WTRG:NYSEEssential Utilities, Inc. Analysis
Data as of 2026-08-31 - not real-time
$41.27
Latest Price
3/10Risk
Risk Level: Low
Executive Summary
The moving-average structure behind Essential Utilities, Inc. is bullish at $41.27, with short-term averages leading the long-term ones. The last 30 days have gained 4.8%. RSI sits at 59.6, which reads as neutral, and MACD momentum is bullish. Recent trading has carved out support near $38.30 and resistance around $41.42.
The shares look fair, trading on 21.2 times earnings above a sector average of 19.2. Revenue is growing at 3.1% on a 21.6% profit margin. The 3.51% dividend yield looks stretched against payout coverage.
Risk comes out at 3 of a possible 10, a low reading. With 30-day volatility of 21.1%, a beta of -0.40 and a maximum drawdown of 13.5%, the drawdown profile is forgiving relative to most of the market. The wider market backdrop reads extreme greed at 95 on the fear-greed composite.
Timeframes disagree: the short-term read is buy while the long-term read is hold, conviction 4 out of 10.
The shares look fair, trading on 21.2 times earnings above a sector average of 19.2. Revenue is growing at 3.1% on a 21.6% profit margin. The 3.51% dividend yield looks stretched against payout coverage.
Risk comes out at 3 of a possible 10, a low reading. With 30-day volatility of 21.1%, a beta of -0.40 and a maximum drawdown of 13.5%, the drawdown profile is forgiving relative to most of the market. The wider market backdrop reads extreme greed at 95 on the fear-greed composite.
Timeframes disagree: the short-term read is buy while the long-term read is hold, conviction 4 out of 10.
Top Market Events
Motley Fool Transcribing, The Motley Fool Aug 12, 2026 0 Image source: The Motley Fool.Essential Utilities Inc WTRG reaffirms 5-7% EPS growth guidance while navigating regulatory hurdles and advancing its...Water revenue surged 7.6% while management navigates merger approvals and rate cases.
Market Outlook
Short Term
< 1 yearPositive
Model confidence: 7/10
Key Factors
- Short-term moving averages stacked above long-term ones
- Trading above the 200-day average of 38.97
- MACD momentum is positive
Medium Term
1–3 yearsPositive
Model confidence: 5/10
Key Factors
- Short-term moving averages stacked above long-term ones
- P/E of 21.2 versus sector average of 19.2
- Dividend yield of 3.51% looks stretched against payout coverage
Long Term
> 3 yearsNeutral
Model confidence: 4/10
Key Factors
- P/E of 21.2 versus sector average of 19.2
- Dividend yield of 3.51% looks stretched against payout coverage
- Profit margin of 21.6% is healthy
Key Metrics & Analysis
Financial Health
Revenue Growth3.10%
Profit Margin21.60%
P/E Ratio21.2
ROE8.08%
ROA2.96%
Debt/Equity121.66
P/B Ratio1.7
Op. Cash Flow$1.0B
Free Cash Flow$-657633024
Industry P/E19.2
Technical Analysis
TrendBullish
RSI59.6
Support$38.30
Resistance$41.42
MA 20$40.36
MA 50$39.49
MA 200$38.97
MACDBullish
VolumeStable
Fear & Greed Index94.57
Valuation
Fair Value$7.12
Target Price$41.60
Upside/Downside0.80%
GradeFair
TypeBlend
Dividend Yield3.51%
Risk Assessment
Beta-0.40
Volatility21.05%
Sector RiskLow
Reg. RiskHigh
Geo RiskLow
Currency RiskLow
Liquidity RiskLow
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This analysis may contain inaccuracies and is provided for informational and research purposes only. It is not personal investment advice, a recommendation, or an instruction to buy, sell, or hold any asset.