Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) delivered third-quarter 2024 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 25 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 23 cents by 8.7%.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.However, the bottom line declined 16.7% from the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 30 cents. The year-over-year decline in earnings was due to the impact of lower regulated natural gas volumes, higher depreciation and interest expense, and lower repair tax benefits.Total R ...