Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)

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Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) is down 2.6% since the beginning of the year. At $37 per share, WTRG is trading 13.4% below its 52-week high of $42. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of WTRG shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $927.

Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) has returned -2.61% so far this year and 1.82% over the past 12 months. Over the last ten years, WTRG has returned 3.47% per year, falling short of the S&P 500 Index benchmark, which averaged 13.88% annually.

Based on dividend-adjusted daily data since Dec 30, 1987, WTRG's average daily return is +0.06%, while the average monthly return is +1.11%. At this rate, an investment would double in approximately 5.2 years.

Historically, 58% of months were positive and 42% were negative. The best month was Apr 2000 with a return of +32.4%, while the worst month was Mar 1997 at -22.4%. The longest winning streak lasted 11 consecutive months, and the longest losing streak was 9 months.

On a daily basis, WTRG closed higher 48% of trading days. The best single day was Mar 17, 2020 with a return of +19.6%, while the worst single day was Mar 16, 2020 at -12.9%.

Essential Utilities, Inc. has an annualized alpha of 8.88%, beta of 0.54, and R2 of 0.15 versus S&P 500 Index. Calculated based on daily prices since December 30, 1987.

• This stock participates in less of S&P 500 Index's moves in both directions, but captures a larger share of gains (57.81%) than losses (31.75%) - typical of diversified or defensive assets.
• Beta of 0.54 may look defensive, but with R2 of 0.15 this stock is largely uncorrelated with S&P 500 Index - low beta reflects independence, not downside protection. See the Volatility section for a true picture of this stock's risk.
• R2 of 0.15 means this stock moves largely independently of S&P 500 Index - capture ratios reflect limited market correlation rather than active downside protection. Consider using a more representative benchmark.

WTRG ranks 42 for risk / return — on par with similar stocks. You're getting a typical balance of risk and reward. Not a standout, but not a red flag either — a reasonable choice if other factors align with your goals.

Essential Utilities, Inc. provided a 3.74% dividend yield over the last twelve months, with an annual payout of $1.37 per share. The company has been increasing its dividends for 37 consecutive years, earning it the status of a dividend aristocrat.

The table displays the monthly dividend distributions for Essential Utilities, Inc.. The dividends shown in the table have been adjusted to account for any splits that may have occurred.

The Drawdowns chart displays portfolio losses from any high point along the way. Drawdowns are calculated considering price movements and all distributions paid, if any.

The table below displays the maximum drawdowns of the Essential Utilities, Inc.. A maximum drawdown is a measure of risk, indicating the largest reduction in portfolio value due to a series of losing trades.

The maximum drawdown for the Essential Utilities, Inc. was 47.95%, occurring on Jul 15, 2008. Recovery took 1000 trading sessions.

The current Essential Utilities, Inc. drawdown is 21.39%.

The chart below shows the rolling one-month volatility.

The chart below illustrates the trends in the financial health of Essential Utilities, Inc. over time, highlighting three key metrics: Total Revenue, Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT), and Net Income.

The Valuation section provides an overview of how Essential Utilities, Inc. is priced in the market compared to other companies in the Utilities - Regulated Water industry. It includes key financial ratios that help investors assess whether the stock is undervalued or overvalued.