BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua Pennsylvania announced today the completion of a PFAS treatment system at its Edgely Water Treatment Facility in Bristol Township, Bucks County. This is the tenth PFAS treatment facility that Aqua Pennsylvania has placed into operation since 2018, all of which meet the new PFAS national drinking water standard. The new system at Edgely consists of six filters that use ion exchange resin to remove "forever chemicals†from drinking water for nearly 11,000 cus. ...

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., celebrates its placement on Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies 2026 list, published today. The honor demonstrates Essential's core values of integrity, respect, and commitment to excellence, centered upon its commitment to provide and protect Earth's most essential resources. "Every day, our teams show their dedication to making a. ...

Core Viewpoint - Companies with a strong history of dividend payments and increases are attractive to income-focused investors, with Open Text, Restaurant Brands, and Essential Utilities recently announcing dividend hikes and offering yields over 3% [1] Open Text - Open Text Corp. is an information management software company that assists businesses in organizing, storing, and protecting data [2] - The company has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years, with a recent increase of 5% to $0.2750 per share, translating to an annual payout of $1.10 per share [3] - The current dividend yield for Open Text is 3.30% [3] - As of September 30, the company's annual revenue was $5.19 billion, and it reported Q1 2026 revenues of $1.29 billion and EPS of $1.05, both exceeding consensus estimates [4] Restaurant Brands International - Restaurant Brands International Inc. operates well-known quick-service restaurant brands including Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs [5] - The company has increased its dividends for 10 consecutive years, with a recent hike from $0.58 to $0.62 per share, equating to an annual payout of $2.48 per share [6] - The current dividend yield for Restaurant Brands is 3.65% [6] - As of September 30, the company's annual revenue was $9.26 billion, and it reported Q3 2025 EPS of $1.03 and revenues of $2.45 billion, both surpassing consensus estimates [7] Essential Utilities - Essential Utilities Inc. provides water, wastewater, and natural gas services in the U.S. [7] - The company has increased its dividends for 34 consecutive years, with a recent hike of 5.25% to $0.3426 per share, resulting in an annual payout of $1.37 per share [8] - The current dividend yield for Essential Utilities is 3.54% [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Utility - Water Supply industry is essential for providing clean drinking water and efficient sewer services, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades to meet growing demand and address aging pipelines [1][2][3]. Industry Overview - The industry consists of companies providing drinking water and wastewater services across a vast network of nearly 2.2 million miles of aging pipelines, requiring continuous investment in infrastructure [3]. - Water utilities benefit from lower interest rates, which reduce financing costs and support infrastructure investments [4]. - The U.S. water industry is fragmented, with over 50,000 community water systems and 14,000 wastewater treatment facilities, leading to inefficiencies that consolidation could address [5]. Investment Needs - The U.S. water infrastructure is deteriorating, with an estimated $1.25 trillion needed over the next 20 years for upgrades, while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has committed $50 billion for improvements [6]. - The American Society of Civil Engineers rates U.S. drinking water infrastructure at C- and wastewater systems at D+, highlighting the urgent need for upgrades [6]. Market Performance - The Zacks Utility Water Supply industry has underperformed compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the broader utilities sector over the past 12 months, gaining 6.1% versus 12.5% for the sector and 12.4% for the S&P 500 [11]. - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 15.89X, lower than the S&P 500's 17.94X and the sector's 15.92X [14]. Earnings Outlook - The Zacks Utility Water Supply industry has a positive earnings outlook, with an aggregate earnings estimate of $2.27 indicating year-over-year growth of 7.1% [9]. - The Zacks Industry Rank 97 places the industry in the top 40% of over 243 Zacks industries, suggesting bullish prospects for the near term [7][8]. Company Highlights - **American States Water Company (AWR)**: Plans to invest $180-$210 million in 2025 for infrastructure upgrades, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 5.65% and a current dividend yield of 2.75% [18][19]. - **American Water Works Company (AWK)**: Aims to invest $3.3 billion in 2025 and $19-$20 billion from 2026 to 2030 for infrastructure strengthening, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 6.77% and a current dividend yield of 2.49% [23][24]. - **Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG)**: Plans to invest $7.8 billion from 2025 to 2029 for pipeline rehabilitation, with a current dividend yield of 3.42% [27][28].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Company Operations and Services - The company serves approximately 5.5 million people across multiple states, with Aqua Pennsylvania providing services to about half of the total water or wastewater customers[112]. - The company plans to pursue growth ventures in regulated water and wastewater utilities and infrastructure opportunities[113]. Financial Performance - Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, increased by $293,774 or 19.8% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by increases in Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments[156]. - Consolidated net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $483,693, compared to $410,559 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 17.7%[147]. - Net cash flows from operating activities were $804,347 for the first nine months of 2025, up from $622,510 in the same period of 2024, reflecting an increase of $181,837 due to higher operating income and gas volumes delivered[133]. Capital Investments and Expenditures - The company invested $983,089 in infrastructure improvements during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, with plans to invest approximately $7,800,000 from 2025 to 2029[126]. - Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $983,089, with significant investments in water, wastewater, and natural gas infrastructure improvements[134]. Mergers and Acquisitions - The company expects to close the merger with American Water by the end of Q1 2027, with an exchange ratio of 0.305 shares of American Water stock for each share of the company's common stock[117]. - The merger will convert each share of Essential Common Stock into 0.305 shares of American Water Common Stock, with no adjustments for market price fluctuations[195]. - The merger agreement includes a termination fee of $370 million payable by Essential Utilities if the agreement is terminated under certain conditions[200]. - The companies expect to incur substantial non-recurring expenses associated with completing the merger, which may include unexpected transaction fees and merger-related costs[207]. Revenue and Cost Analysis - The company implemented base rate increases resulting in an annual revenue increase of $87,071 across various states[120]. - Purchased gas costs increased by $81,384 or 44.6% during the first nine months of 2025, attributed to a rise in average gas costs and higher gas usage[158]. - Operations and maintenance expense rose by $8,286 or 5.7%, driven by increased customer assistance surcharge costs and labor expenses[184]. Tax and Regulatory Matters - The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2025 was 4.5%, a decrease from 18.6% in the same quarter of 2024, primarily due to tax benefits from qualifying infrastructure investments[155]. - The effective income tax rate for the Regulated Water segment decreased to 9.0% in the first nine months of 2025 from 17.1% in 2024, attributed to the release of $22,575 of income tax reserve regulatory liability[175]. - The effective income tax rate for the Regulated Natural Gas segment was a benefit of 23.4% for the first nine months of 2025, down from 27.9% in 2024[188]. Segment Performance - Revenues from the Regulated Water segment increased by $80,335 or 8.8% for the first nine months of 2025, driven by a $27,926 increase in water and wastewater rates and additional revenues from a larger customer base[171]. - Operating revenues from the Regulated Natural Gas segment increased by $207,318 or 37.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024[183]. - The Regulated Natural Gas segment recognized a segment net income of $182,190 for the first nine months of 2025, compared to $177,563 in the same period of 2024[178]. Risks and Challenges - There are risks related to integrating the two companies, including potential disruptions to ongoing businesses and management distractions[205]. - The merger may impair relationships with employees and partners due to the integration of new management personnel[205]. - The combined company may face difficulties in establishing uniform standards and controls across both entities[205]. - Government regulations may affect the business operations of the combined company, particularly in jurisdictions where American Water's regulated businesses do not currently operate[205].

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 33 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents by 22.2% and reflecting a 32% year-over-year increase driven by rate increases across both business segments [1][8] - Operating revenues reached $476.97 million, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.06%, but showing a 9.6% year-over-year growth primarily due to increased rates [2][8] - The company announced a merger with American Water Works Company, creating a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $40 billion [7][8] Revenue and Segment Performance - The regulated water segment generated revenues of $364.1 million, an 8.8% increase from $334.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, driven by higher water and wastewater rates [3] - The regulated natural gas segment reported revenues of $108.5 million, marking a 12.1% increase from $96.7 million in the same quarter last year, also primarily due to increased rates [3] Financial Highlights - Operating income totaled $169.8 million, up 9.5% year over year, while operation and maintenance expenses rose 6.0% to $153.1 million due to increased employee-related costs and other operational expenses [4] - Interest expenses increased by 7.0% to $82.3 million from $76.8 million in the prior-year quarter [5] - Current assets amounted to $433.6 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $485.9 million as of December 31, 2024, while long-term debt rose to $7.69 billion [9] Future Outlook and Guidance - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance in the range of $2.07-$2.11, with a long-term annual earnings growth forecast of 5-7% through 2027 [10] - Essential Utilities plans to invest $1.4-$1.5 billion in infrastructure in 2025 and approximately $7.8 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance water and natural gas systems [11]

Core Viewpoint - The company is conducting its Q3 2025 earnings conference call to discuss financial performance and updates [1][2]. Group 1: Company Updates - Chris Franklin, the Chairman and CEO, will provide an update on the company's current status [4]. - Dan Schuller, the Chief Financial Officer, will present an overview of the financial results [4]. Group 2: Financial Information - The earnings call includes discussions that may involve forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties [3]. - Non-GAAP financial measures may be referenced, with reconciliations available on the company's website [4].

Financial Performance - Essential Utilities reported net income of $92.1 million or $0.33 per share for Q3 2025, compared to $69.4 million or $0.25 per share for Q3 2024, reflecting a 32.5% increase in net income [3][5]. - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $477.0 million, a 9.6% increase from $435.3 million in Q3 2024, primarily driven by rate increases [7]. - Operating revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, were $476,971,000, an increase of 9.1% from $435,255,000 in the same quarter of 2024 [34]. - Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, was $92,077,000, representing a 32.5% increase compared to $69,402,000 for the same quarter in 2024 [34]. - Basic and diluted net income per common share for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, was $0.33, up from $0.25 in the same quarter of 2024, reflecting a 32% increase [34]. - The company reported operating income of $169,771,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, compared to $155,089,000 for the same quarter in 2024, marking a 9.8% increase [36]. Revenue Segments - The regulated water segment generated revenues of $364.1 million, an 8.8% increase from $334.5 million in Q3 2024, with water and wastewater rates being the largest contributor [8]. - The regulated natural gas segment reported revenues of $108.5 million, a 12.1% increase from $96.7 million in Q3 2024, also driven by increased rates [9]. Investment and Infrastructure - Essential invested $983 million in infrastructure in the first nine months of 2025, on track to invest $1.4 to $1.5 billion for the full year [6][15]. - The company plans to invest approximately $7.8 billion in regulated infrastructure from 2025 through 2029, focusing on improving water and natural gas systems [15][26]. - The company plans to invest $1.4 to $1.5 billion in infrastructure in 2025, contributing to anticipated rate base growth through 2029 [32]. - The company announced a $26 million investment in a major data center in Western Pennsylvania, expected to support both power generation and data center cooling needs [6][21]. Mergers and Acquisitions - Essential's merger with American Water Works Company, Inc. is expected to create a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $40 billion [23][24]. - The expected closing date of the pending merger with American Water is anticipated by the end of the first quarter of 2027 [32]. - Essential has signed agreements for additional wastewater systems in Pennsylvania and Texas, expected to serve over 200,000 customers for a total purchase price of approximately $301 million [18]. Environmental Goals - The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 from the 2019 baseline [32]. Customer Growth - The water utility customer base is expected to grow at an average annual long-term growth rate of 2-3% for acquisitions and organic customer growth [32]. Equity and Debt - Total equity increased to $6,816,299,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $6,198,809,000 at the end of 2024 [38]. - Long-term debt, excluding current portion, increased to $7,692,091,000 as of September 30, 2025, from $7,368,381,000 at the end of 2024 [38].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.33, a 32% increase year-over-year [5][14] - Revenues increased by 9.6%, from $435.3 million to $477 million, primarily due to rate increases [14][15] - The company expects to achieve GAAP earnings per share above the guidance range of $2.07-$2.11 due to non-recurring benefits [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both water and natural gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall growth [5] - Water business revenue increased by approximately $27.9 million, while natural gas contributed $6.3 million to revenue growth [14][15] - The natural gas division has successfully installed over 60,000 Intellis gas meters, exceeding its 2025 goal [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined entity from the merger with American Water will serve over 5 million connections across 17 states [3] - The company has a robust rate base approaching $34 billion, positioning it as a leading water and wastewater utility in the U.S. [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with American Water is seen as a transformational opportunity to create synergies and enhance financial strength [3][4] - The company aims to invest approximately $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements for 2025 [6] - The focus on expanding water and wastewater business through acquisitions is expected to drive long-term growth [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strong growth potential in both water and gas platforms, with an expected compounded annual growth rate of 8% for the combined utility rate base [21][22] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and consistent dividend growth while managing regulatory activities effectively [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has made a $26 million investment in a data center project in Greene County, Pennsylvania, which is expected to enhance its operational capabilities [10][11] - The company is actively pursuing additional data center development opportunities, reflecting the growing demand in the sector [12][13] Summary of Q&A Session - No questions were taken during this earnings call, and the company will return to its normal Q&A process for the year-end call in February 2026 [24][25]