WTRG Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
WTRG - Essential Utilities, Inc.
$38.79
0.08 (0.21%)
▲
BUY
MODERATE Confidence
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Earnings: Feb 25, 2026
24d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
💡 BUY OPPORTUNITY: WTRG shows positive signals but monitor for confirmation. Market pricing in 0.1% decline. Moderate conviction.
💡 BUY OPPORTUNITY: WTRG shows positive signals but monitor for confirmation. Market pricing in 0.1% decline. Moderate conviction.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$48.67
Based on 4.6% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$30.22
Trading above fair value
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 17.4x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: WTRG is currently trading at $38.79, which is considered fair relative to its 30-day fair value range of $38.27 to $39.40. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 17.3) is in line with its historical norms (17.4). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 0.1% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 30.7% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WTRG is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $38.07. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock shows a mixed technical setup (40/100), with neutral trendline and momentum signals. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $43.00 (+11.1%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WTRG is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $38.07. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock shows a mixed technical setup (40/100), with neutral trendline and momentum signals. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $43.00 (+11.1%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
FAIR
Fair Price Range
$38.27 -
$39.40
Company Quality Score
53/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
70.0%
All Signals
- NEUTRAL: Price in fair range
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (40/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($43.00)
Fair Price Analysis
30-Day Fair Range
$38.27 -
$39.40
Current vs Fair Value
FAIR
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$38.07
Resistance Level
$40.06
Current Trend
Uptrend
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
17.33
Wall Street Target
$43.00
(+11.1%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
9.6%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
30.7%
Profit Margin
28.1%
Valuation Discount vs History
-0.1% cheaper
PE vs Historical
17.3 vs 17.4
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-0.1%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$38.67
(0%)
2-Year Target
$38.63
(0%)
3-Year Target
$38.59
(0%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 17→17)
$38.75
(+0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 22.3, Growth: 5.2%)
$57.96
(+50%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 17.3, Growth: 5.2%)
$45.04
(+16%)
Bear:
(PE: 14.7, Growth: 5.2%)
$38.28
(-1%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
Trailing PE: 15.88 | Current EPS (TTM): $2.40
Bull Case
$39.01
(+1%)
Analyst growth -6.9%, PE expands to 17.5
Base Case
$35.46
(-9%)
Market implied -6.9%, PE stable at 15.9
Bear Case
$25.91
(-33%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 13.5
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 17.3 to 17.4
Stabilization Target:
$38.87
(+0.4%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+0.4%
Last updated: January 31, 2026 1:06 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:06 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:06 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is WTRG showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
1
Buys
0
Sells
+
Net
NEUTRAL
Recent Transactions
Lisa C. McClain
BUY
2025-09-25
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