■ Increase · July 31, 2026
Essential Utilities Raises Quarterly Dividend by 5.25%
Essential Utilities (WTRG) increases quarterly dividend to $0.3606, payable Sept. 1, 2026, marking 36th increase in 35 years.
Dividend Increase Announced
Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3606 per share, representing a 5.25% increase over its previous rate. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of August 11, 2026.
Long-Standing Payout Record
The company has maintained consecutive quarterly cash dividends for over 80 years and has raised its dividend 36 times in the last 35 years. This latest increase continues a trend of consistent shareholder returns.
Company Overview
Essential Utilities delivers water, wastewater, and natural gas services to approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands, the company is one of the largest publicly traded water and wastewater service providers in the United States. It also emphasizes environmental stewardship, protecting thousands of acres of forests and habitats.
What it means for income investors
This dividend increase reflects Essential Utilities' ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders, supported by its stable utility operations. The company's long history of consecutive payments and regular increases may appeal to those seeking reliable income streams.
Reporting based on: Yahoo Finance. Figures verified against market data where available.