WTRG Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
WTRG - Essential Utilities, Inc.
$40.18
-0.23 (-0.57%)
âŧ
5d:
-0.5%
30d:
+1.49%
90d:
+8.62%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Aug 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Aug 04, 2026
0d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: WTRG is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 0.7% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: WTRG is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 0.7% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$51.68
Based on 5.5% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$32.09
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 16.6x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: WTRG is currently trading at $40.18, which is considered slightly high relative to its 30-day fair value range of $39.07 to $40.44. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 17.0) is in line with its historical norms (16.6). At these levels, the market is pricing in 0.7% annual earnings growth.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WTRG is in a uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $41.30. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 44/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WTRG is in a uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $41.30. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 44/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
SLIGHTLY HIGH
Historical Trading Range
$39.07 -
$40.44
Company Quality Score
48/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
63.8%
All Signals
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (44/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($41.60)
- BULLISH: Expecting earnings turnaround to 0.7% growth with 3.1% revenue growth
- WARNING: Composite score 48/100 in the bottom quintile â this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$39.07 -
$40.44
Current vs Trading Range
SLIGHTLY HIGH
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$38.97
Resistance Level
$41.30
Current Trend
Uptrend
Technical data as of
Aug 21, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
16.96
Wall Street Target
$41.60
(+2.9%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
3.1%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
-2.6%
Profit Margin
21.6%
Valuation Premium vs History
+0.7% premium
PE vs Historical
17.0 vs 16.6
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+0.7%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$40.69
(+1%)
2-Year Target
$40.98
(+1%)
3-Year Target
$41.26
(+2%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 17â17)
PE COMPRESSION
$40.39
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.1, Growth: 7.0%)
$58.63
(+45%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 17.0, Growth: 7.0%)
$49.55
(+23%)
Bear:
(PE: 14.4, Growth: 7.0%)
$42.11
(+4%)
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Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (21x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (17x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 21.05 | Current EPS (TTM): $1.95
Bull Case
$55.18
(+37%)
Analyst growth 22.2%, PE expands to 23.2
Base Case
$50.16
(+25%)
Market implied 22.2%, PE stable at 21.1
Bear Case
$27.91
(-31%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 17.9
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: August 23, 2026 5:19 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 6:19 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 6:19 PM
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Technical Signals Check
Is WTRG showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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