The board of directors of Essential Utilities Inc. today approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, payable on March 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 9, 2026. This marks the 80th consecutive year of quarterly distributions and the 35th dividend increase over the past 34 years, underscoring the company’s commitment to returning capital to investors through its regulated water, wastewater and natural gas operations.

Essential Utilities’ Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary has been awarded $16.9 million in combined principal forgiveness and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding will finance five PFAS treatment systems across nine community well sites in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, ensuring compliance with forthcoming federal water standards. This investment reflects the company’s ongoing capital program to upgrade treatment infrastructure and support sustainable, reliable service for approximately 5.5 million customers.

Essential Utilities serves nine states under the Aqua and Peoples brands, delivering services to roughly 5.5 million people. The company’s regulated rate base model provides stable cash flows, with Q3 reporting 10% revenue growth and a 32.7% increase in net income year-over-year, driven by authorized rate adjustments and disciplined cost management. Investors will be monitoring the proposed merger with American Water, which, if approved, could enhance scale, operating leverage and regulatory credibility, positioning Essential for accelerated earnings and dividend growth.