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 on February 9, 2026. This marks the company’s scheduled cash return to investors for the first quarter of 2026 and reinforces its commitment to delivering predictable income streams through its regulated water, wastewater and natural gas businesses.

Essential Utilities has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased its dividend 35 times over the past 34 years. This sustained record of distribution growth ranks among the longest in the utility sector, underpinned by stable regulated returns, disciplined capital allocation and consistent earnings growth over multiple economic cycles.

Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential Utilities serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. The company’s focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence and regulatory collaboration has supported recent rate case wins and modest top-line increases. Management continues to target low-double-digit percentage revenue growth driven by infrastructure investment programs, geographic expansion and continued cost control, which together underpin future dividend coverage and potential further increases.