American Water and Essential Utilities shareholders approve merger plans

Shareholders of American Water Works Company (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) approved merger-related proposals at special meetings held February 10, according to voting results filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Approximately 99% of American Water shares present at the meeting voted to approve the share issuance for the merger. Nearly 95% of Essential Utilities shares voted in support of the transaction.

The companies expect the merger to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and regulatory approvals from applicable public utility commissions.

American Water operates as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving more than 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations. Essential Utilities provides water, wastewater and natural gas services to approximately 5.5 million people across nine states through its Aqua and Peoples brands.

The companies filed the definitive joint proxy statement and prospectus with the SEC on December 31, 2025, and began mailing the documents to shareholders the same day.

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