Essential Utilities (WTRG) Could Be a Great Choice

Company Overview - Essential Utilities (WTRG) is headquartered in Bryn Mawr and operates in the Utilities sector, specifically in water supply [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 2.7% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Essential Utilities currently pays a dividend of $0.34 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.67%, which is higher than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.68% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.5% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.37 has increased by 8.3% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, Essential Utilities has raised its dividend 5 times, achieving an average annual increase of 6.53% [4] - The current payout ratio is 56%, indicating that the company pays out 56% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projects earnings of $2.11 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 7.11% from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - Essential Utilities is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]