Description

Essential Utilities’ $282 Million Acquisition Push — Can 200,000 New Customers Accelerate Growth?

Essential Utilities, Inc. reported second quarter 2026 GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $0.37, which includes approximately $0.01 in merger-related costs, resulting in a non-GAAP EPS of $0.38. The company reaffirmed its 2026 full-year guidance for 5% to 7% earnings growth anchored on its 2024 non-GAAP EPS baseline of $1.97. Essential Utilities continues substantial investment in its regulated water and natural gas infrastructure, with $662 million invested year-to-date and a target of $1.7 billion for full-year capital expenditures aimed at system enhancements and compliance with federal and state regulations. Operationally, earnings benefited from increases in regulatory recoveries and surcharges (+$0.06 EPS), higher water volumes (+$0.02), and customer growth (+$0.01), partially offset by higher operating expenses (-$0.02), lower gas volumes (-$0.02), and increased depreciation and interest expenses (-$0.06 combined). Operating and maintenance costs rose 3.