Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) is a utility company that provides water, wastewater, and natural gas service in the US. The company recently closed its $4.275 billion all-cash acquisition of Peoples Natural Gas Co. ("Peoples") on March 16, 2020, which provides the natural gas assets to a previously water-specific utility company. This article explores the company’s strategic acquisition of Peoples, the relative valuation of the stock, and my outlook on the stock going forward.
Strategic developments
Prior to February 3, 2020 Essential Utilities Inc. was known as Aqua America. The rebranding was done in