Artesian Resources currently offers a conservative balance sheet, attractive valuation, and tangible growth opportunities, making it a compelling Buy at ~$31. Essential Utilities has shown stronger historical growth, but now carries higher leverage and valuation multiples, limiting its near-term upside. This one's a Hold at ~$38. Artesian's lower debt profile should provide greater financial flexibility going forward, while WTRG's broader footprint and capital commitments pose higher risks.
Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?
Essential Utilities stock is rated a "Buy" due to its strategic acquisitions of smaller utilities struggling with new PFAS regulations. Management's focus on PFAS mitigation and a $7.8 billion capital investment plan position WTRG for long-term growth and regulatory compliance. Despite missing EPS estimates, WTRG's strong financials and successful rate settlements in Pennsylvania support its 5-7% annual EPS growth target.
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Dan Schuller - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Chris Franklin - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Conference Call Participants Ryan Connors - North Coast Research Durgesh Chopra - Evercore ISI Travis Miller - Morningstar Operator Thank you for standing by. My name is Ellie, and I will be your conference operator for today.
WTRG's fourth-quarter earnings and revenues fare better than expected. It continues to strengthen infrastructure and provide quality services to customers.
Essential Utilities (WTRG) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.67 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.66 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.50 per share a year ago.
Essential Utilities' strong regulatory position and $7.8B capital investment plan are supportive of long-term earnings growth and consistent shareholder returns. Recent quarterly results included a 5.8% YoY revenue increase, driven by higher water sales and regulatory recoveries, with EPS narrowly beating expectations. The company is also committed to dividend growth, with a current forward yield of over 3.25%, and the stock valuation remains favorable compared to recent historical averages.
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG ) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call November 5, 2024 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Brian Dingerdissen - VP, IR and Treasurer Christopher Franklin - President and CEO Daniel Schuller - CFO Conference Call Participants Julien Dumoulin Smith - Jefferies Durgesh Chopra - Evercore ISI Travis Miller - Morningstar Davis Sunderland - Baird Greg Cordell - UBS Jonathan Reeder - Wells Fargo Operator Thank you for standing by. My name is Ellie and I will be your conference operator for today.
WTRG's third-quarter earnings come in better than estimated. The company continues to invest to strengthen its water and natural gas infrastructure.
Essential Utilities (WTRG) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.25 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.23 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.30 per share a year ago.
In the world of dividend growth stocks, water utilities often stand out as shining stars. Essential Utilities' path to 5% to 7% long-term annual adjusted diluted EPS growth remains intact. The water utility targets a conservative debt-to-capital ratio and enjoys a high interest coverage ratio.
Essential Utilities' (WTRG) second-quarter earnings are lower than estimates due to the impact of weather. The company expects acquisitions and organic initiatives to continue to expand operations.