Company Ownership

Insider Buying vs. Insider Selling
In the past three months, Essential Utilities insiders have not sold or bought any company stock.
Percentage Held by Insiders
Only 0.18% of the stock of Essential Utilities is held by insiders.
Percentage Held by Institutions
73.01% of the stock of Essential Utilities is held by institutions. High institutional ownership can be a signal of strong market trust in this company.

2.5

Earnings and Valuation

Earnings Growth
Earnings for Essential Utilities are expected to grow by 7.53% in the coming year, from $1.86 to $2.00 per share.
Price to Earnings Ratio vs. the Market
The P/E ratio of Essential Utilities is 18.53, which means that it is trading at a less expensive P/E ratio than the market average P/E ratio of about 113.81.
Price to Earnings Ratio vs. Sector
The P/E ratio of Essential Utilities is 18.53, which means that it is trading at a less expensive P/E ratio than the Utilities sector average P/E ratio of about 91.33.
Price to Earnings Growth Ratio
Essential Utilities has a PEG Ratio of 3.16. PEG Ratios above 1 indicate that a company could be overvalued.
Price to Book Value per Share Ratio
Essential Utilities has a P/B Ratio of 1.59. P/B Ratios below 3 indicates that a company is reasonably valued with respect to its assets and liabilities.

See Top Rated MarketRank™ Stocks Here

About Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Stock

Essential Utilities, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company operates through Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments. It offers water services through operating and maintenance contract with municipal authorities and other parties. The company also provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry; and water and sewer line protection solutions, and repair services to households. It serves approximately 8.8 million residential water, commercial water, fire protection, industrial water, wastewater, and other water and utility customers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky under the Aqua and Peoples brands. The company was formerly known as Aqua America, Inc. and changed its name to Essential Utilities, Inc. in February 2020. Essential Utilities, Inc. was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

WTRG Price History

30 days | 90 days | 365 days | Advanced Chart

WTRG Stock News Headlines

October 4, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities’ Aqua Pennsylvania Agrees to Purchase Greenville Water System for $18 Million

October 3, 2023 | msn.com

Essential Utilities to sell microgrid, district energy projects in $165M deal

October 4, 2023 | Behind the Markets (Ad)

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October 3, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Cordia Acquiring Three Cutting-Edge Energy Systems from Essential Utilities in Allegheny County

October 2, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities Completes Sale of West Virginia Gas Utility Assets

September 30, 2023 | americanbankingnews.com

Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Stock Rating Upgraded by Northcoast Research

September 29, 2023 | nasdaq.com

Northcoast Research Upgrades Essential Utilities (WTRG)

September 27, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

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September 21, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

With A Return On Equity Of 8.3%, Has Essential Utilities, Inc.'s (NYSE:WTRG) Management Done Well?

September 20, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities Publishes 2022 ESG Report: Achieves Supplier and Employee Diversity Targets, Highlights Strong Progress on Emissions Reduction Goals

September 15, 2023 | msn.com

Why Jim Cramer Warns Investors To Avoid This Stock Up Over 90% This Year

September 12, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

WTRG- A Steady Grower in the Water Utility Sector

September 6, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Down 11.2% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Rebound?

September 4, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

One Essential Utilities Insider Raised Stake By 22% In Previous Year

September 1, 2023 | benzinga.com

American States Water Empowers Investors with Solid Returns and Fueling Shareholder Value

August 25, 2023 | benzinga.com

Elevating Investor Returns: Artesian Resources Delivers Strong Performance and Growing Profits

August 19, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Estimating The Fair Value Of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)

August 18, 2023 | benzinga.com

Sustaining Growth Momentum: California Water Servs Gr Continues to Excel and Reports Rising Profits

August 16, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Top-Rated Stocks to Buy from a Variety of Sectors After Earnings

August 8, 2023 | benzinga.com

Essential Utilities named to Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies list for second consecutive year

August 8, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Q2 Earnings On Par With Estimates

August 8, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities named to Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies list for second consecutive year

August 8, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Q2 Earnings Meet Estimates

August 7, 2023 | benzinga.com

Essential Utilities: Dividend Insights

August 7, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities Reports Financial Results for Q2 2023

August 5, 2023 | finance.yahoo.com

Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To $0.3071

See More Headlines

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WTRG Company Calendar

Last Earnings: 8/07/2023
Ex-Dividend for 9/1 Dividend: 8/10/2023
Dividend Payable: 9/01/2023
Today: 10/04/2023
Next Earnings (Estimated): 11/06/2023
Fiscal Year End: 12/31/2023

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Industry, Sector and Symbol

Stock Exchange: NYSE
Industry: Utilities - Regulated Water
Sub-Industry: N/A
Sector: Utilities
Current Symbol: NYSE:WTRG
CUSIP: N/A
CIK: 78128
Web: www.essential.co
Phone: (610) 527-8000
Fax: 610-645-1061
Employees: 3,187
Year Founded: N/A

Price Target and Rating

Average Stock Price Forecast: $49.40
High Stock Price Forecast: $55.00
Low Stock Price Forecast: $42.00
Forecasted Upside/Downside: +51.6%
Consensus Rating: Buy
Rating Score (0-4): 3.00
Research Coverage: 4 Analysts

Profitability

EPS (Most Recent Fiscal Year): $1.76
Trailing P/E Ratio: 18.52
Forward P/E Ratio: 17.52
P/E Growth: 3.29
Net Income: $465.24 million
Net Margins: 20.25%
Pretax Margin: 18.63%
Return on Equity: 8.54%
Return on Assets: 2.96%

Debt

Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 1.18
Current Ratio: 0.53
Quick Ratio: 0.39

Sales & Book Value

Annual Sales: $2.29 billion
Price / Sales: 3.77
Cash Flow: $2.85 per share
Price / Cash Flow: 11.45
Book Value: $20.50 per share
Price / Book: 1.59

Miscellaneous

Outstanding Shares: 264,510,000
Free Float: 264,030,000
Market Cap: $8.62 billion
Optionable: Optionable
Beta: 0.79

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Key Executives

Mr. Christopher H. Franklin (Age 58)
Chairman, Pres & CEO
Comp: $2.18M

Mr. Daniel J. Schuller (Age 53)
Exec. VP & CFO
Comp: $910.45k

Mr. Christopher Paul Luning (Age 55)
Exec. VP & Gen. Counsel

Mr. Matthew R. Rhodes (Age 45)
Exec. VP of Strategy & Corp. Devel.
Comp: $855.48k

Ms. Christina Kelly
Sr. VP & Chief HR Officer

Ms. Colleen M. Arnold (Age 52)
Pres of Aqua Water
Comp: $535.72k

Mr. Robert A. Rubin (Age 60)
Sr. VP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer

Mr. Sumit Nair
VP & Chief Information Officer

Ms. Susan F. Haindl
Sr. VP & Chief Admin. Officer

Mr. Brian Dingerdissen
VP of Investor Relations & Treasurer

Key Competitors

View All Competitors

Insiders & Institutions

View All Insider Transactions
View All Institutional Transactions

WTRG Stock - Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy or sell Essential Utilities stock right now?: 4 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Essential Utilities in the last year. There are currently 4 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "buy" WTRG shares.
View WTRG analyst ratings or view top-rated stocks.
What is Essential Utilities' stock price forecast for 2023?: 4 brokers have issued 12-month price objectives for Essential Utilities' shares. Their WTRG share price forecasts range from $42.00 to $55.00. On average, they expect the company's stock price to reach $49.40 in the next twelve months. This suggests a possible upside of 51.6% from the stock's current price.
View analysts price targets for WTRG or view top-rated stocks among Wall Street analysts.
How have WTRG shares performed in 2023?: Essential Utilities' stock was trading at $47.73 at the beginning of the year. Since then, WTRG stock has decreased by 31.7% and is now trading at $32.59.
View the best growth stocks for 2023 here.
When is Essential Utilities' next earnings date?: The company is scheduled to release its next quarterly earnings announcement on Monday, November 6th 2023.
View our WTRG earnings forecast.
How were Essential Utilities' earnings last quarter?: Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) announced its earnings results on Monday, August, 7th. The company reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.34. The company earned $436.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $469.07 million. Essential Utilities had a net margin of 20.25% and a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 8.54%. Essential Utilities's revenue for the quarter was down 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.31 EPS.
How often does Essential Utilities pay dividends? What is the dividend yield for Essential Utilities?: Essential Utilities announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be given a dividend of $0.3071 per share on Friday, September 1st. This represents a $1.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This is a positive change from the stock's previous quarterly dividend of $0.29.
Read our dividend analysis for WTRG.
What ETFs hold Essential Utilities' stock?: ETFs with the largest weight of Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) stock in their portfolio include Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA), Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW), iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (EFRA), Ecofin Global Water ESG Fund (EBLU), First Trust Water ETF (FIW), Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO), Invesco Real Assets ESG ETF (IVRA) and ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (REGL).

Is Essential Utilities a good dividend stock?: Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) pays an annual dividend of $1.23 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 3.58%. The company has been increasing its dividend for 32 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 69.89%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, WTRG will have a dividend payout ratio of 61.50% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.
Read our dividend analysis for WTRG.
What guidance has Essential Utilities issued on next quarter's earnings?: Essential Utilities issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Monday, August, 7th. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.85-1.90 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $1.86.
What is Essential Utilities' stock symbol?: Essential Utilities trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "WTRG."
How do I buy shares of Essential Utilities?: Shares of WTRG stock can be purchased through any online brokerage account. Popular online brokerages with access to the U.S. stock market include WeBull, Vanguard Brokerage Services, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Robinhood, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab.
Compare Top Brokerages Here.
What is Essential Utilities' stock price today?: One share of WTRG stock can currently be purchased for approximately $32.59.
How much money does Essential Utilities make?: Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) has a market capitalization of $8.62 billion and generates $2.29 billion in revenue each year. The company earns $465.24 million in net income (profit) each year or $1.76 on an earnings per share basis.
How many employees does Essential Utilities have?: The company employs 3,187 workers across the globe.
How can I contact Essential Utilities?: Essential Utilities' mailing address is 762 W. LANCASTER AVENUE, BRYN MAWR PA, 19010. The official website for the company is www.essential.co. The company can be reached via phone at (610) 527-8000, via email at investorrelations@essential.co, or via fax at 610-645-1061.

This page (NYSE:WTRG) was last updated on 10/4/2023 by MarketBeat.com Staff

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Essential Utilities (WTRG) Stock Forecast, Price & News

Essential Utilities MarketRank™ Forecast

Overall MarketRank™

Analyst's Opinion

Short Interest

Percentage of Shares Shorted

Short Interest Ratio / Days to Cover

Change versus previous month

Dividend Strength

Sustainability and ESG

Overall ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Score

Environmental Sustainability

News and Social Media Coverage

News Sentiment

News Coverage This Week

Search Interest

MarketBeat Follows

Company Ownership

Earnings and Valuation

About Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) Stock

WTRG Price History

WTRG Stock News Headlines

WTRG Company Calendar

Industry, Sector and Symbol

Price Target and Rating

Profitability

Debt

Sales & Book Value

Miscellaneous

Key Executives

Key Competitors

Insiders & Institutions

WTRG Stock - Frequently Asked Questions

Overall MarketRank^™