Latest news with #EssentialUtilities
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Chevron, Essential Utilities, And Horace Mann Educators Are Winners For Passive Income
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Chevron, Essential Utilities, and Horace Mann Educators have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of around 3% to 5%. Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX) is an integrated energy company that produces crude oil, natural gas, and other essential products in the U.S. and internationally. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: Chevron has increased its dividends consecutively for the last 38 years. In its latest dividend hike announcement on Jan. 31, the board raised the quarterly payout by 5% to $1.71 per share, equal to an annual figure of $6.84 per share. More recently, in its quarterly earnings release on May 2, the company maintained the payout at the same level. Currently, the dividend yield on the stock is 5.03%. The company's annual revenue as of March 31 stood at $192.94 billion. In its Q1 2025 earnings report on May 2, it posted revenues of $47.61 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $48.08 billion, while EPS of $2.18 matched expectations. Check out this article by Benzinga, which analyzes the surge in Chevron's options activity. Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to . Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, and natural gas services in the U.S. Essential Utilities has increased its dividends every year for the last 33 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on July 31, it raised the quarterly payout by 6% to $0.3255 per share, equaling an annual figure of $1.302 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on Feb. 19, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The dividend yield on the stock is 3.42%. The company's annual revenue as of March 31 stood at $2.26 billion. In its Q1 2025 earnings report on May 12, the company posted revenues of $783.63 million and EPS of $1.03, both beating the consensus estimates. How is the market feeling about Essential Utilities? Check out this article by Benzinga to learn Mann Educators Corp. (NYSE:HMN) is an insurance holding company, offering products primarily to educators and other employees of public schools and their families in the U.S. The company has raised its dividends consecutively for the last 15 years. According to its most recent dividend hike announcement on March 3, the company's board increased the quarterly payout by 3% to $0.35 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $1.40 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on May 14, the company maintained the payout at the same level. Currently, the dividend yield is 3.23%. Horace Mann Educators' annual revenue as of March 31 stood at $1.57 billion. In its Q1 2025 earnings report on May 6, the company posted revenues of $416.40 million, missing the consensus estimate of $420.15 million, while EPS of $1.07 came in above the consensus of $0.94. Chevron, Essential Utilities, and Horace Mann Educators are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of around 3% to 5% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors. Lower interest rates mean some investments won't yield what they did in months past, but you don't have to lose those gains. Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities. , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The features the latest offerings. Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article Why Chevron, Essential Utilities, And Horace Mann Educators Are Winners For Passive Income originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Estimating The Intrinsic Value Of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)
Essential Utilities' estimated fair value is US$42.57 based on Dividend Discount Model Current share price of US$38.12 suggests Essential Utilities is potentially trading close to its fair value Analyst price target for WTRG is US$45.56, which is 7.0% above our fair value estimate In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. We have to calculate the value of Essential Utilities slightly differently to other stocks because it is a water utilities company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.9%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.4%. Relative to the current share price of US$38.1, the company appears about fair value at a 10% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = US$1.5 / (6.4% – 2.9%) = US$42.6 We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Essential Utilities as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Check out our latest analysis for Essential Utilities Strength No major strengths identified for WTRG. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Water Utilities industry. Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Water Utilities market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market. Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Essential Utilities, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should explore: Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Essential Utilities (1 can't be ignored) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does WTRG's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
WATT Fuel Cell Completes Installation of its Latest Generation Fuel Cell System, WATT HOME™, within Peoples Natural Gas Service Territory
Article content Article content PITTSBURGH — WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The installation marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability for residential customers. Article content The WATT HOME system is a cutting-edge technology designed to provide safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy directly to homes. This system operates by converting natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable complement or alternative to traditional energy sources. Article content The installation of a WATT HOME system brings numerous advantages to the homeowner and community at large. Those advantages include increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller physical footprint. As a back-up power solution, the WATT HOME system provides a dependable source of electricity, minimizing the impact of grid outages. Article content With the increasing strain on the PJM electric grid from extreme weather events and the retirement of baseload generators, the need for reliable backup power has never been greater. On average, U.S. electricity customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. WATT HOME fuel cell systems keep the lights on during outages without the noise or pollution created by standard backup power generators. Article content 'The rising frequency and severity of power disruptions highlight the urgent need for resilient, efficient, and clean energy solutions,' said Caine Finnerty, CEO and Founder of WATT Fuel Cell. 'When the power goes out, the WATT HOME system activates to ensure your electricity is working all the time.' Article content As part of Peoples' commitment to advance innovative energy solutions, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility plans pilot installations of the WATT HOME system in multiple company field offices. These projects will help define the installation and operational process across different use cases, informing a future public rollout. Article content 'The partnership with WATT is the latest in a series of innovative concepts championed by Peoples to meet modern-day energy demands,' said Peoples President Michael Huwar. 'The WATT HOME system's groundbreaking technology has the potential to protect homeowners from volatility in power generation, offering a reliable, resilient and sustainable energy solution that leverages our region's abundant natural gas supply.' Article content WATT Fuel Cell ( is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ('SOFC') stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. Article content About Peoples Natural Gas Article content Peoples, an Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) company, provides clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. Article content Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ADDING and REPLACING WATT Fuel Cell Completes Installation of its Latest Generation Fuel Cell System, WATT HOME™, within Peoples Natural Gas Service Territory
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Add "Forward-Looking Statements" after last paragraph of release. WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. Share The updated release reads: WATT FUEL CELL COMPLETES INSTALLATION OF ITS LATEST GENERATION FUEL CELL SYSTEM, WATT HOME™, WITHIN PEOPLES NATURAL GAS SERVICE TERRITORY Locally made fuel cell systems can serve as backup power source for homes by connecting to existing natural gas infrastructure WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The installation marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability for residential customers. The WATT HOME system is a cutting-edge technology designed to provide safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy directly to homes. This system operates by converting natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable complement or alternative to traditional energy sources. The installation of a WATT HOME system brings numerous advantages to the homeowner and community at large. Those advantages include increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller physical footprint. As a back-up power solution, the WATT HOME system provides a dependable source of electricity, minimizing the impact of grid outages. With the increasing strain on the PJM electric grid from extreme weather events and the retirement of baseload generators, the need for reliable backup power has never been greater. On average, U.S. electricity customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. WATT HOME fuel cell systems keep the lights on during outages without the noise or pollution created by standard backup power generators. "The rising frequency and severity of power disruptions highlight the urgent need for resilient, efficient, and clean energy solutions,' said Caine Finnerty, CEO and Founder of WATT Fuel Cell. 'When the power goes out, the WATT HOME system activates to ensure your electricity is working all the time.' Looking Ahead: Future Installations and Rollout Program As part of Peoples' commitment to advance innovative energy solutions, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility plans pilot installations of the WATT HOME system in multiple company field offices. These projects will help define the installation and operational process across different use cases, informing a future public rollout. 'The partnership with WATT is the latest in a series of innovative concepts championed by Peoples to meet modern-day energy demands,' said Peoples President Michael Huwar. 'The WATT HOME system's groundbreaking technology has the potential to protect homeowners from volatility in power generation, offering a reliable, resilient and sustainable energy solution that leverages our region's abundant natural gas supply.' For more information about the WATT HOME system, visit About WATT Fuel Cell WATT Fuel Cell ( is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ('SOFC') stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. About Peoples Natural Gas Peoples, an Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) company, provides clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Forward-Looking Statements This letter contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which generally include words such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'anticipates,' 'estimates' and similar expressions. The Company can give no assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements represent its views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements relating to the capital to be invested by the water, wastewater, and gas distribution divisions of the Company. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with The Company's business, please refer to the Company's annual, quarterly and other SEC filings. The Company is not under any obligation - and expressly disclaims any such obligation - to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. WTRGG
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
WATT Fuel Cell Completes Installation of its Latest Generation Fuel Cell System, WATT HOME™, within Peoples Natural Gas Service Territory
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The installation marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability for residential customers. WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. Share The WATT HOME system is a cutting-edge technology designed to provide safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy directly to homes. This system operates by converting natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable complement or alternative to traditional energy sources. The installation of a WATT HOME system brings numerous advantages to the homeowner and community at large. Those advantages include increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller physical footprint. As a back-up power solution, the WATT HOME system provides a dependable source of electricity, minimizing the impact of grid outages. With the increasing strain on the PJM electric grid from extreme weather events and the retirement of baseload generators, the need for reliable backup power has never been greater. On average, U.S. electricity customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. WATT HOME fuel cell systems keep the lights on during outages without the noise or pollution created by standard backup power generators. "The rising frequency and severity of power disruptions highlight the urgent need for resilient, efficient, and clean energy solutions,' said Caine Finnerty, CEO and Founder of WATT Fuel Cell. 'When the power goes out, the WATT HOME system activates to ensure your electricity is working all the time.' Looking Ahead: Future Installations and Rollout Program As part of Peoples' commitment to advance innovative energy solutions, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility plans pilot installations of the WATT HOME system in multiple company field offices. These projects will help define the installation and operational process across different use cases, informing a future public rollout. 'The partnership with WATT is the latest in a series of innovative concepts championed by Peoples to meet modern-day energy demands,' said Peoples President Michael Huwar. 'The WATT HOME system's groundbreaking technology has the potential to protect homeowners from volatility in power generation, offering a reliable, resilient and sustainable energy solution that leverages our region's abundant natural gas supply.' For more information about the WATT HOME system, visit About WATT Fuel Cell WATT Fuel Cell ( is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ('SOFC') stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. About Peoples Natural Gas Peoples, an Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) company, provides clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. WTRGG
