11 Best Water Management Stocks to Buy

3. Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)

On February 25, 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) announced a full-year net income of $616.4 million, or $2.20 per share, up from $595.3 million, or $2.17 per share, in 2024, and sales of $2.47 billion, up 18.6% from $2.09 billion. The firm reported fourth-quarter net income of $132.7 million, or $0.47 per share, a decrease from $184.8 million, or $0.67 per share, a year ago, while quarterly revenue increased 15.7% to $699.1 million from $604.4 million. The company invested over $1.4 billion in infrastructure in 2025, amid higher operations and maintenance costs across the water and gas businesses.

The regulated water division made $1.33 billion in annual revenue, an 8.6% jump from $1.22 billion, whereas the regulated natural gas division contributed $1.12 billion, a 32.6% growth from $843 million. On February 10, 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) received shareholder approval for its planned merger with American Water Works Company, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. The corporation also announced quarterly dividends of $0.3426 per share, payable on March 2 and June 1, 2026.

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) is a holding corporation with subsidiaries that provide water, wastewater, and natural gas services. It functions through two segments: regulated water and regulated natural gas.