Essential Utilities

WTRG

Market cap $11.5B

I present an expanded Top 25 High-Yield dividend stock watchlist for April 2026, targeting quality, value, and long-term return potential. The selected stocks average a 3.86% dividend yield and a projected 19.07% future CAGR, with ~34% average undervaluation per dividend yield theory. Subsets highlight opportunities in high yield (e.g., Campbell's at 7%), fast dividend growth (Autoliv, 38.15%), and deep value (Nike, -63.81% undervalued).

For the last 34 years, Essential Utilities has delivered payout raises to its shareholders. On a standalone basis, the company is positioned to keep generating 5% to 7% annual adjusted EPS growth. Essential Utilities sports an A- S&P credit rating with a stable outlook.

Essential Utilities gains from $1.4B investments, rate hikes and acquisitions, which position the utility for steady growth through 2027.

Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced today its inclusion on Newsweek's list of America's Most Charitable Companies. The recognition demonstrates how the company's mission extends beyond utility services, signifying industry leadership in corporate philanthropy through its Essential Foundation. “Through our mission, Essential Utilities fulfills the basic needs of our customers by warming their homes and providing clean water,” said CEO and Chairman Chr.

WTRG's Aqua Pennsylvania acquires Greenville Municipal Water Authority for $18M, adds 2,900+ customers and plans $10M in system upgrades.

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced today its Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has finalized its $18 million purchase of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County, PA. The system serves more than 2,900 customers in Greenville Borough as well as Hempfield and West Salem Townships. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the sale on January 15, 2026. This acquisition comes one year after Aqua Pennsylvania purchased the Gr.

My watchlist aims to surface high-quality, attractively valued dividend stocks with the potential for double-digit total returns over 3–5 years. The original process blends quality and value, while pure quality and value variants offer unique selections and distinct performance profiles. Despite recent underperformance versus VYM, the watchlist maintains a 14.43% CAGR since inception, comfortably above the 12% target and with a higher starting yield.

WTRG tops Q4 EPS and revenue estimates as higher water and gas rates lift sales, while the merger with American Water Works progresses toward a 2027 close.

WTRG Reports Earnings