Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

3. Earnings Per Share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Outstanding options to purchase Western Union stock and unvested shares of restricted stock are excluded from basic shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options at the presented dates are exercised and shares of restricted stock have vested, using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes proceeds from the exercise price of stock options and the unamortized compensation expense of options and restricted stock are available to acquire shares at an average market price throughout the period, and therefore, reduce the dilutive effect.

Shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation were 12.4 million and 10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 11.9 million and 9.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effect of these shares was anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method, as the assumed proceeds of the options and restricted stock per unit were above the Company's average share price during the periods.

The following table provides the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions):


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		338.6		375.0		341.5		374.7
Common stock equivalents		1.0		0.6		1.1		0.9
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		339.6		375.6		342.6		375.6