Essential Utilities, Inc. Earnings Per Share Disclosure
Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares. The dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation are included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation are calculated by using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise or issuance of the stock-based compensation. The treasury stock method assumes that the proceeds from stock-based compensation are 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 share:
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| Years ended December 31, | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation | 280,054 | 273,914 | 267,171 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |
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Employee stock-based compensation | 565 | 507 | 488 |
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation | 280,619 | 274,421 | 267,659 |
The number of outstanding employee stock options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was 432,942, 243,780, and 148,725 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. 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.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Feb 26, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2024 | Feb 27, 2025 | |
| 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 | |
About Earnings Per Share Disclosures
The earnings per share disclosure breaks down the calculation from net income to both basic and diluted EPS, revealing the full impact of a company's capital structure on per-share economics. The reconciliation between basic and diluted share counts exposes how many stock options, RSUs, convertible securities, and warrants are potentially dilutive to existing shareholders.
Key signals: a widening gap between basic and diluted shares indicates growing dilution from equity compensation or convertible instruments. Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the diluted calculation deserve attention — they represent latent dilution that will materialize if the stock price rises. Watch for the effect of share buybacks on per-share metrics: EPS growth driven primarily by repurchases rather than income growth signals weakening fundamentals. Compare year-over-year changes in the diluted share count against equity compensation expense to assess whether management is effectively managing dilution.