The board of directors of Essential Utilities Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, payable March 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 9, 2026. This marks the company’s 80th consecutive year of quarterly dividend payments and the 35th increase in the past 34 years, underscoring Essential’s commitment to delivering stable, returning capital to investors through its regulated utility operations.

Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states with water, wastewater and natural gas services. The company emphasizes sustainable growth and environmental stewardship, protecting thousands of acres of forests and habitats. Essential’s focus on operational excellence and customer experience supports its long track record of regulatory approvals and reliable revenue streams.

In the third quarter, Essential reported year-over-year revenue growth of 10% and a 32.7% increase in net income, driven by approved rate adjustments and disciplined cost management. With demand for utility services remaining consistent and the pending merger with American Water, management expects enhanced scale, improved operating leverage and strengthened regulatory credibility to support future earnings per share and dividend growth prospects.