Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 were $5.64, an increase of 8.9% from $5.18 in 2024 [4][11] - Revenues increased by $1.70 per share, driven by authorized rate increases and acquisitions [11] - Operating costs increased, with O&M expenses up by $0.42 per share, primarily due to employee-related costs and higher production costs [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested over $3 billion in infrastructure in 2025 to enhance service reliability and quality [5] - The company completed six rate cases in 2025, with significant revenue increases authorized [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves approximately 14 million people, maintaining residential water bills under 1% of median household income [5][20] - The company has 104,000 customer connections under agreement heading into 2026, indicating growth in customer base [6][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing aging infrastructure and water quality challenges while ensuring customer affordability [9] - A definitive merger agreement with Essential Utilities was announced, expected to close by the end of Q1 2027, aimed at enhancing service offerings [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management affirmed 2026 EPS guidance of $6.02-$6.12, representing an expected 8% growth [8][17] - The company is committed to responsible investments and operational efficiencies to support customer affordability and regulatory compliance [17][20] Other Important Information - The company repaid a $795 million secured seller note, aligning with 2026 guidance assumptions [18] - The company maintains a total debt to capital ratio of 59% and aims to keep it below 60% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the plans for the People's Gas business post-merger? - The company will review strategic alternatives for People's after the merger closes, with proceeds potentially used for debt repayment and reinvestment [26] Question: What was the 2025 realized FFO to debt? - The company typically does not disclose FFO to debt but suggests it can be calculated from financial statements [27] Question: Expectations for settlements in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois rate cases? - The company is open to settlements if they are constructive and beneficial, with cases progressing as expected [28] Question: Key approvals remaining for Nexus? - The company has received approvals in several states but still requires approvals in about five states, with no current challenges [32] Question: How does affordability scrutiny affect rate cases in Pennsylvania? - Rate cases are driven by necessary investments, and the company does not foresee changes in the current pace of filings [37] Question: How does the New Jersey rate case timing interact with the BPU study? - The New Jersey case is also driven by system investments, and the company believes its rates remain affordable compared to other utilities [40]

Core Viewpoint - Essential Utilities Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, payable on June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on May 12, 2026, continuing its long-standing tradition of dividend payments [1][1]. Company Overview - Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) provides safe, clean, and reliable services, focusing on water, wastewater, and natural gas, serving approximately 5.5 million people across nine states [1][1]. - The company has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased its dividend 35 times in the last 34 years, indicating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [1][1]. Recent Developments - Essential Utilities is set to report its financial results for the full year 2025 on February 25, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time [1][1]. - The company has appointed Alexis Rodriguez as Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development, who will lead the execution of strategic initiatives and growth opportunities for Aqua [1][1].

Core Viewpoint - The proposed merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities aims to create a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility, enhancing operational efficiency and infrastructure investment while maintaining affordable service for over 4.7 million customer connections across 17 states [2][5]. Company Overview - American Water Works Company, Inc. is a publicly traded utility company providing water and wastewater services in the United States, focusing on the operation, management, and maintenance of regulated systems [14]. - The company also offers complementary nonregulated services to support system reliability and customer needs [15]. Merger Details - The special meeting of shareholders was held to vote on the merger with Essential Utilities, with shareholders approving the proposal to issue shares of American Water common stock in connection with the merger agreement [4][6]. - Approximately 161.2 million shares, or about 82.6% of the outstanding shares, were represented at the meeting, satisfying the quorum requirement [5][9]. Voting Process - The voting process was conducted electronically, allowing shareholders to vote or change their votes during the meeting [11]. - Preliminary results indicated that the share issuance proposal received the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares present [12]. Meeting Logistics - The meeting was conducted via remote communication to ensure broad access for shareholders and the public, with an audio-only format [1][3]. - An audio-only webcast of the meeting will remain available on American Water's investor relations website for at least 30 days [6].

Summary of American Water Works Company Special Meeting Company Overview - **Company**: American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK) - **Event**: Special Meeting of Shareholders - **Date**: February 10, 2026 - **Key Focus**: Proposed merger with Essential Utilities Core Points and Arguments - **Merger Announcement**: American Water is enthusiastic about the proposed merger with Essential Utilities, which aims to create a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility company serving over 4.7 million customer connections across 17 states [2][3] - **Strategic Objectives**: Both companies share similar goals of providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services [2] - **Operational Efficiency**: The merger is expected to enhance scale and operational efficiency, supporting continued investment in critical infrastructure and maintaining high-quality customer service at affordable rates [3] Important Details - **Virtual Meeting Format**: The special meeting was held virtually to allow broad access for shareholders and employees [2][4] - **Quorum Confirmation**: Approximately 161.2 million shares, or about 82.6% of the company's issued and outstanding common stock, were represented, confirming a quorum for the meeting [10] - **Voting Items**: - **Share Issuance Proposal**: Approval of the issuance of shares of American Water common stock pursuant to the merger agreement with Essential Utilities [13] - **Adjournment Proposal**: Approval to adjourn the meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies [14] - **Voting Results**: The Share Issuance Proposal received the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares present, leading to its approval [17] Additional Considerations - **Forward-Looking Statements**: The meeting included safe harbor language regarding forward-looking statements related to the merger, highlighting potential risks and uncertainties [6][7] - **Regulatory Compliance**: The meeting adhered to Delaware corporate law and SEC rules, with proper notice sent to shareholders [9] - **Post-Meeting Reporting**: Final vote results will be filed in a Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting [18]

Summary of Essential Utilities Special Meeting Company Overview - **Company**: Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) - **Meeting Date**: February 10, 2026 - **Participants**: Chairman, President, and CEO Christopher H. Franklin, along with other board members and executives Key Points Meeting Structure and Procedures - The meeting was conducted in a structured manner to ensure fairness and order among shareholders [2][3] - The notice of the special meeting was distributed on December 31, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 29, 2025 [4] - A quorum was established with 215,733,938 shares represented, which is a majority of the 283,082,809 shares entitled to vote [6] Proposals Discussed 1. **Merger Agreement Proposal**: Approval of the merger agreement and related transactions [8] 2. **Merger-Related Compensation Proposal**: Non-binding advisory vote on compensation for named executive officers related to the merger [8] 3. **Adjournment Proposal**: Approval to adjourn the meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies [9] Voting Results - **Merger Agreement Proposal**: Approved with approximately 203,644,509 shares voting in favor, representing about 94.8% of votes cast [12] - **Merger-Related Compensation Proposal**: Approved with approximately 181,618,535 shares voting in favor, representing about 84.18% of votes cast [12][13] - The Adjournment Proposal was not presented as the merger agreement was approved [13] Final Remarks - The final results of the meeting will be reported on a Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days [14] - The meeting concluded with thanks to shareholders for their support of the merger and the company [14][15] Additional Important Information - The meeting adhered to Pennsylvania law and the company's bylaws regarding shareholder voting and quorum requirements [5][6] - The presence of the Inspector of Elections ensured the integrity of the voting process [4][12]

Core Viewpoint - Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) is set to report its earnings for the full year 2025 on February 25, 2026, after market close [1] Group 1 - The company's conference call with financial analysts is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - The conference call and presentation will be available for live streaming on the company's website [1] - An archive of the conference call will be accessible in the Investor Relations section [1]

Market Overview - The market in early 2026 is facing potential volatility due to a flat S&P performance, a surge in gold and silver prices, and concerns over an international selloff of U.S.-denominated assets [2] - Geopolitical tensions, both domestic and international, are contributing to the risk of stock price volatility [2] Investment Opportunities - Investors seeking defensive strategies may consider stocks with high dividend yields, which can provide protection through regular distributions [3] - Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. (NYSE: RHP) is highlighted for its high dividend yield of 5.07%, supported by a strong cash position of $483 million in unrestricted cash and nearly $1.3 billion in total liquidity [3] - Post-pandemic demand for RHP's large hotels has been strong, with a reported 7.7% year-over-year revenue improvement in Q3 2025, and analysts expect earnings to grow by over 9% in the next year and share prices to increase by nearly 17% [4] Sector Insights - Ryman Hospitality Properties offers an appealing dividend yield and a sizable portfolio of high-demand hotel properties, with a projected 17% upside potential [5] - Other companies like Black Hills and Essential Utilities are also noted for their attractive dividend profiles and growth potential, particularly in the utilities sector [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the appeal of Dividend Champions, which are companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, especially when they are trading at a discount [1]. Group 1 - The author has been involved in dividend investing since 2009 and has documented their journey towards financial independence through a blog focused on dividend growth investing [1]. - The author expresses a personal connection to the Seeking Alpha community and highlights their role as an analyst [1]. Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to the companies mentioned [2].

Core Viewpoint - Essential Utilities Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, reflecting its long-standing commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend payments [1] Group 1: Dividend Information - The quarterly cash dividend is payable on March 2, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 9, 2026 [1] - Essential Utilities has a history of paying consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased its dividend 35 times in the last 34 years [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Essential Utilities, Inc. focuses on delivering safe, clean, and reliable services, primarily in water, wastewater, and natural gas sectors [2] - The company is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and providing a superior customer experience [2] - Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states under the Aqua and Peoples brands, making it one of the significant publicly traded providers in the U.S. [3]

Core Perspective - Demand for water, wastewater, and gas services remains constant due to essential needs, supported by regulatory frameworks that allow companies to earn stable revenues [1] Company Insights - The company operates in a regulated environment that ensures consistent demand for its services, which is crucial for financial stability and growth [1] Industry Analysis - The water and gas sectors are characterized by steady demand, making them resilient against economic fluctuations, thus presenting a stable investment opportunity [1]