BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share, payable March 2, 2026, to all shareholders of record on February 9, 2026. Essential Utilities has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends for 80 years and has increased the dividend 35 times in the last 34 years. About Essential Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individ ...

Ecofin Global Water ESG Fund (EBLU US) – Investment PropositionEcofin Global Water ESG Fund (EBLU) offers rules-based, global exposure to companies across the water value chain, including utilities, infrastructure owners, equipment makers, and service providers selected with ESG considerations. The strategy seeks to capture durable, policy-supported investment needs tied to water supply, quality, and efficiency, creating a structural growth opportunity that is relatively independent of traditional sector cy ...

Group 1 - The First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI US) targets 50 dividend-paying companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue from upstream energy, materials, agriculture, water, or timber activities [1] - Eligible securities must have positive trailing-12-month EPS, have paid dividends for the past three years, and must not have reduced dividends in the last two years [1] - The index selects the 50 highest dividend-yielding companies, with a limit of 30% for any of the five resource categories [1] Group 2 - Constituents are weighted by free-float market capitalization, with a 9.9% cap per issuer and a 40% cap on the aggregate of stocks above 4.5% [1] - Excess weight is redistributed pro rata among the remaining constituents [1] - The index undergoes reconstitution and rebalancing semi-annually, typically in March and September [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit due to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which negatively impacted financial results [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from June 17, 2024, to November 6, 2025 [3]. - Allegations include that the merger integration was poorly tracked due to technology and service issues, contradicting claims of a "flawless" execution [3]. - Major supply disruptions were reported, which are expected to negatively affect customers and the financial results of Primo Brands [3]. Group 2: Shareholder Actions - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by January 12, 2026, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiff [4]. - Registration allows shareholders to receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case [4]. - Participation in the case incurs no cost or obligation for shareholders [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors from deceit and fraud [5]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors affected by misleading statements [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm has issued a notice to shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit due to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which has led to significant supply disruptions and negative financial impacts [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from June 17, 2024, to November 6, 2025 [1]. - Allegations include that the defendants concealed issues related to the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, which contradicts their claims of a "flawless" execution [1]. - Major supply disruptions have been reported, negatively affecting customers and the financial results of Primo Brands [1]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by January 12, 2026, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiffs [2]. - Once registered, shareholders will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [2]. - Participation in the case incurs no cost or obligation for shareholders [2]. Group 3: About the Gross Law Firm - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and illegal business practices [3]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who have suffered losses due to misleading statements [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit related to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands, which has negatively impacted the company's financial results [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Shareholders who purchased shares of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) between June 17, 2024, and November 6, 2025, are encouraged to contact the Gross Law Firm for potential lead plaintiff appointment [1][3]. - The allegations include that the defendants concealed issues with the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, and that there were significant supply disruptions affecting customer satisfaction and financial performance [3]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - The deadline for shareholders to register for the class action and seek lead plaintiff status is January 12, 2026 [4]. - Registered shareholders will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring system to receive updates on the case's progress [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm dedicated to protecting investors' rights against deceit and illegal business practices [5]. - The firm aims to ensure companies engage in responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who suffered losses due to misleading statements or omissions [5].

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. has been recognized on Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies 2026 list, highlighting its commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence in providing essential resources [1]. Company Overview - Essential Utilities Inc. is one of the largest publicly traded providers of water, wastewater, and natural gas in the United States [1]. - The company emphasizes its dedication to protecting and providing Earth's essential resources [1].

Core Viewpoint - Pennon Group PLC has shown a financial turnaround in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, despite mixed earnings results and a reduction in interim dividends [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share for Pennon were reported at $0.3677, slightly exceeding estimates of $0.3671 [2][6]. - Revenue was approximately $870.5 million, falling short of the expected $881.1 million [2][6]. - Statutory pre-tax earnings improved to £65.9 million from a loss of £38.8 million in the previous year, indicating a strong financial recovery [3][6]. - Underlying EBITDA surged by 56% to £254.4 million, driven by increased water revenues and better cost management [3]. Dividend and Capital Expenditure - The company announced a nearly 25% reduction in its interim dividend to 9.26p per share, attributed to timing mechanics following a rights issue conducted last year [4]. - Capital expenditure remained high at £304.8 million as the company continued its ambitious K8 investment programme [4]. Financial Ratios - The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 3.14, indicating a significant reliance on debt financing [5]. - The current ratio is 1.51, suggesting a reasonable level of liquidity to cover short-term liabilities [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm is notifying shareholders of Primo Brands Corporation regarding a class action lawsuit related to alleged false statements and poor merger integration with BlueTriton Brands [1][3]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Shareholders who purchased shares of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) between June 17, 2024, and November 6, 2025, are encouraged to contact the firm for potential lead plaintiff appointment [1][3]. - The allegations include that the defendants concealed issues with the merger integration, specifically technology and service problems, and that there were significant supply disruptions affecting financial results [3]. Group 2: Important Dates and Next Steps - The deadline for shareholders to seek lead plaintiff status is January 12, 2026 [4]. - Shareholders who register will receive updates through a portfolio monitoring software regarding the case's progress [4]. Group 3: Law Firm Background - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and fraud [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 6% organic growth [5][12] - Operating EBITDA was $840 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 27.3% [6][12] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.09, flat compared to the previous year, with a higher tax rate impacting results [15][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrials Co. net sales were $1.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with organic growth of 4% [15][16] - Electronics Co. net sales increased to $1.3 billion, an 11% rise year-over-year, driven by 10% organic growth [17] - Healthcare and water technologies saw high single-digit organic growth, while diversified industrials experienced low single-digit growth [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Asia-Pacific regions reported organic growth of 7%, while Europe saw a 6% increase year-over-year [14] - The construction market remains weak, with expectations of a 4% decline in the shelter business for the year [82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving above-market organic growth and maintaining a balanced capital allocation model [8][11] - A new quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, alongside a $2 billion share repurchase authorization [7][20] - The company aims for 3%-4% organic growth from 2026 to 2028, with a focus on healthcare and water technologies [11][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving medium-term targets, despite current market challenges [92] - The healthcare and water segments are expected to grow at around 5% organically, while the diversified industrials segment is projected to remain flat [32][92] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, particularly in the healthcare sector [42][57] Other Important Information - The successful completion of the CUNY separation was highlighted, with $4.2 billion received to reduce debt [18] - The company is implementing enhanced KPIs to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement [9][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about end market trends and timing benefits - Management explained that the timing benefit was customer-driven, with orders accelerated into Q3 due to a planned blackout period [28][30] Question: Thoughts on exit rates and market conditions for 2026 - Management expects healthcare and water to align with medium-term targets, while the construction market is anticipated to stabilize [31][32] Question: Balance sheet plans and potential M&A activity - The company aims to maintain a pro forma debt below 2x EBITDA and is open to both share buybacks and M&A opportunities [39][42] Question: Discussion on operational excellence initiatives - A new Chief Operations Officer has been hired to enhance operational efficiency and implement a continuous improvement culture [44][46] Question: Strategic rationale for the RO acquisition in China - The acquisition was primarily for capacity expansion to meet local demand, without adding new technology [97] Question: Performance in the healthcare business and medical device space - The healthcare segment is expected to grow mid to high single digits, with strong performance in medical packaging and biopharma [79][80]