UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 Or ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 1 5(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from __________ to __________ Commission File number 1-6659 ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Pennsylvania 23-1702594 (S ...