First Trust Advisors Reduces Stake in Essential Utilities

The institutional investor sold over 51,000 shares of the water and natural gas utility company in Q3 2025.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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First Trust Advisors LP, an institutional investor, reduced its holdings in Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) by 1.2% during the third quarter of 2025, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 4,107,047 shares of the company's stock, valued at $163.9 million as of the end of the quarter.

Why it matters

Essential Utilities is a major water and natural gas utility serving customers across several states. Changes in ownership by large institutional investors can signal shifts in market sentiment or investment strategies related to the company.

The details

First Trust Advisors sold 51,329 shares of Essential Utilities stock during the third quarter, reducing its total position to 4,107,047 shares. The firm's holdings were valued at $163.9 million as of the end of the quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also adjusted their stakes in Essential Utilities during the period.

  • First Trust Advisors filed its Q3 2025 13F report with the SEC on March 8, 2026.
  • The shares sold by First Trust Advisors were transacted during the third quarter of 2025.

The players

First Trust Advisors LP

An institutional investment management firm that provides a variety of financial services, including managing mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

Essential Utilities Inc.

A publicly traded water and natural gas utility holding company that provides essential water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, as well as natural gas distribution services in Pennsylvania.

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The takeaway

The reduction in First Trust Advisors' stake in Essential Utilities suggests a potential shift in the firm's investment strategy or outlook on the utility company. However, without additional context, it's difficult to determine the specific reasons behind the portfolio adjustment.