Essential Utilities, Inc.

–Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Essential Utilities, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) at March 31, 2026, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows, and of equity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim reporting and the rules and regulations for reporting on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Because they cover interim periods, the statements and related notes to the financial statements do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only recurring accruals, which are necessary to present a fair statement of its condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of capitalization, condensed consolidated statements of equity, condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, and condensed consolidated statements of cash flow for the periods presented, have been made.

The preparation of financial statements often requires the selection of specific accounting methods and policies. Significant estimates and judgments may be required in selecting and applying those methods and policies in the recognition of the assets and liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheets, the revenues and expenses in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, and the information that is contained in its summary of significant accounting policies and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Making these estimates and judgments requires the analysis of information concerning events that may not yet be complete and of facts and circumstances that may change over time. Furthermore, we are exposed to the uncertain state of the economy and macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and volatility of interest rates. As these continue to evolve, future events and effects related to these conditions cannot be determined with precision. Accordingly, actual amounts or future results can differ materially from those estimates that the Company includes currently in its condensed consolidated financial statements, summary of significant accounting policies, and notes.

There have been no changes to the summary of significant accounting policies previously identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Note 2 –Plan of Merger with American Water

On October 26, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with American Water Works Company, Inc. (“American Water”) to combine the two companies in a stock-for stock transaction, with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the time at which the Merger becomes effective (the “Effective Time”), each share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.50 per share (“Essential Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than any shares of Essential Common Stock owned by American Water or Merger Sub or by the Company as treasury stock (in each case, other than restricted shares), will be converted into the right to receive 0.305 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of American Water (“American Water Common Stock”) (the aggregate number of such shares of American Water Common Stock to be issued in the Merger). On February 10, 2026, at the respective special shareholder meetings of the Company and American Water, each company’s shareholders approved the merger-related proposals, satisfying certain of the conditions to closing.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain remaining customary conditions, including the receipt of certain governmental approvals, including (a) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and (b) the approval of certain public utility commissions, in each case on such terms and conditions that would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a “Burdensome Effect” (as defined in the Merger Agreement). There can be no guarantee that all of the remaining closing conditions and approvals will be satisfied, and the failure to complete the proposed Merger on a timely basis or at all may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company currently estimates that the closing of the proposed Merger will occur by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Note 3 –Revenue Recognition

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by major source and customer class:

Note 4 –Water and Wastewater Utility Acquisitions

Completed Acquisitions

Business combinations

In March 2026, the Company acquired Greenville Municipal Water Authority’s water utility system in Greenville, Pennsylvania, which serves approximately 3,000 customers for $18,000. The preliminary purchase price allocation for this acquisition consisted primarily of property, plant and equipment of $17,500 and goodwill of $500.

In July 2025, the Company acquired the wastewater utility system of the City of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania for $37,750. The system serves approximately 3,200 customers in the City of Beaver Falls and also provides bulk transmission and treatment service for approximately 3,800 equivalent dwelling units inseven nearby municipalities. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition consisted primarily of property, plant and equipment of $29,900 and goodwill of $7,850.

The pro-forma effect ofthe above utility systems acquired isnot material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations.

Asset Acquisitions

In April 2025, the Company acquired the Village of Midvale’s water system in Ohio, which serves approximately 1,000 customers for $2,950.

In January 2025, the Company acquired Greenville Sanitary Authority’s wastewater utility assets, which serve approximately 2,300 customers in Greenville, Pennsylvania for $18,000.

Pending Acquisitions

In March 2026, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire public water and wastewater system assets in Wake County, North Carolina, which serve approximately 1,026 customers for $4,360.

In October 2024, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Integra Water Texas, LLC’s wastewater system assets in Bastrop County, Texas, which serve approximately 1,100 customers for $4,400.

In June 2024, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire private water and wastewater utility assets in Harris County, Texas, which serve approximately 400 equivalent retail customers for $1,125.

The purchase price for these pending acquisitions are subject to certain adjustments at closing, and are subject to regulatory approval, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate base acquired. We plan to finance the purchase price of these acquisitions by utilizing our commercial paper program and revolving credit facility until permanent debt and common equity are secured. Closings for our utility acquisitions are subject to the timing of the respective regulatory approval processes. These pending acquisitions are expected to close during the second quarter of 2026.

DELCORA Purchase Agreement

In 2019, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the wastewater utility system assets of the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (“DELCORA”), which consist of approximately 16,000 customers, or the equivalent of 198,000 retail customers, in 42 municipalities in Southeast Pennsylvania for $276,500. There are several legal proceedings involving the Company as a result of the purchase agreement that are on-going. The purchase price for this pending acquisition is subject to certain adjustments at closing, and is subject to regulatory approval, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate base acquired. We plan to finance the purchase price of this acquisition with a mix of equity and debt financing, utilizing our commercial paper program and revolving credit facility until permanent debt is secured. Closing of our acquisition of DELCORA is subject to regulatory approval and on-going litigation.

Note 5 –Convertible Note Investment

In 2025, the Company purchased $25,125 of convertible notes (“Convertible Note Investment”) from IEP Hummingbird Energy LLC (“IEP”), a subsidiary of International Electric Power III, LLC, to fund the development of a gas-fired plant to power a data center being developed in Greene County, PA. The Convertible Note Investment bears zero interest, includes a fixed $16,500 loan fee concurrently payable to the Company at maturity with the principal amount of the notes on September 30, 2026, and contains conversion rights into equity at any time on or after maturity or upon certain triggering events, such as a project financial closing or equity financing, as defined in the agreement. The agreement also grants the Company the right of first refusal to certain water and gas business opportunities and additional equity kickers upon the occurrence of a financing event or change of control.

Due to a change in project scope to focus on grid provided power, on January 20, 2026, the Company received $20,000, representing the reimbursement of the deposit paid to the gas turbine manufacturer. The Company continues to be an investor in the project via its remaining convertible notes holdings and continues to have a right of first refusal to certain water and gas business opportunities. As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s remaining Convertible Note Investment amounted to $5,125.

The Convertible Note Investment is accounted for as an available-for-sale debt security under Accounting Standards Codification 320, Investments – Debt Securities. The Company elected to measure the Convertible Note Investment using the fair value option, wherein bifurcation of an embedded derivative is not necessary, and all the related gains and losses due to change in fair value are reflected in Other expense (income) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

The Convertible Note Investment is classified as long-term asset within Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of this Level 3 investment (see Note 8) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2026 were as follows:

The Company is not a primary beneficiary of IEP as it does not have both (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact IEP’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to IEP. Therefore, the Company is not required to consolidate IEP in its financial statements. The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary on an ongoing basis. As of March 31, 2026, the maximum risk of loss by the Company is limited to its remaining Convertible Note Investment of $5,125.

Note 6 –Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill, by business segment:

Note 7 –Capitalization

At-the-Market Offering

On August 13, 2024, the Company established a new at-the-market equity sales program (“ATM”), under which it may issueand sell shares of its common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $1,000,000 (“2024 ATM”). During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we issued 44,300 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,800 under the 2024 ATM. As of March 31, 2026, the 2024 ATM had approximately $658,900 of equity available for issuance. The Company used the net proceeds from the sales of shares through the 2024 ATM for working capital and repaying a portion of outstanding indebtedness.

Commercial Paper Program

On March 19, 2025, the Company established a commercial paper program (the “CP Program”) that allows it to issue, through private placement, short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes (the “CP Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Maturities of CP Notes may vary, but cannot exceed 364 days from the date of issue. Amounts available under the Program may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed from time to time. The CP Program is reinforced by the Company’s revolving credit facility, as amounts undrawn under the Company’s revolving credit facility are available to repay the CP Notes. Notes issued under the CP Program rank equally with the Company’s present and future unsecured indebtedness. The Company utilizes the proceeds from the sale of the CP Notes for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, water and wastewater utility acquisitions, and repaying outstanding indebtedness, including under the Company’s revolving credit facility or the revolving credit facilities of its subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2026, outstanding borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program were $314,463, net of unamortized discount on issuance of $537, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.16% and weighted average remaining term of 16 days. Outstanding CP Notes are classified as long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of capitalization since the Company has the intent and ability to refinance the CP Notes on a long-term basis using the Company’s revolving credit facility. The carrying value of CP Notes approximates their fair value, primarily due to their market interest rates, and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 8).

Long-term and Short-Term Debt

The condensed consolidated statements of capitalization provide a summary of the Company’s long-term and short-term debt as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025.

On March 9, 2026, the Company issued $500,000 of senior notes, less expenses of $5,140, due on March 15, 2036, with an interest rate of 5.125%. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes to repay a portion of its commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.

In addition to the notes issued by the Company above, during the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company’s regulated water subsidiaries obtained in the aggregate $15,187 of low-interest government loans, with interest rates ranging from 0.46% to 1.743% and maturity dates ranging from 2030 to 2049.

At March 31, 2026, our $1,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in December 2027, had $670,632 available for borrowing (net of $315,000 of capacity designated for outstanding principal borrowings under our commercial paper program and $14,368 letter of credit usage). Additionally, at March 31, 2026, we had short-term lines of credit of $400,000, primarily used for working capital, of which $364,447 was available for borrowing.

The Company is obligated to comply with covenants under some of its loan and debt agreements. These covenants contain a number of restrictive financial covenants, which among other things limit, subject to specific exceptions, the Company’s ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, and require a minimum level of earnings coverage over interest expense. The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants under its loan and debt agreements as of March 31, 2026. Failure to comply with the Company’s debt covenants could result in an event of default, which could result in the Company being required to repay or finance its borrowings before their due date, possibly limiting the Company’s future borrowings, and increasing its borrowing costs.

Note 8 –Financial Instruments

Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements and approximate fair value as of the dates presented. The fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value, or asset or liability transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

The fair value of loans payable is determined based on its carrying amount and utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $35,553 and $150,139, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is determined based on Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $75,926 and $34,778, respectively, which equates to their fair value. The Company’s assets underlying the deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans are determined by the fair value of mutual funds, which are based on quoted market prices from active markets utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the carrying amount of these securities was $35,393 and $33,862, respectively, which equates to their fair value, and is reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet in deferred charges and other assets.

Unrealized gain and loss on equity securities held in conjunction with our non-qualified pension plan is as follows:

The net gain/(loss) recognized on equity securities is presented on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income on the line item “Other, net”.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt (which includes CP Notes) is as follows:

The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions.

The Convertible Note Investment is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Since observable price quotations were not available, this is classified as a Level 3 measurement within fair value hierarchy (see Note 5).

Note 9 –Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted average minimum number of shares issued upon settlement of the stock purchase contracts issued under the tangible equity units. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares. The dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation is included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise of the stock-based compensation. The treasury stock method assumes that the proceeds from stock-based compensation is used to purchase the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period. The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share:

The number of outstanding employee stock options, in thousands, that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was:634 for the three months ended March 31, 2026; and 441 for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Additionally, the dilutive effect of performance share units and restricted share units granted are included in the Company’s calculation of diluted net income per share.

Note 10 –Stock-based Compensation

Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), stock options, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and advisors. At March 31, 2026,348,864 shares were still available for issuance under the Plan.

Performance Share Units – A performance share unit (“PSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock if specified performance goals are met over thethree year performance period specified in the grant, subject to exceptions through the respective vesting period, which is generally three years. Each grantee is granted a target award of PSUs and may earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on the Company’s performance against the performance goals.

The performance goals of the 2026 and 2025 grants consisted of the following metrics:

The following were the assumptions used in the pricing model for the 2026 and 2025 grants:

The following table provides compensation expense for PSUs:

The following table summarizes the PSU transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for PSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was $41.44 and $34.25, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units –A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock. In prior years, RSUs were eligible to be earned at the end of a specified restricted period, which is generally three years, beginning on the date of grant. Beginning in 2025, RSUs granted vest 33% each year. The following table provides the compensation expense and income tax benefit for RSUs:

The following table summarizes the RSU transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was $39.28 and $35.54, respectively.

Stock Options– A stock option represents the option to purchase a number of shares of common stock of the Company as specified in the stock option grant agreement at the exercise price per share as determined by the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Stock options are exercisable in installments of 33% annually, startingone year from the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date, subject to satisfaction of designated performance goals. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to stock options:

The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were used in the application of this valuation model for the 2026 and 2025 grants:



The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

Restricted Stock –Restricted stock awards provide the grantee with the rights of a shareholder, including the right to receive dividends and to vote such shares, but not the right to sell or otherwise transfer the shares during the restriction period, which is one year from the date of issuance of the award. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock:

The following table summarizes restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

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Stock Awards– Stock awards represent the issuance of the Company’s common stock, without restriction. The issuance of stock awards results in compensation expense that is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant date and is expensed immediately upon grant. There wereno stock awards granted and vested during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025.

Note 11 –Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”), a nonqualified pension plan, and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.

The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans:

The net periodic benefit cost is based on estimated values and an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by the Company’s employees, mortality, turnover, and medical costs. The Company presents the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income on the line item “Other”.

In December 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the termination of its non-qualified pension plan. Consequently, participants in the non-qualified plan have stopped earning benefits. The settlement of the benefit obligations is expected to occur during the fourth quarter of 2026. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the total benefit obligation associated with the non-qualified pension plan was $18,404 and $18,406, respectively, and is included in other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company didnot make cash contributions to the Pension Plan during the first quarter of 2026 and intends to make cash contributions of $2,416 later in the year.

Note 12 –Rate Activity

Completed Rate Case Proceedings

On July 1, 2025, the Company’s natural gas operating subsidiary in Kentucky received an order from the Kentucky Public Service Commission approving the settlement agreement that allowed base rate increases designed to increase total annual operating revenue by $7,700 or 11.2%. New rates went into effect on July 1, 2025.

On February 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PAPUC”) issued an order approving, with certain minor modifications, the joint petition for non-unanimous partial settlement filed by Aqua Pennsylvania, Office of Consumer Advocate, and other groups, that allowed a base rate increase designed to increase total annual operating revenues by $73,000. New rates went into effect on February 22, 2025. At the time the rate order was received, the rates in effect also included $37,940 in Distribution System Improvement Charges (“DSIC”), which was 6.73% above prior base rates. Consequently, the aggregate annual base rates increased by $110,940 since the last base rate increase and DSIC was reset to zero.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026, two of the Company’s water and wastewater utility operating divisions in Ohio andtwo of the Company’s wastewater utility operating divisions in Indiana implemented approved base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $1,834 and by $1,003, respectively. Further, during the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company implemented infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $301 in its water and wastewater utility operating divisions in Pennsylvania, by $2,610 in its water and wastewater utility operating divisions in Illinois, by $6,557 in its natural gas operating division in Pennsylvania, and by $2,819 in its natural gas operating division in Kentucky.

Pending Base Rate Cases

On March 27, 2026, the Company’s natural gas operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania filed an application with the PAPUC to increase operating revenues for its natural gas distribution service by approximately $163,000 annually.

On January 30, 2026, the Company’s regulated water and wastewater operating subsidiary in New Jersey, Aqua New Jersey, filed an application with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities designed to increase revenues by $7,886 annually.

On July 30, 2025, the Company’s regulated water and wastewater operating subsidiary in Virginia, Aqua Virginia, filed an application with the State Corporation Commission designed to increase revenues by $7,927 annually. Interim rates were implemented on January 26, 2026, based on an estimate of the final outcome of the order, with the difference between interim and final approved rates subject to refund to customers.

On June 30, 2025, the Company’s regulated water and wastewater operating subsidiaries in Ohio, Aqua Ohio and Aqua Ohio Wastewater, filed applications with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio designed to increase rates in total by $14,653.

On June 20, 2025, the Company’s regulated water and wastewater operating subsidiary in Texas, Aqua Texas, filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas designed to increase rates by $29,149. Interim rates were implemented on March 9, 2026, based on an estimate of the final outcome of the order, with the difference between interim and final approved rates subject to refund to customers.

On April 30, 2025, the Company’s regulated water and wastewater operating subsidiary in North Carolina, Aqua North Carolina, filed an application with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which was updated on August 18, 2025. The updated rate case filing requests an increase in rates of $30,154 in the first year of new rates being implemented, then by an additional $6,014 and $6,074 in the second and third years, respectively. Interim rates were implemented on January 1, 2026, based on an estimate of the final outcome of the order, with the difference between interim and final approved rates subject to refund to customers.

Note 13 –Taxes Other than Income Taxes

The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:

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Note 14 –Segment Information

The Company identifies a business as an operating segment if: i) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and iii) it has available discrete financial information. The CODM reviews financial information, such as budget-to-actual variances and comparisons against prior period, at the operating segment level, and uses that information when making decisions about the allocation of operating and capital resources to each segment. The CODM evaluates the performance of the Company’s reportable segments based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the net income (loss) of each segment.

The Company haseleven operating segments andtwo reportable segments. The Regulated Water segment is comprised ofeight operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies, which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services. Theeight water and wastewater utility operating segments are aggregated intoone reportable segment, because each of these operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment. The Regulated Natural Gas segment is comprised ofone operating segment representing the Company’s natural gas utility companies, which provide natural gas distribution to retail, commercial, and industrial customers.

In addition to the Company’stwo reportable segments, the Company includestwo operating segments within the Other category below. These segments are not quantitatively significant and are comprised of its non-regulated natural gas operations and non-regulated water and wastewater operations. In addition to these segments, Other is comprised of business activities not included in the reportable segments, corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments, and intersegment eliminations. Corporate costs include general and administrative expenses, and interest expense. The Company reports these corporate costs within Other as they relate to corporate-focused responsibilities and decisions and are not included in internal measures of segment operating performance used by the Company to measure the underlying performance of the operating segments.

The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segments and reconciliations to consolidated amounts. Asset information by segment is not utilized for purposes of assessing performance or allocating resources, and, as a result, such information is not presented.

(a)Other segment items mainly consists of the non-service cost component of pension and other postretirement benefits for our regulated segments and gain on sale of other assets.

Note 15 –Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business. The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved. As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate amount of $23,375 is accrued for loss contingencies and is reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss (as defined in the accounting guidance) for loss contingencies or the low end of a range of losses if no single probable loss can be estimated. For some loss contingencies, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of the probable loss or range of probable losses. Further, Essential Utilities has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of March 31, 2026, estimates that approximately $768 of the amount accrued for these matters are probable of recovery through insurance, which amount is also reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as deferred charges and other assets, net.

During a portion of 2019, the Company’s Illinois subsidiary initiated a do not consume advisory for some of its customers in one division served by the Company’s Illinois subsidiary. The do not consume advisory was lifted in 2019 and, in 2022, the water system was determined to be in compliance with the federal Lead and Copper Rule. The Company hasaccrued for the penalty and other fees that will be paid as a result of a settlement that was reached with the state and local regulators and approved by the

Illinois court with jurisdiction over this matter in July 2024. In addition, on September 3, 2019, two individuals, on behalf of themselves and those similarly situated, commenced an action against the Company’s Illinois subsidiary in the State court in Will County, Illinois related to this do not consume advisory. The complaint sought class action certification, attorney’s fees, and “damages, including, but not limited to, out of pocket damages, and discomfort, aggravation, and annoyance” based upon the water provided by the Company’s subsidiary to a discrete service area in University Park, Illinois. The complaint contains allegations of damages as a result of supplied water. In December, 2024, the State court in Will County, Illinois dismissed the case against the Company, and plaintiffs have filed an appeal of that decision. In addition, plaintiffs commenced similar actions in federal court and in front of two state agencies. The Company has an accrual for the amount of loss asserted in the complaint that we determined to be probable and estimable of being incurred. Further, the Company submitted a claim for the expenses incurred to its insurance carriers for potential recovery of a portion of these costs and is currently in litigation with one of its carriers seeking to enforce its claims, and recently prevailed in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals which held that the insurance carrier possessed a duty to defend. In February 2025, the Company received $5,602 in related insurance proceeds for a portion of expenses incurred by the Company. In the first quarter of 2026, all parties conditionally agreed to resolve all matters, including the insurance litigation. The class action settlement was filed in the appropriate jurisdiction and was preliminarily approved by the court. The final approval of the class action settlement is expected in 2026. The insurance related matter was settled and a dismissal was filed in the jurisdiction where that matter was pending. While the final outcome of this claim cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

A number of the Company’s subsidiaries are parties to several lawsuits against manufacturers of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or compounds (“PFAS”) for damages, contribution and reimbursement of costs incurred and continuing to be incurred to address the presence of such PFAS in public water supply systems owned and operated by these utility subsidiaries throughout its service area. One such suit to which the Company is a party is a multi-district litigation (the “MDL”) lawsuit which commenced on December 7, 2018, in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Several defendants in such lawsuit have agreed to settle. In 2024, the MDL court granted approval of the DuPont, 3M, Tyco Fire Products LP, and BASF Corp class action settlements. The total amount of recovery by the Company is uncertain. In 2025, the Company received a total of $46,166, representing a portion of its share of the settlement reached with 3M and DuPont, net of legal fees and settlement costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company received an additional $252 from DuPont. As of March 31, 2026, the Company presented $9,972 of the proceeds allocated to its North Carolina and Virginia water and wastewater subsidiaries as a regulatory liability, pursuant to regulatory orders issued by the public utility commissions from such states regarding the treatment of PFAS settlement costs. The remaining proceeds received that were allocated to the Company’s other water and wastewater subsidiaries totaling $36,446 were recorded within Deferred credits and other non-current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, pending recommendation or order from the respective public utility commissions on treatment of the amounts. These cash proceeds are presented within Other in the cash flows from operating activities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In April 2026, the Company received a portion of the Tyco settlement, net of legal fees and settlement costs, amounting to $7,260. The Company anticipates receiving additional settlement payments from the MDL lawsuit defendants over the next ten years.

The Company’s gas subsidiary was served with lawsuits surrounding a home explosion in August 2023 in which six individuals lost their lives. The twelve lawsuits bring the actions against several other defendants and seek damages for loss of life, property, emotional distress, and other damage. The Company is vigorously defending against this claim. While the final outcome of this claim cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company’s Pennsylvania wastewater subsidiary was recently served with a complaint brought by the City of Chester in the ongoing series of suits with respect to the DELCORA acquisition. In the case, the City requests a Declaratory Judgement seeking that the court enjoin and prevent the transfer of certain assets from DELCORA to the Company’s wastewater subsidiary. The Company’s wastewater subsidiary, in response, filed a counterclaim against the City of Chester, among other filings. At this juncture, we do not feel that a loss (here the potential termination of our agreement with DELCORA) is probable.

Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, other than disclosed above, there are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties is the subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In addition to the aforementioned loss contingencies, the Company self-insures a portion of its employee medical benefit program, and maintains stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims. The Company’s reserve for these claims totaled $4,934 at March 31, 2026 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.

On October 25, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with a financial advisor (“Advisor”) for services to be rendered in connection with the consummation of the merger with American Water, pursuant to which the Company will pay the Advisor a fee of $60,000 (“Transaction Fee”) upon the achievement of certain milestones. If the Merger fails to close, a termination fee equal to 10% of any compensation payable to the Company will be due to the Advisor, but not to exceed the Transaction Fee. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has incurred $12,000 of the Transaction Fee. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company incurred additional fees of $13,000 payable to the Advisor. The Company includes pre-merger expenses within Operations and maintenance expense line on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Note 16 –Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was an expense of 2.8% and a benefit of 7.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 over the first three months of 2025 is primarily attributed to last year’s release of $22,575 of income tax reserve regulatory liability in the Regulated Water segment based on the rate order received by Aqua Pennsylvania in February 2025 not recurring in the current year.

In determining its interim tax provision, the Company reflects its estimated impact from its permanent and flow-through tax differences. The Company uses the flow-through method to account for the repairs tax deduction for qualifying utility infrastructure at its regulated Pennsylvania and New Jersey subsidiaries.

The statutory Federal tax rate is 21.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. For states with a corporate net income tax, the state corporate net income tax rates range from 2.0% to 9.5% for all periods presented. Our effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory tax rate primarily due to flow-through tax, the amortization of deferred benefit from repair method changes, state income taxes, and other permanent book-to-tax differences.

On July 4, 2025, H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted into law. The OBBBA includes significant provisions such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The OBBBA did not have a significant impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Note 17 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Disclosure Rules

Pronouncements to be adopted upon the effective date:

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement Reporting–Comprehensive Income–Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”. The standard update improves the disclosures about a public business entity’s expenses by requiring more detailed information about the types of expenses (including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization) included within income statement expense captions. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The standard updates are to be applied prospectively with the option for retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the standard update on its financial statement disclosures.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS