Essential Utilities — Feb 25, 2026 release

Primary drivers include increases related to the universal service rider program in Pennsylvania, as well as employee-related costs.     Dividend As previously announced on January 23 rd , 2026, Essential’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share of common stock. This dividend will be payable on March 2 nd , 2026, to shareholders of record on February 9 th , 2026. Additionally, as previously announced on February 17 th , 2026, Essential’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3426 per share of common stock. This dividend will be payable on June 1 st , 2026, to shareholders of record on May 12 th , 2026. The company has paid a consecutive quarterly cash dividend for over 80 years.   Financing As of December 31 st , 2025, Essential’s weighted average cost of fixed-rate long-term debt was 4.10%, and the company had $667.5 million available on its credit lines.   Rate Activity   In 2025, the company’s regulated water segment received rate awards or infrastructure surcharges designed to increase annual revenues in North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania by $92.6 million, and its regulated natural gas segment received rate awards or infrastructure surcharges to increase annual revenues in Kentucky and Pennsylvania by $8.9 million. Thus far in 2026, the company’s regulated water segment received rate awards or infrastructure surcharges designed to increase annual reve