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WTRG Stock Forecast 2026-2027
$39.20
Current Price
$11.11B
Market Cap
Buy 1
Hold 5
Sell 1
Wall St Analyst Ratings
Distance to WTRG Price Targets
+14.8%
To High Target of $45.00
-0.5%
To Median Target of $39.00
-3.1%
To Low Target of $38.00
WTRG Price Momentum
+1.6%
1 Week Change
-1.8%
1 Month Change
-4.8%
1 Year Change
+2.2%
Year-to-Date Change
-7.5%
From 52W High of $42.37
+7.9%
From 52W Low of $36.32
📊 TOP ANALYST CALLS
Did WTRG Make This Month's Elite Buy List?
We don't follow just any analyst — only the top 3% with a proven track record make our cut. See if Essential Utilities is one of their latest high-conviction picks.
Latest WTRG Stock Price Targets & Analyst Predictions
Based on our analysis of 16 Wall Street analysts, WTRG has a neutral consensus with a median price target of $39.00 (ranging from $38.00 to $45.00). The overall analyst rating is Buy (6.3/10). Currently trading at $39.20, the median forecast implies a -0.5% downside. This outlook is supported by 1 Buy, 5 Hold, and 1 Sell ratings.
The most optimistic forecast comes from Gregg Orrill at UBS, projecting a 14.8% upside. Conversely, the most conservative target is provided by Nicholas Campanella at Barclays, suggesting a 3.1% downside.
Please note that analyst price targets are forward-looking estimates subject to substantial market, economic, and company-specific risks. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and actual stock performance may materially differ from these projections. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
WTRG Analyst Ratings
1
Buy
5
Hold
1
Sell
WTRG Price Target Range
Low
$38.00
Average
$39.00
High
$45.00
Current: $39.20
Latest WTRG Stock Forecasts by Analyst
These are the latest 20 analyst ratings and price targets for WTRG.
| Date | Firm | Analyst | Rating | Change | Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2025 | Barclays | Nicholas Campanella | Underweight | Downgrade | $38.00 |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Jefferies | Julien Dumoulin-Smith | Hold | Downgrade | $44.00 |
| Oct 28, 2025 | UBS | Gregg Orrill | Neutral | Downgrade | $45.00 |
| Oct 27, 2025 | Janney Montgomery Scott | Michael Gaugler | Neutral | Downgrade | $N/A |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Barclays | Nicholas Campanella | Overweight | Maintains | $43.00 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Jefferies | Julien Dumoulin-Smith | Buy | Maintains | $47.00 |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Barclays | Nicholas Campanella | Overweight | Initiates | $42.00 |
| Aug 15, 2025 | UBS | Gregg Orrill | Buy | Maintains | $47.00 |
| Aug 4, 2025 | Baird | Ben Kallo | Outperform | Maintains | $47.00 |
| May 13, 2025 | Baird | Ben Kallo | Outperform | Maintains | $46.00 |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Baird | Outperform | Maintains | $N/A | |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Evercore ISI Group | Durgesh Chopra | Outperform | Maintains | $46.00 |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Wells Fargo | Jonathan Reeder | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $41.00 |
| Jan 28, 2025 | Jefferies | Julien Dumoulin-Smith | Buy | Upgrade | $41.00 |
| Jan 14, 2025 | UBS | Buy | Maintains | $N/A | |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Wells Fargo | Equal-Weight | Downgrade | $N/A | |
| Nov 7, 2024 | Jefferies | Julien Dumoulin-Smith | Hold | Downgrade | $41.00 |
| Nov 6, 2024 | Baird | Ben Kallo | Outperform | Maintains | $46.00 |
| Nov 5, 2024 | Wells Fargo | Jonathan Reeder | Overweight | Maintains | $43.00 |
| Oct 7, 2024 | Jefferies | Julien Dumoulin-Smith | Buy | Initiates | $44.00 |
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Competitors
The following stocks are similar to Essential Utilities based on their market capitalization and industry sector. These similar stocks potentially provide investors with alternative investment opportunities within the same market segment.
WTRG
Essential Utilities
mkt cap
11.05B
Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Financial Data
Essential Utilities Inc. has a market capitalization of $11.11B with a P/E ratio of 18.1x. The company generates $2.47B in trailing twelve-month revenue with a 24.9% profit margin.
Revenue growth is +15.7% quarter-over-quarter, while maintaining an operating margin of +32.4% and return on equity of +9.4%.
Valuation Metrics
Market Cap
$11.11B
Enterprise Value
$19.40B
P/E Ratio
18.1x
PEG Ratio
-0.6x
Price/Sales
4.5x
Growth & Margins
Revenue Growth (YoY)
+15.7%
Gross Margin
+51.4%
Operating Margin
+32.4%
Net Margin
+24.9%
EPS Growth
-28.2%
Financial Health
Cash/Price Ratio
+0.3%
Current Ratio
0.8x
Debt/Equity
121.6x
ROE
+9.4%
ROA
+3.0%
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Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Business Model
About Essential Utilities Inc.
What They Do
Provides essential water and natural gas services.
Business Model
The company operates as a regulated utilities provider, generating revenue through the delivery of water, wastewater, and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Its business model is centered around maintaining regulated systems and making infrastructure investments, which include upgrades and expansions to ensure reliable service.
Additional Information
Essential Utilities Inc. serves multiple states in the U.S., including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina. It emphasizes environmental stewardship, focusing on protecting natural resources essential for its operations. The company's headquarters is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with natural gas operations centered in Pittsburgh.
Company Information
Sector
Utilities
Industry
Utilities - Regulated Water
Employees
3,291
CEO
Mr. Christopher H. Franklin
Country
United States
IPO Year
2019
Website
www.essential.coEssential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) Latest News & Analysis
Featured Analysis
Powered by
Zacks Investment Research
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Apr 20, 2026
By Zacks Equity Research
Analyst Blog
American Water's Kentucky Unit Buys Livingston Municipal Water System
AWK expands via a Kentucky deal, adding 162 customers as it ramps up infrastructure investment to strengthen aging systems.
Apr 16, 2026
By Zacks Equity Research
Analyst Blog
American Water's West Virginia Unit to Invest $1.6M in Infrastructure
AWK's West Virginia unit is set to invest $1.6M in pipeline upgrades as part of broader infrastructure plans, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize aging systems.
Apr 10, 2026
By Zacks Equity Research
Analyst Blog
Latest News
Quick Summary
Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) will report Q1 2026 earnings on May 7, 2026, before market open. A conference call for analysts is scheduled for the same day at 11 a.m. ET, available via webcast.
Why It Matters
Upcoming earnings report and conference call for Essential Utilities on May 7, 2026, may influence stock performance and investor sentiment based on financial results and guidance provided.
Source: Business Wire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Essential Utilities: Not Too Late To Buy Now
18 days ago
Quick Summary
Essential Utilities has raised shareholder payouts for 34 years and expects 5%-7% annual adjusted EPS growth. It holds an A- S&P credit rating with a stable outlook.
Why It Matters
Essential Utilities' consistent payout raises and solid EPS growth forecast indicate financial stability, making it an attractive investment with reliable returns and low credit risk.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Top 25 High-Yield Dividend Stocks For April 2026
17 days ago
Quick Summary
An April 2026 high-yield dividend stock watchlist includes 25 stocks averaging a 3.86% yield and 19.07% CAGR, with 34% average undervaluation. Highlights include Campbell's (7% yield) and Autoliv (38.15% growth).
Why It Matters
The watchlist highlights high-yield stocks with strong growth potential, indicating attractive investment opportunities and potential for significant returns amid undervaluation.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
Essential Utilities anticipates steady growth through 2027, supported by $1.4B in investments, rate hikes, and acquisitions.
Why It Matters
Essential Utilities' $1.4B investments and strategic rate hikes indicate strong revenue growth potential, enhancing long-term profitability and stability, appealing factors for investors.
Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported earnings 30 days ago; investors should monitor upcoming developments and performance indicators for future stock movements.
Why It Matters
Earnings reports can influence stock price trends. Investors will analyze potential growth or risks based on Essential Utilities' performance and guidance for future earnings.
Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Charitable Companies, highlighting its commitment to corporate philanthropy through the Essential Foundation.
Why It Matters
Essential Utilities' recognition on Newsweek's list highlights its commitment to corporate social responsibility, which can enhance brand reputation and attract socially conscious investors.
Source: Business Wire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Frequently Asked Questions About WTRG Stock
What is Essential Utilities Inc.'s (WTRG) stock forecast for 2026?
Based on our analysis of 16 Wall Street analysts, Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) has a median price target of $39.00. The highest price target is $45.00 and the lowest is $38.00.
Is WTRG stock a good investment in 2026?
According to current analyst ratings, WTRG has 1 Buy ratings, 5 Hold ratings, and 1 Sell ratings. The stock is currently trading at $39.20. Always conduct your own research and consider your investment goals before making investment decisions.
What is the long-term price prediction for WTRG stock?
Wall Street analysts predict WTRG stock could reach $39.00 in the next 12 months. This represents a -0.5% decrease from the current price of $39.20. Please note that this is a projection by Wall Street analysts and not a guarantee.
What is Essential Utilities Inc.'s business model?
The company operates as a regulated utilities provider, generating revenue through the delivery of water, wastewater, and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Its business model is centered around maintaining regulated systems and making infrastructure investments, which include upgrades and expansions to ensure reliable service.
What is the highest forecasted price for WTRG Essential Utilities Inc.?
The highest price target for WTRG is $45.00 from Gregg Orrill at UBS, which represents a 14.8% increase from the current price of $39.20.
What is the lowest forecasted price for WTRG Essential Utilities Inc.?
The lowest price target for WTRG is $38.00 from Nicholas Campanella at Barclays, which represents a -3.1% decrease from the current price of $39.20.
What is the overall WTRG consensus from analysts for Essential Utilities Inc.?
The overall analyst consensus for WTRG is neutral. Out of 16 Wall Street analysts, 1 rate it as Buy, 5 as Hold, and 1 as Sell, with a median price target of $39.00.
How accurate are WTRG stock price projections?
Stock price projections, including those for Essential Utilities Inc., are based on various factors including financial models, market conditions, and analyst forecasts. While these predictions provide valuable insights, they should be considered alongside your own research and risk tolerance.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided by Ticker Nerd is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analyst ratings and price forecasts are sourced from Wall St analysts and other experts. These projections are speculative and do not guarantee future stock performance.
Last updated: April 22, 2026 4:09 AM UTC