Essential Utilities (WTRG) Upgraded to Buy: What Does It Mean for the Stock?

Essential Utilities (WTRG) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, reflecting upward trends in earnings estimates. The water utility is expected to earn $2.22 per share for fiscal year 2026 with no year-over-year change, though analysts have steadily raised estimates over the past three months by 0.2%. The upgrade positions the stock in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for near-term price appreciation.