Basic EPS does not factor in the dilutive effect of shares that could be issued by the company. Since basic EPS relates to earnings available only to common shareholders, the current year’s preferred dividends reduce from net income. Increasing basic EPS, however, does not mean the company is generating greater earnings on a gross basis. Companies can repurchase shares, decreasing their share count as a result and spread net income less preferred dividends over fewer common shares. Basic EPS could increase even if absolute earnings decrease with a falling common share count. Our earning per share calculator demonstrates how to determine EPS by starting with net income, adjusting for any preferred dividends, and then dividing by the average outstanding common shares. What Is the Formula for Calculating Earnings per Share (EPS)? One of the ways to make an informed investment decision is to compare the EPS figures for one company over a long time period. You can also compare EPS values for a few companies within the same industry to choose the most profitable one. All which corresponds to the owners (capital invested and retained earnings) is called equity. Consequently, a way to measure the return of the business compared to the investment of […]