On August 28, 2026, Administrative Law Judges in the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued an interim order regarding the proposed merger between Essential Utilities and American Water Works Company. The order disclosed that the parties reached a non-unanimous settlement in the regulatory proceeding, which remains subject to final approval by the PaPUC. This development represents a significant step in the regulatory clearance process for the strategic combination of the two entities. Essential Utilities operates as a water utility company providing water and wastewater services.

Essential Utilities filed a voluntary 8-K to incorporate by reference the unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Water Works Company as of June 30, 2026. This disclosure supports Essential Utilities' pending merger with American Water, announced in October 2025, under which Merger Sub will merge into Essential Utilities, surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, American Water reported operating revenues of $2,562 million, net income attributable to common shareholders of $511 million, and basic earnings per share of $2.61. The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.8950 per common share. Essential Utilities operates in the regulated water and wastewater utility industry.

On August 4, 2026, Essential Utilities reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.37 for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, with revenues increasing 3% to $530.9 million. The company affirmed its long-term EPS growth guidance of 5-7% and announced a 5.25% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.3606 per share, payable September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on August 11, 2026. Essential Utilities operates as a regulated water, wastewater, and natural gas utility provider.