Is Essential Utilities, Inc. a Buy?

Essential Utilities, Inc. is a diversified utility enterprise that, through its various operating units, delivers vital water, wastewater, and natural gas services within the United States. Its operations extend beyond direct utility provision, encompassing contractual management and maintenance of water systems for municipal authorities and other organizations. The company also offers specialized non-utility services, such as providing untreated water resources for the natural gas drilling sector and, via a third-party partner, supplying protective and repair solutions for household water and sewer lines. Catering to an extensive client base of approximately 7.5 million residential, commercial, industrial, fire protection, and general utility customers, Essential Utilities operates under the well-known Aqua and Peoples brands across a significant geographic footprint. This footprint includes Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Founded in 1886, the corporation is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and adopted its current name, Essential Utilities, Inc., in February 2020, previously being known as Aqua America, Inc.