Essential Utilities Raises Dividend to $0.3426, Posts 10% Revenue Growth, Secures $16.9M Funding
Essential Utilities declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, marking its 80th consecutive quarterly payout, and reported Q3 revenue growth of 10% with net income up 32.7%. Subsidiary Aqua Pennsylvania secured $16.9 million in PENNVEST funding for PFAS treatment at nine well sites, supporting compliance and infrastructure expansion.
1. Board Declares Quarterly Dividend
The board of directors of Essential Utilities Inc. has approved a cash dividend of $0.3426 per share for the quarter, payable on March 2, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 9, 2026. This marks the company’s 80th consecutive year of quarterly distributions and follows 35 increases over the past 34 years, reflecting management’s commitment to returning capital to investors through consistent, rising payouts.
2. Regulated Growth and Merger Prospects Enhance Outlook
In its most recent quarter, Essential Utilities reported 10% revenue growth and a 32.7% increase in net income, driven by timely rate adjustments across its water, wastewater and natural gas operations and disciplined cost control measures. Investors are also focused on the pending merger with American Water Works, which is expected to deliver scale benefits, improved operating leverage and enhanced credibility with regulators—potentially accelerating earnings per share and future dividend growth as the combined entity realizes synergies.