Essential Utilities (WTRG) CAO receives restricted stock units and 2,242 stock options

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Essential Utilities, Inc. reported an equity award to its Chief Accounting Officer, Palmer Bradley John. On January 23, 2026, he received 933 shares of Common Stock as restricted stock units at a price of $0 per share, which vest in three equal annual installments.

On the same date, he was also granted 2,242 stock options with an exercise price of $39.19 per share, likewise vesting one-third each year starting January 23, 2027 through January 23, 2036. Following these awards, he beneficially owns 2,271 Common shares directly and 2,242 stock options.

SEC Form 4

FORM 4

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940

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Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instruction 1(b).

Check this box to indicate that a transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c). See Instruction 10.

1. Name and Address of Reporting Person^*

Palmer Bradley John

(Last) (First) (Middle)

762 W. LANCASTER AVENUE

(Street)

BRYN MAWR PA 19010

(City) (State) (Zip)

2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol
Essential Utilities, Inc. [ WTRG ]

5. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer
(Check all applicable)

	Director		10% Owner
X	Officer (give title below)		Other (specify below)
	Chief Accounting Officer

3. Date of Earliest Transaction (Month/Day/Year)
01/23/2026

4. If Amendment, Date of Original Filed (Month/Day/Year)

6. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line)

X	Form filed by One Reporting Person
	Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Table I - Non-Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned
1. Title of Security (Instr. 3)	2. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)	2A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)	3. Transaction Code (Instr. 8)		4. Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed Of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5)			5. Amount of Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 3 and 4)	6. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4)	7. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
			Code	V	Amount	(A) or (D)	Price
Common Stock	01/23/2026		A		933(1)	A	$0	2,271	D(2)

Table II - Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned (e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities)
1. Title of Derivative Security (Instr. 3)	2. Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security	3. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)	3A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)	4. Transaction Code (Instr. 8)		5. Number of Derivative Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5)		6. Date Exercisable and Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year)		7. Title and Amount of Securities Underlying Derivative Security (Instr. 3 and 4)		8. Price of Derivative Security (Instr. 5)	9. Number of derivative Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 4)	10. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4)	11. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
				Code	V	(A)	(D)	Date Exercisable	Expiration Date	Title	Amount or Number of Shares
Stock Options (Right to Buy)	$39.13	01/23/2026		A		2,242		01/23/2027(3)	01/23/2036	Common Stock	2,242	$39.19	2,242	D

Explanation of Responses:

1. Represents the award of restricted stock units. Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Common Stock. The restricted stock units vest one-third each year on the anniversary.

2. Includes RSU shares not included in item 7 in the 2025 Form 4.

3. Grant of 2,242 shares of stock options which vest one-third each year on the anniversary of the grant.

	Kimberly A. Joyce, attorney-in-fact for Mr. Palmer	01/27/2026
	** Signature of Reporting Person	Date
Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly.
* If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, see Instruction 4 (b)(v).
** Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations See 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a).
Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient, see Instruction 6 for procedure.
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FAQ

What insider transactions did Essential Utilities (WTRG) report for Palmer Bradley John?

Essential Utilities reported equity awards to Chief Accounting Officer Palmer Bradley John. He received 933 restricted stock units of Common Stock and 2,242 stock options, both granted on January 23, 2026, as part of his compensation, with multi-year vesting schedules tied to continued service.

How many Essential Utilities (WTRG) shares did the officer acquire in this Form 4 filing?

The officer acquired 933 shares of Common Stock through an award of restricted stock units. Each unit represents a contingent right to one share, vesting in three equal annual installments, which aligns the officer’s interests with shareholders over several years rather than immediately.

What stock options were granted to the Essential Utilities (WTRG) Chief Accounting Officer?

He was granted 2,242 stock options with an exercise price of $39.19 per share. These options vest one-third each year, beginning January 23, 2027 and expiring January 23, 2036, creating a long-term incentive linked to future company performance and share price.

What is Palmer Bradley John’s beneficial ownership in Essential Utilities (WTRG) after the reported transactions?

After the transactions, he beneficially owns 2,271 shares of Common Stock directly and 2,242 stock options. The Common shares reflect current equity ownership, while the options represent a right to buy additional shares in the future, subject to vesting and exercise.

How do the restricted stock units for Essential Utilities (WTRG) vest for the officer?

The restricted stock units vest one-third each year on the anniversary of the grant date. Each vested unit converts into one share of Common Stock, gradually increasing the officer’s actual share ownership over three years if he continues in service with the company.

Are the equity awards in this Essential Utilities (WTRG) Form 4 routine compensation?

The filing describes grants of restricted stock units and stock options, which are common components of executive compensation. They provide long-term incentives, with vesting schedules that encourage retention and align the officer’s potential rewards with shareholder value over time.